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General Boat Questions
Posted on 5/6/12 at 6:15 pm
Posted on 5/6/12 at 6:15 pm
I haven't owned a boat in years, and really haven't fished in years either. I have a little girl and a dad, both of which I need to be spending more time with... so fishing seems to be a good path these days.
I grew up fishing for bream and sacalait in central La. I enjoy bass fishing too, just never have tried hard enough to be any good at it though.
So, all that, just to ask my question... What kinda boat should I be considering?
My first inclination is something like a 17' aluminum boat. Decked out kinda nice, so its comfy for my daughter and my dad.
What does a fiberglass boat offer that an aluminum boat doesn't?
Whatever I do, I plan to buy used, thinking a top budget of 10k, but if I could satisfy my needs for 3k, that'd be even better...
Potential fishing spots? Belle River, False River, Amite River, etc
Any suggestions appreciated.
I grew up fishing for bream and sacalait in central La. I enjoy bass fishing too, just never have tried hard enough to be any good at it though.
So, all that, just to ask my question... What kinda boat should I be considering?
My first inclination is something like a 17' aluminum boat. Decked out kinda nice, so its comfy for my daughter and my dad.
What does a fiberglass boat offer that an aluminum boat doesn't?
Whatever I do, I plan to buy used, thinking a top budget of 10k, but if I could satisfy my needs for 3k, that'd be even better...
Potential fishing spots? Belle River, False River, Amite River, etc
Any suggestions appreciated.
7
Posted on 5/6/12 at 6:25 pm to Grassy1
I'd go aluminum. Very simple upkeep. Ours is an old scullys aluminum 17' with no carpet or wood anywhere just aluminum. Has an 80s Yamaha. Still runs like a champ and you can hit logs and stuff with aluminum and not be worried about it. "keep it simple stupid" kinda describes it 
Posted on 5/6/12 at 7:47 pm to Grassy1
I agree with cougar. For the needs you posted, aluminum is your answer.
I have a 16' fiberglass boat, but it's not for fishing, it's for skiing.
Water wont be hard to find in South LA once you get your rig.
I have a 16' fiberglass boat, but it's not for fishing, it's for skiing.
Water wont be hard to find in South LA once you get your rig.
Posted on 5/6/12 at 8:22 pm to Grassy1
So long as you won't have to cross any big lakes that can get choppy, go aluminum. These days, fiberglass really just offers a more comfortable ride and maybe some more storage. A nice dual console aluminum in the 16'-18' range would suit you nicely...and they can be had for cheap. We bought a Yamaha G3 DLX1750 (or something like that) a while back, brand new, for right at $10,000. It was an awesome little boat...but you would get wet crossing other boats wakes. Look for an aluminum with more of a V-shaped hull for added comfort/dryness.
ETA: This is what we had, just to give you an idea. I wish we still had it sometimes.
ETA: This is what we had, just to give you an idea. I wish we still had it sometimes.
This post was edited on 5/6/12 at 8:29 pm
Posted on 5/6/12 at 8:23 pm to W
Aluminum something like an Xpress or Cajun Special, used is best way to go, more bang for the buck. Avoid rivets, get all welded and look closely to make sure no seams are cracking. Look at lots of boats and don't rush your decision. I used craigslist and lasportsman when buying ours. You should be able to get a 17' boat with a 50-70hp motor and trailer in good shape for around 5-6k.
Posted on 5/6/12 at 8:43 pm to 007mag
quote:I second this.
Aluminum something like an Xpress or Cajun Special, used is best way to go, more bang for the buck. Avoid rivets, get all welded and look closely to make sure no seams are cracking. Look at lots of boats and don't rush your decision. I used craigslist and lasportsman when buying ours. You should be able to get a 17' boat with a 50-70hp motor and trailer in good shape for around 5-6k.
I don't know much about the G3 but think they're comparable to Express. I have a 17 foot Express and it's great for bringing kids. In fact I bought it cause it's good for A LOT of things while not GREAT for any one thing. We ski and fish the river too (set lines).
Posted on 5/6/12 at 8:49 pm to Geauxtiga
Thanks guys. Sounds like aluminum is the right track unless I happen to stumble on a steal on something else.
Are there any particular outboard types to avoid?
Are there any particular outboard types to avoid?
Posted on 5/6/12 at 8:52 pm to Grassy1
Buy the boat you need. Make an assessment and don't let the shiny new thing with the big price tag distract you. Something aluminum would probably fit the bill.
Posted on 5/6/12 at 8:53 pm to Grassy1
quote:
Are there any particular outboard types to avoid?
You can't go wrong with a Yamaha 4 stroke. Mercury is good too. That's what will be on the back of probably 80 or 90% of the boat you will look at.
Posted on 5/6/12 at 10:34 pm to Grassy1
have you considered a small party barge?...you could take more people and the kiddo could run around a little more...
Posted on 5/6/12 at 11:29 pm to Grassy1
Definitely all welded aluminum is the way to go like everyone else said. I have a 15' semi v that my pops had from the mid 70's i think. He put an 88 Evinrude on it in the 80's and that motor still runs like a champ after recently sitting up for a couple of years. I don't know whats up with the new Evinrudes though so i don't know if i would suggest them.
Posted on 5/7/12 at 5:31 am to Grassy1
I have a 17' Xpress w/ 90 Yamaha. It is good on gas and has decent speed(46 on GPS). It's perfect for the type of fishing you described. The ride is a lil rough when on a choppy lake.
Posted on 5/7/12 at 8:27 am to choupic
I would go aluminum too. That said, there are a couple of older, larger, nice looking boats in the classified at the hull truth for under $10k.
One is an 80's 20' Wellcraft with a Yamaha and the other is a late 80's 17' Grady White Spirit with a Yamaha. Both look very well kept, and will give you a little more versatility than the aluminum.
One is an 80's 20' Wellcraft with a Yamaha and the other is a late 80's 17' Grady White Spirit with a Yamaha. Both look very well kept, and will give you a little more versatility than the aluminum.
Posted on 5/9/12 at 5:46 am to Grassy1
Posted on 5/9/12 at 6:57 am to Grassy1
quote:
What say the OB about this boat?
LINK
'06 Tracker
Seems a little high for me and I doubt that they have a 6 year old boat that has been used 5 times. If true, I would worry about lack of usage and have it checked out prior to buying it.
I have a '10 Bass Tracker 175 TXW with a 50 HP 2-stroke. It is somewhat of a big boat for the 50 HP, but I was surprised when I ran it. It isn't a speed demon, but it will run 33-34 with me and gear. Most places I fish are short runs, so speed isn't an issue with me. The boat is very stable, but it is a little light and affected by the wind.
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