What do you guys think?

[jahoward1]

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/boa/3435720716.html

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/boa/3431070793.html

http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/3433885543.html

Hey fellas, it's been awhile but I'm looking to upgrade to a walkaround.  These boats are close and look interesting.  Tell me whatcha think. I've talked to the owners of the first two--should see the boats soon.  The first one looks real nice.

James H

[RickK]

Do you know if the first one is a 225?  That one foot (longer than the others) will make some difference in the back of the boat.

[jahoward1]

I actually think its a 245 and I never planned on owning anything that big.  The hardtop, radar, full enclosure and the two other covers make this an interesting boat for sure.  Plan to see OT tomorrow.

James H

[Aswaff400]

I actually think its a 245 and I never planned on owning anything that big.  The hardtop, radar, full enclosure and the two other covers make this an interesting boat for sure.  Plan to see OT tomorrow.

James H

im with you, i think its a 245

go look at the 245, then go look at the 215's, the extra space is worth it

[seabob4]

The first link is definitely a 245, and at that price, compared to the 215s, go for it!  Equipped too!  The hardtop alone was close to a $5K option...

[pete]

the 2nd one says it has a new engine,definately worth consideration,and it has a nice hard top,but the extra room on that 245 would be nice too!good luck!

[Double Trouble]

The 245 is a a lot more boat and you can never have a boat that is to big but with that engine you are basically buying the hull with little value in the engine. I think 10 to 12 thousand would be a fair offer.

[wingtime]

The first one is a 245... the same as my boat just one year newer.  The hardtop is an awesome option and really makes the boat.  The cockpit is huge in the 245 but I think the cabin is actually smaller than the 215.  I stepped up from a 20' boat to a 245.  I can tell you I love it however it is not without it's cost...  The one is that it takes MUCH more work to wash at the end of a day fishing, it is no longer a one man operation to launch etc. and it is much larger to tow, store, maneuver etc. While you could haul it with a half ton truck you really need a 3/4 ton truck.  Now lets talk fuel.  The 245 has a 141 gallon fuel tank burning non ethanol your talking $550 to fill that baby.  The 250 Johnson is a two stroke carbureted motor.  Great, beefy, reliable simple motor but she is thirsty!  WOT plan on 25 gallons an hour.  I can cruise my 245 at 28-30 mph burning 14-15 gallons an hour.  That boat my do a little better if it doesn't have any bottom paint.   Now for the plus sides....  The layout is a great all around design... not  perfect for one task but good at several.  Good offshore boat for fishing or diving.  The deck space is massive but that comes at the cost of a small cabin.  The walkarounds are nice and deep and the high bow rail makes walking up to the bow easy and safe.  There is very limited seating... well there are two seats..  the bow seat is OK but not a good place to ride. So plan on a cooler with a seat or deck chairs if you plan on cruising.  Some people say that a walkaround typically has a bad ride since you are further forward than a CC.  Well I can tell you this boat rides amazing... no slamming or pounding.  For the size of the boat she will float in some pretty darn skinny water...  There is room for four people fishing but I have had as many as six out on her for shrimping or scalloping. I think you can get her for less than the asking price.  I shopped for several months before I found my 245.  Keep an eye out for one with a direct injection motor.... that will save you some fuel costs.   It all comes down to how your going to primarily use the boat.  How far offshore you want to go, how many people, what they will be doing etc etc.  All the explorer models are great boats... In the newer models you have the 215, 225, and 245 to choose from.

[Circle Hooked]

The 245 is my Fav out of the bunch, but that price needs to come DOWN

I get a kick out of these trailers with the rollers, look goofy to me  

[fitz73222]

One thing to consider and I have already started to see the flood of boats coming out of the northeast. Be very careful of what you are buying. There were alot of boats sunk during Sandy in the New York and New Jersey area and there seems to be an abnormally high amount of boats on the market right now from that region. Make sure you know what you're buying!

[wingtime]

Great advise Fitz!

[Circle Hooked]

One thing to consider and I have already started to see the flood of boats coming out of the northeast. Be very careful of what you are buying. There were alot of boats sunk during Sandy in the New York and New Jersey area and there seems to be an abnormally high amount of boats on the market right now from that region. Make sure you know what you're buying!

Great thinking, on that note what does a marine surveyor run, might be a good call in that area.

[jahoward1]

Thanks everybody for the advice. I never planned to buy a boat that big but it is really nice at least from what I can see and from what he's told me.  The seller is very motivated and advised that he selling because he needs money for another venture.  Either way, the wife and I are going to see it tomorrow.  I also talked to the owner of the 215 and hope to see that one soon also.  Anyway, did anyone look at the last boat? Whatcha think especially the price.  Thanks

James

[gran398]

Great advise Fitz!

X2.

"Seller motivated, must sell, needs money"....Go over her with a fine-tooth comb, check for seawater in strange places, batt boxes, behind panels, etc.....TASTE the water in these places if in doubt. Don't take anyone's word for anything.

PM Wingtime to see what he paid for his clean 245 hardtop in NC.

g'luck

[Circle Hooked]

did anyone look at the last boat? Whatcha think especially the price. Thanks

Sounds like it is on it's second motor, is that proof of how guy takes care of things, maybe, maybe not but I would ask about it.

That same boat, same year with a hard top and a 225 Johnson was for sale down by me for 6500 last month.