WTB BOAT

a 20+ foot boat requires atleast 2 people who know what's going on to operate safely IMO.   Other aspects of ownership such as costs are certainly true, i allocate close to $1000 a year for maintenance and surprise fixes, as well as having my yearly gas bill doubled since buying a boat.  If you're planning on a partnership have all terms properly contracted out as anything can happen. Also if partnering, make sure you don't have 3 captians and 1 crew... tensions get high when everyone wants to do the same job or feels they could have had a better fishing day if they were at the helm.   There's only one guy I would consider going in on a boat with and that's after a year of us basically trading keys already.

As for the rest of this, i think your expectations are good. 20 feet for 4 people is adequate, i fish 2 or 3 off of a 16' boat with no foredeck just fine.  I would recommend at least buttoning down your preference for power (i/o versus keel drive vs OB and 2s vs 4s Gas vs Diesel).  Ride on any boat you plan to buy and get it up to cruise for a good 20 minutes.. Issues don't like to show themselves until things heat up often times.

I can't imagine boat shopping without knowing what hull I'm looking for, so i would also suggest doing a lot of research on the effects of different deadrise angles, things like freeboard and gunnel widths, and other features like chine designs or spray rail- CC's are wet boats.  Another thing is canvas will save you from the foggy morning chills- nothing like getting to the salmon grounds after a 20 mile run dripping from the moisture in the air.  once you're wet, you wont dry out.

So much good info and thanks for chiming in. We are not much in a hurry but definitely close to pulling the trigger next month. I want to a few things. I'm well experienced in boating I used to own one. We are trying to get used ones but the price isn't that much of difference with brand new considering less headache.

How close of friends are you and have you talked about the terms of how costs are shared?

We are very close. Godfather to children's etc, we connect pretty well. Cost from large to the penny is split evenly.

if partnering, make sure you don't have 3 captains and 1 crew... tensions get high when everyone wants to do the same job or feels they could have had a better fishing day if they were at the helm.

They definitely emphasize I am Captaining the boat But will definitely teach them how to simply maneuvers just in case of days I am not available. Im also planning to get the boating course certificate for the sake of safety.

I can't imagine boat shopping without knowing what hull I'm looking for, so i would also suggest doing a lot of research on the effects of different deadrise angles, things like freeboard and gunnel widths, and other features like chine designs or spray rail- CC's are wet boats.

Yes, I totally agree! We managed to narrow down our options based on input and research from experienced boaters like you.

Tresher Boat 25CC Mercury 200HP 4 Stroke 107 (gal tank) (Just moved to the top since we all like it).
Grady White CC
Arima Sea Ranger
Parker CC

We came across the Thresher Boats 25CC and we all liked it. I did a well-invested time researching about it. There were major issues with the old models since those are manufactured in china. Most the newer models are now moved to the US. Seems there are more people happy about the newer model than the old one. Besides, there's only one boater who made a very negative review but after seeing the pic, the boat he showed saw better days for a 6 yrs old. If anyone came across the Tresher Boats please feel free to share input.

Thank you all so much!

Your still going to fish by Kayak too right D? 

Your still going to fish by Kayak too right D? 

I still have Outback and Ocean Kayak. I think my hobie might go for sale soon. 

Your still going to fish by Kayak too right D? 

I still have Outback and Ocean Kayak. I think my hobie might go for sale soon. 

Leaving kayaking !!!! Just when I was getting ready to hit the Bean with you again. Then again if you invite me to come fishing on your new boat, I won't say no.

You gotta get four Yes's on D's boat to jump aboard    I'll fish with you anytime Kirk!

Your still going to fish by Kayak too right D? 

I still have Outback and Ocean Kayak. I think my hobie might go for sale soon. 

Leaving kayaking !!!! Just when I was getting ready to hit the Bean with you again. Then again if you invite me to come fishing on your new boat, I won't say no.

Not giving up kayaking hit me up when you want to fish DA BEAN! Maybe we can see OG there one day.

+23’ with a cabin. Center consoles are nice and all but if ur gonna fish allot sometimes is nice to just get out of the Elements.

There’s better boats down south …

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/boa/d/san-diego-trophy-walkaround-fishing-boat/7444088726.html

My best boat partners worked out to be good friends. My best friends worked out to be bad boat partners. It's a financial partnership. Good luck.

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Also look at the east coast.for me, in 2018, the cost of shipping and getting a survey out there was easily, easily offset by the cheaper price out there.

My best boat partners worked out to be good friends. My best friends worked out to be bad boat partners. It's a financial partnership. Good luck.

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I think this is true for all things related with money.  Even family members can be bad business partners, just a tricky thing overall to make it really work.