best boat question

[CRC2020]

Originally Posted by Compression

23-26 foot Hurricane deck boat should do you nicely.

A dealer in Cape Coral has been selling them new for over a decade. They're all over the place. Typically with a 200ish hp Yamaha.

I've worked on quite a few over the years, they're decent quality, and there's enough of them locally, you should be able to source a good used one when you're ready. It's a decent all around utility that should do everything you need it to do.

Just my humble opinion.


CN

Been taking a good look at these over the past week or two. They are very nice. Started with Hurricane, then Tahoe and then Starcraft (looked briefly at Bayliner). I like the options and pricing for the Starcraft and Tahoe. Now one brand (don't remember which) has a modified deep V hull underneath for better offshore performance, but probably with a bit deeper draft.

While I prefer the look and stability of the Power Cats, the deck boat prices are quite attractive. Especially on the used market for recent model years. And I really don't plan to fish offshore that much. Plenty of fishing in the 'sheltered' waters.

Lots of videos on Youtube comparing the top major deck boat brands...

[broadwayBooglaoo]

Bayliner is garbage except a few models (older) over 40

[Luvboats]

I've owned a 24' and a 26' Hurricane ….both are great deck boats but they slap the crap out of anyone sitting up front if there is even moderate chop.My wife hated them for that reason.
My 24 Tritoon cuts through that same chop very smoothly.
Before you buy anything...….test drive it in some choppy water.
Women ,especially, don't like to get bounced around out there

[562026]

Originally Posted by zazzyhippie

Those boats can't handle the Bay- flats ok

Originally Posted by JimKrowe

my experience in only with SR's but cats are stable in most parts of the gulf for sure

Originally Posted by broadwayBooglaoo

Bayliner is garbage except a few models (older) over 40

FYI, all of the above posts were made by the same troll using different screen names. Ignore the negativity and please don't feed the trolls!

[zazzyhippie]

I had a Bayliner and it was a piece of junk as well. Sea Ray is a great all-around boat.

[zoeyi]

Random is also the start of a yacht

[nhkev]

I've had a Hurricane 23' with a 250hp for quite awhile. Personally I prefered my center console for fishing but my wife hated it because she said it was comfortable for the driver but not anyone else. When I go on my friends center consoles I have to concur. Times when I don't get the coveted capt chair they can be uncomfortable. the Hurricane is like a floating living room. I take it out on the Atlantic ocean up to 3 foot waves comfortably but it doesn't handle much more than that because it doesn't cut through the waves it tends to ride up them and slap down. I have never had an issue on the gulf side. For fishing it is still very good. It holds 11 fishing rods, has a livewell, has a nice fishing platform, plenty of room for coolers, still has a head in a console, shallow water anchor (power pole)and maybe the biggest plus is the bimini top. so for me it is kinda the best of both worlds. I would rather have a 26' Center console Key west 263 or a Sea Hunt Gamefish but I'd be looking at 90k to buy one of those around 4 years old so I'll stick with mine for a bit.