I'd love some thoughts on what I'm currently considering, and welcome insight into things I may not have listed below.
We've been here in Rockport for 2 years now, and I'm really getting the itch to have my own bay boat. I love going out in my kayak, but I'd love to be able to take my family or friends along and get a bit farther out, especially when the wind is up. I've gathered some insight, and would like to get more, to help me in my search.
I've always been around boats, and have several buddies that I go out with pretty regularly down here, so I'm familiar with all the pieces and parts - I've just never owned my own boat. I have contacts that own a shop here in town, and based on some conversations with them, here's what I (think I) am considering:
Budget - $20-25k
Length - ±20-22'
Age - less than 10 years, or at least a good hull with a newer motor (I've seen some nice re-powered Pathfinders that seem reasonable)
Preferred features
Things to avoid
Used boat prices have been downright silly the past few years, but I have a feeling they'll start dropping with all the volatility and inflation we're seeing, and I hope this opens up more options within my budget. I will have to pay to store it, as I have no room at my house, so I'll be considering that expense as well.
Anyway, I'd love any thoughts or insights from y'all. I'm not in a hurry, and want to find what will be best for me and my family in the long run. If there are brands I should target, or avoid, please let me know.
We've been here in Rockport for 2 years now, and I'm really getting the itch to have my own bay boat. I love going out in my kayak, but I'd love to be able to take my family or friends along and get a bit farther out, especially when the wind is up. I've gathered some insight, and would like to get more, to help me in my search.
I've always been around boats, and have several buddies that I go out with pretty regularly down here, so I'm familiar with all the pieces and parts - I've just never owned my own boat. I have contacts that own a shop here in town, and based on some conversations with them, here's what I (think I) am considering:
Budget - $20-25k
Length - ±20-22'
Age - less than 10 years, or at least a good hull with a newer motor (I've seen some nice re-powered Pathfinders that seem reasonable)
Preferred features
- PowerPole or similar
- T-top or bimini (wife is fair-skinned)
- trolling motor
- navigation/GPS system
- storage
- somewhat comfortable/dry in chop
- 12" or less draft (not looking for a super-skinny skiff, but I'd like to drift the flats without dragging)
Things to avoid
- E-Tec or Optimax engines (apparently hard to get parts for, per the shop)
- underpowered vessels (I'd like something that can get out of its own way)
- damaged or fixer-upper situations
Used boat prices have been downright silly the past few years, but I have a feeling they'll start dropping with all the volatility and inflation we're seeing, and I hope this opens up more options within my budget. I will have to pay to store it, as I have no room at my house, so I'll be considering that expense as well.
Anyway, I'd love any thoughts or insights from y'all. I'm not in a hurry, and want to find what will be best for me and my family in the long run. If there are brands I should target, or avoid, please let me know.
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