New Boat Advice??

[pjard]

Last year I bought a new 24' Berkshire STS series RFC 231 (check out their web site). I looked long and hard for a good fishing and just cruising/pleasure boat. I wanted a boat where the fishing didn't interfere with the cruising and vice versa. I liked this one the best. It really is like two different boats. Premier was a close second so I second talking to Winnisquam Marine. With regards to handling the broads, I put 230 hours on the boat last year without any issues even on the worst windy summer Saturdays....except for that Sophie C and Doris E....man they leave a wake...LOL! Anyway, if you're going to Boston this week stop by Irwin Marine and ask for Raj...tell him Paul sent you. I'm going on Friday so I haven't been yet but I think Irwin is in the SeaRay booth and Berkshire booth.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

I love my Harris 24' tritoon. We can travel anywhere on the lake without any problems, even on those rough days.

[jrc]

I spent four years at Samoset with a 26 foot searay bow rider. It was a good fit for Samoset. Pretty much the biggest you can have with 8.5 foot beam. Really if you go smaller you will move up eventually, so save the loss of a trade-in.

A lot of people had the 240 deckboat, it also was a good fit. I have not shopped for boats in a few years so I don't know if they still make similar models.

The unique combination of Samoset is mooring balls and waves from the broads. Samoset mooring balls demand an open bow, you really don't want to try and pick up one with a closed bow. When I was there the mooring had no painters.

But the big, broads waves suggest a closed bow. So a trade off needs to be made. I enjoy many more days of boating since leaving Samoset. Mooring in a breaking surf is not a fun end to a day of boating.

[SeaDog]

Just a quick thank you for these replies and thoughts on the boats. Very helpful and very valuable. I checked back in hoping for two or three responses and was pleasantly surprised by the quick response. Much appreciated! I am looking forward to visiting the show on Friday I think and welcome all these views in my decision-making process.

I definitely need to look closer at the pontoons and tritoons. I never really considered them because I think I had a naive view of them, being slower cruising boats that take a long time to get places, awkward maneuvering with their rectangular shape, and getting swamped on a mooring on the broads. But, not only from these replies but also from many many messages on the forum here, I am coming to realize that perception may be very very wrong. So... more homework for me going forward. =)

Thanks again for the feedback and advice! And thanks, in advance, for any advice yet to come!

[NHskier]

I would second the recommendation to consider a used boat. You can either save considerable $$ or get much more for your dollar, sometimes both.

Most of the marinas on the lake have used boats taken in trade or on consignment, and you can see what they have available on their websites. The best situation is where the dealer originally sold the boat and has done all the service and storage work, and therefore has all the records available. We've bought two such boats and have been very satisfied. Our most recent was a 2002 with less than 200 hours on the engine, purchased in 2014. One owner, all history and records available, and the dealer knew the boat inside-out because they'd originally sold it (and others of the same model).

Consider a marine inspection - well worth the money. Stick with high quality brands - you'll find many recommendations here on the forum. (Bayliner is typically considered an entry level make. Similar brands do not always hold up as well over time, so more of a consideration when buying used.)

Fall is a good time for used boats but I would think there can be some deals mid-winter too. Of course you should water test, so have to be able to work with a seller to hold for that. It'll be a bit before that can happen.

Good luck with the hunt!

[Descant]

I think I recall from another thread here that the 24' Sea Ray Deck Boat is about the most popular boat on the lake. There's no question Irwin Marine and Sea Ray have great reputations. I understand the appeal of the open bow for mooring, spreading out the guests, etc. Personally, as an island resident, I prefer the closed bow for rough water. It also gives a cuddy cabin for safe storage of equipment, out of sight when you are at public docks. Nice to be able to leave some extra jackets or whatever on board so you don't have to load and unload every time you go out. If you are financing, the cuddy may make sense since sleeping quarters and a head make the loan interest tax deductible as a "second home". If your boat is exposed to the weather a lot, I'd look for a model that doesn't have a lot of upholstery on the sides of the cockpit or decks. It's easy to reupholster seats. Not so easy to do all those trim panels that are subject to more wear and tear than you might expect. If you fish, nothing with carpet, or at least snap in carpets. It's a lot easier to wash and mop than it is to vacuum. Same applies if you like to picnic and spill food when a wave hits.
I've had a lot of boats, but never a 'toon. However, they're getting to be very popular, so they certainly deserve a look.

[SAB1]

I think you need to establish a price range for people to help. All good ideas above but until people see how much money you want to spend, not much they can do. As above the deeper the "v" the better it will cut the water. If you buy used do your best to stay out of boats that have been in the salt water. I would head to the boat show for sure and look at what you want. Everything will be there and you cut down your running around time this spring by going there and establishing whAt you like. If you can't afford new you will know what you are looking for used.

[Closetzguy]

Last year was my first year on the lake so I feel your pain with boat choices. I ended up with a used SeaRay 230. My wife is a bit nervous on the water so anything smaller would have been asking for trouble or lots of lonely rides! (Hey, maybe I should have gone with the 17')

I have plenty of room for guest, ample power for towing and zipping across the broads, and because it is older; I don't get too worried about putting the first scratch on it while docking, etc.

Agree with SAB1, we need your budget to better advise! Good luck!

[Dad sold the C * C]

I would strongly recommend renting a Tri-toon. I had been out of boating a number of years and had similar thoughts about Pontoon boats.
A few years ago I took a Tri-toon for a test drive at Winnisquam Marine's "in-water demo day"; since then they have been my boat of choice when on vacation. So far I'm still renting when I want a boat, it works for us right now.

If your boating days are limited I would think about renting for a year and see what's out there now. Happy hunting!

[Leoskeys]

Go 24' or larger if you want to boat on Saturday!