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Thread: 1st boat suggestions

  1. #11
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    Mar 2011
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    Biggest question is what price range. Me personnely with 3 people I would not go less then a 17 foot and as wide as I could get in that size range. I am one that likes to get up and be able to walk around the boat with out tumbling over someone else or tackle. If money is not a problem I would be looking at an 18 foot plus boat just for comfort and stability of the boat.
    Likes flintcreek LIKED above post

  2. #12
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    Oct 2008
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    I agree, a lot has to do with your budget. Starting off, I'd suggest going with an aluminum hull. Mainly because it' so much lighter (gas saving for both the boat and the car) and easier to trailer on the road.
    I'd recommend something around the 16' length, with a 20 - 25 hp 4 stroke (if you can find it) in a used boat. Plenty of room for 2 anglers and not uncomfortable for 3.

    A flat bottomed jon boat would be a good start - as long as you are aware of it's limitations (the rear seated person will have to endure a wet ride in rough water). V-hulls will give you more "sea worthiness" in big / rough water. They are, however, a bit more challenging to rig up for crappie fishing, depending on your preferred style of presentations. Everything in boating is a trade off. And as has been said, personal preference factors in greatly.
    "A voyage in search of knowledge need never abandon the spirit of adventure."

  3. #13
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    Chris, if your budget has limits, there are used up aluminum bass boats with locked up engines that can be had for very little. A couple of used tires, repack the bearings, a little imagination, some sweat and elbow grease will get you on the water. A 5hp outboard will move it along, but not fast, mind you. Buy two paddles in case the motor quits. And that will beat the stuffing out of sitting on the bank wondering what is around that bend in the creek.

    Its hard to have a bad day on the water.
    'at boy just ain't right.

  4. #14
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    Good luck on the hunt. Alot of good info here. If buying used check motor compression, lower unit lube and check for metal. If you go with all aluminum you don't have to worry about anything rotting out. I have 3 grown boys now and when they were small we fished out of canoes, 14 and 15 foot V bottoms, 14' flatbottoms and 16' flatbottoms and a old Crosby Sled fiberglass trihull. We managed to have fun and catch fish out of them all.
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  5. #15
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    Feb 2011
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    It is all about budget and personal preference. I would suggest buying a new boat if possible. I prefer glass to metal because of the ride. However there are some sweet aluminum boats out there. Sea Ark, Express, War eagle come to mind. With 3 people 18 footer would be my minimum. I also like center consoles because it seems to give me more room. I would suggest you calling Big River Marine. Bill Burnett is a member of this board and will give you some good advice. He also sells boats and gives a break to CDC members. He will give you some things to think about. I fish salt water a lot so I have a 22 foot Nautic star bay boat. It is also a great crappie boat. It rides good and no fresh water body I fish will get rough enough to prevent you from having a safe dry ride home.

  6. #16
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    Oct 2013
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    best buy on a boat WILL NOT be in a couple of months , the prices will spike bigtime in the spring ….
    and go used as the new hurts on depreciating assets ….just saying
    first rig should be easy to use and small as you can get away with .
    would likely pick an all weld aluminum around 16ft. for 3 people that's extra wide for stability .
    enough motor to run about 25 mph or a little more and a 4 stroke if you can swing it .
    a trailer that's got the largest wheels you can find as it wont likely eat wheel bearings as fast if you keep them greased up .
    larger stuff gets costly to feed and wont be as easy to use ,launch and pull
    my 2 cents
    sum kawl me tha outlaw ketchn whales
    Likes Redge, ChrisTownsend LIKED above post

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