On 23 Feb 2005 05:12:28 -0800, "Ed" wrote:

Im looking to purchasing a fishing boat this summer. I want one that is
large enough to take out in the sound/bays to fish for sal****er fish.
I would like any thoughts/opinions on how old of a boat I should be
looking at, what motors I should stay away from and what size would be
best for this and any advice you might have. This will be my first
sal****er boat, i have had a 16ft bass tracker before.

Good question.

First of all, where do you live? If you are in the Northeast and/or
Northwest environs I wouldn't recommend a bay boat for your first
venture into salt water.

Second, are you after exotic species or just those who are popular to
chase in your area? Salt water fishing isn't like bass fishing. You
can specialize in certain species, but it's morer betterer fun if you
spread out your species list and chase a broad panoply of fish. It's
one thing to chase a fish three miles off shore than 10 miles off
shore.

Size is subjective. Can you trailer a fiberglass boat of 23 feet
comfortably? How much boat can you tow? Do you even want to tow or
perhaps slip the boat near where you want to fish.

Other considerations are I/O vs Outboards, diesel vs gas, range and
versatility - how many types of fish, what kind (trolling, casting,
both) downriggers - all are considerations.

Once you narrow all that down, then talking types, models and what not
is necessary.

As to used vs new, the used market is flooded at the moment and if you
are patient, you can pick a very nice boat for decent money. As an
example, I have a 2000 Ranger 200 C Sportfisherman (20 foot bay boat)
that I'm selling so I can purchase a Carolina styled 20 foot boat. I'm
selling a high retail boat ($22K) at low retail price ($18.5K).

So once you develop what it is you want to do, then you can define
what it is you wish to purchase.

As always, we're here to help.

Good luck.

Later,

Tom