Need help finding reliable boats

[cjm1303]

Hi, I'm a first time boat buyer. I've been researching boats to gather as much information as i can. I am looking for a boat that is multi-purpose that i can pull someone on a tube with, fish on, and feel comfortable taking it in the Chesapeake Bay. The problem is I only want to spend between 25k-30k. I know Boston Whaler, Edge Water, and Grady White boats are good, but they are expensive. Does anyone know of any other reliable brands out there that are reasonably priced, and that have a good reputation?

 

[KCook]

Re: Need help finding reliable boats

Here are links to more threads that kick the various boat brands around -

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=112106

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=184386

Kelly

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need help finding reliable boats

the new Bayliners, take a look at them.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Need help finding reliable boats

The first thing you need to do it to figure what kind of boat you want. The waters of the Chesapeake are very challenging to say the least. With its north/ south orientation and the prevailing winds out of the south the Bay will go from reasonable to bad in a matter of minutes on a tide change.

Where are you going to boat? How often do you want to go out? Do you want to venture into open water or stay back in the rivers?

 

[haskindm]

Re: Need help finding reliable boats

As others have said, much will depend on how you wish to use the boat. That said, almost any boat can be a "good" boat. I don't think anyone is building "bad" boats, much of the difference will be in the amount of maintenance that the boat will require. I boat in the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. My first boat was not really suitable for this area but was what I could afford. It was a typical "first boat" - z-mack fittings, aluminum rails, carpeted floor (not snap in), etc. Long story short, I had that boat for 22 years, and sold it to a friend that has used it for 4 more years. It still looks like new, but it has taken allot of maintenance to keep it that way. Rarely left it in the water overnight, washed and flushed after every use, etc. I bought a Grady White 3 years ago and it requires much less maintenance, all stainless hardware, no carpet, real dry storage areas, etc.
A great deal of whether you have a "good" boat will be up to you.

 

[LORDY611]

Re: Need help finding reliable boats

I'm basically a flat-water guy, but have been on the Bay a few times. I can echo the post above about the fickle nature of this area, weather-wise. The waves in the Bay when subdued will be too much for a boat much under 20 feet. Ideally, the boat should be 32 feet or more to bridge the crests of the swells. Otherwise you'll be bobbing around like a cork. If the wind blows, or you get into traffic (on the Chesapeake?? NO WAY!!) around Annapolis, wakes will ruin your day. Just consider where you plan to go and put something under you that will take the abuse and keep you afloat.

 

[oops!]

Re: Need help finding reliable boats

Hi, I'm a first time boat buyer. I've been researching boats to gather as much information as i can. I am looking for a boat that is multi-purpose that i can pull someone on a tube with, fish on, and feel comfortable taking it in the Chesapeake Bay. The problem is I only want to spend between 25k-30k. I know Boston Whaler, Edge Water, and Grady White boats are good, but they are expensive. Does anyone know of any other reliable brands out there that are reasonably priced, and that have a good reputation?

the new Bayliners, take a look at them.

cj.....there was a review done here by one of our guys on the new bayliners........they are an entry level boat starting at 12k ish.....

he was really impressed......and the boat did just short of 50 mph...(i think 47 gps)........you might want to really look into them.....

years ago bayliner has quality problems...but they have turned it around in the newer models, and now make a really good boat.

if you are looking for used.......searay and chapperal, as well as chris craft are great boats.........hire a marine surveyor. they will save you a world of pain

cheers
oops

 

[cjm1303]

Re: Need help finding reliable boats

The first thing you need to do it to figure what kind of boat you want. The waters of the Chesapeake are very challenging to say the least. With its north/ south orientation and the prevailing winds out of the south the Bay will go from reasonable to bad in a matter of minutes on a tide change.

Where are you going to boat? How often do you want to go out? Do you want to venture into open water or stay back in the rivers?

I will be boating mainly on the Chester River, but occasionally I would like to go out into open water. I would be going out almost every weekend and sometimes after work. I am only interested in an outboard boat mainly because I feel I can trim up the motor higher than an I/O when I get in shallow fishing spots, is that assumption correct?

Thanks to all who replied, and thanks in advance to those who will reply in the future.

-Cjm