Buying a boat without the problems

[Pathfinder450]

Re: Buying a boat without the problems

An aluminum hull with an outboard is the least chance for possible financial disaster in my opinion.

I will look into an aluminum hull. Thanks Ezmobee.

 

[Pathfinder450]

Re: Buying a boat without the problems

Hiya Pathfinder, welcome to the forum. Allot of good info has already been posted here so not much more I can add but one thing did occur to me. With your plans to travel with your truck and slide in camper, have you considerd the added fuel cost of also towing a boat all over the place? I dunno how your set for cash but I know it would be an issue for me Logic says a smaller boat will cost less to tow than a larger one. Like was said in above posts no one boat really does it all so your going to have to compromise with your choice. Thinking about what you've said you want to do a 16' outboard bow rider comes to mind as maybe working for you. They have some room to them though not big, would tow well over distance, good power but not a giant motor, decent fuel economy, and they are fun boats. The downside would be that they aren't good for overnighting on. Whatever you do, take the time to fully consider all your options and choose the boat that best meets your needs.

red

Hello Red,
Thanks for the welcome. Yes I did find a lot of good info here and I hope that the most of you didn?t think that my post were just a long narrative about my plans! I wanted to let everyone know where I was coming from and that was the reason for being cautious and not to upset anyone. I have figured out that it will cost more in fuel with the added weight. I believe that I have factored that in. Not to make this another long narrative, I have been a care giver for my 88 year old Mother and usually stick around the house. So when its time, I will be doing all of the traveling, camping, boating and fishing for myself. I?m not considering anything large. I do live near the Gulf of Mexico but do not plan to go far. Mostly lakes and rivers. No overnights for me, I have a camper for that. So like you said and which I?m doing, I?m taking the time now to choose right the first time.
Thanks,
Pathfinder450

 

[relocyo]

Re: Buying a boat without the problems

IMHO, a nice 18'-20' center console might be the ticket with one (or two ) 115 hp motor(s) on it, great for fishing,cruising, or maybe even hunting with a small quiet trolling motor, would be fairly easy to trailer. As for overnight, just make sure there is enough storage to stowe a couple tents, and youd be all set, in closing, youve asked the eternal question of "the perfect boat" find one that speaks to you, inspect it thourogly and maybe even get it surveyed... Anywho... Good luck! And let us know what you decide! Happy boating!