Boat bottom widths

I thought I would change the topic from the v-bottom boats since I have ruled them out.........and am going to get a flatbottom. From what I have read, I don't need a 36 inch bottom. I've been in a 48 inch bottom before and know what that is like as far as stability goes. I was just wondering how much of a difference there is between a 36 inch wide bottom versus the 40 inch? Would I see that much of a difference? And then how much difference would see between the 40 and the 48.


Seems like when you aren't looking for a boat, you see alot of good deals, but when you are looking, you can't find anything. Or at least the ones that seem like a good deal, are sold when I call. thanks

I would say you will see a big difference between a 40 & 48, but not as big a difference between a 36 to a 40. I would really recommend a 48 though.

i would go with the 48" bottom, i think you get alot more boat for your money that way

A 40" or a 42" would be suitable as long as you aren't wanting to do backflips in the boat. I have fished out of a 42" bottom all of my life, and I have never had any problem at all. Never have I fallen out nor come close. The 48" will be much more stable, but a 42" will also have as much stability as you will ever need. If you are in the back of the boat and lean over the side, there will be SOME roll with whatever size bottom you go with. CEB -

I had a 14, 36. Every trip was the same. You put your feet down, sit down and don't move. Not enough room for anything that wasn't right there.
I fished from a 14, 48. There was enough room to do what you wanted plus your and partners gear. But I fish the river in a big boat 20, 96. He and I could stand together on the side and there was plenty of stability. I didn't see going that big, so I got an 18, 72. Now my family is wanting to go all the time. Best thing I ever did.

I'll be looking for a new ride before long. My son is getting older and my wife said she would fish if I had a bigger boat. I'm looking to go 16x48 myself. Maybe 25 or 40hp.

You will have to decide between stability and monuverablity. A wide boat is more stable in the water. But go too wide and it can be a problem to control or access fishing spots. The best for me is 48'' wide . I also have a 36 '' wide smaller boat and there is a world of difference in stability. It also depends on size and number of fishermen it is going to carry.
The other aspect you need to look at is side height . The boat will be heavier of course with higher sides and will handle rougher waters. But also the higher you go the more wind catches the boat. This makes it tough to handle fishing in the wind.