New England B.S. Thread

@Noelie84 @jethro

I know you’re both boat guys. Looking to pick up a boat next spring (most likely) and starting the search very early. Looking used in terms of boat/trailer and potentially new on a motor if they include warranties so I can avoid the nightmares of motor issues I always hear about. Would mostly be for fishing/cruising and would like to fit at least 4, possibly 6 people at max. Was leaning towards a center console in the 16-18foot category. Doesn’t haven’t to be screaming fast either, just need to get around. Any thoughts? Things to look for either good or bad?

 

Jethro's the one to ask; my experience is somewhat limited. Definitely look for soft floors or signs of rot, check out all of the electricals/electronics, etc.

 

I didn't know that, I'll definitely drive one beforehand.

I read the article, it looks like the F250 retains the 6 speed, where everything F350 and up are 10 speed. We'll see how accurate that is and how long it'll last haha.

Yeah that 7.3 is MASSIVE, also not the 7.3 I was hoping for

 

Where are you going to use this boat mostly- salt or freshwater? What do you typically fish for or hope to fish for? New outboard motors are oppressively expensive, so much so that if I were looking into getting a new outboard on a used or new to me boat, I would probably look harder at a new boat. A new 90 horse remote steer with controls can cost you an easy $13-17k just for the motor, let alone the install. I've got an older 150hp 2 stroke and to replace it I could easily spend $22k or more. It's insane and doesn't make sense but that's what it is. When you package a new boat with a motor it makes a lot more sense, as long as you feel you will hang on to it. Used boats and motors can work out well, you just need to buy them right and that is the challenge. Where about are you located?

 

Those motor prices are absurd. My concern really is that I don’t know a ton about boat motors and would be nervous to get something “that needs a little work” and needs something far more. I live inland so I would say the majority of the time would be freshwater. I mostly target trout, bass, schoolies, etc. I was thinking shallow water would be a bonus so either a skiff or flat bottom but read they don’t do great in bigger lakes. Trolling motor would get used up front for sure. New boat prices are a turn off too but I guess they don’t say “Bust out another thousand” for no reason. If the APR was right, I could always finance.

 

Smaller is cheaper, too. If you can get by with a ?16'? aluminum and a 25 horse, for instance, I know a guy...

 

I know that drew and his friend adam are going to do mine when the time comes. You thinking about it? Getting some rubbing?

 

Great now I’m down the rabbit hole building a boat on Carolina Skiff website hahaha

 

Who, me? My boat may be smaller than I think Chris is looking for if he's got a center console in mind. It's a 14-foot aluminum side console and two is easy to fish, three is possible, anymore is uncomfortable. For a pleasure cruise, 4 is the max capacity. But it is a seaworthy little thing. I've had it on some very big water in somewhat snotty conditions. You'll find as you shop around that there can be small boats and big boats of the same size. My Starcraft is what I would call a "big" 14 footer, hopefully you get what I mean. For fishing 4 people you want at least an 18 and sometimes you'll wish it was bigger. Lots of time you'll wish it was smaller. If you don't anticipate a long tow very often then get as big as you are willing to pay for because you always want bigger. The caveat is obviously, the bigger the boat, the bigger the money all around- fuel, maintenance, the trailer, etc.

Regarding motors, the thing you have to remember, is that outboard motors are pretty rugged things built to marine standards. Well maintained they last for a very, very long time. And older 2 strokes are easy to work on. I wouldn't doubt my 25 hp merc has thousands of hours on it. I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere. You are right about an elec. motor, on that boat mine is more important than the gas. I use it 10 to one of the gas motor, but I'm only out there to fish 95% of the time.

Boats can be tough, it can be hard for your first boat to be the right boat because you learn as you own. There's a million different ways you can go... flat bottom, which is more stable of a platform but less seaworthy due to way less freeboard, deep V, modified V, displacement hulls vs. planing hull designs.. center console's, side console, walkthrough windshields, tillers (God I'd love a high power, big tiller boat someday)... 4 strokes, 2 strokes, jet drives... it's a tough nut to crack. I have owned a lot of boats over the years but I'm glad most have been cheap fishing vessels, because I've learned a lot over the years. Happy to have you bounce ideas or thoughts off me, I'll tell you what I know and nothing that I don't.

 

Beautiful boats, really nice vessels, and fairly reasonable compared to Whaler, Blackfin, Wahaoo and others.

 

Want a good laugh? Look at how much NAPA wants for a cabin filter for my wife's Camry.



https://www.napaonline.com/en/searc...&fullyQualified=true&isBackButtonEnabled=true

 

Well not sure where all the beer came from...
But hadour first full recycling bin of beer cans this weekend.

 

I seriously almost pissed myself seeing that. I thought when the dealership quoted me $53.99 on a $7.99 part that was bad.......Amazon that shit!

 

But Its a NAPA Gold!

 

They installing it too?

 

Yeah I think as I’ve spent more and more time looking at boats, I’m slowly learning more and more about all the options and the differences. I’m drawn to the center console for the fishing aspect giving me space to fish any side. I’d need at least space for 3 people to fish and wouldn’t be shocked if there times of 4 fishing. I do absolutely understand what you mean about big and small within the same length class. I’m think 18 is ideal. 20 if I find the right deal. I’m gonna end up going used because I'm sure as a first boat, they’ll be things I learn with the first one and it won’t be a forever boat. The other option is I end up with a cheap aluminum setup to fish Quabbin and some day get a nice, larger fishing boat. I’m strongly on the Carolina Skiff track currently. Seems to be a popular boat and I’m sure that’s for good reason. Really really appreciate the input.

 

Been working on a rear bumper for a friend’s tundra. @tacobell007

 

2nd gen(2007-2013)? Will it retain the factory hitch? I do plan on towing the Tacoma around in the future with it. Looks good so far though man!

 

Speaking of boats. What’s up with that Boston Whaler in the background?!