Best "Bang for your Buck" boats
 

The reason for this thread is to see some different opinions on what other things people think about before purchasing a boat. I will be buying very very soon and I want to make sure I make a good purchase that I wont regret later on.

First off, This is kinda what I'm looking for in a bay boat. I want a 22' boat (fiberglass), that handles well in chop and has a pretty dry ride. I would love to get the new VMAX SHO, but will probably end up with a yamaha 4 stroke 225-250 range. I have my eye on a few types of boat, but this is where it gets tricky for me. I definitely want to get the most boat for the money I spend. I am looking at a few Shearwater and Pathfinder boats, but I have seen a few Blazer bays and Nautic stars where I could get "more boat" for less money. Obviously since the Shearwaters and Pathfinders are more expensive boat. Is this more of a status symbol thing or are these boats really that much of a better boat? What do you guys think are the best bang for your buck boats out there?

I am more interested in what you guys think in the boat and motor aspect. I will add on accessories as need if the boat I buy doesnt have it. Hope to get alot of imput, so I make sure I make the most informative purchase as I can. I havent ridden in every brand of boat out there, so I figure I can get some good input from guys that have. I also will not purchase anything till after the Boat show in New Orleans in March.

Pathfinder is wet.... Not worth the money.
Shearwater is nice.... Like u said " status symbol"
Blackjack is great!! Highly recommend riding n one!

what are you going to be doing with the boat 80% of the time? budget in mind?

shallow? gulf?

I really like my Blue Wave I have yet to get wet in it and been in some pretty ruff water and it handles nicely in the chop. I haven't had the privilege to ride in many boats but the Blackjacks look super nice as well as the shearwaters, if I had the money I would have a blackjack.

Also just a piece of advice the Yamaha shop here stopped their line of Blazer Bay boats and they are looking into getting another fiberglass boat to carry in the near future, that in my opinion can't say much good about them but who knows

Mostly fishing bays and shallow water, occasionally I would like to be able to go a few miles offshore on calm days. Budget is between 25-30k, but may go over if the I need. I know its kinda broad, but hopefully not out of reason.

80% chasing specs and reds in the bays, but I would like versatility to fish on both sides of the state.

Also I forgot to mention I will most likely buy used, but not very used.

I wonder what the reason is??? I've fished out of a Blazer Bay and it seemed to be a nice boat. Fish-ablity was great! I will see if I can find something on this.

Boy do I have a deal for you!!!! I had an offer of 20,700 earlier......but cause I like you, ill give it to you for 20 even!!!!

:shaking:

I have been out in a 22' Pathfinder many times.......and don't remember getting wet.

Maybe if there was a strong wind from the side......but that is true for most boats.

Haynie is one of the Best boats for your money.... You can find other 22ft or 21ft boats cheaper but with less motor...

You should look into them........ Also a lifetime warranty on hull. so you never have to worry about it....

new you will be in the mid 30;s

A few thoughts:

The Blackjack is a fine ride and Metro Boating is the largest dealer in the country for them. Check with George Haydel - good people there. Yamaha /Merc dealership.

Also, the old SeaPro design, now Triton Bay Explorer line, is an excellent performer http://www.tritonboats.com/boat/336.aspx

Call the guys at LMC in Houston - they are the largest Triton dealer in the country and also a Haynie dealer. David and Jeff and the LMC team are very good to deal with too - Yamaha / Merc dealer. http://www.lmcboats.com/

The motor technology is very good today and hard to go wrong. I ran V6 Mercs with nearly zero issues (one motor had coil issues) from 1979 through 2010 - my last two motors have been the 250 SHO and flawless so far.

Houston boat show is coming up, right?? Go put your hands on all of em....

lots of good boats on the market for what you want....levels more by pricing than anything.......

First Level:
Blazer Bay
Frontier
Nautic Star
Blue Wave
Mako (old Kenners)

Second Tier:
Haynie
Champion
Triton
Pathfinder

Third Tier:
Now if you want to step it up a notch.....
Blackjack or
Yellowfin or
Shearwater

here ya go

How much does a Blackjack cost to be in the same catagory with Yellowfin and Shearwater? And above the Pathfinder and Triton

Seems to me the blackjack and triton are very close to the same ride, speeds, and price.

haynie has been raising their prices lately, but if fuel goes much higher that will fix that.

Get ready for a $200+ fill up for you sixty gallon folks...:help:

A new Haynie will be in the mid 30's??

I got a price on a Haynie Z21 with a Merc 225 Pro Xs loaded with everything. $45,000.