Looking for boat advice

andrewmcdonald · May-12-2008, 05:12 PM

Hello to all. I recently moved back from San Diego and I am itchin' to get back on the water. I grew up fishing the Gulf every year of my life with my folks by the way of Jim's pier in SPI. I was wondering if I could get some advise on shopping for a boat. I would like to be able to go 30 miles out or so and spend around $20K for a used boat. Any help from my friends on BD would help. Also, what are some storage options? Monthly expenditures always a factor. What costs can I expect to incur long term? Monthly, yearly? I will be a first time boat owner. I REALLY appreciate any help.

andrewmcdonald · May-13-2008, 07:01 AM

26 views and not one comment. I am moving back to the Southern California Board. Californians are nicer than Texans.

Team Buddhahead · May-13-2008, 08:44 AM

Andrew,
I would look for a used Boston Whaler. You can see some on Craiglist or Ebay. They will get you out and back. They won't run very skinny but you will still be able to fish the bays...
Here's one I found in San Antonio..
22' Boston Whaler Outrage

Team Buddhahead · May-13-2008, 08:45 AM

I'm also from San Diego..Dad still works for the Padre's. I'm leaving in August for a 5 day on the American Angler....

Kurt · May-13-2008, 08:48 AM

Think gas mileage and then suck up to some guys that own big boats for the long range stuff. 4 strokes are the key now unless you want to pack the boat with people. There are plenty of storage options (campland by the bay) or further inland. With the economy the way it is you should be able to score a 20 foot skiff with a 4 stroker on it pretty easy. If you are good with a wrench you can get an I/O even cheaper.

Buying a house? HOAs loathe boats and trailers. Cheapest is your own house and keep it on the side.

You'll spend a couple hundred minimum if nothing is broken for maint. Realistically you better have a couple grand to play with since you will be replacing shit that gets eaten by salt. As far as brands it's kind of a Ford vs Chevy thing as besides fit and finish they are kind of all alike. Bayliner and Striper are good boats.

This is something I think you should be looking for. imo of course near SD.

2003 Triumph 210 cc for sale in South Windsor, CT: Center console - BoatTrader.com

cudun · May-13-2008, 10:50 AM

My 2003 Triumph 210 is still for sale. Search for the ad under my name at in Used boat in Classified section.

diakka69 · May-13-2008, 11:23 AM

21 cc or walk around four stroke if possible. Have a mechanic check the motor before you buy. Trailer storage in my area is $4 to $10 a foot.I am not sure about sd. good place to look craigs list ebay, i boats , boat trader etc. Stay away from force outboards.research the internet before you buy lots of info.

dorn697 · May-13-2008, 11:35 AM

You can find a nice "skipjack" for under 20K its a lot of boat for reasonable price. You can find them on craigslist all the time. Lots of fishing space and can handle in unfavorable conditions.

TopMpg · May-13-2008, 02:02 PM

Save yourself a lot of grief and money, don't buy a boat.

andrewmcdonald · May-13-2008, 05:55 PM

I appreciate all of the responses. I really like to Trophy!! Team Buddhahead...go Padres!! You have given me a lot to use on my hunt. Nice to ge real time responses from fellow Fisherman.

Bret · May-14-2008, 05:49 AM

Andrew, I live in the dfw area.. and keep a boat near Port Aransas. With the fuel cost these days, it is much cheaper in the long run to charter a private boat or get on one of the better head boats that Tx has to offer..
The Big E is out of freeport its the fastest (its the best head boat we have in tx) underwaterexpeditionsdot com is the website.. There is a private charter with limited load for this fall. its posted on 2coolfishingdot com site on the bluewater board.
its your best shot at some decent tuna and a few hrs deep dropping for grouper and AJ.

Troutboy05 · May-16-2008, 04:46 AM

I have a 97 Boston Whaler $24,000 713-208-0514 Loaded.

SALTYDAWG · May-16-2008, 05:02 AM

I have a completely loaded 24 Skipjack diesel that'll get you 150 miles offshore $27500

themons · May-21-2008, 07:36 AM

I have a 20 foot 2003 Sea Hunt for $16,750 in Houston. We have taken it out to the rigs and Tall Rock off of Freeport which is about 30 miles out. 832-385-4603

los is 7 · May-21-2008, 11:14 AM

Not that I condone visiting 2CoolFishing , But You will get overwhelmed with boat info. from them, most of it very useful.