Thread: Minimum Boat Length

News to me. I used to fish out of a 10' scamp on Keystone and Heyburn as well as many smaller lakes and the oxbows of the navigational channel. Never had anyone say anything to me.

I Google and called around but nothing. I went ahead a purchased my trailer off Craiglist tonight for the 12' I'm getting next month.

There used to be a guy on Oologah that had a trolling motor mounted on a slab of styrofoam. The Corp told him to get it tagged if he wanted to be out on it. Also, people use scamps, kayaks canoes all shorter than 14' all the time and have no problems. Get what you want, but try to find something with high sides if you're going to be on any body of water that has other boats. Too many short johnboats get swamped real easy by someone elses wake.

The boat I was looking at has 20" sides and a 16" transom. Weld-Craft has a 24" side with a 21" transom but I believe that boat is going to be $800 or more higher than the Weldbilt I am looking at. You think 20" sides and a 16" transom is high enough? Sure higher than the local riveted Tracker boats.

Originally Posted by DrNip

You think 20" sides and a 16" transom is high enough? Sure higher than the local riveted Tracker boats.

You should be fine with that. If you're new to boating, just be careful in high winds and around idiots that don't have a clue or care that the wake from their boat is having a dire effect on yours.

Finally somebody returned my calls after trying 4 different places trying to inquire about the 24" side/21" transom Wed-Craft jon boat I spoke of. It is only $400 more than the Wedbilt one I was looking at so I will be getting it. Only have to drive to Hot Springs Arkansas. Thanks for the info Crappie Reaper.

Hot Springs is a great place. Another Crappie.com guy guides on Lake Greeson over there and is one of the nicest guys you would ever meet. Jerry Blake of Action Fishing Trips! Here's a link to his site. Look through some of the pictures of his extremely happy customers!
Crappie Fishing Guide Jerry Blake And Friends - Lake Greeson Arkansas Fishing Guide Service

Well I did it. I pulled the trigger on my 1st boat today! I went with the Weldcraft 1248 24" side/21" transom. Wish I could have went with the 14' but didn't have the room. I'll be fishing by myself 95% of the time so 12' should be fine. I went ahead and splurged on a full middle bench livewell. Probably won't be complete until the later part of September. Now time to start saving for an outboard.