Let's talk boats

[NeonMoon]

Not currently "looking", just wanting to learn a bit before-hand. I've only owned 1 bigger boat, and probably 10-12 14' and under with either real small outboard, and some being TM only. Just never fished bigger waters that required more boat.

Another reason for asking is, I'm bored as H-E-double hockey-sticks


Not interested in "Brands", and not looking to start a war over that (Blonde vs Brunette), we all know it's personal preference. So if it turns that way, delete it, lock it, whatever.

Don't necessarily want to go "minimum", but don't need to go "max" either

OK, so just for some general ideas for discussion, I'm talking about a boat that:

Affordable (say $6-$8K)

Willing to put some sweat equity into, got more time than money. (don't have to be ready to fish right off the bat)

Could be used on any of the Big 4 (spider-rigging, maybe pulling cranks at some point in time)

Glass/Tin?

Hull type (I'd probably need a center console, or able to add one since I couldn't bend my right leg enough to get it under a R/H console).

Length/Width? (for fishing 2 up front)

OB size (HP), keep in mind I ain't a speed demon, them days are long gone.



Kind of a Part II:

Say I went to look at a boat that fit into what I was looking for. Outside of running a compression check on the motor (if there even was one, and I didn't just buy a hull, but for the sake of discussion, we'll say there's a motor hanging on it), taking it for a test drive, and visible check of any area of the hull that's exposed, what else to look for?

[Rees Guide]

Check the transom, rubber mallet from top to bottom on both sides, should sound the same unless the sound is hollow and then the whole thing is done for. For the price range you are looking at you cant find a nice rig, just be patient.

["G"]

Most any brand aluminum 1860 center console would fit your needs.....motor size anywhere from a 70 to a 90.....four stroke....preferably Yamaha.

[satdoc1]

Glass for best ride and water condition( wind and waves).
No less than a 115-125 hp
Check operation of livewell and bilge pumps along with running lights. If used with ff check it/them out too

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[feelay]

For that price range you can get a nice CC boat similar to my tin boat. 18'- 90hp will safely fish any water around here. Glass boat will be more comfortable and fish better but in that price range will be much older and potentially janky.

[Hook One]

Sounds like all good info on this sub.

[NeonMoon]

Since I travel, and pass water along the way, I'd probably be more apt to lean towards a tin boat anyway for the fact of fishing other waters (I'll just use Reelfoot for an example). Understood 'glass is heavier and rides/fishes a bit better, but for the $ I think you could get a bigger tin boat for the same/less money than a glass boat, unless it was a 30-40 year-old hull that's been beat to death. I've looked around a little, and some of them prices are nuts.

[DonDon]

If you could spend in the 8-9 grand, think about a bay boat. I absolutely love mine. It's only 18 1/2 foot so its not huge but I can take some real tough water safely. You wil get caught in some at one point in time. Mines got a 96 inch beam so even with my center console, I still have 2 1/2 feet between the CC To the edge of the boat. Lots of room to walk around. The front deck is huge for spider rigging and double seats. Then in the summer time, pulling cranks is a breeze. If its hot, just raise up the Bimini top and you in the shade. It drifts real shallow to so you can get in some real skinny water. The only downside would be with the taller sides. When the winds blowing, it pushes you sideways more, just catches the wind more.

[DonDon]

One bit of advice. If you see something real nice and is what you really want but it's say $1000-$1500 more than you really want to spend, Spend the extra bucks and get it. You won't have any regrets then.

[Handicrappie]

Neon, a 50hp will power a 18ft tin boat just fine. My 1860 is heavy (1800 before passengers) and will push my boat 30mph with 2 passengers and a full load. I wish I had a larger motor just because but unless you are tournament fishing there is not a big need for it. Good luck and if your not in a big hurry you will come across a good deal.


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