After many years and since moving back to Tx, instead of a charter every so often, I've thought seriously about getting back into it again. I grew up on the Tx/La border on the coast and I can't believe how things have changed. Everything from limits to the boats. When I was younger you didn't have to go as far or as fast. The center console didn't even exist in its present form, and there were even still a number of wooden cruisers with gasoline inboards still fishing like you still see on the Florida Panhandle. The name of the game seems to be the center console with outboards. Speed to get you out there, speed to get you out of the weather, speed to pop from spot to spot and speed to get you home. And the boat prices are now out of this world.

Here is what I have thought. Optimal boat size of 25 to 28 feet will get you to where you need to go and do so in relative safety. You can also trailer it, move it when you want and store it remotely. I've thought about a number of models but because of expense I'd think I'll go with a used hull and just strip it, repaint and redo what I need done as well as replace the outboards. I figure something like a Grady, Mako, or Contender hull
Do I go four cycle or two? What about the Cats? No many used ones out there from I can see? Lastly what about some of the Panga hulls? Stripped down for fishing they can get relatively cheap. Do parternships in boats work out?

Are you only going to run on smooth days or all the time? Putting dual new outboards is crazy expensive for a boat that big. Add in the cost of new controls and it's really crazy. If you're looking at the cats, I like the Glacier Bays with a 150 at each corner. The best place to buy a used one is in Southern California. Have it surveyed and shipped. Or take a trip and drag it home. If you're like me and you fish in all types of weather and sea conditions then you may want to consider something with a little more cabin. I have a 26' Striper walk around, not very many in Texas, and I love it. I can fish 6 on the back deck in comfort and if it's smooth enough a couple guys up front. The wife and dog like the heated cuddy for getting out of the weather and this time of year I like the heated helm. I have the 5.7l inboard and at cruising speed, 26 mph, I'm burning 11 gallons an hour. At 40 mph I'm only getting about 1.4 mpg. Speed costs not only in the horse power needed to get there but the fuel used. Don't forget about electronics either. $5k is not a lot to spend on those. Just my observations,
Joe

Nah, I'll be pretty much a fair weather fisherman. I do like the Stripers. You can always get some resale on the engines and I've got some Mexicans who'll do the rest. The idea of an inboard outboard is interesing though.

Hey Quartier, Go 4 stroke all the way. They are more fuel effecient and the added weight is not a big deal on big offshore CC's.

There's lots of good used hulls out there. The ones you mentioned all great. I've had experience on both mono hulls and cats.

If you're planning to run to the floaters then something over 27' would be ideal. Twin engines with lots of fuel capacity. Monos are typically faster than cats but cats give you a really nice ride. The other benefit is that they don't pitch and roll as much drifting or tied off.

Or if you are interested in something affordable I have a 27 foot Chris Craft Commander I will be putting back up for sale in the spring. Twin Chevy 307's. Handles great in lakes or offshore (I've done both in it). Has its own custom built goose neck and is as good on the road as on the water. If you are interested shoot me a pm about mid March. I would be glad to take anyone interested in buying it for a day of fun on Possum Kingdom (beer, fishing, beer, relaxing, beer, getting dragged behind the boat on a tube or wake board, and more beer unless you dont drink (then you can drive)) But really it is a great boat I will hate to sell it. I upgraded and the wife is making me sell it. They say the two best days of a boat owners life is the day he buys the boat and the day he sells it. The day I sell it will be a sad day for me.