Trying To buy a boat

Not familiar with your area, but have plenty of time on the water. First, Key West is a good solid mid level boat. Not the best, but a really good boat. Second, get the biggest motor you can find. Unless it is a pontoon boat or a displacement type hull, I don't know anyone who wishes they had less power. A 150 should be adequate for that boat. And not having a transmission, most boats get better mileage with a bigger engine. Used is the way to go unless you want custom.

As for what you are looking for, a dual console is going to be more cruising and a center console fishing. I'd look at 20-22 for 4 people comfortably. More is possible. But it gets cramped. Also bigger gets harder to trailer.
Just make sure you do a sea trial, and buy the boat for what you plan to do most.

 

I don't know much about boats but you might post the question on this boat forum I found on the web for our region:

Mid Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum

If you're going to tow it on a trailer, make sure you get a boat small enough that your current tow vehicle can handle it. Otherwise, you'll end up also buying a more powerful tow vehicle. My brother ended up buying a dually pick-up truck for his boat.

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Check Boats for Sale, New and Used Boats and Yachts - YachtWorld.com

 

The Hull Truth is a good site. Only other forum I frequent. Lots of info there.

 

Boat shows are great for trying a bunch of different models, but I'd look for a slightly used boat. Save a bundle, and easier to trade up if you decide.
And just move down here, you can use it year round

 

You posted here?.....Haha!!!!

You are making the right decision...

BTW - Come to the Annapolis Boat Show next month.

 

Ping John Lamour. He used to post on here a lot and is an avid boater.

S/N Dcup

 

You can't cruise in Bro.... They got Annapolis Harbor tied down tighter than...... well you get the idea....

 

We have a 2008 211cc that we purchased brand new in July 2008, when it was in its first body-style year. The boat has been absolutely great, we really love it. So easy to just brush down and hose out at day end. Has a small bathroom, a nice layout and gets tons of compliments from boaters in nicer more expensive boats. Ours is that blue color and we have the factory T-Top.

The boat's sides are well designed so that in medium rough water it shoots the water out to the sides to keep the riders dry. Some complain the V-hull is not deep enough for very rough water. We only go in the Long Island Sound in lower CT to Long Island and Westchester so there is no real ocean nearby. In rough water over 2.5 feet is not the greatest ride.

We have the 150hp Evinrude E-tec engine which is very torquey and adequate since it is a two stroke. It doesn't smoke or smell and never gave us 1 hiccup of trouble since new. I would not go with a 150hp 4-stroke of any type. In fact, I would not use a 4-stroke at all. If you choose to buy this boat and want 4-stroke get the 225hp which is the max the boat can handle. If you don't like Evinrude, I would consider the Yamaha HPDI two-stroke.

Any other questions, PM me.

Matt

 

Black(dark) hulls usually only look good from a distance. Will show every flaw, scratch, ding, and dirt. Also can be too hot to touch in short order on a sunny day.

Whichever color you choose, enjoy your new boat!