I think I am getting ready to purchase my first boat this off season and could use a few pointers. I live in San Diego and am looking to get one between 20 and 25 feet for inshore kelp bed fishing and maybe out to the 9 mile bank; nothing too offshore. I know there are lots of options but any good suggestions on makes or models, or things I should look for or avoid would be appreciated.

SD is a great place to be a private boater and you got some sweat locations to fish close to home. Before we can help you out we need to know a few things. Whats your price range for the boat ?? you going to slip it or trailer it. If trailering whats your tow vehicle ?

Nothing like fishing on your own boat,
Beta

I would be trailering it for sure with my F250. Not sure with the budget. If i go used i would want something newer and be open to spending between 35 and 40k. If I end up going new I would be open to spending more and doing some financing.

Personaly I like the Skipjack 24 Open platforms. Ton of bang for the buck. I'm a little biased toward them though as I owne one. It's a iller boat that I can fish for anything on and solo too. Might not be the boat for you though but you got lots of options in your price range which is a good thing.

Any prefrence on types of boats ?? Cuddy cabin, walk around cuddy's, Center Consoles. For easy access around the whole boat and with plenty of deck space the CC's are killer. Walk around cuddy's are nice as you have a place to lay down and rest and get out of the weather as well as having the ability to still have access around the whole boat. Straight cuddy cabin boats are nice but you loose the walk around apace around the cuddy which makes it tough to follow fish around the boat. Also you have to decide on what type of power you want. Outboard or inboard/outboard. If I/O are you thinking gas or diesel? Outboards are killer if new or newer and they are easy to maintain and they are releable, get good milage and will get you places fast. Down side, if they break down they cost big $$$ to fix. I/O gassers are a bit slower but are easier to work on yourself and parts are way cheaper and they get decent milage. They dont cost much to replace either. I/O diesels are sweat as you get a ton more miles per gallon than you do with the gassers and they have a longer life too but they cost a bit more to maintain and parts and maintenance can pricey.

These are a few makers I'd be looking at

Parker
GradyWhite
Davis boat
Skipjack 24 open
Deffiance
Triumph

just to name a few,
Beta

Beta, I also own a Skipjack, although I have a 20' open which may be a little more in line with what he intends to do with it (inshore and not too far off-shore). IMHO the 24' is overkill for that, although if he wanted to go further off-shore it would be fine. Since he has a TON of money to spend, I think the brands you mentioned would suit him fine. There are some VERY good deals out there if you know what you want and don't rush into your decision. Good luck with your search!

I have a 2008 21foot Triumph 150 yamaha 4 stroke loaded for $29,000 email me for pictures

fishkillerbill50@yahoo.com