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Started By
Message
Without trying to talk me out of it, or telling me how it’s a money pit….boats
Posted on 5/16/23 at 7:31 am
Posted on 5/16/23 at 7:31 am
My son has been begging me for a year to take him “real fishing”. He’s 10 and he’s tired of pond bank fishing. He gets bummed every time I go kayak fishing. He’s not quite ready to handle a long paddle and deal with a kayak and try to fish at the same time. If it’s windy, it would be more if a pain than it’s worth and would only discourage him. I’ve are ready to pull the trigger on a boat. I’ve owned a boat but it was 18 years ago and it was a bowrider, so I consider myself never having owned one. What to consider when looking for a boat.
Must haves:
-cc
-adequate seating for at least 3 people
-shallow draft for the marsh
-ability to put on a poling platform over the motor. I just really want this.
-deck up front for a casting platform
Nice to haves
-ability to have Bimini top
-live well
I’ve been looking at various skiffs. But doesn’t seem like a lot of dealers in this area carry them.
I do like the Xpress skiff but I feel like I’ve seen Xpress doesn’t have the best reputation but maybe I’m not correct in that.
Must haves:
-cc
-adequate seating for at least 3 people
-shallow draft for the marsh
-ability to put on a poling platform over the motor. I just really want this.
-deck up front for a casting platform
Nice to haves
-ability to have Bimini top
-live well
I’ve been looking at various skiffs. But doesn’t seem like a lot of dealers in this area carry them.
I do like the Xpress skiff but I feel like I’ve seen Xpress doesn’t have the best reputation but maybe I’m not correct in that.
40
Posted on 5/16/23 at 7:42 am to VanRIch
Do it. Nothing like fishing with the kid
Posted on 5/16/23 at 8:01 am to VanRIch
One thing to consider, I know you're looking at smaller boats. After a year or so are you and your son going to want to go farther out and you will be upgrading? It's like a progression from bank fishing.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 8:04 am to LEASTBAY
I’m not sure. My lack of experience makes me pause to consider going out where it would be hard to contact someone should I have trouble.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 8:21 am to VanRIch
quote:
VanRIch
I think you have the right idea. Start small with something easier to handle and manage. You can still fish large areas and get to know the marsh. When and if you do decide to move to a larger boat then there are always plenty available and sale of your boat shouldn't be a big issue as they are always in demand.
"flats boats" are great for fishing the marsh. They generally have good livewells on them. I'd recommend something around 18ft. Are you looking to buy new or used?
I've seen those Xpress skiffs advertised but I've never seen one at the ramp or on the water.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 8:22 am to VanRIch
If you like the xpress, go for the excel instead. The hull is much thicker on the bay series. If money is no object and you want an aluminum boat, look at prodigy boats.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 8:24 am to PHNBK
Money is definitely an object.
ETA: budget is around $30k
ETA: budget is around $30k
This post was edited on 5/16/23 at 8:27 am
Posted on 5/16/23 at 8:25 am to Saskwatch
I’d like new, again my lack of experience in what to look for. I’d rather make my own issues than deal with someone else’s while still making my own on top of that 
Posted on 5/16/23 at 8:29 am to VanRIch
I'd look for a shallower drafting small bay boat. Something gives you more versatility for leisure on the river on the tchefuncte and lake. 
Posted on 5/16/23 at 8:33 am to VanRIch
quote:
I’d rather make my own issues than deal with someone else’s while still making my own on top of that
As an owner of a well used boat I can say that undoing previous alterations or cut corners can be a real issue. However, there are plenty of lightly used options if your open to widening the search area. $30k will be very tight for a new boat but would land you in a good condition used hull.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 8:33 am to VanRIch
With 30k I would look for something like this, you can fish anywhere inland or near shore saltwater and if it’s too rough for this you probably don’t want to fish anyway.
Plan on 500-1000$ a year for batteries bearings lights and trailer maintenance.
This one was on fB marketplace
Plan on 500-1000$ a year for batteries bearings lights and trailer maintenance.
This one was on fB marketplace
This post was edited on 5/16/23 at 8:34 am
Posted on 5/16/23 at 9:02 am to VanRIch
My son is 15 and loves to fish. I bought a Tracker Pro 170 to bass fish out of back in 2019. Bought it used from an old man that put it in the water twice. Best times we have had are on the water.
Get a trolling motor with anchor mode on it and ditch the power poles.
Get a trolling motor with anchor mode on it and ditch the power poles.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 9:58 am to VanRIch
hard to fish out of a small boat with a bimini on it. Its done frequently but it is royal pain. Tee top is a good compromise...
Posted on 5/16/23 at 10:11 am to VanRIch
Just go for it.
There is no one perfect boat. Pick the fishing yall like the most and get the boat for that type of fishing. Makes it much more enjoyable.
There is no one perfect boat. Pick the fishing yall like the most and get the boat for that type of fishing. Makes it much more enjoyable.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 10:25 am to VanRIch
Break
Out
Another
Thousand
Out
Another
Thousand
Posted on 5/16/23 at 10:27 am to bayouvette
quote:
There is no one perfect boat
Yeah everyone is looking for,, 2in draft can take 2-3ft seas, does 60mph burns 10gal a day. Can fish offshore with high sides but low enough for marsh. Wants it to last forever like aluminum but not be so hot and noisy like aluminum. Have shade but don’t want to lose that room that he room of having T-top
Posted on 5/16/23 at 10:41 am to VanRIch
Whatever you choose, get the next size up bc you can't make it longer after you buy it.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 10:43 am to VanRIch
Definitely pull the trigger and get a boat. Just ensure you make an informed decision on which type of boat you purchase.
One thing to consider about skiffs/flats boats is they are extremely weight sensitive. Good for 2 people. 3 is max and will affect the attitude and performance of the boat. It’s a very specialized type of boat which is why you don’t see as many of them. If that’s what you want then go for it. Be warned that those tiny flats skiffs often cost as much or more than larger bay boats.
I think there are some good recommendations on used aluminum cc’s. Will get you on the water and still get plenty shallow if that’s your desire.
One thing to consider about skiffs/flats boats is they are extremely weight sensitive. Good for 2 people. 3 is max and will affect the attitude and performance of the boat. It’s a very specialized type of boat which is why you don’t see as many of them. If that’s what you want then go for it. Be warned that those tiny flats skiffs often cost as much or more than larger bay boats.
I think there are some good recommendations on used aluminum cc’s. Will get you on the water and still get plenty shallow if that’s your desire.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 10:48 am to VanRIch
I have a G3 17CC Gator Tough. I really like it and didn't want the carpet and leather of an Excell because I pig and deer hunt out of mine as well. I wish I got an 18'
Aluminum boats need hydroturf or something similar or it is too hot.
Aluminum boats need hydroturf or something similar or it is too hot.
Posted on 5/16/23 at 10:49 am to VanRIch
I've been looking at Ankona skiffs, and you can get into a new one for the money you're talking about. Probably a wait list, though.
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