Want to buy an island hopper...which boat is best!

[aaronschiada]

Hey everyone, new here. My buddy and I are a couple surfer free divers! We wanna go in on our first offshore boat together that will take us to the channel islands with little worry. We are gonna be taking all the right classes necessary and go about it the smartest way prior to purchase. But when we are ready, I'm curious as to what a proven "make and model" is the way to go with when that time comes. We are looking for used, in the $20-25k range and 28-30ft. Gas, diesel, outboard....? And we want a sleeper as well. Looking forward to some good solid knowledge and opinions. Thanks everyone!
-Aaron

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Want to buy an island hopper...which boat is best!

Welcome to iboats

Probably need a bit more information....... such as where are you in the world .....there are many "channel islands" and that would also depend on what can be found near you for boats. A proven make/model on the West coast could be very different from what is available on the East coast. Typically a boat designed for the gulf is very different from boats in Cape Cod

What is your experience level? Regardless of the boat I would STRONGLY suggest a survey. A quality boat may be very difficult in your size and price range. Look through the iboats classified ads and you will see boats in that category are used and that is why a survey is suggested..... Boats For Sale - Buy & Sell, New & Used Boats, Owners & Dealers

 

[aaronschiada]

Re: Want to buy an island hopper...which boat is best!

I'm in Ventura, California. My experience level is very little. But like I said, I plan on getting experience prior to purchase. I'm very experienced in 100mph lake boats, but I know the ocean is a completely different animal. So experience will be required. Just looking for a point in the right direction.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Want to buy an island hopper...which boat is best!

Well the iboats classified is a good start in the link I gave you AND look around very sincerely for dock space now...... you might not find any or the price will be rather high.

 

[aaronschiada]

Re: Want to buy an island hopper...which boat is best!

Thanks. Is there a manufacturer that you prefer or suggest over another? If someone asked me the same question in regards to a lake boat, I would be able to tell them what manufacturer and hull to go with or stay away from, given the proper specs on what they would be using it for. I know that the channel between Ventura and the islands can get pretty rough and would want a boat that I could rely on in most conditions. I appreciate all the help.

 

[buellwinkle]

Re: Want to buy an island hopper...which boat is best!

I would get an sportfisher with twin diesels. The reason is sportfishers have a large area in the back that's typically low for you to stage and jump off from and also has walkaround capabilities so you can walk around the boat. The compromise is interior space which is probably not important.They also tend to have a fly bridge which to me is important to have the ability to manuver the boat from the fly bridge or indoors. A good solid brand would be Luhrs. An older 32, maybe even their 34. Size matters out there and it can be sunny on shore and you go 5 miles out and you get to the afternoon and you have 3-5' wind waves on top of 4-6 swells and it will get scary in anything smaller. If you are not sure, watch The Perfect Storm.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Want to buy an island hopper...which boat is best!

You need some local knowledge. That would not be me, as I am in San Diego where the conditions are quite different, but I can point you in the right direction. The urchin divers and the other commercial guys often run Radon boats up in the Channel Islands. They were designed for the trip home in a following sea. They are not a head sea boat by any means based on the ones I've seen running down my way, but for up in the Channel Islands, you should at least know about their reputation and see if they might work for you.

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