Too much boat?

**Chuck from arkansaw** · 10-30-2011, 10:41 AM

I bought a fishing boat for my retirement, and am wondering if it is too much boat. It is a 1997 Roughneck by Lund. It is an aluminum deep V (think Lund), and is 17 1/2 feet long, 7 feet wide, and has a 90 hp. Johnson. It weighs 1300 lbs. The trailer is a single axle with roller bed instead of having bunks. I have launched it on lake Charles, Frierson, and the ramp at Old Davidson state park on the Black river without too much trouble, but it was obvious that any shallower water would have been a problem. I want to fish it at least 3 or 4 times a year on the bigger lakes, and would like to fish the White river from Batesville up to around Calico Rock. I am close enough to Horseshoe to make the drive a couple of times a month.

On the plus side, the boat is really comfortable, and easy to handle. It has enough storage, and I have even been considering dropping a mosquito net from the bimini, and sleeping on board on extended trips.

Would I be better suited with a smaller boat, or should I dust off my old 14 foot semi-V for the small water, and enjoy the extra size and comfort of the Roughneck where I can squeeze it in?

**MEATGETTER** · 10-30-2011, 03:51 PM

keep the bigger boat and use it where you can, then use the smaller boat on smaller waters . there is a lot of us crappie fisherman that use a two boat system!!!!!!! it his sure nice to have all that room in a larger boat, i use mine 99% time anyway if there is a good ramp i am using the larger boat (1860) with a 70hp suzuki.

**Roughneck** · 10-30-2011, 06:34 PM

IMO Use two boats! The deep V is what you will need for Bullshoals, Norfork and deep water lakes. But you would be very unwise to put that boat on the White River, it will eat you prop up!!!! I have had 6 boats in the last 6 years and have found there is no one boat that will handle shallow impoundments and deep large lake safely. If you find one let me know

**luvpt** · 10-30-2011, 07:29 PM

Use two boats by all means. Then you will be able to fish everything available. Either single boat will keep you off certain waters. I use two boats and spend 90% of the time in the big one (20' Triton) but there are times when I have to use the smaller aluminum boat. I just swap the rods over and take off!

**Gomer Snerd** · 10-30-2011, 07:58 PM

How can you get by with just two boats?? I have 5. All have a place where they are perfect.And am looking for a bass buggy to rig up for pulling cranks.

**MEATGETTER** · 10-30-2011, 08:47 PM

the two i have are perfect for the lakes i fish no need for no more !!!!!!!!!!

**luvpt** · 10-30-2011, 10:09 PM

Having a four wheel drive pickup and waders can also take up a lot of slack on boat size! It has put me in a lot of places that a 2 WD wouldn't! I have had to unload in a ditch on the side of the road before during high water!!

**TAV2** · 10-31-2011, 05:37 AM

I have three boats in my starting rotation. You gotta have your starter, but my beloved Cardinals proved that you also need a bullpen that'll perform when needed! 94' Bass Tracker w/ a 60 hp and 55 lb maxxum handles most of my adventures, but my 2000 15' War Eagle w/ a 25 hp and 50 lb maxxum or my 1984 Coleman Crawdad w/ 5 hp and sculling power also get the nod at times. Your big boat sounds ideal for the Ozark lakes, but no doubt hang onto your stumpjumper for when it's needed! That being said, I'm thinking about adding a scamp to my arsenal as well... Boats are like tackle IMO - can't have too much!

**BigRiverMarine** · 11-02-2011, 10:21 AM

I think EVERYBODY needs 5 boats. My number is-- LOL

**Handicrappie** · 11-02-2011, 06:52 PM

Didn't know there was a such thing as to much boat. Just thought some waters were to small.

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