Fuel burn, 248 Coastal

[willy]

Well the weather turned to crap and thunderstorms were popping all around. We decided not to take the 50 minute tow to the coast. Ran the boat on the combo muff and direct hose attachmnet it has for the engine. Ran it thru all rpms and had it running for about 30 minutes. Never skipped a beat. It needs and oil change and a couple of minor dress up issues attended to but it looks real nice. The full curtains will need some re-stiching at the end of this season and it needs a full set of new zincs put on.
This is the cleanest big Welli I have ever seen. The outdrive engages good with a little clunk and it is a little vague when you come out of gear, into neutral.
The trailer is brand new with disk brakes on all four wheels, has only been dunked once in its short life. The electronics are brand new and the top of the line large screen Lowrance with thru hull transducer and external antennae on top of the hard top. New VHF also.
I like it a lot but am in a big quandry with myself right now, this is a big boat. I don't know if I can afford to run around a 11-14 gallon per hour boat and am afraid if the gas gets much more expensive I won't be able to afford it at all. Plus with the huge nice teak swim platform on the back and the bow sprit I will put on for anchoring the overall length will be about 31 feet. Up here at 105-120 a foot for a slip it will be pricey every year to keep her in one.
Love it though.
Any thoughts from you guys that are running a big boy like this or have run one.

[Seacrets]

Go for it. You don't have to go far and burn alot of fuel to enjoy the water. Once in the marina, you will meet others and you can double up on some trips (take your boat one day, their's the next trip). Don't kick youself later because you didn't give it a try. I fished for years on a 248 Sportsman and you'll really like the ride.

[Blue_Runner]

Willy, my vote is for you to buy a V21

[charlie_the_tuna]

do it.

do it now.

[willy]

CTT that was brief and very authorative, Blue I would if I could find one in decent shape, that has not been the case after three months of looking.

[macojoe]

We as we all no I have moved up also, Its a 23 footer with a outboard. Its a bigger boat, the ride is awesome!! The gas isn't much more then what I had with the V20, and I am so much more comfy!!
I have no regrets!!

Willy I fished on one of them more the a few times, and the ride is nice you will love it! Being a I/O the gas is not going to be all that different from running a outboard on the V20!
You will be so much more comfy with you back and stuff and the CO can get comfy down below when she has had plenty of sun.
When the wind picks up and th water starts to get nasty you will have the boat to gt home!!

Draw backs are, slip fees and paying gas at the mariner, I/O's are more maintance IMO, and trailering a rig that size is not fun. but if you are just doing it a couple of times a year then you should be fine.

Good Luck!!