2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Thanks southkogs and philster .....Ebbtide fall into that class as well?

 

[jdlough]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

If this works, here's some pics of my 1997 SeaSwirl Striper Dual Console.

EDIT: It appears that this site will only let me upload that one pic. I'll try again later.

 

[jdlough]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Nobody mentioned this yet, but have your considered a Pontoon boat?

They are definitely roomy, with couches for the family, and plenty of space for fishing.

They are very shallow draft, meaning you can get into shallower water, for fishing the creeks.

Most have smaller outboards, 30HP or so, mainly just for putting around, so you can only do real slow tubing for the kids. Some have over 100HP motors, so you can actually tube or waterski behind them.

Used ones are a dime-a-dozen in my area (Ocean City, MD). Actually you can get a decent used one for around $2k. There's A LOT of vinyl seats on a Pontoon, and at the $2k range expect to find torn seams, etc. They don't seem to hold up much value in the used market, so you could maybe get a decent one for cheap. There's not much to them, so there's not much to go wrong, and they're easy to maintain.

Personally, I wouldn't want one. They don't look like a REAL boat. More like a floating patio. And I live in tidal waters with waves and such, and I wouldn't want a wave breaking over that low bow. I suspect that's not a problem in Pittsburg. But, you mentioned that this might be just a first boat, and that you'd move up to something better in a few years.

Just thought I'd throw the idea out there.

Just had another thought.... When you're doing your craigslist searching, look for boats in Ocean City, MD, or at the Delaware beach towns. A lot of boats are always for sale in these areas, and if you find a couple that are of interest, come on down and get a hotel for the night and check them out. Hotel rates are way cheap here in the winter.

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Looks like a sweet boat from what i see here.. You do realize that the picture can lead to a few comments, or are you trying to tell me how well the boat is

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

We vacation in OC,MD and already planned on looking around when we are there... but as far as a first boat would not go to that distance. Pontoon boat are out, though they can be fun just not the boat for us. Appreciate the thought though.
Here is a boat we like but the part that pushes me away is the Cobra OMC.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2830824516.html

 

[jdlough]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Yeah, I wouldn't want a Pontoon either. I was just covering all the options.

Re: That pic. For some reason, that's the only pic iboats will let me upload at the moment.

The point of that pic was to show that blue canvas open bow snap down cover.

See, a lot of folks who boat in big water don't like bowrider type boats. The idea is that in big, nasty water, if you jam your open bow into an oncoming wave, your boat now becomes a big scoop to bring in about a ton of water. With my simple canvas cover attached all around the edges, and with the center propped up with that tent pole thing, a wave breaking over the bow just falls off over the side. No water enters the boat. Plus, the cat really likes sleeping up there on it.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Did a little lookin' - found a couple things for you to look at:

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa/2779578569.html - a BIG "something" that might fit the bill for you.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2829271464.html - a LITTLE "something" that might fit the bill for you.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2808650519.html - I like OBs for beginner boats, and I like the way this guy's ad reads. Interior might be a bit rough.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2839414569.html - Total "hail Mary," but what the heck. It's one of those "gotta' look to know" ads

Plenty of boats out there though - wait for your pitch.

 

[evolution1985]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

jeepers,
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2808650519.html
if you could buy a boat like that down here in aus for 3500, I'd be on that quicker than you could blink.
I loved my old outboard as My (not my parents lols) first boat, very easy to use, easy to check the trim level, much cheaper (in aus) to maintain.
Plus the upside to an outboard is that if the motor goes or the lower unit goes, you have a plethora of different brands and sizes to choose from. Just take the old one off and bolt on a new one. (yes i know there is more to it than that

Seriously though. as far as a first boat goes, an outboard is a great choice. very very easy to use and maintain. I may be a little biased but some of the best times i've had on my boats have been on my old outboard bowrider.

cheers mate and best of luck

 

[evolution1985]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

See, a lot of folks who boat in big water don't like bowrider type boats. The idea is that in big, nasty water, if you jam your open bow into an oncoming wave, your boat now becomes a big scoop to bring in about a ton of water. With my simple canvas cover attached all around the edges, and with the center propped up with that tent pole thing, a wave breaking over the bow just falls off over the side. No water enters the boat. Plus, the cat really likes sleeping up there on it.

