I'm looking for my first boat. I plan to buy a used boat. Intended use:

Multi purpose saltwater (bays, flats - not deep sea or far from eyesight of land) or freshwater lakes.

Would like 14-16 ft w/center console. Seating for 4 (fun rides only), would only plan to fish with 2 people in boat. I realize that it might be hard to find a 14 footer with a CC.

Looking to spend $3,000 to $5,000 and don't mind putting a little work into doing some repairs (boat, trailer, motor). I don't know if this is a realistic budget, but after a little searching on the 'net, it appears that you can get a decent used boat/trailer/motor combo in this price range.

Any recommendations on type of boat (flat bottom, v hull, modifed V, etc.) or anything I else i should consider?

Green Horn with fising feever.

Out....

my suggestion would be to not settle for the first boat that falls in your price range--be sure you can live with it and be sure you are willing and able to spend the hours and $$ necessary to make it work--and be honest about how many of each will be needed to make it something you'll use.

Go to www.traderonline.com and start looking around for a "center console" . This is the same folks that have the Boat Trader and Car Trader magazines. I purchased my boat from this site. You can search by state or region. Good luck. BE SURE to have a certified mechanic check the motor before you buy it.