1st boat suggestions

[ChrisTownsend]

I’m looking for my first boat. Something just big enough for me and my wife and son to enjoy and fish lakes and rivers. Any advice is appreciated. Should I buy new or used, Any brands or models to avoid etc. it’ll be a couple months before I buy but I am looking now.


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[Blackjeepjk]

I think it will all come down to personal preference.
There are many good deals to be had between November and March on used boats in classifieds and craigslist.

I was in the same situation years ago and opted for used in a 16 footer. Very good for 2 peeps and still comfortable for 3. I went with aluminum for my personal preference and got a good deal on complete package, trolling motor, big motor, fish finder for $3,500.
I wanted to get in cheap to see how much it would be used.

Nothing wrong with buy new either.


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[tcounty]

How big of a lake are you talking about?

My first was a 1436 John with a 25 hp. Then 1648, 1756,1548, now 1860.

Really depends how big of water you’re fishing and how you’re going to fish.


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[ChrisTownsend]

How big of a lake are you talking about?

My first was a 1436 John with a 25 hp. Then 1648, 1756,1548, now 1860.

Really depends how big of water you’re fishing and how you’re going to fish.


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Anywhere from 4000 acres to 14,000 acres lakes and as many miles of river as I’d care to look at. Plenty of options nearby


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[huntinslabs]

A 1654, 1754 or 1648 jon boat would be a fine start. Good tool to learn in and fish very well.

[whiskerwhipper]

I see you are from Lumberton (coastal area and swamps). Popular boats in the area are the mod v jon boats. Im iffy on buying used.

[SeaRay]

I had a 16' stick steer Duracraft and loved the convenience but it had a really rough ride due to the flat jon boat hull. I sold it and finally realized it offered too many advantages to discount due to rough ride. I'm at the age where climbing on and off raised decks offers a good chance to take an unplanned swim.
So I recently found another one and bought it. It is a Weldcraft with a bit of a v-hull front and to my delight it rides very smooth even in heavy chop.
Don't know your budget but the one I got had 15 hours on it and it was under $10K. 50 HP Tohatsu 4stroke with DF and TM. A lot of boat for the money and well suited to the lakes and rivers in your area. (I'm from Bennettsville so know your area)
Sent you a PM!

[yobuck]

Lots of used Carolina Skiffs out there in the 16’ range.
Basicly a f/g Jon boat, with a center console and the seating requirements you need.
I wouldn’t go less than 48” width bottom on an aluminum Jon for 3 people.
I don’t like all the seats in many of the Jon boat designs, but then I don’t have 3 people on board.
Check out Richard Genes V front Jon, I believe it’s 15x52 and maybe 16.
Lots of open space which i like also. A cooler can double as a seat.
Made by Alweld Boats over in AR, they have a nice line of different styles built better than some out there.

[Cray]

This may sound dumb but my suggestion is go to boat ramps on the bodies of water you expect to fish on a busy day. Take the time to see what people are using. Don’t be afraid to approach folks as they come in if they are in something you think you would like. Ask them questions. Most guys are more than willing to share information about their boats. Likes, dislikes, performance, what they would or would not change. When their launching is not the time for that because they only have one thing on their mind at that time. When they are finished for the day they will be more willing to talk. A few hours doing this could save you a bunch of money and agrivation. Heck take a cooler with lunch and some drinks and just make a day of it.

[silverside]

Always smell the live wells. If it don't smell like fish pass on it! It must not catch them.