Buying my first boat
 

I’m moving to Port Monmouth after many years of NYC.. my girl and I found a great first home to start our new to be family.

I always wanted a boat but never could justify it because I just wouldn’t use the thing enough. Well now with such access, that changes things significantly. With access alone I assume I’ll be going out on 6 pack trips, head boats and as always doing my land thing. The only real land fishing I like is surf fishing with plugs.. so this leaves me to getting a boat.

I figure I’ll finance the thing so assume max budget is $25k, I’m open to both cc, cuddy, whatever.. preferably I’d like a boat I can get some range on as I’d love to work my experience up to mid shore grounds, so I’m assuming a 21’-25’. I intend on docking the back.

Any input would be great!

Re: Buying my first boat
 

At that price range you’re looking at used boats and a few tings you want to look for... If you plan to go to the mid shore grounds you want a deep v hull which will ride a lot more comfortably in seas. Id definitely be looking for 4 stroke outboard since they are more reliable and fuel efficient than a 2 stoke. Finally I would stick to the better brands, I’d rather have a better brand older boat then a newer lesser brand since they will hold their value better and age better over time.

Whatever you do make sure you have the boat surveyed and do a sea trial since both will allow you to make a more informed decision and uncover any issues.

Re: Buying my first boat
 

Oh I gotta hear the thought process behind that:rolleyes:

Re: Buying my first boat
 

I've owned more then a few 2 strokes in my day and they were very problematic and drank fuel like a drukin sailors on shore leave. The modern 4 strokes are much more reliable, a lot quieter and about the only advantage a 2 stroke has is their power to weight ratio..

The newer tech 2 strokes built in and around 2000 like Evinrude Ficht, Mercury Optimax and Yamaha HDPI were complete junk.

I will however say there are some good old reliable 2 stokes that you can't kill like the Yamaha 0X66

Re: Buying my first boat
 

Had a cc Hydro sport cc 21 ft which was a sweet machine. Some advice is to get a slip where you can keep it in the water. Weekend boaters will drive you crazy.

BEST TIME WITH A BOAT IS WHEN YOU BUY AND SELL.....

You will get the best prices is when the winter boat shows

Re: Buying my first boat
 

Maybe true 25 years ag0 but not anymore Gerry.

A two stroke of 10 years of age or less are very good motors and get better mileage ( but you have to factor $ for engine oil which equalizes) than a four-stroke. They are less maintenance and way way lighter than a four stroke O/B's..

Problem is marketing on newer used boats put 4 strokes on most anything used found. Of course if an old POS boat and O/B engine will likely be crap just as you describe.

LOL Don't buy a boat older that you usually.

Re: Buying my first boat
 

Congrats on the move and the new home, Port Monmouth’s a great spot. With that kind of access, a boat totally makes sense.:)

Re: Buying my first boat
 

The new boat shows will be coming up and you can take a look at the new models and prices. I would take a look at keeping it in a Good marine where you don't have to trailer it. Best bet move during the summer. Too many week end worriers at the ramps.

Re: Buying my first boat
 

1996 Grady White 21’ center console
$20,000
Listed a week ago in Matawan, NJ
About this vehicle
Exterior color: White · Interior color: White
Fuel type: Gasoline
Seller's description
1996 Grady white with three year-old Suzuki 200 outboard motor still under warranty. 2 more years This is about you wanna come and look at the motor has a little over 50 hours if that and it must go  comes with Trailer