I’m looking for a reality check from people with more boating/offshore experience. Last year, I went out with my buddy 5 times and this ignited a greater itch for a boat, and even before that, I knew I wanted a boat sometime in my life as it's one of my main goals.
I’m in my early 20s and want to get into a center console in the 18–23’ range that I can tow with a Tacoma (no slip - would be trailering and storing at a friend’s place).
What I’m looking for:
- Open layout, flat deck, no forward seating (maximize fishable space)
- Simple, deep V solid hull (older Seacraft, Whaler, Mako, etc
- Something I can realistically maintain myself (I work on small Kawasaki engines sometimes)
- Bracket for my outboard engine to have some extra space inside the boat.
- Engine make/model/year???
Uses
- Mostly inshore + nearshore fishing in Massachusetts for stripers, albacore, fluke, etc., and eventually tuna
- Regular runs at 5–10 miles out
- On ideal weather days, I’d like to have the opportunity to run farther (not routine, just knowing the boat can handle it) up to 50miles to be safe, but more towards the 30-mile mark one-way.
Timeline and Budget:
- Roughly $15k–$25k for the boat to start, and I am planning at least two years out
Where I need honest advice?
- Is that budget realistic for something safe/reliable?
- For those running similar boats, what’s a realistic offshore range you’re comfortable with?
- Is something like an older Seacraft/Mako/Maycraft actually a good idea, or more of a money pit unless you’re fully committed to restoration, something which I cannot restore myself but would have to pay a lot for a shop restoration project?