WE are looking to buy our first boat, We want a boat that we can take out in the ocean. What should we get?

Question

we have heard bad things about Bayliner That they don't hold up well in rough waters. So Bayliner is out. We want a nice size boat but not too big want to be able to tow it. Would like it to hold about 6 to 7 people. Use is for fishing and taking to the Florida Keys to go Suba Diving. Since this is our first boat we don't want to go over board on the price or size we don't really know how much we will use it. But we want to try. So anyone who can give us the types of boats we should be looking at (manufactors) would be great. We are very excitied but we want to make an informed decision. Thanks.

Answer 1

I would highly recommend renting different boats, make your decision only after trying several.  A boat is not an investment.

Before you will be able to rent, you will have to have some documented experience.  I do highly recommend your local Squadron of the U. S. Power Squadron for education in all aspects of boating.  If you do join them, you will find a lot of people similar to yourself, and generally quite eager to share their knowledge.

Answer 2

my recommendation would be to not jump into a boat this year at all.

take the time to go to both new and used boat shows in your area. look at what everyone has to offer and find the boat that "you" feel is right for "you."

there are so many boats that you could buy but without knowing your price limitations or what you exactly want to have in the boat is just too open ended for anyone to answer here for you.

keep the excitement going and good luck! boating is definitely worth the right investment!!!

Answer 3

towing is the key for a boat. over the road limits width to 8ft. 6 in. unless you get special permit. a 30 ft. boat avreages 12,000 lbs. what vehicle do you have for towing? you need a heavy duty trailer with electric brakes. launching ramps for large boats are scarce. a 24 or 25ft. probably will be best. get an outboard type with a swim platform. why not rent a boat in the keys to get a feel for it before you decide?

Answer 4

You need to spend some time looking around at boats and talking to the owners.  This is a great place to start.

Some of my favorites are Grady White : http://www.gradywhite.com/

Pro-Line : http://www.prolineboats.com

Boston Whaler http://www.whaler.com/

And  last here but on top of my list

Luhrs :  http://www.luhrs.com/

Good Luck and Safe Boating ! !

Answer 5

Well Its Nice Nowing U!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

If you guys are thinking of doing ocean trips particularly in Florida, I would strongly recommend taking boating courses with the US Power Squadron or the Coast Guard Auxiliary.   A lot can go wrong very quickly when the ocean turns on you.  Having said that, Boston Whaler has a really nice line of high quality boats suited for diving and poking around little coves in the Keys (don’t get anything too frilly for diving)

Good Luck

PS Keep an eye on the fuel consumption. You'll probably own the boat for a while and who knows what it will cost to run down the road.