re: When is the best time of year to buy a boat?

Facebook Marketplace is a great resource to find one.

Anniversary of a divirce

If you buy used from an individual I'd pay to have a mechanic look at the engine first FWIW


You can probably find a used Nautic Star in that price range. It's a decent entry level boat.

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Mako line is from Bass Pro, are they decent

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They are bottom tier. Will get you on the water but with your budget you have a lot better options.

If it’s a bay point you are after. Look for something in the 19-21 ft range that you can push with a 150 or a very well taken care of older boat if you want something bigger.

I’ll get you some recommendations shortly.

I have an old Blazer Bay w a new Merc 115 pro xs under warranty that I’m selling. Second owner. First pulled w a Tacoma. It’s a rolled gunnel. Not much to it to go wrong. Rides great. Within your budget.

Shoot me some pics, specs, and asking price.

My username at Gmail dot com

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Looking to pay cash, budget of about $25k

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Spread your search on FB Marketplace ant take your time. You can find something solid for that.

Thanks for the links. I'm stuck in research rabbit hole right now. So many brands, lengths, models, etc.

No problem, it can be overwhelming


Try to figure out which model of boat you like best. Then you can start refining your searches to look for that specific boat. Just keep doing searches weekly until the right one pops up then go buy it. You will find some models are more plentiful in the marketplace which will make shopping for them used a lot easier.

There are a lot of Blazer bay, Nautic Star, and Blue wave boats along the gulf coast. None of them are particularly top tier but they are very popular for a reason. They have a lot of desired features at a decent price point. Also all three of those have sold a lot in the size range you are looking for so you don’t have to over spend on a bigger motor with additional weight.

Also some brands are known to be heavy and you may want to avoid. Rangers, sea hunt, robalo, and sportsman are all examples of brands that are heavier even in their smaller models.

Anyone have experience in the difference between the Nauticstar 215 XTS and 215 XTS Shallow Bay? It appears the SB is a little longer and has a 1" less draft. Wondering if the ride will be about the same.