Boaters/fishermen, what do you recommend for a starter center console Boston Whaler or similar fishi

Your question is way too vague. But, here's a good place to start. As a bass angler, I appreciate a boat that can hit the shallows. Therefore, the Carolina Skiff 198DLX raised my eyebrow with the ability to plane in 3 inches of water.

www.sportfishingmag.com/25-top-inshore-center-consoles/


Edit: And yes, Whalers are great boats, but you still have to identify what you need the boat to do and find the boat (Whaler, or otherwise) that meets your needs. Also, you'll find that boat motor (Specifically Mercury and Yamaha) fans are kind of like Ford and Chevy guys. I like Mercs myself, but there's certainly nothing wrong with Yamaha. The old saying used to be Mercs for go and Yammers for reliability. I don't really find that to be the case anymore, however. They're both fine motors.

That’s good info. Also, how many people will usually be in the boat? Storage requirements? Do you keep the fish, catch and release? If you plan to keep some, what’s the live well storage requirement? My boat has two and I don’t need any as I don’t keep any. I just use mine for storage. But, I bought mine used (got a great deal) so having the extra live well wasn’t a deal breaker.

I can’t really help with the salt water stuff (I’m in Arkansas). What I would do is make a criteria list like you did in here., or if you can remember it (I’d forget something, lol), fine, and go to a reputable boat dealer that can put you on the right path. Even if you plan to purchase used, you can still take advantage of their knowledge.

Now, if you decide to purchase a used boat, I can help you with that. Buying used boats can be a great way to save money, but they can also be a nightmare if you don’t know what to look for. A lot folks don’t know what to look at on boats. They’re a different animal than buying a used car.

Of course, you want to inspect the whole boat, but the most important part to inspect is the transom. You miss a hairline crack, or worse, back there and you could very well find yourself paying a lot of money to get it fixed. Also, you want to make sure the engine is rated for the boat, not too small and, more importantly, not too big.

Speaking of the engine:

- Get proof of the hours if possible. I have a Mercury app on my phone that I can track data about the engine with. Mine has module that is plugged into the engine and it sends data to my phone. I can use it for my tachometer, speedometer, etc… if I want. I just use it to track engine hours, oil data, etc… for maintenance purposes.

- Do the usual top end stuff like checking the oil, looking over the engine for line and hose condition, etc…

- The lower unit is the most important thing to get right when looking over the motor. That’s the money in a boat motor. You have to replace that, you’ll be out about as much as the motor cost. Ask for maintenance records and make sure the lower unit has been serviced as required.

On your inspection, surface scratches on the skeg are no big deal, but a bent skeg should be a red flag. A slightly bent skeg won’t affect performance. If it looks like a hockey stick, that’s a different matter.

Make sure the prop is the correct size and pitch for the motor. I see clowns screwing this up all the time. They try to get more speed, or planing power, etc… bu screwing with the prop and they end up putting one on that isn’t the correct one. You can put performance props on, but they still have to be the right size. Stainless steel is what you want as they’re a lot stronger than the stock props on some smaller boat motors.

That’s about all I can think of off the top of my head.

Check this list for makers of current CC boats:
www.sportfishingmag.com/25-top-inshore-center-consoles/

And then check this First time buyers guide:
www.sportfishingmag.com/five-great-center-console-starter-boats/
I'd also recommend Robalo as a good quality maker, even if they're not on this list. Can't go wrong with them, B.W., Cobia, Century or Grady-White (which go for top dollar!).  

My expertise is that "I have a friend who owns a Chris Craft" and have been on and off the water since I was a kid, and I worked at a Boating supply store for a bit in the 90's...BUT I don't fish, so I can't help there. 

That is not unique to Whalers. Additionally, it takes MANY MANY years to happen, if at all. And, it's almost always boats that have been used, abused and put up wet (no pun intended).


One thing to remember with that type of boat even if you buy new, do NOT attempt mods or upgrades if you don't have experience with boats. They aren't cars and much care needs to be taken with even the most minor bolt on gadget. If it's not done proper using marine grade EVERYTHING, you're asking for trouble.

What’s the matter, don’t you like to go across the water with your hair on fire? Lol

I love the water, and fishing, but I don’t like to go fast. My Dad and Uncle used to scare me to death. My Uncle flipped two bass boats within 30 days back when I was a teenager.

Anyway, my 33 mph 40 Merc is just fine by me. Lol