Need ideas for dive boat!!! Help me before the wife changes

[dsteding]

Mattley mentions outboard replacement cost, but that is something to be thinking about in more detail. A "cheap" boat may not be that after you repower it. And, even a seemingly good motor can be money pit. I had to repower my boat--bought from a local somewhat prominent diver--months after purchasing it. I strongly believe the motor issues were known and not disclosed, I didn't get a survey, bought it on trust and got burned.

Be careful with i/o's, red flags are marina kept like Richard mentions. Outboards, watch out for junk, late 90's Evinrudes are really notorious, Yamahas are generally okay, Hondas are reliable. Scrutinize maintenance records. Or, find a hull and plan on repowering. This option may work well for a welded aluminum boat, find an older hull that is in good shape, hang the outboard of your choice off of it.

Or, look at a RIB, too bad you weren't in the market a few months ago, I sold mine for $14k. Search my posts for details, and keep posting options here for advice, Richard, Scott and others in this thread know their stuff.

[whatevah]

I would recommend an older 22' SeaSport - single outboard (with kicker) is ideal. Great all around boat that will hold its value very well.

[Mattleycrue76]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/2490981136.html

Not much info but this sounds like it would be right up your alley if you're still looking.

[Lonestar]

I was not impressed with my Titan AT ALL. It made a nice car and lousy truck. My 2011 F150 Eco-boost on the other hand........

[nwdiver72]

Thanks Mattley,
I will be calling about that one in the morning. Wish me luck.


James

[straitscuba]

Keep us posted, did you find a boat yet?