I have been primarily a river guy for the past several years, but after a real nice trip up to Vancouver Island on the salt, I am really thinking about expanding my horizons and looking at the possiblity of buying a boat suited to the salt and big water.

So here are my questions.

1. What seasons do you guys use your boats for? how many months you guys really use them? and what general areas do you guys fish during that time span? ie, Columbia in June, Westport in July, Vancouver Island August, Seiku? Buoy 10?

2. I was in an Arima 22 ft Sea Legend that seemed sturdy as heck, any suggestions or recommendations as to the quality/makes of boats I should look into? This boat will go offshore if I buy one and not just Puget Sound. Most likely something with a small cuddy that could sleep 2 and be in the 18 to 22 ft range so it can be trailered.

3. Any good places to shop for them? Quality dealers that have a nice inventory of used boats?

4. Anything else I should consider?

Thanks for the info, I know there are a lot of salt guys out there that seem to know a ton.