First Boat Opinions
07-12-2019 | 01:47 PM
#21
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From: North Liberty
07-12-2019 | 02:02 PM
#22
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From: North Liberty
An open bow is going to give you more space and room for friends and coolers. You may want to look into a Cobalt open bow. They hold their value and are well built. Usually they came with the bigger motor as well. It may be a good way to get a boat that is into the 60mph range and not lose to much money if you decide you would prefer a cuddy and performance boat. Also with a being your first boat the open bow is easier to dock and grab lines with the open front.
I have seen some cobalts advertised in a few different places, don't know much about them, but seem to command a good resale value.
07-12-2019 | 02:10 PM
#23
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From: Cape Coral FL
You are kidding yourself if you think you are going to tow a 26' big block boat with a Canyon. if keeping the truck is a must, you need to be looking at boats in the 21'-23' range with a small block.
07-12-2019 | 02:22 PM
#24
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From: North Liberty
Sorry, haven't deeply looked into the weights of these +25' boats. I would prefer to not have to change trucks soon. Thanks for the input.
07-12-2019 | 04:31 PM
#26
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From: Jacksonville, FL
I agree. I was gonna suggest some of the west coast boats 24-26’ (Lavey, Eliminator, Nordic, etc) but you really should have a 1/2 ton to tow those.
07-12-2019 | 09:27 PM
#27
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Look at a 22’-24 powered by a 300xs Mercury outboard. 70+ mph, great on fuel, low maintenance and light enough to tow with your small truck. Checkmate builds a nice 24 that runs low 70’s with a open bow, high 70’s with a closed bow. Similar boats are made by both east and west coat builders. You should be able to find a good used one in the 30-40k price point. Outboard boats have a lot more room than the stern drives and at your age, you can haul a bigger crew which can be more fun. Good luck. Be careful especially until you have run enough to realize that things can happen fast. Have fun.
