Hardest question of all

[gator4798]

Ok i'll come right out and say it. Im trying to convince dear old dad to get a boat for diving. I want reccomdations. A boat (under 60,000 when bought) that is/can be converted to be a good dive boat for near shore opperations. small cuddy cabins are nice to....I saw this one http://www.bostonwhaler.com/Rec/buildwhaler/step2_1.asp?action=new&boatid=19 and like it. Any suggestions?

 

[DORSETBOY]

have dived off a converted fletcher vigo (I think it's either a Brit or Euro boat) cabin's a nice size for 2-3 overnighters and it was able to support a dive platform off the back that could be pulled up out of the water when not in use.

 

[miketsp]

Personally I don't like boats that only have one motor although I suppose if you're in an area of the US with good CG coverage you can always radio for a tow.
I might make an exception if the one motor is a low power diesel with no electrics to worry about.

 

[marcurts]

Did you look at the other line of Boston Whalers?
http://www.brunswickcgboats.com/default.asp?content=boats&boatid=54
I have no idea what they cost but they look real nice.

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

Did you look at the other line of Boston Whalers?
http://www.brunswickcgboats.com/default.asp?content=boats&boatid=54
I have no idea what they cost but they look real nice.

Ya beat me to it... The company I work for is getting ready to order one of those for our divers.

If you're only going to use it for diving, than it seems a purpose-built boat would be the way to go. It's right at your $60K limit.

'Course, I know nothing about boats.

 

[matt_unique]

Ok i'll come right out and say it. Im trying to convince dear old dad to get a boat for diving. I want reccomdations. A boat (under 60,000 when bought) that is/can be converted to be a good dive boat for near shore opperations. small cuddy cabins are nice to....I saw this one http://www.bostonwhaler.com/Rec/buildwhaler/step2_1.asp?action=new&boatid=19 and like it. Any suggestions?

Boston Whalers are great boats. They are well made but very expensive. The following link is perhaps one of the best online resources I have found for boat research:

http://www.boattest.com/main.aspx

I am a fan of Bayliners. From my research they are the best bang for the buck. I own a 19' with a cuddy cabin and use it for overnighting and near coastal diving/cruising. Buying a boat represents a large expenditure for sure but the accessories are a significant cost as well. You are looking at several thousands for accessories to include GPS, Radar, VHF, depth finder, bottom paint, safety equipment, etc., etc., etc.

As an example of the cost difference, for what you would pay for the 20' Whaler in the link above you could have this: http://www.baylinerboats.com/cruisers.asp?modelid=44210&year=2005.

--Matt

 

[OE2X]

Personally I like Zodiacs. I wish they would make one for under $150 K that had a cabin though. My 24' is amazing in big water. I can get 6 divers and gear on board no problem. It would be nicer though with a cabin during this time of year.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Whalers hold their value very well. My '97ish Montauk
is still worth 80% of what I paid for it new -- I had to run
the numbers for insurance this past spring.

And Whaler's hold up very well. There are lots of 30
year old Whalers around. How many 20 year old
bayliners are still around?

That new Eastport model is sweet. Dunno how it would
be for diving -- consider deckspace, and entry/boarding.

The BW C&GP boats are really nice. My dream boat
would be a 27' Challenger with WhalerDrive and the
dive door, short cabin. I'd guess about $160K but it
wouldn't fit in my garage like the Montauk.

For lots of whaler discussion: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/

 

[matt_unique]

....
And Whaler's hold up very well. There are lots of 30
year old Whalers around. How many 20 year old
bayliners are still around?

That new Eastport model is sweet. Dunno how it would
be for diving -- consider deckspace, and entry/boarding.

The BW C&GP boats are really nice. My dream boat
would be a 27' Challenger with WhalerDrive and the
dive door, short cabin. I'd guess about $160K but it
wouldn't fit in my garage like the Montauk.

For lots of whaler discussion: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/

I don't have a count as to the number of 20 year old Bayliners around. I'm sure if you go to a website selling used boats you could do a count. Who would want a 20 or 30 year old boat from any manufacturer for anything other than nostalgia or a fixer up project?

How many Whaler owners are still paying for their first boat long after Bayliner owners have paid for their first boat and upgraded to a larger size? That might be interesting to know as well. You don't have a different boating experience paying double or triple the price.

Bayliner has a large online community at Bayliner Owners Club http://pub12.ezboard.com/bbocweb.

--Matt

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

There are a lot 20-30 yo Whalers in regular use. You
have a LONGER experience with a better built boat. And
spend less time doing maintenance.