Family boating in the gulf (Englewood, FL Area)

[Taxus812]

Well one more step closer to selling my house in CT and buying a home in the Englewood Fl area. I sold my bow rider last week (three days to sell and I had a waiting list, I think I under priced it ). Since it will be at least a year before moving ,and likely another before buying my next boat, I wanted to start research now.

I am not a ocean guy (yet) my experience is lakes and rivers. I figure what was good here is not really good there. What are the common styles and brands of boat folks use in the Englewood area? Im looking for a 18 - 21 ft boat, My family likes fishing mostly.

 

[SilverSS07]

I'm a few hours north of Englewood but what seems to be the most popular are center consoles. Some of the names that come to mind are Key West, Pro-Line, Sea Pro, Angler, Grady, Whaler, etc.

 

[PatinIdaho]

Go visit The Hull Truth
They are almost all florida and almost all CC boats with very active forums.

 

[southkogs]

Having fished on the Gulf a few times in a 21' center console, I think I would really rather have something a bit bigger (maybe 24' or so). Center console is nice for fishing, but with a family you may want to look at a dual console.