Narrowing the Gap

[catfishjoe]

Hi everyone,

First and foremost, thanks for all of your help on my previous topics. This community has been invaluable throughout my process of finding the best first boat for our small family.

With that said, I'm reasonably confident that a dual console or at least a fish and ski is our best route. I'd love to stay away from the carpeting all together, and I certainly need some standing room to fish (primary purpose of buying). Finally, cost and weight are factors ($8000k is my budget, 3500lbs is the max weight).

Here are a handful of boats I've been looking at. Feel free to comment (all opinions are helpful, especially if you have experience with that particular make or model.

1. 1996 Neptune by OMC

2. 94 Seamaster

3. http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bod/3020816535.html

4. 1998 Neptune Dual Console 201DC

Note, I saw others like the 94 Seamaster, but im fairly certain that's a bit larger than I should get (easily 3000+ lbs)

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Narrowing the Gap

You mention its for fishing AND family, so I would shy away from the walk around. In addition to the weight they don't work well as family boats. I'd go look at the Sea Swirl and the Neptune at Chatlee. They both look like good compromises. Where do plan on boating?

 

[catfishjoe]

Re: Narrowing the Gap

You mention its for fishing AND family, so I would shy away from the walk around. In addition to the weight they don't work well as family boats. I'd go look at the Sea Swirl and the Neptune at Chatlee. They both look like good compromises. Where do plan on boating?

Thanks for the info (extremely valuable). I had a feeling the walkaround was a bit too much for my needs.

Well do most of our boating in freshwater lakes I'm sure. I suppose there's a chance I'll take it towards the ocean but not critically important (we're a few hours from the ocean).

 

[Philster]

Re: Narrowing the Gap

Sea Swirl -- all day and night and twice on Sundays.

 

[catfishjoe]

Re: Narrowing the Gap

Sea Swirl -- all day and night and twice on Sundays.

Anything in particular that makes the Sea Swirl a good choice?

I'm communicating with the owner now. He says he has a few others wanting to see it over the weekend. If all goes well I'll see it on Wednesday.

Wish me luck!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Narrowing the Gap

Each one of those looks like a real nice boat. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them.