Hello iboats.com

[gilch]

hello all ..... been lurking for a while ...
looking into making my first purchase, but the more i search, the more my head spins.....
let me preface this by saying this will be my first boat purchase and i have already priced docking/slip fees, and got a somewhat general quote for insurance.
Ive tried my best through SEARCH and a few diff "boats for sale" site search engines... but i thought a direct post might help point me in the right direction.
I am located in NY (Brooklyn... near NYC, Long Island).
Im looking preferably for a new boat.
20'-30'
Center console.
Cabin would be nice... but i prefer some nice walk around space with seating, so cabin could be sacrificed if necessary.
The boat will mainly be used for cruising, recreational light fishing, and most importantly i would like to be able to enjoy some watersports(tubing,wSking).
Im not looking to spend more than $30,000-$40,000 MAX..... is this realistic? and if so, any suggestions as per manufacturer?
i was looking at boats from Formula (sunsport series) but they seem to be out of my price range..
many thanks for taking the time to read this post and give opinions
-John

 

[gilch]

Re: Hello iboats.com

just to add .... mostly i need help with what manufacturers to look at ... because i would like good value, but yet i dont want to spend $ on a boat that would be overkill for my needs...
thanks again

 

[oops!]

Re: Hello iboats.com

hi.....welcome to i boats...


best boating site on the web......for lots of reasons.

as far as what to buy....only you know what you want when you see it.

you might want to look into somthing called a deck boat.....gives you the best of all worlds imho.

as far as manufactures.....go with a well known name.....

when you see a boat you like....post here with the brans and we can help you with the pros and cons.

cheers
oops

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hello iboats.com

find a used boat, let the original owner take the new boat depreciation.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hello iboats.com

Here's my 0.02 cents

1) You could buy a 2007-2008 Leftover. I'm sure dealers have many in stock they want to get rid of

2) As Tashasdaddy said, buy a used boat. I would look into 2006-2007 models; just take your time to get a surveyor to have it inspected for you. They can sell for a LOT less than a new boat, and if well taken care of, it's like having a new boat for a fraction of the price.

Are you navigating on fresh or saltwater? I assume saltwater (due to your location)

How many people are you having on the boat with you?

Here are a couple of boats you could consider. They are on the 21' range and could handle watersports and light fishing well...and they fit your budget!

http://www.mako-boats.com/boat/?boat=3051

http://www.mako-boats.com/boat/specs.cfm?boat=3055

Just my opinion mate. Happy boat hunting!


PS: Long Island is beautiful. Visited back in 2002

 

[gilch]

Re: Hello iboats.com

thanks for all the imput guys ....and yes probably most saltwater.
i know i said im trying to stay under 40k preferably... but after a few hours on google i found boats that are slightly out of my price range.... but i love the look of them. they are the "malibu" boats...no specific model ... they all look good in my opinion.. i know theres no real walk around room like i wanted ... but there is alot of seating and i think the smallest model can seat 8.
Im going to start searching around for some used ones.
are these considered good boats? or overpriced for what they are?

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Hello iboats.com

having been on long island sound in a 18 to 20 or so ft. Boston whaler, you might want to lean more to the 22'+ size in a deep vee.

if you plan on getting out there that is. the wake from the barge tows are wicked and even without wakes, you can get a pretty good chop-sea running in the sound

 

[gilch]

Re: Hello iboats.com

having been on long island sound in a 18 to 20 or so ft. Boston whaler, you might want to lean more to the 22'+ size in a deep vee.

if you plan on getting out there that is. the wake from the barge tows are wicked and even without wakes, you can get a pretty good chop-sea running in the sound

is it even realistic to take a bowrider into the Atlantic?

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Hello iboats.com

is it even realistic to take a bowrider into the Atlantic?

I know I wouldn't!

Bowriders (even big ones 20' and up) don't take big water as well as a deep V. They ride rough.

Just my thoughts.

 

[ckone0814]

Re: Hello iboats.com

you may want to start with a look at a bigger dual console. rough/salt water toughness with fun boat features.

quick read on the Sea Hunt Escape 22':
http://www.boatinglife.com/article/Reviews/Sea-Hunt-Escape-220

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Hello iboats.com

There's a world of difference between a 20 and a 30 foot boat. 30 is too big to learn on.
30' is also too big for watersports; really a boat in the 20's is too big but people do it anyway.
A center console doesn't have a cabin (not counting the console as a cabin).
You're in salt water. Get an outboard, fiberglass boat.
Buy used. Here's an example why: a 2004 21' Sea Hunt center console w/ 150Yamaha was $15,000. New ones same rig basically were list $40,000 Sale $30,000. So even if you had to buy a new motor 2 weeks later you are ahead with the used one. Plus the used one came with right much rigging, such as GPS, card and antenna ($1,000) and achor/line, VHF, cover, etc. Most people underestimate the cost of rigging a boat.

If you can afford it a Whaler in the 22 foot range would be great b/c it's super safe, seaworthy and stable. While it is a rough ride in rough weather it will get you home.