This has probably been discussed before so if you know of any threads please point me to them.

I'm looking to get a different boat. What I have now does well in the bays, but I want something I can also go offshore in. Is there anything with the offshore capability of a 24' Mako or such that can take off in 2' of water or so? Seems a 25-27' Panga would work well but I'm looking for something used and those are not very common. Possibly a 22' would work, they're just an inch short of 23.

I'm hoping some of you can provide me with some more brands of boats to search for. I've been looking on boattrader, ebay, and craigslist, as well as a couple forums. Are there any other sites I should be checking?

Panaga's are super fuel effecient however, their beam width is not as wide as I like for the types of wave action we see here in the Gulf.

I would look into a Pathfinder, Blazer Bay, Frontier, Nautic Star, and Kenner.

I, myself, am thinking about going with a 22' Pathfinder with a 150 Yammie this year.

Kenner's are good, nice deep v, better than blue wave for offshore. Mako's are fine.

Summer days you can take a 1902 Kenner out 30 miles will no problems and they handle well.

All the boats I have listed can take 4's and 5's with medium intervals pretty well.

Other good boats are the Triton 24 and Ranger nearshore. Never fished on them, but I heard great things from owners.

Best bet is a Pathfinder or it's clones..



-Z-

What kind of coin are you looking to spend?

Hey eight, the deals are out there. I looked for 5 years before I finally found exactly what you're looking for
in Nov. I found a '96 Hydra-Sports 22' "Ocean Skiff" cc.
deep-V hull T-top, brand-new 2000 model 175 Evinrude, 90g tank. needed cleaned-up, guy was getting screwed in a divorce, and
I felt really good after getting it for $7k under value.
havent had it in the gulf yet, but the previous owner said it
handles 5' seas well, & I have had it as shallow as 2'
w/ out hitting....
keep looking. you'll need about 10-15k and a lot of patience
& self-control.
tight lines
-Brian

10-15K is no problem. I don't want to go over 20K but will for a good deal on the right boat.

eight,

For the money you are willing to spend I would look real hard at Pathfinder 2200V.

No offense to South Padre Bum, but I would not go with the 150 Yammie. I would go with the 200 Yammie. Those 50 extra horses make a difference and fuel burn is still good, 3-4 mpg.

I run this boat and do everything from bays, flats, to 45 miles offshore.

I couldn't ask for a better boat. It handles chop well and is solid offshore.

There are a few things that would be neccessary for me though: VHF radio, GPS, Trim Tabs and jackplate.

If the boat doesn't have those things, be prepared to add them quickly. The jackplate and trim tabs help shallow water performance. The trim tabs will also help the ride in rougher water. I wouldn't ever go offshore without VHF radio and a GPS. I would also have back up equipment like a handheld GPS and VHF radio.

Good luck in your search!

no offense taken..

I chose the 150 because of range and fuel economy.


We make long long hauls and we need all the range we can get especially if we are trolling all down 30 miles out of port.

Now if you run flats and make 20-30 mile trips then I am for the 200+hp motors. Mainly if you have a heavier load then the bigger engine is better in the flats. If we plan to fish skinny water and we can't find anyone with a skiff we have to put a 4 blade prop on the boat with our 150 for better hole shots or torque.

I just need range and a mild cruise speed on my boat so I stay with the 150. F-150, not the Vmax.

Also, like RossF said it can be costly to get the items he suggested but you can get them for under $1200. Lenco's, Bob's Jack Plate or CMC, ebay the electronics.

So far we average a new motor every 16 months soo, you have to take that into effect as well.


-Z-

SPB,

Just curious...are y'all running a Pathfinder 2200V with the F150? What is your fuel mileage?

I'm running a 4 blade prop and the 200 Vmax getting around 3-4 mpg. I've had the boat 48 miles offshore of Port M and had fuel to spare at the docks.

I have been hearing some folks say they are getting about the same fuel mileage as the 4 strokes with the EFI 2 strokes.

Also, the motors you are going through every 16 months...are those the Lenco trim tab actuators you are talking about? If so, have you tried calling Lenco directly? I've had one go bad in 2 years. Lenco replaced it for free.

