re: Update Page 5: Boat Prices listed online

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I fish a 19ft Nautic Star and go out to Bay Eloi and Black Bay with no problem. If it is that rough that a 19 footer will have trouble out there you won't be catching fish anyway. Everybody wants a bigger boat, but you need the boat that fits what you are looking for and what you can afford. You can get into the deep Biloxi Marsh with this boat also except when cold fronts have blown the water out. I can easily get into Muscle Bay, Pete's, Cutoff, etc. in the fall and for reds in the summer. You do not need a 24 foot boat to do what you want to do.

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This; and I fish the same areas. For the OP, if you do decide to entertain idea of used, I can tell you we sold our 2 year old Nautic Star 2110 for 28K in pristine condition with Yamaha F150, upgraded to the new 224XTS largely for the extra width. I'd put NS slightly ahead of Blazer due solely to fit and finish and components quality (more SS, less plastic) but Blazer is a great, proven boat. Blue Wave is a great one too but not familiar with their pricing; Tidewater I'd put on the lower end of all four you mentioned but may get you more overall boat for your money.

Of note on those handy rear jump seats, particularly on the shorter boats 19-21 ft, do yourself a favor and make sure to get trim tabs. The problem with those rear seats is that everyone wants to sit in them while running so you get really stern heavy. The shorter boats don't have the bow weight to keep it from porpoising and most of the big four strokes don't have the negative trim range to keep the bow down. Speaking from 1st hand experience here! Tabs will give you much better control of the boat in choppy water as well

good luck!