Hey- I'm in Wilm too, and I've got to ask if this boat belongs to the crazy
Russian on Carolina Beach Road. Carl at Carolina Discount Marine Service. He
had a Stingray for sale, and I've been out on it for the sea trial after he
repowered it. If it's the same boat, it's a good deal. I thought about
taking it myself, but it didn't really suit my typical boating needs.

As far as the difference in I/O(Inboard/Outboard) and Outboard in sal****er,
I don't think that makes a lot of difference, unless you are going to leave
her in the water full-time. But even then, salt is gonna eat either one.
Generally, a big outboard is going to be a bit more complicated piece of
machinery than an I/O motor, but it's a trade off for a bit more complicated
outdrive. either way, a boat is a money-pit most of the time, but it is
cheaper than Crack for the thrill return.

Moreover, make your choices less on the drive type, and more about the type
of boating you might do. Around here, we've got some great shallow water
opportunities, and a small outboard on a shallow draft boat will get you
places the sterndrive Stingray won't go. On the otherhand, she'll rip down
the River and ICW in more comfort and possibly style than a skiff, and if
you're pulling skiers and such, you'll have more fun. If you are looking at
offshore fishing, your gonna need a bigger boat, and a lot more money and
time. As a first boat experience, offshore isn't the brightest idea IMHO,
and it really is a quantum leap in cost.

So yeah, I wouldn't sweat the drive/salt issue much, if you are trailering
or dry-stacking it won't make any difference. And if that stingray is the
mad Russian's boat, I'd jump on it. If it isn't his, have him check it out
for you, he's a good guy, and entertaining as hell.

"bigtwinhog" wrote in message
oups.com...
Greetings, am considering a little 19ft stingray CS (2001) as starter
boat for use around NC coastline/intercoastal around Willmington. I
have avoided considering inboards focusing on outboards due to input
from all my hard core off shore fishing friends who swear by outboards,
but for a starter boat I hope to keep 1-2 years then trade up, will
this be a bad choice? Any input greatly appreciated.

Bigtwinhog