BigBendFishing.Net

Well, guys, my '86 Bayliner Trophy and its motor may be gone. The boat sank almost to the bow last week after the bilge pump went out and the night skies opened up. The Suzuki mechanic says the motor seized up and the electronics are fried. But I may get a second opinion.

So we're starting to look at used boat/motor/trailers. Or I should say we started with new ones until we saw some of the prices.
Any recommendations out there will be appreciated. I'm pretty much a center console guy, 17 to 19 feet. I like a deep-enough V to go a little offshore on good days. But I wouldn't mind a draft shallow enough to get me further back in the bays.

I've seen and heard good things about Cape Horn, Key West and Triumph, and some of it wasn't even from the dealer.

With all the used how about a $$$ range.

$10,000 to $15,000 might be OK. Under $10,000 would be better.
That's for boat, motor, trailer.

Try the FS for sale section, lots of boats in your range.

http://auctions.floridasportsman.com/cgi-bin/buy.pl

Yep, and this one sure looks sweet
http://auctions.floridasportsman.com/cg ... 1118082377

PCB,

Have you considered repowering and a good clean up.

New moter for $5,000 ?

Uncle dave

Yep, that Stratos is indeed sweet, even though I've never really been much of a flats boater. The other FS listings look good, too. How do you tell where they are, other than ZIP code? I'll have to get a log-in and check it out.

As for repowering, Uncle Dave, we could do that. The Bayliner takes on water, though, even after some fiberglass fixes. Some say it's the low transom -- the guy who helped me raise it said the early Trophies are built to sink instead of float. While I'm in the market, I might as well be in for something that won't get my feet wet in the wintertime.

In most cases when you click on the zip you get a new screen telling what city it is.

Ah, now I see. Thanks.

Take a look at the Kenner. I bought a 21' VX last year used (2002) for $16,000 I love it! It is great on the flats and handles off-shore very well. I don't go out in greater than 2-3's though.

I have had proline type folks on my Kenner and they say it is one of the dryest boats offshore they have been on.

The Kenner looks like both worlds -- deep sharp V in front, shallow for flats in back. Interesting ...

http://www.boattraderonline.com/caddeta ... 022593.htm

I second the Kenner vote , they are good all around boats. Checkout new rigs they can be had in your price range.

You can search Boat Trader Online for your desired model and price. I would recommend a used (if you can find one) Cape Horn 17' Offshore. You can fish the flats occassionally but it is great offshore in 2-3s. The offshore series are not as wet boats.

Just read my reply from yesterday. The Cape Horn 17' is equally comfortable on the flats or offshore in 2 to 3s....do not know why I said flats occasionally.....the 17 Offshore only draws 8" of water...of course the outboard draws a bit more.

Bluewave is another good one to look at......