What characteristics should I look for when shopping for a blue water boat?

Depending on the size of vessel you are looking for i.e., trailerable or large enough for a slip.  In an offshore application using a trailerable style blue water sport fisher, I would suggest the following;

 

Trailerable Boats

 

1.  Your choice of vessel here should not be less in length than 25' with at least an 8'6" beam

2.  A perfect interior configuration is a walk-around cuddy design with a transom that can accommodate twin outboards

3.  The hull itself should be a proven one such as Grady-White, Boston Whaler, Intrepid, Pro-Line or other manufacturer which builds primarily 

     blue water hulls and has a proven "track record" of excellent product.

4.  The outboard choice should be 4-stroke in either Yamaha or Honda as these two manufacturers have a long standing reputation of 

     providing a reliable product and terrific customer satisfaction. 

5.  Look at the "resale value" in the vessel you choose as history has shown that most boat owners either sell or trade-up to a large vessel 

     within 3-4 years.

 

Offshore Hull:

 

1.  Again, look for a manufacturer which has a long history of building offshore blue water hulls such as Bertram, Hatteras, Viking or a custom 

     manufacturer such as Merritt Boats, Buddy Davis, Spencer or Cabo Boats, etc.  Depending on the creature comforts and number of 

     staterooms, size of salon, galley arrangement, etc. a good starting size is a 31-35' size with a wide beam.

2.  Always look for a pre-owned boat with low operational hours (under 1,000) unless "new boat" warranty is of extreme importance to you.

3.  Twin diesel engines is a must and Cummins or Caterpillar engines are a reliable proven choice.  In large model offshore sport fishers, look 

     at MTU's or Mann engines options.

 

Hope this helps and please contact me should you have further questions as I have had over 45 years experience in the offshore sportfishiong boat industry.  

 

 

Tight Lines!