Boating for fun, work or fishing

Yes, those are good. Way better than the crap we used to have to use.

I'm helping her with links of what to buy. I added those to her list.

That can't be any bigger than 18 awg, from the looks of it, right?

 

I’d say... especially signal wires from the transducer

 

Anytime! Wish I could be of more help. Just out of curiosity.... what kind/model fish finder are you hooking up?

 

Just got a new to me 2011 Monterey 214fs sport boat! Dealer was real fair with my trade in and negotiation! Couldn't be more happy with the boats performance!

 

Where’s the pictures?!!!!!

 

Coming soon. Planing on getting out this week end. Will post some pics then...

 

This is one of the tugs I sailed on in my Tug Boat days. A funny engine aboard for sure; and old Fair Banks Morse that required half an hour to start, and about 50 things to do before and after, and all in perfect lock step!

My career path was kind of strange. I first worked for the railroad, then because tug boats mostly use locomotive engines, I became an engineer aboard tugs, then when I learned I did not have web feet, I moved on to building US Navy Destroyers at a shipyard where I ultimately retired. Kind of a strange path, but it makes sense because of the equipment that was shared.

 

That's great!!!

it's wires. we don't need pictures. As long as it works, we're good.

 

Im thinking about buying a boat..


Wife doesnt know it yet.


Nothing older then 20-24 years old, nothing smaller then a 5.3L V8, also nothing shorter then 20'.
Must be a bow rider, no cuddy cabins or mid cabins.


I cant imagine a 18 footer with a V6 and 8-10 people...
See alot of those for sale.


Specifically looking at mariah's, caravelles, crownlines, cobalts, glastrons, ebbtides, or even a clean baja.

 

I’ve always had outboards here so cant help much on the inboard topic. As far as length I’ve got an 18’ fish and ski currently with a 4cylinder 115 four stroke and let’s say 3 people fishing and 4 people just cruising is plenty!

 

A lot of boats that are I/O's are v6 at best ( 4.3) that are in that range. However a boatload are 3.0 i4's. Some will be smaller v8's like the 5.0, but unless you go with a competition ski boat, you'll have a hard time finding a 5.7 or 5.8 or larger. You won't find any 5.3 in a boat. Well, not factory. What price range are you looking for, and are you set on an I/O, or an inboard, or how about a bigger outbound? I know someone who may be selling their 18' baja with a built up Merc v6, 200 hp.

Boats are a whole different animal compared to cars and trucks. If you want a boat that'll do 70, it's going to cost a lot.

 

Good luck on the boat search. 20' is the way to go. I'm on my second bow rider 1st was a 1999 larson 206, and recently upgraded to a 2010 Monterey 214FS. I wouldn't rule out either brand. Most boats in that size will come with a 5.0, but a few have the 5.7. Stay with a Volvo penta, or Merc brovo, I've had both and have no preference, both are very reliable. Definitely look for a boat the "U" shaped seating for the back bench seat otherwise you basically have the same seating and storage as a 18' boat. An extended swim deck and bolster seats are a big plus!

If you look enough and are patient you should be able to find a well cared for low hour boat. For a used boat make sure the vinal on the seats is in good shape, no rips, and seams are not pulling apart, the seating is expensive to repair, and when the seams start to stretch there is not an easy fix. Also make sure all of the fiberglass is solid, no cracking or soft spots in the floor. Check with maintenance records and make sure the boat has been professionally winterized every year. Of course make sure the owner or dealer will let you throughly test drive the boat before any money changes hands!

What are you intending to use the boat for? Crushing? Sking? Tubing?

Have fun, good luck, and post pics..,