I'm sure we've all toiled with this decision at some point...
I currently have a 2000 Chase 263, single OX66 250. If I were to keep it, I'm going to have transom sealed up (supposed to have a fiberglass guy give me a quote soon, but based on some reading in this forum, some considerable $$ for sure) and then buy two used 200-250hp outboards as an 'upgrade'. I'd also love a trolling motor with spot lock, outriggers, and to upgrade electronics, but those will likely have to wait a little bit. I don't have a livewell / raw water which sucks and not easily remedied either. All of this is tens of thousands of $$, hassle, time, etc.and then to worry about boat being 23yrs old and "what's next?" Gas tank? Wiring? In all seriousness, how long can I expect it to reasonably last w/o thousands into it every year? I see 1980s GW for sale occasionally, so they make it, but are others just happily owned or in a scrapyard?
The other option is sell as is and buy another boat. Prices are crazy though (at least in FL). I can find lots of 23-25' Sea Fox, Key West, etc (far newer than any GW I can afford), but worried about brand recognition, build quality, etc. One thing I won't have to worry about is a wet transom though! Ha. I also found a nice looking GW 230 Fisherman in my price range...2011, so halfway between my boat and say a Sea Fox in age for roughly same price. I guess a testament to GW resale, but I may have to worry about transom one day....
My dilemma / concern is I have 5 kids and a wife that doesn't care much about the boat (crazy motion sickness), but occasionally wants to go out. So it's mainly me & the kids. For that reason, I mostly stay inshore (fish, pull tube), but want offshore ability if I fish with friends. The 263 is a big boat to handle solo (back in, launch, go park truck) and then to clean, etc, but not sure if a 230 is THAT much different?! My only other boats prior were before kids and 15-17' flats variety - ie - super easy! Am I crazy for even considering a 23? Capacity is 8 and looks comfy enough seating wise. I worry about tripping over one another when anchored & fishing. Seems like it'd be safe 20-30 miles out on a nice day if I wanted. It also has things like raw water, livewell, 4S engine, hardtop, outriggers, etc...all those I currently desire.
I currently have a 2000 Chase 263, single OX66 250. If I were to keep it, I'm going to have transom sealed up (supposed to have a fiberglass guy give me a quote soon, but based on some reading in this forum, some considerable $$ for sure) and then buy two used 200-250hp outboards as an 'upgrade'. I'd also love a trolling motor with spot lock, outriggers, and to upgrade electronics, but those will likely have to wait a little bit. I don't have a livewell / raw water which sucks and not easily remedied either. All of this is tens of thousands of $$, hassle, time, etc.and then to worry about boat being 23yrs old and "what's next?" Gas tank? Wiring? In all seriousness, how long can I expect it to reasonably last w/o thousands into it every year? I see 1980s GW for sale occasionally, so they make it, but are others just happily owned or in a scrapyard?
The other option is sell as is and buy another boat. Prices are crazy though (at least in FL). I can find lots of 23-25' Sea Fox, Key West, etc (far newer than any GW I can afford), but worried about brand recognition, build quality, etc. One thing I won't have to worry about is a wet transom though! Ha. I also found a nice looking GW 230 Fisherman in my price range...2011, so halfway between my boat and say a Sea Fox in age for roughly same price. I guess a testament to GW resale, but I may have to worry about transom one day....
My dilemma / concern is I have 5 kids and a wife that doesn't care much about the boat (crazy motion sickness), but occasionally wants to go out. So it's mainly me & the kids. For that reason, I mostly stay inshore (fish, pull tube), but want offshore ability if I fish with friends. The 263 is a big boat to handle solo (back in, launch, go park truck) and then to clean, etc, but not sure if a 230 is THAT much different?! My only other boats prior were before kids and 15-17' flats variety - ie - super easy! Am I crazy for even considering a 23? Capacity is 8 and looks comfy enough seating wise. I worry about tripping over one another when anchored & fishing. Seems like it'd be safe 20-30 miles out on a nice day if I wanted. It also has things like raw water, livewell, 4S engine, hardtop, outriggers, etc...all those I currently desire.
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