Boat Choices? Trophy, Explorer, Proline? Help...

[shortyfish13]

I am spending hours and hours researching boats online as I am a first time boat owner. I really could use some advice from all you experienced boat owners about what you would recommend and why. I am looking at gas consumption, sea worthiness, space, etc. I am looking for +20ft but max 24ft with a cuddy I can sleep in and has to be geared for fishing.

My top 3 so far are:

Bayliner Trophy
Proline Walkaround
Campion Explorer

I am also looking at Grady's but very much worried about gas consumption (as well the price which puts me into an older boat) as I don't want to be watching the gas gauge when I am on the move.

Anyone who can advise me on what they would choose and why I would much appreciate any info.

Thanks in advance....

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Boat Choices? Trophy, Explorer, Proline? Help...

Welcome to Iboats,

I don't think manufacturer will have much effect at all on fuel consumption on similar hulls.... Best bet is to find the best deal you can on a well built hull in good shape.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Boat Choices? Trophy, Explorer, Proline? Help...

Might help some, "Shorty" if you could elaborate some about where you will be boating. We owned a late 90's 251 Proline walkaround for rig fishing out in the Gulf. It suited our needs just fine. Single 250 Merc. was a bit thirsty, but the newer direct injected Optimax or 4-strokes would probably near double the efficiency. The Prolines are certainly a step above Bayliners as far as quality, but they are not Grady's, Whalers, Hydra-Sports ect. Good luck !!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat Choices? Trophy, Explorer, Proline? Help...

The type of fishing you will be doing and the techniques involved will determine what type of boat you really need. A cuddy is not a conventient boat to fish from unless you are happy being confined to the stern. There are no boats noted for fuel economy. If you have major concerns about fuel economy you need different recreation. A boat with a cuddy is likely going to have an I/O so that also limits space at the stern again impacting fishability.

 

[shortyfish13]

Re: Boat Choices? Trophy, Explorer, Proline? Help...

Yes true RE: Fuel consumption but I know some boats are more affordable than others. For example I was out on a campion explorer and was fishing with a Striper and it was 70$ there and back while ours was a $20 trip. Thats a big difference over a season of fishing.

I will be salmon fishing from down-riggers at the back so thats all fine with a cuddy.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[shortyfish13]

Re: Boat Choices? Trophy, Explorer, Proline? Help...

I am fishing in Vancouver Canada. Not too rough waters and will be fishing for salmon with down-riggers. Thanks again for the advice all!