Thinking about a boat....

Imaexpat2 · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 5:29 am Post subject: Thinking about a boat....

Im missing out on some good all around - all season fishing. There are days when taking the Kayak out just aint in the cards but I have some time to fish. I have been thinking about getting a budget priced boat...if there really is such a thing. Dont mind buying a boat used but I am bit leary of buying a used motor.

I stumbbled into a website called www.tinboats.net and I am thinking about a Johnboat with a Modified V hull. I am thinking it should be pretty inexpensive, very versitile allowing me a lot of options out on the water fishing or hunting. Although given this lakes propensity to get a little windy and rough it might be better to find a 16ft Deep V aluminum boat.

Whats a good boat engine for the money in the 5-25 hp range? Im looking for something that is bullet proof reliable, easy on maintenance and a miser on gas! Seen some seemingly nice deals on engines on Craigs list, any models/brands out there have a good track record for reliability without needing an over haul first?

The Briggs & Straton 5 hp looks pretty motivating and seems reasonably priced and appeared to do a pretty good job moving a 15 footer on YouTube. But I have also looked at some Mercurys in the 9.9, 15 and 25 hp ranges too. Its it worth doubling or trippling the cost and going to a bigger engine? Not really looking to set the speed record but I definitely want to move at speeds well above trolling speed so I can get off the water if it turns ugly!

You PBers thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
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Fodder4U · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 4:38 pm Post subject:

I was recently researching this and from those I have spoken to most agree that a 16ft boat on LL with the types of winds we get should have at minimum 10hp engine.

Imaexpat2 · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 7:39 pm Post subject:

Thanks Bro', thats a place to start with at anyrate. Did they mention any particualr brands or any other juicy tid bits or words of wisdom?

I am really looking at staying fairly close to shore and not doing any major motoring. Just something to get me to a Crappie Hole a little quicker than paddling against the wind, more room to kick back and relax while I am there and a little more weight capcity to do it in. Maybe something to sit in while night time catfishing one of the near by bays.

Given the above mentioned advice prehaps I should consider a used Bass Boat/Motor from a dealer near by. Might be a better expenditure of fun dollars in the long run.

Let me knoiw if you got any more words of advice!
_________________
Just making this world a better place...one bomb at a time!

I remember when stupidity used to hurt. There was a lot less of it back then.

God created man...and Sam Colt made them equal.

Fodder4U · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:45 pm Post subject:

No brands were ever mentioned other than Johnson being the most popular.

I am considering trading my X-Factor and Speck along with my trailer for a PB if the right deal comes along. My shoulder just can't handle a lot of paddling anymore. If I found a good deal on a Hobie Mirage yak I might just trade in the X-Factor and use the Hobie instead.