Boat suggestions

[Duff]

I am finally looking to move to my 3rd boat. I hesitate with gas prices on the climb, but as I'm looking for something small enough to get pulled behind a light truck or SUV I think something economical might be possible? I'm thinking somewhere between 18 and 21 feet in length that will seat 4 people comfortably. I know that sounds like a bowrider but I definitely prefer center console. I've also looked at the cat-style deck boats such as MTX and those look nice but not sure about how they would handle if things get a little rough 20 miles out. I see there are some great deals out there nowadays with people wanting to get out from under their debtload, so I'm hoping to find something attractive and reliable for around $10k. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Mont]

something along the lines of this. I am sure you can find one over there that is similar or I can meet you in Mobile with this one.

http://2coolfishing.org/classifiedads/index.php?a=2&b=1492

[~~Snakeman~~]

That looks like a good deal. One thing that worries me, Duff, is being 20 miles out with a single engine. Might want to add something else in case.

~~Greg~~

[Mont]

Greg is right, add an EPIRB to your arsenal. That, and a waterproof VHF. Less than 1K total and well worth the money.

[Duff]

Yeah, don't think I'll be able to spring for one with twins, but epirb, a good set of scuba fins and a can of shark repellant will be on my list...

So has it been decided which outboard is better 2 stroke or 4? Certainly all boaters have come to a unanimous agreement on which is better by now, right? :-P

[Zane]

hands down 4-stroke

[Mont]

4 strokes definately have the nod at this point, but I don't think you are going to find one within your budget you gave, Duff. Another factor is how many hours you plan to run each year. The more hours you run, the more 4 strokes make sense. Low hours and it doesn't really matter.

[~~Snakeman~~]

Not sure how effective a shark repellent would be. Probably as effective as Snake-Away, which is made from the same thing as moth balls.

I was thinking of a second outboard, but considerably smaller, say a ten horse, just as a back-up. Monty's right about that other stuff, fer sure.

~~Greg~~

[JD]

The suggestions are good. A single with a good kicker (say 20hp) as a get-home package would work with the other safety equipment and precautions.

Personally, I prefer the duals. A kicker may not do well in a sea other than to help keep your bow into it. Well worth the money. Finding a late model 21-23 footer with dual 4 stokes at the budget price would be a problem. Might find one with 2 strokes in today's economy.

You'd need the unlimited towing insurance and unlimited patience (waiting to the tow to get there and the long ride back in).

[Duff]

I'd like to stay no more than 21 feet so that I can pull it easily without having to buy a new truck AND a new boat, and keeping gas consumption in mind. I'm planning to use this boat every weekend that weather permits. Here's one that I looked at locally - 21' (which I believe is including the pulpit, so this is more like a 20) with a 2004 Johnson 140 4-stroke. Seems the fuel economy should be good but is this underpowered? I'm not crazy about the color but I think I could pick this up for around $15k which is good for a 2004?

[Mont]

That looks like a boat you would get a lot of use out of, Duff. Save some bucks up and get you a kicker down the road. You can always get it wrapped if you want to cover up most of the color.

[Duff]

The boat has a 113 gallon fuel capacity and I'm a firm believer in keeping a full tank whenever I run offshore, so I'll be looking at about $400 for the initial fill. With a 4 stroke 140 what can I expect to spend in gas, or how many gallons should I expect to use in a day offshore, running about 35 miles out and back? I don't expect to do much trolling - mostly looking for rockpiles on the bottom. Also, should I always use 93 octane?

[Zane]

Duff we use about 25 gal. a day running out 25-30 miles with a 225 honda and trolling all day with a 8 hp yami. you should do a fair amount better with a 140 hp. We do have a lighter boat. We use regular unleaded. Just remember, just like cars, 25 mph uses far less fuel than 40 mph 8^)

[Howard/Jax]

93 Octane will be a waste Duff. The 87 is just fine. That is a good size tank. Live with the oldest adage for offshore fishing gas usage. "1/3 out, 2/3 in". You will not go wrong.

Lots of good luck with it.