Thanks Thanks:  0
HaHa HaHa:  0
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16

Thread: What is the perfect combination boat?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    165
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default What is the perfect combination boat?


    I currently have a Lowe Roughneck 2070SC with a Suzuki 115. It has worked well for me for the past 5 years, but I am looking for a more well rounded boat.

    I live in Central NC. So I inland fish for crappie and catfish, but I also like to run saltwater. Not looking to run far offshore, but would like a boat capable of crappie fishing and trolling for Spanish mackerel a mile or two out. I know I would still have to pick my days. Crappie fishing, I do a little bit of everything. Spider rig, long line, push/pull cranks, jigging, etc.

    My question is, does a boat exist that can handle this and not sacrifice a lot? I have looked at Excel and Xpress Bay Boats, but are they up to the saltwater fishing, as well as a very comfortable crappie fishing boat? I have not looked much at glass boats, but are interested in those as well.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Benton, KY
    Posts
    660
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Sea Ark would be my pick. They are awesome! Lifetime warranty on the hull. I think they'll add a saltwater package to about any model.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Memphis, TN
    Posts
    264
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Center console bay boats are wonderful rigs. They typically have "self-bailing decks" via scupper valves, can just hose them off when done, etc. Tall gunwales, casting decks, and are pretty stable. I don't know how shallow they'll draft though. They also aren't good for running up small creeks.
    Likes Redge LIKED above post

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    521
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    One that is paid for.
    Likes "G", wannabe fisherman, Billbob, kycreek, USMA65 LIKED above post

  5. #5
    Redge is offline Crappie.com Legend - 2017 Man Of The Year
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    OK
    Posts
    27,548
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ksnouf View Post
    One that is paid for.
    X2!


    Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
    Proud Member of Team Geezer!
    Likes wannabe fisherman, USMA65 LIKED above post

  6. #6
    M R Dux's Avatar
    M R Dux is offline Crappie.com Legend , 2018 Crappie.com Man of the Year * Crappie.com Supporter * Member Sponsor
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Benton,KY / KY Lake
    Posts
    7,454
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Name:  IMG_0886.jpg
Views: 763
Size:  106.9 KBName:  IMG_0758.jpg
Views: 712
Size:  118.9 KB

    I’ve ran Excel Bay Pros for 5 years and my clients and I love them for the stability, room, and storage. That said I’m soon going to be running an Excel Storm Cat because of two replaced knees and major back surgery. I need time to sit while on long trips.


    Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com
    www.crappie-gills-n-more.com
    Podunk Ideas Pro Staff /test platform
    PICO Lures Field Rep
    Excel Boats Pro Staff

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    927
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ksnouf View Post
    One that is paid for.




    Actually a DNR boat with the shocker on the front
    Likes wannabe fisherman LIKED above post

  8. #8
    skeetbum's Avatar
    skeetbum is offline Crappie.com Legend - Moderator Jig Tying Forum * Crappie.com Supporter
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    22,857
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Just my opinion. If you’re asking this question now with so much research still to be done, you’ll be ready to buy a boat when the prices get a little better in the fall or winter. So many variables make my head hurt just trying to figure out all I need in one boat. Always sacrifices somewhere. With evinrude off the market, power choices just got easier. I would be going to boat ramps and boat shows and asking for all the info I could get. I saw a Pioneer 21 cc with a t top and 150 f model Yamaha on it today that had my interest. Lower sides and not too severe a v allowing shallower draft. I’m trying to figure out how to buy the one you’re getting out of, would do me fine.
    Creativity is just intelligence fooling around

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    TEXAS
    Posts
    20,811
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    sounds like a somewhat tough choice to me , the perfect boat for both versions of what you want to do is likely a center console and probably needs to be glass .
    of course I don't know much but I do know a fella who sold about the finest large sea ark I ever seen recently and went a bit larger glass center console because he likes to hit the big striped fish out in the sea of waves
    sum kawl me tha outlaw ketchn whales

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    165
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I guess the more I look, the more I realize I would need two boats to be able to do both. I just hate to keep up with two of them and the use would go down on the other. I look at all these bay boats, but I always wonder will they work for both applications, crappie fishing and running offshore on occasion. May be a will find a deal on a glass center console, but now that would be very unlikely. I will keep doing my research and see where it takes me
    Likes skeetbum LIKED above post

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

BACK TO TOP