Almost 5mpg at cruise.

No no no, motors as in the O/B.

Last year the pathfinder had 500 hours on the F150 so we sold it and bought a newer one with 20 hours.

We troll a lot and at high speeds so we burn a lot of fuel and I am paranoid so I try not to ever let the tank get past 90% empty.


-Z-

What cruising speed do you get with the 150? Engine choice isn't really an option I can be too picky about on a used boat.

I have a line on a 96 Blazer Bay 22' with a blown Suzuki 200. I'm working on getting a price for it and then I'll have to see what it would cost to power it. The guy was quoted about 20K to replace the suzuki, but I should be able to find a used or rebuilt one for much less. Or I could switch to a lower cost engine like a Tohatsu or such.

Is the F150 an efi 2-stroke? I've never really liked the 4 strokes. Too big and heavy for the power they make.

eight, the yamaha F150 is a 4 stroke.

You are putting a lot more hours on your boat than I do. I average around 100-120hrs a year. What's your cruise speed? I cruise about 40-45 mph getting around 3.5-4mpg.

I have been thinking about a 4 stroke for my next engine in a year or two.

I know the 4 strokes make a big difference on the bigger offshore boats.

I would look at the Haynie H.O. You can give Chris's Marine in Aransas Pass a call, and they will be able to fix you right up. They might even have a good deal on a used one on their lot. Haynies are the smoothest riding boat I've been in.

eight, you also might chek out the SeaPro boats. i bought mine used for less than 10k. Its a 1999 Sv2100.. and It's 21'6" It deos ok in the 24" of water. I can get on plane in 20" with a full load. I have had her out in some bad weather too at POC. We were out in 12 foot seas. Not for long mind you, but long enough to see she could handle it. No water ever came in the boat. The 2 guys with me were as sick as I have ever seen anyone! :-D If i had to buy another boat I would defenatly look for another SeaPro.

The Mako 2201 is a great choice. I guided out of it for a year here and had it out 20 miles upwards of 50 times in the Atlantic. An 225 Optimax on it will puch it 60 in the waterway and 40 on a flat calm day in the ocean. IT sticks to the waves and rides great and it also doesn't draft that much. I could hae easily gone 30 to 40 miles, but I do not like the idea of summertime thunderstorms on the beach. WE took it out the inlet in 10 foot waves, had it in 5 foot seas, and while no bay boat like it that rough, it took it great. The pathfinder, while a great boat did not ride wuite as well. The ranger seemed to be priced on its name, not its fishability at all. MY second choice would be the triton, another great boat.
Brent

With 2 people and min gear, calm seas, light head wind, trimmed, we cruise at 40 with 5mpg. If we are just piddling around spots we can cruise at 6.5mpg at 30 or so.


-Z-

kenner is a good one

Thanks for the info! I like those numbers!

You know how deep that Mako needs to run, and how deep to take off?

The Haynie H.O. is a good boat from what I have seen. I've never been in one, though.

I know a few guys running the Sea Pro and they really like them as well. They hold up well in a choppy enviroment like Lake Texoma, which is where I the guys I know run them.

There are so many to choose from that will get the job done! Good luck in your search.

What do yall think of this?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/boa/581066473.html

My PF2200V w/ 200VMAX is a good all around rig. Don't go with a 150, you won't be satisfied. I ran both and the 200 is the engine MHP recommends for this boat. More power, less effort, better overall performance.

Eight.

How many hours are on that boat? Id go and look at it first and get a demo before I would even entertain the idea of a purchase.

Also, unless you plan to put a kicker on that 25, it's pointless to buy a 25 footer or larger with a single engine.


-Z-

eight,

That boat would be good for offshore, but not really in the bay. It would work for fishing the ICW, ship channels, and the jetties, too.

It is hard to find a 'do it all' boat. How much time will you spend in the bay? How much time will be spent offshore? If you would rather be offshore, then look for that style of boat. If you are like me and fish primarily in the bays, only going offshore with a nice weather window, I would think the previously mentioned boats would better suit you.

