Going from flats boat to the big boys.

[edimonster]

Hey fellas Im new to this awesome looking forum. I see alot can be gained here. Anyhow Im in Central Fl. and mainly fish the flats in a small 15 ft skiff. Its up for sale now. I was pondering all different boat makes. But I decided on an old Mako that I have yet to purchase but I am coming across some sweet deals. Or what seem like sweet deals. Trying to steer clear of boat payments. I rather put my heart into a rebuild and maybe pay for the heavy lifting parts.Im fairly handy im just limited in time with kids and what not. Im considering 20 to 23 ft. Hopefully I can find one with a closed transom. Any how future questions to come. I have a Ford F-150 with the small v-8 that should pull up to a 23 or 24 I hope. Any thoughts?

What is the first sign that the boat may need a new fuel tank?

[Sailor]

Welcome to the madness! The important question is how do you plan to use your new boat and where?

[edimonster]

I plan on going out of the Cape Canaveral and nearby inlets (Sebastian, Ponce)

What would be a good enough boat that can handle the chop on ok days? Lets say 2 to 3 no more than 4. Ill be watching the weather before hand. But you guys know storms brew up in a matter of moments. On the way in is my concern. Any how I just saw a Mako 22 1971. I really like it and was wondering what are the signs to look for when buying? Guy says the floor and transom are solid. Hopefully by next weekend I can get her home if it survives the week before I can get to it.

Pics to follow soon lets hope.

[snappergapper]

edimonster,

I am in C. Fla in Clermont. If you want to make a trip out on a 224 let me know and we can schedule something up. If I had to do it again and did not have a boat fall in my lap I would look for one with a factory bracket like the 221b or 241b

[Sailor]

I used to have a 20C and took it out 35-40 miles and several times got very wet. A 21' and up has a much deeper v hull and will ride in the chop MUCH nicer. The 22' you looked at is a VERY shallow draft, i.e. very flat in stern so it will beat you to death going fast in a chop. A late 70's 21, 23, 25 is where the deeper v hull boat's start. anything 21' and above from the 80's and up would satisfy your needs if it matches your budget. The biggest concern is transom, floor and fuel tank. There are plenty of orginal tanks running around from the 80's but guarantee on fixing it soon if it has never been looked at, especially with ethanol fuels eating the hoses. Snappergrapper nailed the models that seem to fit your bill, but a 21 or 23' with a single would be a nice alternative if you can't find a nice 221b/241b at the right price.

My 1500 can tow my 25' but I would not want to do it down the interstate.

[edimonster]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Yeah the 221b looks like something that I would not mind upgrading to. What years were they manufactured? Also I have seen on different topics on the web about staying away from the newer Mako's because of quality build. I keep hearing no newer than 95 or so. Any thoughts on that?

[edimonster]

Hey snapper I will totally take you up on that deal to hit the water. Send me an email when you get a chance. ([email protected])

Another question. So lets say I get a good deal on a 21 non bracket. But than convert it to a closed transom and add an aftermarket bracket. Will it run as good as a factory setup? I know there will be some work involved. But if the right deal comes up I just may settle. Which ever boat i was gonna get I was planning on closing the transom anyhow. Just curious if anyone here has done that.