Lurch..

I'm pretty much in the same "boat" as you (pardon the pun) -- we have been
looking around for a first-time boat, too. After renting a couple down in
the Patuxent River area of the Bay (around Solomon's Island in Maryland),
I've come to the conclusion that what works for me is a 17-19foot center
console-type boat with a 90+/-HP outboard. I plan on spending most of my
time around the rivers of the Bay and nearer the shore, not crossing the
Bay -- so 17'-19' is about right for us. Plus, I'd like it to be easily
trailerable, too. If you wanted to spend time in a small-to-moderate chop
in the Chesapeake, you'd want to be over 21'. Just be careful about getting
caught in the middle of the Bay when a storm comes up!!!!

Be careful about the Susquehanna -- it is full of rocks, even at its highest
(like this summer). You don't want to roll over them in a fiberglass hull,
or you'll wind up with holes and cracks!! A pontoon boat or metal hull boat
on the Susquehanna up near Harrisburg/West Shore would be a good thing.

Good luck!!

--
Marty S.
Baltimore, MD USA


"Lurch" Lurch3ATTcomcastDDOTTnet wrote in message
...
Greetings All!

I have just returned from a trip to Seattle with my family. We had a
wonderful time fishing and crabbing on the Peuget Sound with my West Coast
relatives (our first time). We have decided to sell one of our
motorcycles
and buy a boat. I live in Harrisburg, PA would like a boat to do the
following:

- Play (tube/wakeboard/hang out) in the river at the local boat launch
(approx 5+ feet of water)
- Be able to withstand the Chesapeake bay for crabbing/fishing.
- capacity of 5 people (mostly just 3, but 5 on occasion) in mild chop.
- User friendly (first boat)
- under 15,000 USD

I spent some time in the Navy, so I am familiar enough with the water to
know I need to learn more. I/We plan on taking the local boating course
available before our purchase. I have no experience with the bay, just
that
we had a great time in Seattle.

At this point, we are considering a Boston Whaler 150 sport. I found a
new
one locally for 12k with bimini top, comfort package, trailer, and
standard
2 stroke Merc outboard. This seems to fit the bill, but we have no
experience and don't want to be led astray by an overzealous salesman.

What I am looking for is alternate options, and anything I should be aware
of as a neophite boater. Any links to info would also be welcome.

Thanks Everyone!

Best,

John
Harrisburg, PA