ooh just quickly on that, a couple of places where we boat, we get 1 meter swells regularly. I have taken the 21sx out and used the bow cover. it does work great. granted not as safe as a cuddy but as long as you know your limits and what is safe you can do it without too much stress. We got caught in a storm whilst coming back from rottnest island of the coast of western Australia, huge swells not sure what size, but far FAR bigger than what I was comfortable with. anyway the boat held up great. my mate had to stand the centre pole back up a couple of times but that was all. whilst I won't go looking for a storm any time soon, its comforting to know that the boat will cope with allot more than i want it too if it had too.

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Yeah, I wouldn't want a Pontoon either. I was just covering all the options.

Re: That pic. For some reason, that's the only pic iboats will let me upload at the moment.

The point of that pic was to show that blue canvas open bow snap down cover.

See, a lot of folks who boat in big water don't like bowrider type boats. The idea is that in big, nasty water, if you jam your open bow into an oncoming wave, your boat now becomes a big scoop to bring in about a ton of water. With my simple canvas cover attached all around the edges, and with the center propped up with that tent pole thing, a wave breaking over the bow just falls off over the side. No water enters the boat. Plus, the cat really likes sleeping up there on it.

No real big water around here unless i go to Erie (good Possibility) or one of the other Great Lakes. The first image did not show but the 2nd did.. My comment was a bit of a joke... was saying u get a lot of umm... Kitty with that boat LOL.

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Did a little lookin' - found a couple things for you to look at:

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa/2779578569.html - a BIG "something" that might fit the bill for you.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2829271464.html - a LITTLE "something" that might fit the bill for you.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2808650519.html - I like OBs for beginner boats, and I like the way this guy's ad reads. Interior might be a bit rough.
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2839414569.html - Total "hail Mary," but what the heck. It's one of those "gotta' look to know" ads

Plenty of boats out there though - wait for your pitch.

Thanks a million southkogs! Wife did show me the 2 of the 4 links u posted lol...We both did like the 3rd link will post another we like as well and want a few opinions on.

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2840278685.html
Opinions and comment indeed welcomed.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/boa/2840278685.html
Opinions and comment indeed welcomed.

Totally overlooked that ad - saw it, but missed the OB part. Worth a look. I like the Sea Ray a little better, but nothing more than a preference (based on a lean toward a brand probably).

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Do the Ebbtides have the fiberglass decks?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Small world but I'm pretty sure I know the owner of the Chris Craft. If it's the same one (pretty sure it is) he got it last year and did a lot of work to it making it real nice and a good runner. It is an OMC though as you mentioned.

You won't find an easier boat to own and "get your feet wet" with than that Crestliner. I like the Sea Ray too if it's not rotted.

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Small world but I'm pretty sure I know the owner of the Chris Craft. If it's the same one (pretty sure it is) he got it last year and did a lot of work to it making it real nice and a good runner. It is an OMC though as you mentioned.

You won't find an easier boat to own and "get your feet wet" with than that Crestliner. I like the Sea Ray too if it's not rotted.

With the price and being an OMC, truly think it best to stay away from the Cris Craft. Awaiting a reply from the guy with the Sea Ray, along with the Ebbtide. Do want to get my feet wet just don't want to drown.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Just looked at the Ebbtide ad. That looks like a great candidate. Doubtful it has a fiberglass deck so it has the same rot potential of other similar bowriders.

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Just looked at the Ebbtide ad. That looks like a great candidate. Doubtful it has a fiberglass deck so it has the same rot potential of other similar bowriders.

From what i found on the Forums seems most have the fiberglass deck, although i can not seem to confirm if it was certain years or models. Definitely leaning more towards the outboards and the fiberglass decks, yet leaving all option open.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Definitely leaning more towards the outboards and the fiberglass decks, yet leaving all option open.

Nice goal, but will be difficult in your price range (and location, those are typically saltwater type models)

 

[Burgh_fisher]

Re: 2nd Try at first boat...Opinions

Nice goal, but will be difficult in your price range (and location, those are typically saltwater type models)

Beginning to find that out! Hope to find a few in the lake Erie region, seems like a much closer starting point with few more options being a huge lake.