2320 fishing 4-5 people of Washington coast?

[Syoungs]

Im starting to research buying a new to me boat in the coming year or 2. Really like the looks of the 2320 and 2520's when I've seen em in person, and they look about perfect reading online about them.
I live in eastern Washington, and trailer to Westport or Illwaco at this point with my trophy 2459.

I am leaning towards a 2320, due to trailerability and storage space, but worry it wont quite be big enough. (I should really be looking for a 28' boat). Our typical trips includes 4 of us on deck almost every trip, and at times we push that to 5-6. right now I can fish 4 people, but its tight, and if I have 6 on board, someone rides up front with me so there is only 4 in the cockpit. its much easier when there is only 4 of us.

I would like to get further into coastal fishing, and would love to have a boat that was doable for albacore and hali, with bottom fishing and crabbing in the mix. Don't spend a lot of time salmon fishing, as I live on the Columbia river and we get our fill here typically. We do spend ~10 days a year on the columbia bar for crab, and usually thats a 5 person show.

Am I silly for wanting a 2320? should I be biting the bullet and saving more towards a bigger boat?
My budget wont be huge, but I intend on taking all the new electronics/accessories off of my current boat when I purchase something newer to transfer over (simrad mfd's, radio's, nema network as needed, downriggers etc). I should have about 40k cash, and am willing to take a 20k loan towards the purchase, also still considering selling some of my motosport toys to raise another 10k cash or so. It seems like I could find a real decent boat for ~50-60k, and have some money left over as needed for equipment/repairs. With the price of fuel, maybe ill luck into some fire sales later this winter?

thanks for any advice you can give!

 

[JohnnyK87137]

You need at least a 2520 and regardless of the size of Parker that are currently built there are only
Four seats so someone is ina bag or standing. I fish 5 all day long on my 2520 but really prefer four fishing

 

[Syoungs]

I should clarify and rephrase that point, I only hope to have 4 with rods out at one point, but that leaves someone driving the boat (the 5th) and at times we have a non fishing girlfriend come along, or rotate out people that are actively running a rod.

It seems like the 2520 doesn't gain a ton of room on the dance floor, besides being wider? But that's just a very quick observation from boats I've looked at that are moored up, I haven't been on either personally.

 

[JohnnyK87137]

Lots more Head room, no drastic step down into the cabin and plenty of room on deck being 1ft wider beam. We fish four large men with a huge bait tank and a 250# of ice on deck no problem

 

[Syoungs]

Didn't realize the head room and step thing!

 

[Long Beach Bob]

...Should you go with a 2320 and twin engines, the weight of 4 men and gear could well put the stern deck area below water level for the drains....the extra 1' width on the 25' makes a substantial difference if you have 4 or 5 people on board..
....Of course, the negative side is it is a longer, larger rig to haul and store, especially in a boat yard where the slots are usually for 8 1/2' wide boats...Add a long-bed truck and it is a handful to back into a slot...

 

[JohnnyK87137]

...Should you go with a 2320 and twin engines, the weight of 4 men and gear could well put the stern deck area below water level for the drains....the extra 1' width on the 25' makes a substantial difference if you have 4 or 5 people on board..
....Of course, the negative side is it is a longer, larger rig to haul and store, especially in a boat yard where the slots are usually for 8 1/2' wide boats...Add a long-bed truck and it is a handful to back into a slot...

Never seen a 23 with twins

 

[angelinasdad]

Go bigger than the 23 with that many people in the Pac NW

 

[Syoungs]

I imagine towing the 2520 isn't the worst thing in the world. I've got the truck for it, was just trying to avoid the permits. Getting to the coast for me puts me in and out of oregon along the way a couple times, so I'd need oregon and washington permits, or run it outlaw and hope for the best.

Luckily I've got the room to make a parking pad at my house. The trophy takes up every inch where I'm currently at, but this summer I plan on adding a gravel pad, 14' x35', was gonna park the toyhauler there originally but it may turn into boat storage instead!

I'll start looking more into the 25's, sounds like the on water experience will more then make up for the hassle and cost difference!

 

[JohnnyK87137]

I know a guy with one for sale

 

[djam]

I would agree that 4+1 on a 2320 wouldn't be the best call. With 4 on the back of mine, plus ice on the swim step we have to make sure we don't overload one side or the other otherwise water comes in thru the scuppers. We have done 5-6, but usually a wife or kid who are non-fishing. 3 is the perfect number on my 2320, 4 is fine, 5 is ugg. The 2520 would be my choice if you can get over the towing aspect mentioned above.

 

[wdlfbio]

Post this in the WA forum. There are several folks with, or who had, the 2320 and they’ll happily provide input.

The oversized permit in WA is $20 a month and purchased on line. Or, buy the year for $220. It’s not any kind of issue.

 

[A-K]

I own a 2016 Parker 2320 with a Yamaha 300 and many other upgrades.

It’s a great Pacific Northwest fishing boat. Mine has fished offshore anywhere from Neah Bay to Westport for nearly all its life. It’s a great 23’ hardcore fishing boat. Only draw back is you have to be creative when albacore fishing.

My Parker is built strong and tough and will take anything the NW weather can throw at it. My boat has seen a lots of bad weather and has zero stress cracks.

As for your question. I think my boat is a great 2-4 man fishing boat. But it lacks any comforts that a Grady or similar boat might have. But to go out and kill fish it’s near perfect for my needs.

You could probably fish 5, but it might get heavy on the deck where all the action is. But that depends on the size of your friends.

I rebuilt my cabin and I got rid of the bench seat and have 2 forward facing bench seats. I typically carry 2 bean bags which is the best place to ride.

Some people will say Parker’s pound, and yes there is some truth to that because you ride so far forward. But I added 12x18 tabs and a permatrim plate and that improves the ride.

Personally, if you want to kill fish Parker’s are great. If you want lots of family time there are probably better options.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. I’d be happy to answer them for you or even take you out sometime.

 

[Syoungs]

I just wanna kill fish, not worried about creature comforts really.
Looking more into it, and being realistic with my planned loads, the 25' parker is getting the nod. Ill go back to saving and watching the market until the right one pops up.

Thanks everyone for the advice!