Any small boat expert around?

[Atfulldraw]

Let's see....

we've got the "hole in the water to throw money into",

we've got the "two best days in a boat owner's life" comment.....

and a version of this one...:

Break
Out
Another
Thousand

After having owned thirty or so boats, these are usually all the comments I usually would make on this topic....

I wouldn't own a sixteen foot boat -- it's amazing how small they seem once you get them in the water.
For what you described, I would say 19' minimum.

and it's not for everyone, but don't let the haters discourage you!

Bigger really is better when it comes to boats (albeit more money)

[brewercm]

Originally Posted by Atfulldraw

Bigger really is better when it comes to boats (albeit more money)

I don't totally agree with that part completely, although big are nice. I would much rather have my 17' or get another between 17-18. My thing is I like to be able to take it out and launch for a few quick hours of fishing as much as an all day afair. Besides the most people that ever go out if I'm not by myself is one more with me, two tops.

I may be weird like that though.

[MT Stringer]

I had an older model 18 foot Kenner. In 2003 I bought the 21 foot Kenner Vision. The extra three feet makes an amazing difference, especially running across the bay. It is just a smoother ride because the hull skips over some of the small chop. And there is a lot more room to move around.

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by MT Stringer

I had an older model 18 foot Kenner. In 2003 I bought the 21 foot Kenner Vision. The extra three feet makes an amazing difference, especially running across the bay. It is just a smoother ride because the hull skips over some of the small chop. And there is a lot more room to move around.

Have to agree with length yielding a better ride. I can run comfortably in four foot chop at 55mph in my 22 footer, while 19 ft boats running with me have to come off plane.

[dmcantrell]

See if you can determine if the used boat was kept under a roof or if it was left out in the elements. The lifespan of a boat hull can be DRAMTICALLY reduced it is allowed to fill up with rain. Also, in many cases the interior is made of particle board wrapped with foam and vinyl. This construction is meant to be splashed with the occasional wet swimmer, but not drenched by torrential downpours. Many of the "fitted" canvas covers look nice but do not actually protect the boat against rain and the owner may not even know that the boat is rotting from the inside.

You can check this out by inspecting the interior of the boat. Find the sides where the vinyl is mounted (like where the speakers are housed), and inspect behind those panels. If you see pulled-out screws, rusted staples that no longer hold, or if you can plainly see rot -- then you should be concerned.

[divenut1]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

a boat is a hole in the water you keep throwing money into.

+1