recommendations on 1st boat

#1 09-22-2006, 07:44 PM

I was referred to this site by a member on "the hull truth" website. My 2 children ages 9 & 12 have been pushing me to get a boat. I basically know nothing about boats, except charter fishing trips. I am asking for your recommendations/opinions. The boat will be used in the inter-coastal waterways near Cape May NJ + very light ocean. I really like the layout of the open console boats. Boat will be used for fishing, tubing,cruising etc. Would like to keep the boat at 20' or under, large enough??? Also very limited budget, 5k or lower. Any thoughts. Thanks.

Tom

TheTinMan · #2 09-22-2006, 08:10 PM

Welcome to the site!

Will you be trailering? What's your tow vehicle? For 5g's and under you can probably find something with older power.

Will you usually be taking the whole family on the boat? If so, you would probably be better of with the V20 or equivalent. If it's usually just you and maybe a fishin buddy or two the V18, like Stinky's, would be a great first boat.

Too bad this one's in FL (aren't they all???). Looks nice!

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/7/5/85799575.htm

Since you are new to boating., when you do find something you would like to check out, bring someone who know's boats, there's a LOT of hidden things to look for, CAVEAT EMPTOR!

Good luck on your search! :)

charlie_the_tuna · #3 09-23-2006, 08:35 PM

i have an idea... howsabout a v20?!

Mac_Attack · #4 09-23-2006, 08:42 PM

Charlie's right, can't go too far wrong with a V20. You can find a good one in your price range. Take your time and stay on this site they are always posting for sale V20s here. Billy Mac ;D

#5 09-23-2006, 11:33 PM

Guys, thanks for the suggestions. Started looking for a v20 on Ebay, noticed a 1977 CC for sale in Queensborough Maryland???for under 5k. Any thoughts???

TheTinMan · #6 09-24-2006, 03:07 AM

That's a cuddy cabin. Do you want a cuddy or center console?

reelapeelin · #7 09-24-2006, 09:12 AM

New!!...glad to see you made it over here from THT...as mentioned there, I've been doin' the same stuff you mentioned w/ a V-20 Cuddy Cabin since '99...family luvs this boat and it converts to a fishin' boat in short order...I got 5 good years of service from the '86 Evinrude that was on it when I got it...that motor gave it up in '04 and I repowered...

Will you be trailering much?...keep that in mind when lookin'...

I got "the hots'' and bought mine B4 finding out about the whole V-20 story...luv my boat, but wish I'd held out for '80 or newer due to added flotation in the hull and 25'' transom...

These are GREAT boats, but don't "fall in love" w/ one til AFTER you by it...look it over closely,,, post all info you can about it here and PICTURES here are always helpful (helps us to help you)... :D ...

Have you looked thru our Gallery...have plenty of time when you open it!!...talk about information OVERLOAD ;) ...

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums.php

Have fun!! 8) ...

shicks007 · #8 09-24-2006, 09:37 AM

Welcome aboard,

The V-20 I own now is my first boat, no regrets. I know for a fact if you take your time you can find a nice one in your price range. I agree with RAP, if I had to do it over again I might look at something a little newer, Mine is a 76'.

macojoe · #9 09-24-2006, 01:08 PM

I have a 75 and I love the boat also!!

But what did you expect coming to a wellcraft V20 site?

As said before take your time and look real good before buying!!

Do you need a turn key boat?? Are you handi with anything? Can you work on motors? Do you need a I/O or O/B?

There are a lot of V20's around for short money, but will need work!

Power is what I think is the most important thing! Fiberglass can be fixed, But you can get the best boat in the world, but if that motor don't purr you not moving!!

You can and will work on a boat for years making repairs and improvements, but you need good power to use in between.

A new 150 hp which I belive to be the mimum for this boat is quickly getting near $10,000

Good Luck in your search!! Aks all you can before buying!! Ask us, ask ask ask!!!

#10 09-24-2006, 11:13 PM

Hey Tin Man, the boat I was referring to was the one just posted by skoolsout. The boat is located somewhere in Maryland. As for the subject of trailering/docking, there are 3 marinas within 1 mile of where I spend weekends during the summer, there is also a municipal boat ramp within 4 miles. With regards to the marinas; while admiring all of the boats this past summer, they looked rather booked up, I'm not sure if they can accomodate me next year. I thought I would prefer docking the boat for convenience sake but again I'm new at this and I am not sure of the pros & cons.
While thinking about the trailer issue, 90% of the time I will be delivering my boat to the ramp because my wife doesn't have a drivers license and my children are much to young to assist me. But what's funny about the license is she agreed to take the USCG Safety boaters course so she could drive the boat... go figure. Again, I appreciate all of your suggestions.