newb questions on New Boat purchase and Fishing

bayliner192 · Sep-10-2007, 02:28 PM

I am a new boat owner newbie and have alot of questions. I'm hoping for advice. I want to trade my cuddy in for a small 21' fishing boat. My budget is around $25K. I am wondering if the ride will be softer versus my bayliner 192 cuddy? I am looking at used Trophy's.

Also how many months out of the year can i expect to Fish out near Catalina or off shore can I get in a WA where it is'nt uncomfortably cold? I launch out of Newport.

Any advice you guys can give me on which boats, engines, and options are good would be appriciated. I hope to be able to catch Yellow Fin Tuna's someday!

Bullshipper · Sep-10-2007, 03:43 PM

When you sit in the forward area of any boat you will bounce more. WA's don't really start to get comfortable untill you get over 28', unless you go to a catamaran.

With your budget, I would look for a 25' Seacat WA in the 1995-1997 range.

Cold in the morning and evening is a fact of life in California pretty much year round, so you just have to wears layers that you can shed and put back on during the day.

bayliner192 · Sep-10-2007, 04:55 PM

Thanks! I have to keep it 21 -23feet cuz my driveway is small. i got 24x8'6" to use for boat space.

Bullshipper · Sep-10-2007, 04:58 PM

Boat Trader Online - Find Your Next Used or New Boat

Park it on an angle.

Here are 2 that fit the bill.

**Saluki** · Sep-10-2007, 05:00 PM

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/cl...-skipjack.html (1977 24' Flybridge Skipjack)

yknot · Sep-10-2007, 08:43 PM

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/cl...-b-diesel.html (24ft SkipJack F/B Diesel)
has a diesel which imo is a big plus. for the size of driveway i am sure you can make it fit

inSTANt bendo · Sep-10-2007, 08:49 PM

If you only have 24' x 8'6" exactly to park in, you are wasting your time. Even on a 21' boat with the trailer tongue and outboard or outdrive hanging out the back, you will not fit in 24'. The beam on most boats that size are going to be 8'6" wide, so you better be a friggin expert at parking that SOB, cuz it's gonna fit like a glove......if it fits!

Afry · Sep-10-2007, 09:30 PM

Get an inboard like a Shamrock and have the trailer tongue modified to fold.

bayliner192 · Sep-10-2007, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inSTANt bendo

If you only have 24' x 8'6" exactly to park in, you are wasting your time. Even on a 21' boat with the trailer tongue and outboard or outdrive hanging out the back, you will not fit in 24'. The beam on most boats that size are going to be 8'6" wide, so you better be a friggin expert at parking that SOB, cuz it's gonna fit like a glove......if it fits!

Yeah ur right, I better take exact measurements. it's a 3 car driveway with a 2 car garage. hmmm

thanks for the advice though.

skifisher · Sep-11-2007, 12:11 AM

You also may consider a folding tongue on your trailer, saves a foot or two. I have one and when my neighbor saw it, he ordered one and installed himself, now his boat fits in his garage.

Heres a pic:
Trailer Parts Superstore - Fold-Away Coupler, 3" x 4" Tongue, Bolt On

inSTANt bendo · Sep-11-2007, 10:32 AM

You also want to be careful of what angle your boat is stored at. If you have a steep driveway to where the boat will rest bow level to or lower than the transom, you gotta find a way to jack up the bow with out leaving all the weight on your trailer jack. (block of wood, cinder blocks, etc... That jack will not hold up long with all that weight on it. You do not want your boat to sit with water in the bilge.....it needs to be able to drain out the transom. It's funny how water will collect in the bilge through condensation, dew, rain or just left over from your last trip out.

bayliner192 · Sep-11-2007, 11:02 AM

Thanks Stan! good advice. Your right, I forgot to let the water out last time out. Though my boats not that heavy I should elevate it. Thanks man!

I am having doubts about getting a new boat now. I think I will stick it out with my Cuddy and Do a few mods. I just wish it was a washable deck. I got that carpet.

I can't believe the ride doesn't get better on 21' foor boats with deeper hulls? Last time out to catalina the water was like glass but it was still rough. Felt like someone was punching me in the kidneys and my neck got sore as hell cuz i was so tense in anticipation of the next swell and bounce. Is it just like that with all boats under 25'?