What kind of boat should i be looking at?

I am 16 years old and am sittin on about 3 and a half grand and am going to buy one once i get ab 15 grand and am looking for a small 20 -24 ft bayboat i can fish for snapper and redfish w and maybe if weather permitting some tuna....ive been looking at some boston whalers but i dont really know what else is out there any suggestions preferably under 20 grand hahaWhat kind of boat should i be looking at?
I would buy something like an old 17" Mako, 17' Aquasport or a 15'-16"-17" Whaler for a first boat or for easy towing. The engine should be a re-powered late model and properly cared for. For an 18'-20' boat look at same brands plus Sea Craft, Robalo or Wellcraft center consoles. Make Sure 15+ year old boats have solid transom cores. These are name brand boats that can be bought right and should hold their value.
by all means have someone that know boats look at what you are looking to buy, boats can be a LARGE HOLE IN THE WATER that you throw MONEY. check the deck, wiring,transom and motor to be in good shape.What kind of boat should i be looking at?
The BW's are great boats but pricey compared to some others that are just as good. Take your time and look around at the marinas and boat shows to find a boat that's all you want.
HIRE A SURVEYOR BEFORE DOING ANYTHING. 2 times I have gotton boats and the transom was rotted. I recommend a sea ray to anyone that asks they are amazingly well built.What kind of boat should i be looking at?
If I was 16 years old (again) and had $3,500 and looking for a 24' boat for some Coastal fishing - I would go to Glen-L.com and pick out a real nice set of boat plans, and build my own boat.

Not only can you save yourself a ton of money, you can also (if you follow the instructions and do it right) end up with a much better and stronger boat then you can possibly buy at twice the price. You will also learn more about boats and boating while you are building your boat, then most boaters will ever know in their life time.

One cool thing to remember here, is that you can start building now, and since it is a "time consuming" project - it works out well... You buy some materials (as much as you can afford) and start building... by the time you get as far as you can and need more materials - you have more money... so, you buy what you need for the next phase, and build some more This way - by the time you have made your money anyway - you will be finished with your boat - as, building it yourself saved you a bundle.

Check it out... I have furnished a link to Glen-L. There you will find some great information on boat building, how to do it, different ways, materials and methods. It is a great site, and much to learn - even if you don't buy a cotton-picken thing from them. If you like boats, it is worth the visit.

In addition, they have plans for boats, just like the ones you mentioned, that you can build yourself. So check it out. Boat building is not rocket science - you can do it - and these people are great, they will help you long after the sale is made.

And by the way... I built my first boat using a set of their plans when I was 16. I am now 62 and currently live full-time on a 40' boat I built from their plans. I am also building another 44' using their plans. You can do it, and these people are great people to help you get started.



Capt. John