Can someone help me out on small CC brands. I bought a cheap Wellcraft on Facebook last summer for the kids but it’s proving too unreliable (tons of little stuff just constantly an issue) after it sat for 13 years and with my oldest turning 14 this June I want something more reliable for him.


My quandary is I just don’t know (or have much passion) about these brands and there are SO many.

sea Hunt
Sea Pro
Hydra Sport
Privateer
Tidewater
Albacore
Parker
Robalo
SportsCraft
Scout

and the list goes on. From what I can tell they all look about the same and I’m guessing half are made by Brunswick….

Then there are the couple that I’ve at least heard of Donzi ZF23’ and the Fountain 23cc. Not sure what the reputation on those two models is like?

Any recommendations to stay away from or pursue? Im thinking in the 23-24’ range and am probably budgeting 15-25k which is 14-24k than my father budgeted when he bought me my first 1976 V20 with a trampoline for a floor.

My girlfriend has had two Boston Whalers - I think they’re great. She had an older 13 foot Super Sport in 2023 ( her first boat ) for a couple months and liked it so much she ordered a 2024 Montauk 15. It’s great !

It’s such easy boating, I’m tempted to order a 25-28 footer and call it a day. Having said that, I have a 32 Doug Wright on order - we will see what happens.

MDS

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2005...4-scs-9636679/

Add Pioneer to the list. Love my 175 Venture, all composite construction.

Key Largo is one worth looking into. My son has a 20’ one and it is old faithful. He doesn’t take care of chit so that says something.

Tidewater 28 twin 300s - boat has been great but actual factory support is lacking IMO...

For what your trying to accomplish, I would think the condition of the boat and the mfg of the motor would be the most important.

I'd personally be partial to a Sailfish, Pioneer or Robalo.

There's probably nothing wrong with Wellcraft. The fact is any boat that sits for 13 years will have problems. This would have nothing to do with the mfg.

If you really want to know the differences between specific mfg's, go on THT. Those guys are fanatics. They'll know which is a 2pc / 3pc Hull, synthetic & wood, etc, for whatever mfg & model you are looking for.

You’re probably right madman - I’m not necessarily chasing the greatest build quality ever for my kid to grow up on, just wanted to make sure I didn’t misstep and buy a yugo.

That Spectre looks like a smoking deal. I’d almost worry too nice because you know the kid is going to ping a dock or two year one.

So Add - Key Largo, pioneer, Sailfish and Robalo ( funny because I always thought they were made by Bayliner - shows how much I know)

Mike - can never beat a Whaler. I grew up on a 13 whaler before we got too big to ski behind it and bought the V20.

there is a really nice 21 on my local Facebook with an E-tech on it for under 20. It’s a restored boat. Are those E-tecks any good? I remember they were a problem at some point a decade or more ago…..