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Post by kutkota on Mar 21, 2013 5:26:47 GMT -7
Thanks a ton. I was close to buying an 8footer for the local 3 acre lake that does not allow power on it. It is an old mine with steep hills surrounding it so very little wind and no motors allowed. HMMM I'll have to see about trying some out somehow. Thanks. No motors, or no gas motors? I see a lot of little 10'-15' aluminum boats using a trolling motor to fish small lakes. The boats actually get around pretty good. Marc No gas. Trolling motors are fine. It is a fairly small lake. You couldn't use a gas motor if you wanted to. |
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Post by kutkota on Mar 21, 2013 6:27:53 GMT -7
Sorry, I just got in and had a chance to check in a saw this thread. I'm beat and not sure the new job is gonna work out bit that's another story. I'll say this, call me before you spend ANY money!! I don't claim to know it all but I do spend a lot of my life in these type of boats. You have the most expensive things covered, that being, a outboard engine and a tow vehicle. You now need to match what you already have, and what you can afford that will do what you wanna do, right? I have some thoughts and will share them on what you are contemplating and maybe it will help some others? I'll get some rest and try and post some thought tomorrow. Just don't buy nothing tonight! Take your time, midterms are killing me. I have spring break next week so I will dive into it a little more. Get some rest. |
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Post by offtrail on Mar 21, 2013 9:49:36 GMT -7
I can't stress enough that a small flat bottom boat in choppy water will beat the hell out of your boat and you.
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Post by hunter63 on Mar 22, 2013 8:56:30 GMT -7
For some reason jon boats...flat bottom are real popular, and cost more money than V-hulls....even used.
Advantage of the flat bottom boats is draft depth 2-4 inches, so are good for shallow water, cattails and such.
V-hulls do much better in bigger water, lakes and such, seem to be a LOT cheaper.
15 hp motor is actually pretty big, so 14 ft or bigger boat would be minimum.....most boats are marked as to Hp rating and load.
If you are talking 4 people 14 ft or bigger.....but keep in mind that (at least in Wisconsin over 18', I think), requires more running lights, horn, and other stuff not required on smaller boats....
Mine is 17' 6" so it's under 18 ft.
You need to check your states boating regulations.
I would also get the motor checked out, having two hours on in isn't necessarily a good thing....they tend to GTH if you let them sit....So you aren't faced with floating 15 ft from the launch, trying to get it started....with everyone staring at you.
As your are entering into the world of 'boat people" you need to know that a "boat"....is a hole in the water, surrounded by metal, wood or fiberglass...that you pour money into.....LOL
the list is endless.
B.O.A.T. "break out another thousand"
Sure are fun though......
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Post by angelhelp on Mar 22, 2013 9:55:31 GMT -7
Minimum to buy a hole in the water around here seems to be $300. That's before sales tax, mandatory floatation devices, oars/paddles/engines, and transportation items (roof rack, trailer, etc.).
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Post by hunter63 on Mar 22, 2013 10:21:26 GMT -7
For some reason, around here jon boats are gold.......but you can get an older 14 ft v-hull, boat, motor, (mostly 5 to 10 Hp), and small trailer for $500 bucks.....with a lot of stuff already in/on it.
But a 14 ft jon boat are going for $400 to 1000 bucks or more.
Been looking for a 10-or 12 ft jon boat....(just me and the dog)....and so far nothing in any kind of shape, for any kind of decent price.
Most guys I know beat them up pretty good running thru stumps weeds, sand bars and generally anywhere a boat isn't supposed to go.
Big boat is nice, very stable, but is limited by size and weight, for getting into tight places.
Remember, you are not limited to one boat....one can never have too many.......LOL
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Post by missasip on Mar 22, 2013 13:26:35 GMT -7
I have owned a dozen or so flat bottomed skiffs through the years. 10'-16'. 2hp Sears to 40 Johnson. Owned several alum and FG V bottomed skiffs too.
Stay away from anything under 14' if you gonna take out that many folks. Anything smaller and you won't have any freeboard. Plus make sure it is rated for that many folks, pounds and HP.
One of my favorites was a 14' AlWeld with a 15 Evinrude. Had a 4' beam and was a fish-catching dandy. Stable with lots of freeboard. And tough as wood pecker lips. Had a set of 4" cushions made for the seats and put a wood/carpeted floor in it. I floated the creek with it, fished at Cat Island (6 miles offshore in the MS Sound), fished every river and nearly every lake in the south part of MS. You couldn't wear it out.
Now having said that, any jon will do if you just make sure she's not too skinny, make sure to water test her if she's riveted. A bit of silicone and two pop rivets on either side and she's usually ready to go, if you find a leaker.
Guess the best thing to tell you is this. If your state offers a boat handling class with rules of the water way, TAKE IT!!! Though boats can offer a lot of fun and adventure, things can go sour VERY quickly.
Good luck in your quest and keep us posted.
Jimmy
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Post by offtrail on Mar 22, 2013 14:09:38 GMT -7
I have owned a dozen or so flat bottomed skiffs through the years. 10'-16'. 2hp Sears to 40 Johnson. Owned several alum and FG V bottomed skiffs too. Stay away from anything under 14' if you gonna take out that many folks. Anything smaller and you won't have any freeboard. Plus make sure it is rated for that many folks, pounds and HP. One of my favorites was a 14' AlWeld with a 15 Evinrude. Had a 4' beam and was a fish-catching dandy. Stable with lots of freeboard. And tough as wood pecker lips. Had a set of 4" cushions made for the seats and put a wood/carpeted floor in it. I floated the creek with it, fished at Cat Island (6 miles offshore in the MS Sound), fished every river and nearly every lake in the south part of MS. You couldn't wear it out. Now having said that, any jon will do if you just make sure she's not too skinny, make sure to water test her if she's riveted. A bit of silicone and two pop rivets on either side and she's usually ready to go, if you find a leaker. Guess the best thing to tell you is this. If your state offers a boat handling class with rules of the water way, TAKE IT!!! Though boats can offer a lot of fun and adventure, things can go sour VERY quickly. Good luck in your quest and keep us posted. Jimmy Good advice on taken the classes. When I got my first boat i took it out in high winds. No weight in the front end, as soon as I turned the boat into the wind it caught the front of my 14 ft and picked it up and almost flipped it over. I was very lucky it stopped before flipping over, could have knocked me out. If a person has no experience with handling a boat, then I agree take a class just to be safe. |
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