BTW- It's been a while, but I have seen that boat in person. Never stepped foot on it, but passed by it several times. From what I could see it was pretty clean.

Not to mention that 24v trolling motor he has is NOT going to cut it bay fishing. You need a 36v and nothing below that if you plan to move that pig in a stiff wind around the bay.


-Z-

Dont know if it's been mentioned, but the Mako and Kenner inshore models are the same boats now. Look at a new Mako inshore and the serial number will start with "KEN". If you dont want a liner boat, and dont care about a lot of storage, a Kenner VX rolled edge model can be a bargain, compared to the Vision series. Lighter, less fuel consumption, etc. But it isnt fancy.

Looks like a sweet deal to me

Lots of guides used Kenner VX models for lots of years.

The EuroSport is too big, too heavy, and not suited for bay use at all. The 200 will strain pushing that boat and guzzle fuel. The 24v trolling motor won't push my 23ft Marshall Intimidator very well. I have a 101lb 36v and that gets the job done. P.S. It does well in both conditions. I get 5.6 mpg at 55mph with my Evinrude E-tec 250 H.O. at 4500 rpm, however, this will run you well over $20K. I fish in Redfish Tournaments and it is perfect. It will get up in about 10in depending on the bottom. The Haynie 24 H.O. is also going to run upper 30s and is a pad hull (built for speed).

I liked the 24' Kenner and the 24' Make inshore, guess there's a reason why.

Also like the Haynie H.O. Specs say it'll get up in about 17".

Whatever boat I get will have a kicker. I have a 15 hp. The larger boats may require more.

I'm not as worried about performance as most are. Anything should be better than what I have now. 70 hp on a 20' boat. It gets up quick but is slow.

I'll probably do more offshore than bay. The main reason I want to stay with a shallower draft is so I can still run the little lakes and rivers I fished for the past 20 years before moving to Houston.

A 15hp kicker is more than enough. Most kicker engines are 9.9 hi-thrust motors, designed specifically for their applications.

That's all you really need.

Kenner's have higher than average gunwale's over many bay boats which is a plus for offshore when the seas get rough. That's why I like my buddies 1902.

Got an idea how this would do offshore? 23' Cajun

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1997-Cajun-Boats-Mastercrafter-23-91560798

No clue..

But I am not a fan of Johnson engines power packs were always the problem when we tried Johnsons.

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zeroforum?id=36

Ask the Cajun forum for their opinion.


-Z-

I have some pals that have a boat like that and they go to the jetties and offshore on select days. Those boats don't ride very DRY or smooth in rough/big water. Not the perfect rig, but it will work. imho.

I would, if I were you, stay away from the "triangle front" like the boat in the picture. I have a century 2180 and its hull is like that. I get wet all the time. It does run along pretty fast for a almost 22' with a 150 hp. just my .02

Looks like it would be hot as hell with the dark interior baking away during the summer

Lots of good information, seems easier if we would just tell you which boats to avoid. Please excuse my two cents but few to none of the boats mentioned above are considered top quality boats.They are upper middle for sure, but in buying a used boat maybe consider a top brand that will hold together longer.
Now you may not want a top quality boat and that is ok. I did not need that at first and my Trophy 1903 was just fine, had it in the gulf many times.
However once you have researched and experienced many boats it becomes clear what the differences are between the "top" boats and everyone else.
Someone mentioned MAKO, that they were a great boat. I am sure they are seaworthy and whatnot, have a good hull shape etc...BUT it is the fit and finish and solidness of ride that separate the top five manufacturers from everyone else
I looked extensively at the MAKO's sitting at Bass Pro and the $66000 price tag. I was apalled at the unorganzized wiring mess and sloppy fiberglass work and the cheapness of the fittings. Had I not studied other boats I would not have known.
All that being said: Go look at a Whaler or a Grady or a Robalo or a Triton and you will see what I mean. They are all of top quality construction down to the last bolt.
So I bought the Triton 2486, got it for less that the Mako mentioned, brand new. The solidness of ride, lack of rattling hatches, handling etc and quality fit and finish are worth it. My Triton is rock solid. Now it is a bit heavier than others because all the materials are the real thing. Brass, stainless, real glass windshield etc.
For used boat, quality is even more important. Get an older model of one of the top brands and you will love it.
Which leads me to my final point. Get anything you want because you have to start somewhere and you will then learn what you want next time.
If you are gonna fish the Gulf dont get a bay boat, go down to Houston and get your boat there, there are plenty of dealers here that can warranty service.
There are very few saltwater hulls here in DFW, Houston is full of them. I made two weekend trips to find what I wanted, at least you will learn alot. Good luck!

