You might try this guy up in OK. They will be cheaper than the metroplex. Quoted me a Crestliner 16 Storm with a Mercury 30 ELPT 4stroke for $11,995. Might be a [censored] boat ( I haven't looked at it yet) but you can probably afford it.

Randy Nichols, President
Nichols Marine
2208 S Main
McAlester, OK 74501
Phone 918-423-8848
Fax 918-423-8010
E-mail:nicholsmarine@allegiance.tv

IMHO, i would look for a boat a few years older rather than a small newer one. You'll be happier with at least a 20ft center console if you plan on fishing big water for the white fish anything smaller and you'll get blown away on all but the calmest days. If you could find maybe a 2000-2005 baystealth or maybe kenner or fish master those are good. But here is the most important advice:

Take whatever boat you find to a qualified mechanic and pay the $100 for them to look at it before you buy. Boats have too many problems to buy without taking it to somebody that knows what they're looking at.

I know many people that have bought boats and they rode find during the test drive only to find out a week or two later that the block is cracked or something else major is broke. The $100 for the mechanic overlook will be the best money youve ever spent. I promise!

Good advice!!

I have a 19' crestliner deep V (owned for 10 years) and I love it! It does great in rough water. I fish Texoma a lot and always feel safe.

Personally I think you need 2 boats, I have yet to convince my wife of this but....You need a decent size CC for open water fishing. I bought a SeaPro 19ft with 50hrs on it for $12k and you also need a jon for creek/river fishing. I want a 1448 jon with about a 20hp tiller.

20-22ft center consoles are nice for that type of fishing. That mako will be underpowered with a 25. Buy as much boat as you can on your budget and +1 on having a mechanic go through it with a fine toothed comb. Look up north for a boat that hasnt seen salt water and typically will have less hours on the motor if its somewhere you cant fish in winter. Jist make sure its been winterized properly and well cared for. You cant really go wrong with a center console, they are safe, versatile and IMHO very good looking boats. Boston Whalers are my favorite due to the fact that they are unsinkable and hold their resale very well. I wouldnt hesitate to buy one from the 80's with a fresh repower. The outrage and the dauntless models are some of the nicest, but you may have a tougher time finding one around here. Lots of guys on hubbard fish out of sea fox boats, they seem to like them enough too. Good luck and whaterver you get, enjoy it!

Great advice Bombay. I did that very thing on my 2007. Well worth the money!

If you're going to be fishing average to bigger than average size lakes, I suggest a motor behind whatever boat you choose that can get you across the lake relatively quickly. This can be very good to get out of bad weather or high winds. At least 90HP.

Thanks all to who responded to this post... it has been very helpful. I don't think I will go with the skiff even though it is real cool looking. I really like the Kenner! Very cool boat! Only I can't find a website for their company or a dealer for this boat.

Anyway... the search continues. Just waiting for that tax refund check to arrive so I can put a down payment on something.

Call Luke up at Fish and Ski marine on Ray Roberts. They always have good deals on buses boats or maybe they can get you into a new one for cheaper than you think.

Luke Musick (940) 597-9538

I come from East Tennessee and Georgia and the boat requirements are much different here. I have a 17' deep v aluminium. It handles big water very well, it is very wide and stable. It is powered with a 90hp 4 stroke and will hit 40 at top speed. If I was going to buy a boat now I would go with a 22' center console. Power it with a 250hp or better. These boats are versitle, fast, roomy and easy to launch and load.

Thanks Paul!

Thanks Paul

I am 50 and have been running a boat of some kind since I was 15. My brother used to have to pull the boat to the lake for us. I have owned new ones, used ones, and even bought one back I sold to someone else.
I have three now.

1. Buy what you can afford and maintain. You have to take care of it and buy fuel. Trailers need tires and wheel bearings. It all adds up.

2.Don't buy a boat that is powered on the low end. If its rated for a 150 a 115 might work but I doubt you will stay happy with that. Max HP on boats is what normally makes me happy. I am not a speeed demon its just nice to have the power when you need it.
3.If you buy a Pontoon boat make sure it has the highest rated engine the USCG allows. Nothing like trying to load a pontoon in a stiff cross wind with a 35 Johnson!

4. Consider your wife if you have one and consider your needs.
My wife does not care what my three boats are as long I dont insist that she rides in one. She will get in the century in the summer and ride to the beach for some sunshine and cocktails.

5. You have to pull it to the lake, load it before you go etc.
I love my 21 Century. Its big, safe, and has a 200 Yamaha on it. Best boat I ever owned.
I hate my Century because its big, hard to tow,hard to crawl in and out of on dry land,and alot to clean. The trailer has four tires, two axles,four wheel bearings and one set of brakes.

I love my 19 Hydrasport. Its easy to pull to the lake and move around in the pasture. Its easy to clean and catches fish.The trailer has two tires, two wheel bearings and no brakes.
I hate my HydraSport because the engine is only a 115,and its a wet ride.

Your not going to find the perfect ride, but you can with some thought, find one you can live with.

I forgot to add that I have fallen out of my Century on dry land twice.
Buy one you can fall out of and not get hurt! If your old go for somthing low and slow!