Looking for a first boat!!
#13
Grew up on Erie, boated out of Rossford.
Erie can get big and nasty. No substitute for length on Erie is true.
A 25' is a rough ride out there in big water, but I made it to PIB more than once in 5-7's - but you need to know your boat, and know how to read the water.
IMO Baja is a good starter boat. It's not a TRUE offshore boat, but it looks like one - at least that was my experience, and I'm sure I'll pizz a few off by stating that.
When I ran the boat like an offshore boat, I usually broke something (stringers, motor mounts, Water pickup) but, I admittedly beat that boat like a true offshore boat.
Single is good to start with - keeps costs down.
Personally, I like the smaller boats. Currently have a 24 Pantera, easy to haul, launch, etc.
When you learn how to drive the boat hard enough to start breaking things, it's time to step up to a better boat.
#14
Being partial to Sunsations, the 288 Sunny would be a good choice. Take a look at the Sunsation web site. They are a family run, Michigan built boat company. Service after the sale is about the best around.
Just for added info, they offer the closed bow and the mid cabin models.
Just for added info, they offer the closed bow and the mid cabin models.
__________________
Jay
Jay
#16
Your first boat should be something everyone should respect... A real boat! A 37' Midnight Express. Here is some information
Midnight Express
37’ Midnight Express, 1987. Fresh zero hour HP-500’s. Bravo HP drives with merc spacers for awesome x-dimension. Merc/ Stainless marine headers, Lathem external steering, K-Plates, K-trols, K-Indicators, Dual power steering pumps. Radar Arch.
Accommodates 4 comfortably with 2 couches and a nice spacious V Birth. Lectra San head and Norcold refrigerator(12v).
Electronics include Furuno Bottom Graph, Azmit Digital compass, VHF, and a Nice stereo.
Trailer: Trailer is a 2009 Sterling Ace, 18k cap, aluminum triple axle. Torsion axles with removeable spindles and matching 8 lug spares on forward tongue. Electric over hydraulic 12” Kodiac Brakes on ALL axles… REAL SMOOTH!! This is a $9,000 trailer and is included.
$ 45,000
850-345-7002
Midnight Express
37’ Midnight Express, 1987. Fresh zero hour HP-500’s. Bravo HP drives with merc spacers for awesome x-dimension. Merc/ Stainless marine headers, Lathem external steering, K-Plates, K-trols, K-Indicators, Dual power steering pumps. Radar Arch.
Accommodates 4 comfortably with 2 couches and a nice spacious V Birth. Lectra San head and Norcold refrigerator(12v).
Electronics include Furuno Bottom Graph, Azmit Digital compass, VHF, and a Nice stereo.
Trailer: Trailer is a 2009 Sterling Ace, 18k cap, aluminum triple axle. Torsion axles with removeable spindles and matching 8 lug spares on forward tongue. Electric over hydraulic 12” Kodiac Brakes on ALL axles… REAL SMOOTH!! This is a $9,000 trailer and is included.
$ 45,000
850-345-7002
#18
Registered

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 13
From: Florida
Jet.. I told. yaaa..
the Infinity. good power, easy to handle.. tough, cuddy, porta potty, inexpansive, and have several rough Lake Michigan rides under her hull.
I took her to the 1994 Pier 33/Thunder Marine Poker Run around Benton Harbour and Michigan City. Hellava ride. Got me hooked on the Poker Runs.
I would stay away from the smaller then 30' Bajas. Just MY .02with out going into details.
the Infinity. good power, easy to handle.. tough, cuddy, porta potty, inexpansive, and have several rough Lake Michigan rides under her hull.I took her to the 1994 Pier 33/Thunder Marine Poker Run around Benton Harbour and Michigan City. Hellava ride. Got me hooked on the Poker Runs.
I would stay away from the smaller then 30' Bajas. Just MY .02with out going into details.
#19
Thread Starter
Registered
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: The OH


