Boat Shopping

[vhs]

I am in the very early stages of shopping for a boat.  Initially my thoughts were that I just wanted one that I could stay around Sabine Lake and the Jetties on.  Now I'm thinking that I'm interested in some offshore runs as well.  What are your thoughts on models and sizes of boats that would meet these needs?  Share any experiences (good or bad)  you may have had with your own boat that may help me in my search.

[westend1]

You need 2 boats.    ;D    I would look at a 24' Pathfinder.  Kind of pricey, but a nice boat.  I have a friend with one and he runs to the short rigs with no problem.

[Alpha Wolf]

Bass boat is the way to go  ;D!!!

[vhs]

[quote name="Big Ford" post="1025327" timestamp="1310842003"]
Bass boat is the way to go  ;D!!!
[/quote]
I do love bass fishing, but I'm an ol'salty at heart.  lol

[whsalum]

I've been doing a little research on the Frontier and have a friend that has a new 22 footer.It is built by Mr. Kenner and has a great ride and is built to fish.Biggest trouble I have had is finding folks that have them.

[thetragichippy]

if you have your choice in motors, I would recommend an Evinrude Ocean Pro (if they still make them)...I have a 93 model and replace a manuel choke switch, other than that has started everytime.......great motor

To go to rigs, at least a 22ft boat

[vhs]

Yeah I'm thinking a 22 footer is about what I'm looking at, of course that would probably require a pretty perfect day to make it out to the rigs.  Its probably the most practical size for my needs though.

[puddin tane]

baby bro has a key west..loves it

[Guest Pirate_pride_07]

[quote name="puddin tane" post="1029790" timestamp="1312085789"]
baby bro has a key west..loves it
[/quote]
Good boat!  ;D

[PNG Proud]

I had a 23' Aquasport,  hard top, radar, outriggers,  Suzuki 235.  Suzuki  4 stroke is an incredible, dependable motor,  very quiet,  good on fuel.  The boat, was ok.,  but it seemed to list a lot and you had to be careful on the weight placement.  Seems I was always tinkering w/ trim tabs when someone moved around in the boat.

I also used to have a 20' Proline.  It was one of the best boats I ever owned.  I could run 50 miles offshore and back and burn 50 gallons.  Man,  I miss that boat.  Good dry ride too.

[3apantherfan]

I have a boat im interested in, but the tags are out of date! I want to run it before I buy, do y'all think the Wardens will understand?

[westend1]

[quote name="3apantherfan" post="1172527" timestamp="1328477912"]
I have a boat im interested in, but the tags are out of date! I want to run it before I buy, do y'all think the Wardens will understand?
[/quote]  Yep.  I do.  Unless you smart off, most of those guys are fairly reasonable.

[tvc184]

[quote name="westend1" post="1172533" timestamp="1328478284"]
[quote author=3apantherfan link=topic=85775.msg1172527#msg1172527 date=1328477912]
I have a boat im interested in, but the tags are out of date! I want to run it before I buy, do y'all think the Wardens will understand?
[/quote]  Yep.  I do.  Unless you smart off, most of those guys are fairly reasonable.
[/quote]

Game wardens and reasonable in the same sentence?

[mat]

[quote name="3apantherfan" post="1172527" timestamp="1328477912"]
I have a boat im interested in, but the tags are out of date! I want to run it before I buy, do y'all think the Wardens will understand?
[/quote]
As long as the owner is with you it's not your problem. :D

[thetragichippy]

[quote name="mat" post="1172704" timestamp="1328533336"]
[quote author=3apantherfan link=topic=85775.msg1172527#msg1172527 date=1328477912]
I have a boat im interested in, but the tags are out of date! I want to run it before I buy, do y'all think the Wardens will understand?
[/quote]
As long as the owner is with you it's not your problem. :D
[/quote]

Hmmm........I'm not 100% sure about that.  I know if I borrow someones car and they inspection sticker is out, they ticket the driver regardless of who owns the car.  I would imagine the same thing in a boat.  TVC?

[tvc184]

[quote name="thetragichippy" post="1172743" timestamp="1328537834"]
[quote author=mat link=topic=85775.msg1172704#msg1172704 date=1328533336]
[quote author=3apantherfan link=topic=85775.msg1172527#msg1172527 date=1328477912]
I have a boat im interested in, but the tags are out of date! I want to run it before I buy, do y'all think the Wardens will understand?
[/quote]
As long as the owner is with you it's not your problem. :D
[/quote]

Hmmm........I'm not 100% sure about that.  I know if I borrow someones car and they inspection sticker is out, they ticket the driver regardless of who owns the car.  I would imagine the same thing in a boat.  TVC?
[/quote]

Both are responsible. Just like for a vehicle, it is against the law to drive without a license or to allow someone to drive without a license.

Of course with a boat, there is no driver's license but there is the registration and it is illegal to use or allow to be used one that is without an up to date registration. I believe this is the controlling statute withe the significant parts highlighted.




[b]Sec. 31.021.  REQUIRED NUMBERING. (a) [color=red]Each vessel on the water of this state shall be numbered[/color] in accordance with the provisions of this chapter unless specifically exempted. The numbering system shall be in accord with the Federal Boating Act of 1958 and subsequent federal legislation.

(b)  [color=red]No person may operate [size=10pt][color=blue]OR[/color][/size] give permission for the operation[/color] of any vessel or may dock, moor, or store a vessel owned by the person on the water of this state [color=red]unless[/color]:
      (1)  [color=red]the vessel is numbered as required[/color] by this chapter;
      (2)  [color=red]the certificate of number[/color] awarded to the vessel [color=red]is in full force and effect[/color]; and
      (3)  the identifying number set forth in the certificate is properly displayed on each side of the bow of the vessel as required by this chapter.[/b]

[vhs]

Okay, well I've downsized my plans a bit.  I am going with a 20 ft. Alumacraft Center Console.  Gas prices have me thinking I would never be able to afford a trip offshore.  This boat will cover all my inshore and jetty fishing needs.

I will just have to keep paying someone else to take me offshore every now and then.

[dme1111]

don't buy from a certain dealership on 11th street in Beaumont... Poor service... dishonest... they could sale ice to eskimos but dont believe a word...

[vhs]

[quote name="dme1111" post="1195654" timestamp="1331435584"]
don't buy from a certain dealership on 11th street in Beaumont... Poor service... dishonest... they could sale ice to eskimos but dont believe a word...
[/quote]

Thanks for the heads up...I have actually done some shopping on 11th St....any recommendations on where I could find a good deal on a new alumacraft.

[dme1111]

They do sale nice aluminum boats... I bought a boat on 11th street and got the run around on a couple of occasions...  they definately won't fight for you and will not be honest regarding repair pricing...

[westend1]

I bought my AlumaCraft at Water Crafts on College.  I like those guys.  Not sure if they are still selling new ones or not.  Mostly a repair shop now with only a small selection of new boats.

[vhs]

Thanks DME and Westend