Fishing Boat

[sunnyday]

Hello all!
I'm looking to buy my very first fishing boat this spring, perferably new. I'll be at the boat show next month in minneapolis. Any tips on fishing boat such as aluminum or fiber glass, engine manufacturer, and etc. would be appreciated.

[Guest]

Give us some more specs. Size you want, cash avail., what are you mainly going to do with it. ie troll big water, jig, or hit little lakes? Then we can offer our 2cents.

[Matt Johnson]

sonnyday,

Welcome to Fishing Minnesota!

Post this in the Items Wanted forum towards the bottom of the forums home page.

Good Fishin,
Matt Johnson

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First Choice Guide Service

[email protected]
Catch-N Tackle and Bio Bait
MarCum

[mtheis]

The best advice I ever got when I asked this same question years ago was to get a 16 foot boat. I usually never fish alone, as I take my father or son or both. That leaves adequate room for everyone, for tackle boxes and a cooler, etc. You will not regret it, and it is not harder to manuever than a 14 foot model.

I also will probably be unpopular with this comment with all those who want to save "mother earth" but get a two cycle outboard. They are lighter, they are faster, and they are just as fuel efficient. With a 16ft boat I got a 25hp Merc. The four stroke Yamaha I originally bought was such a dog.

It is a great combination without breaking the bank.

Good Luck!

[Matt Johnson]

Oops, I misread your post Forget my last comment unless you are looking to buy one here.

There are a lot of boats out there to choose from, I'm probably not the best source so I'll leave this to the rest of you.

Good Fishin,
Matt Johnson

------------------
First Choice Guide Service

[email protected]
Catch-N Tackle and Bio Bait
MarCum

[Guest]

Don't overlook the trailer when your looking at boats. You may find a boat and motor package that is cheaper than a comparable rig at a different dealer, but sometimes they use a cheaper trailer. If you thinking about a bigger boat, 18 foot or bigger, you might want to consider brakes on the trailer also.

As for 4 strokes being slower than 2 strokes, not always true. Hole shot is slower on 4 strokes, but top end should be close. Be careful of dealers selling you a motor that's set up for a pontoon. Pontoons use a different pitched prop and you wont get the same performance on a regular fishing boat.

I went from a 16 foot boat with a 40 hp motor, to an 18 footer with a 75,4 stroke. They get the same fuel economy although my 18 footer is about 950 pounds heavier. I'd say the 4 strokes get better fuel economy. no smoke and very quiet. It's up to you to decide if a 4 stroke is worth the extra money.

[JohnMickish]

Remember to to honest with yourself when you are figuring out how you are going to use it. A 10 times a year local lake guy and a 200 times a year competitive fishing guy need completely different boats. Tiller or console? Going to do any tubing or skiing?

Aluminum is lighter (easier to load and unload by yourself but can also be pushed around by the wind.) and fiberglass is quieter and offers a smoother ride but is also heavier. How big is your two vehicle?

I'll say find your favorite manufacterer (for both the boat and engine, they are all pretty good now days) and get a 16 foot 60 hp console or 40 hp tiller with a good 24 volt trolling motor and have fun.

[Clayburn]

I can sum up the boat qustion in one word
RANGER 185vs!!!

[sunnyday]

I'm a panfish/bass fisherman, but want to get into walleyes. Boat size 16-18 ft. Something that can get into shallow water, good speed. I'll probably use it at least once a week during the warm weather seasons.

Thanks for the 2-4 stroke and trailer tips. Something I didn't know much about.

I'm thinking about the Crestliner CMV 1750/1850. Also looking at the Tracker Pro Team 175/185 and Nitro bass boats. Ranger bass boats look nice and roomy, but might be too heavy for my '98 4Runner. Anyone familiar about these boats?

How about insurance for the boat? Is the insurance required?

[JohnMickish]

I personally enjoy fishing out of bass boats the best, but they are heavy and you will get wet when the wind is churning up the water, much more so than a deep V. Now if cost was no object I'd lay the 40 large down on a Ranger 520. Now that boat weighs about 3500 pounds with all the stuff you need for a weekender. I think your choice of boat for the money is a great way to go. If you can swing the cash for the 4 stroke go for it.

Everything is a trade off, but the Chrestliner or a Lund Angler SS is a great middle of the road choice.

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It still beats workin'

[nitrokfa]

for your question about insurance if you but a boat from a dealer they will not let you take it off the lot without it.

[Justfishing]

when looking for a boat think about your tow vehicle too. How big a trailer can you tow with it.

[This message has been edited by Justfishing (edited 12-18-2003).]

[Wash-Ups]

If you can afford it I would look hard at the Ranger boats. I like the fiberglass a lot better then the aluminum because of the ride. To me the Ranger holds it's value better and the resale is better also. For your motor I would go with a 2 stroke. Like some of the previous post have said your hole shot is better and I believe you get alittle better top end speed. I like the yamaha's. Check to see what kinda warrenty you get with your motors.

[LocalGuide]

My favorite boat is the crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk. You can use that to fish for bass, sunnies, pike and eyes. It can handle the rough water and also will work in some shallow water. Overall I like the boat a lot.

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AKA PikeEye 300

[FishTracker]

If you are planning to fish for walleyes on big lakes like Mille Lacs, consider getting a deep v hull. Also consider the trailer with a swing-away tongue for storing the boat in the garage.