Hey Jeff. I sure loved the color of your old Trophy!
Honestly, Eight, Jeff makes a good point in that
no matter what you buy, once you've had it out a few times
you ARE going to find things you dont like & dont work for what you wanna do. that the learning curve. You can't possibly know
what you need until you spend time figuring out what those things actually are.
Give it due diligence, find a boat you like, that will do what you want it to, safely. put the time in, and when you're ready for the next boat ( & there will be a next boat..) You'll know
EXACTLY what you want.
tight lines
-Brian

Well spoken, Jeff.

I think, after looking back at the original post, he wanted it to float in skinny water, too. Here's my take on the subject..( for what it's worth..lol !)..:

While I know that beautiful Trophy of yours will take taller seas better than the larger bay boats, I dont think I want to be too far offshore in anything shorter than 65 feet if a 24 foot bay boat cant handle the seas. Been there, done that. Not fun. ( Zodiacs are excluded in this...I'll go nearly anywhere in a Zodiac)

So if he wants to get into skinny water and also wants to make short runs offshore, price-wise, he's probably better off with a shallower draft than most of the boats you mentioned. Of course, we'd all like a Whaler, but let's face it, they cost too much and most used ones are worn out. If I'm concerned about going offshore in a 22-24 foot bay boat on a given day, then maybe I dont need to go at all that day.

Dang, that's a pretty Trophy !

I am in Houston. Need to update my info, moved from Katy to the northwest side.

What do yall think of this one? Aquasport 215
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1998-Aquasport-215-91787466
Specs say 15" draft with engine up, 33" draft engine down. So the bottom of the engine is really 18" lower than the hull? I wonder how much it could take off in with a jack plate and trim tabs.

So I should just sell off the flat bottom and rig my 12' Avon Rover for offshore fishing? With a 10hp motor, I used to run a whole weekend on a 3 gallon tank of gas. It would fly with the 10hp too, hurt the back some when it landed though. It would be alot of fun with the 25 hp max rated engine.

I've run two Aquasports and they were both good boats. I dont know about the new ones, though. It's not going to get into skinny water, for sure, but I've been caught in a storm coming in from the Chandeluer Islands in a old 222 Aquasport. It was a rough ride, but as you can see, I made it back.

I'm not worried about what I call "skinny" water. I just want to be able to take off in 2' of water. I've got plenty of friends with shallow water boats, and another friend will likely buy my current boat.

2 feet is skinny if you are running a heavy load with something like an Aquasport Explorer. The draft figures they publish is never anything like the "real world", in my experience. You have falling tides to deal with, too.

Ditto on Kenner!

So what the deal with catamarans? Not flatscats, but the offshore type. Do they generally draft shallower than deep-v hulls? How's the ride?

I have a Nitro Bay 2200 which is the same as the Kenner's made now. Its a great boat. Can run pretty shallow and still handle going off shore or fishing the jetties, etc. Its a great all-around boat for me.

I wanna go fishing with Mr Huckleberry

My stick .......

I ended up getting a Carvel Angler 25XL this weekend. I assume the XL stands for extra long, it's 24.5' tip to transom and then has a 2' long swim platform / motor mount bracket. Front deck looks like a dance floor. I couldn't find any information about this boat on the internet. It's more of a bay style boat, doesn't look like a 25' Glacier Bay or Twin Vee. I'm going to try it out at Somerville this weekend, hopefully there's some wake surfers out.