Best make of boat for a starter?

Question

I want to get into boating. Problem is that there are so many builders that it's difficult to know if you are buying a brand name known for quality or cheap junk. I am doing my research online before travelling to see these boats so I would like to know what the reputation of a few of the makes are. I'm looking for a 23-24 footer that can be towed, fished and slept in and I like a few styles. If anybody could comment on the makes below I would appreciate it.

Four Winns

Mark Twain

Bayliner

Doral

Chris Craft

Answer 1

Here's my 2 cents,

Stay away from "Bayliner" !

Go with a  "Boston Whaler" !

WHY: IT WON"T SINK, even if cut up into pieces, if it swamps, it won't sink, and the the closed cell floatation in the hull will keep the boat high enough out of the water, to keep the engine running. What's your life worth ?

Answer 2

Well, the others have weighed in with their input but they haven't mentioned one important item.  While all of these boats can be trailered, none of them are a practical size to do so.  They are all accommodating but if fishing is an important part of what you want to do, you might want to reconsider the size of the boat your looking for.  Take a look at what gets trailered and notice the size of the vehicle pulling it.  A 1/2 or 3/4 ton can pull a reasonably sized(20 footish) boat around without too much trouble and within a reasonable budget.  Once you get boats  in the 23-24 foot size you are beginning to look at more cumbersome and expensive towing packages.  None of the boats you've picked out were designed to be "trailer sailors" but rather boats transported, occasionally, to and from their slips, storage and repair facilities.

Answer 3

stay away from the bayliner,,they worse then a canoe,and dont listen to the "boston whaler" dude,,he saw an ad with a whaler cut in half still floating,,big deal,,alot of boats do that,,ive fished 3 whalers from the ocean floor because stupid people believe it wont sink, four winns and chris craft are your best bet. chris craft has been making boats for eons,,and still in biz so they gotta be sumwhat good

Answer 4

I prefer the chris just for the lay out, but just remember bad owners make bad boats

Answer 5

Those are all good, any boat that floats is great for starters as well as experienced boaters.

The advice on boating safety classes is totally correct, knowledge is far more important than brand name.

Answer 6

i own a four winns boat and it has never let me down also bayliner isn't a bad brand ether

Answer 7

I know this is a little off from what you asked, but you should try taking a boat safety class. They are offered through many sources, including the coast guard...I say this because the course is great, you learn a lot about the rules of the water. In turn, you get to meet people who boat, and get to ask them. Knowing the safety rules and your level of interest may just make your decision for you.

Answer 8

Stay away from Bayliner and Maxum.

for resale:

Sea Ray

Chapparal

for best quality:

Crownline

Fourwinns

Cobalt!!!!! (If only there was a dealer in my area!)

for prestige and style:

Chris Craft