So I know that a 28ft would be a better ride, and have some more accomodations, but it will take anywhere from 2-4yrs till I can afford one. I could swing a 24ft for this season.
So, do I wait for the bigger boat or get out there and start enjoying myself?

get what you can afford now, you can always sell it or trade up!! Get on the water!

What are you looking at and what price range?

I voted to wait for the 28 but seeing as you're talking that time span, I would go with the 24 now and start enjoying it. You can always trade up when the time is right. That's what I did. I started out with a 24 and now have a 311. Next step will be a 38. Good luck!!!!

I did the same thing your doing and went with something smaller than what I really wanted 30ish...

Pro... got to get out there

Con... never happy because I settled for something other than what I wanted.... Trying to sell now to get what I want and unless you give it away, it's a tough sell in this market...

Suggestion.... get something at a bargain price now so you don't lose your shirt when you go for what you really want.... when you go for what you want... make sure it will be the one to last you a long time.... moving from one boat to another can be a costly jump...


Good luck!!!

It sounds like you are talking about new boats. What about a used '28 for the same $$ as the new '24? Then too, there are '24 boats out there that can run as good as some '28s. Give is some more details.

I was told you should always buy your second boat first.Our first boat was a 25' used ,kept it one season than bought a brand new 25' Baja Outlaw, keep it one season than bought a Baja .38 Special. Which we still have. When we bought the first one we thought that was all we could afford but once you get over sticker shock you would probably save money getting the bigger boat. You always lose money selling boats.

or at least the wives do.

I tend to agree with this...you'll always be looking forward to the 28 and not fully enjoying your 24. If you have friends with boats, boating with them will take the edge off.

BUT...there are some bargains out there like Fred said, look hard, you never know what's out there.

The money I lost on buying smaller boats was wasted when I look at what I lost on the 20, 22, 25, 28 I could have just waited and bought the 30+