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Old 03-01-2014, 21:53   #1
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Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum, but I thought I would join considering I love fishing, boating and sailing just like you!My friend and I are looking to buy a center console fishing boat (around 20') for the gulf coast. The waters here are pretty calm, but we prefer a V-hull so we can go out 20-25 miles to the nearest wrecks. We are looking for something under $20,000 and we don't mind if it's used. (2008 or newer preferably). We originally wanted a cuddy cabin, but we are soon realizing that there is nothing with a cuddy cabin in our price range. We have looked at Mako, Cobia, Robalo, and a few other brands. Any suggestions??? Model? Year? I read that Mako has recently gone downhill since it was purchased by BassPro, makes sense considering that most "BassPro" brand products are junk. Anyway, let me know your thoughts.
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Old 04-01-2014, 11:50   #2
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

It might be a bit of a stretch... But take a look at 1999 Twin Vee 22 Awesome REPOWER Warranty Power Boat For Sale - . I I own two Twin Vee's. The 26' for fishing on the gulf and I loved it so much I bought the 24' as a dive platform in Jamaica. It may be a bit out of your price range, but the fuel savings on these compared to a monohull is huge, and they are shallow enough to still fish small water.
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Old 04-01-2014, 12:37   #3
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

I am fixing to sell my 2103 Trophy pro to buy a sail boat. She is an 06 model with a 175 Mercury Verado, Garmin 740S with HD Radar and sounder and a Raymarine Dragonfly chartplotter / sidescan for redundancy. Set up for Scuba diving with an excellent semi custom ladder and Roll Control racks for eight scuba tanks, but is an excellent fishing boat as well as the roll control racks fold down and or easily removed.
I keep it at the Navy's Scuba school in Panama City Beach in a Rack and stack shelter at their Marina. Contact me if your interested
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Old 04-01-2014, 12:40   #4
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

My son in law has a 25' Grady White with a cuddy cabin for under $20,000. The Grady is a top of the line boat and he has had his boat out in 10' seas (not intentionally) and had no problem.

Has a Garmin plotter and radar, large block I/O and is in excellent condition.
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Old 04-01-2014, 12:46   #5
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

I think the the three previous posts makes (Twin/Trophy/Grady) are all better choices than the 3 in your original post.... All of 'em great boats...
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Old 04-01-2014, 16:22   #6
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

a64pilot: Please email pics of your trophy boat to: sellitforless35@gmail.com

Also, thank you everyone else for your replies. It's tempting to go with a Mako or Rabolo because of the price, but I am skeptical of the quality. I am going to take your advice and probably go with a GradyWhite or a trophy. As for the twin Vee, a 1999 is a bit too old, but I will still keep that option open. I have done a lot of research myself and the GraduWhite and Trophy boats seem to be true and trusted brands. I'll prob end up getting one of those used, maybe even from 164pilot!
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Old 04-01-2014, 16:47   #7
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

The boats a 99, the engines are 2009.
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Old 04-01-2014, 17:29   #8
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

gloprofishing,
Just sent you a PM with it is my telephone number, give me a call
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Old 05-01-2014, 12:03   #9
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

Quote:
Originally Posted by glowprofishing View Post
a64pilot: Please email pics of your trophy boat to: sellitforless35@gmail.com

Also, thank you everyone else for your replies. It's tempting to go with a Mako or Rabolo because of the price, but I am skeptical of the quality. I am going to take your advice and probably go with a GradyWhite or a trophy. As for the twin Vee, a 1999 is a bit too old, but I will still keep that option open. I have done a lot of research myself and the GraduWhite and Trophy boats seem to be true and trusted brands. I'll prob end up getting one of those used, maybe even from 164pilot!
If Mr Pilot were willing to take anywhere within the HORIZON of your budget... It would be the deal of the century....
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Old 05-01-2014, 13:21   #10
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

Mr pilot will sell the boat at the the ceiling of his budget, as Mr. Pilot wouldn't have to get into listings, paying commissions, putting up with tire kickers etc. Yes it would be the deal of the century, but I'm ready to buy a sailboat and to do so means most likely having to part with my current center console. I and my family have had fun with it, we all dive, I'd like to see it go to a good home and someone else enjoy it. it's kept in dry storage at a Navy military base, and is in immaculate conditon.
Trust me if it weren't I'd catch hell from all the retired Navy Chief Petty Officers there, after all I was Army you know
Boat comes with aluminum trailer with all new tires, bearings and brakes as well. I had to wait on a list for the dry storage spot and was trailering it until one opened up.
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Old 05-01-2014, 13:40   #11
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

Quote:
Originally Posted by a64pilot View Post
Mr pilot will sell the boat at the the ceiling of his budget, as Mr. Pilot wouldn't have to get into listings, paying commissions, putting up with tire kickers etc. Yes it would be the deal of the century, but I'm ready to buy a sailboat and to do so means most likely having to part with my current center console. I and my family have had fun with it, we all dive, I'd like to see it go to a good home and someone else enjoy it. it's kept in dry storage at a Navy military base, and is in immaculate conditon.
Trust me if it weren't I'd catch hell from all the retired Navy Chief Petty Officers there, after all I was Army you know
Boat comes with aluminum trailer with all new tires, bearings and brakes as well. I had to wait on a list for the dry storage spot and was trailering it until one opened up.
I need more friends like you....

Let's hope for glowpro not to miss out when somebody else in the market sees this thread! (although good for you)

And.... the world would be a better place if CPO's ran it... Or at the very least, the public education sector...
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Old 05-01-2014, 14:08   #12
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

Glowpro is a kid, well young guy at least. Trying to buy a boat for he and his dad to go fishing. Can't think of a better use for the boat than that.
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Old 05-01-2014, 14:24   #13
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

Quote:
Originally Posted by a64pilot View Post
Glowpro is a kid, well young guy at least. Trying to buy a boat for he and his dad to go fishing. Can't think of a better use for the boat than that.
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Old 05-01-2014, 17:50   #14
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

I like the older Makos, all Duskys, Everglades, all Sea Crafts and Robalos. I like Contenders as well, but heard from an ex Contender worker that quality is down.

We had a mid 80s Mako 21 and it was a great boat had it in all kinds of rough weather. Never an issue. I would love a little fishing boat.

I would hit a powerboat/fishing forum if I were you.

I would definitely check Dusky's website. Even their new boat pricing is good.

Good luck!
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Old 12-01-2014, 23:40   #15
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Re: Best Center Console Fishing Boat for Under $20,000

Thanks for the advice, I will check out Dusky's. a64 pilot, any pics of that trophy? This is my current boat, so I think it's time for an upgrade!
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