Let's talk boats

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
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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?

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.

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

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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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.

Sounds like all good info on this sub.

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.

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.

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.

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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DD- I was thinking (well hoping, I know things always cost more than planned) around $8K max. After fishing in feelays and Ennivators bay boats, they will sure spoil a person, but, I gotta be realistic too. I mean as long as I could safely and dependably get on the water, some of the other goodies would likely have to come later. I like the open space in them though.

Handi, yeah I wouldn't need 100+ HP, or the added initial cost. 30 MPH would be plenty for me, and probably never have an interest in anything other than fishing for the fun of it, so no need to get anywhere fast. 50 would be plenty, maybe 75 if I'd someday luck onto a 20'er.

lol, no money equals no hurry.

OK, so nobody's mentioned hull type?

What Sat and Feelay said. Glass is the best way to go. Me and Feelay and Feesh fish shallow water all the time no prob. And as far as stumps, glass is 3 times as easy to get off stumps when you slide up on one, as far as not being able to find a good glass boat in your price range? Well problem solved. Cut me a check for 8500 and I will throw in 6 trolling poles and the trolling rigs and I will go shopping.

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You better be careful Sammy, someone may cut you a check. Nice rig and is turn key, pay the man and go fishing in the morning.

I would hate to but I would.

Well, if I had the money, I just might be interested. So all you've managed to do is tease me :Rofl


Wait.....does it have to be a "good" check? :biggrin

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Originally Posted by NeonMoon

Well, if I had the money, I just might be interested. So all you've managed to do is tease me :Rofl


Wait.....does it have to be a "good" check? :biggrin

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Money you got the money....You just tight like your fellow Geezers

I thought one of yer stipulations was a 10-14' boat. Any console whether side or center is gonna leave ya strapped for room in those size boats. 17-18 is a better choice with a 60" bottom.

Check the compression, RUN the engine in the lake. They all run good on a hose without putting a load on them. Your biggest thing will be to check the engine completely. Call me with the serial number, and I can check them out for warranty claims, and prior damage.


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers

If I had the money I'd be heading to that mans house right now. That there is a fine boat

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Originally Posted by GitDaGrease

What Sat and Feelay said. Glass is the best way to go. Me and Feelay and Feesh fish shallow water all the time no prob. And as far as stumps, glass is 3 times as easy to get off stumps when you slide up on one, as far as not being able to find a good glass boat in your price range? Well problem solved. Cut me a check for 8500 and I will throw in 6 trolling poles and the trolling rigs and I will go shopping.

Sent from my dang phone

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Nice rig!!! Great trolling racks, FF's, and really clean!!!!


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers

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Originally Posted by Big H trucking

Money you got the money....You just tight like your fellow Geezers

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That's where I differ from them.....I say I got no money because I got no money. I might be like the guy jigflinger and me saw at HuddleHouse bumming fuel when I have to head back North.

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Originally Posted by NeonMoon

That's where I differ from them.....I say I got no money because I got no money. I might be like the guy jigflinger and me saw at HuddleHouse bumming fuel when I have to head back North.

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Enjoy yer Yak!!! ;-)


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers

It's paid for

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Originally Posted by NeonMoon

It's paid for

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Now you talking......Dang a note... If i can not pay cash i do not need it

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Originally Posted by NeonMoon

It's paid for

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That's the best kind! Lol


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Big H trucking

Now you talking......Dang a note... If i can not pay cash i do not need it

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X2


Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NeonMoon

Well, if I had the money, I just might be interested. So all you've managed to do is tease me :Rofl


Wait.....does it have to be a "good" check? :biggrin

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No, it can be cash also.

Sent from my dang phone

Oh and btw, its got a am fm radio with a speaker under the console so me and partner can listen to football. And 12 volt silent bubbles system with a line ran up front to hook your minnow bucket up to. Only thing you might need is turrets to mount some A Ks to. I was thinkin bout taking it to red jacket firearms and having this done.:D
Sent from my dang phone

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Originally Posted by GitDaGrease

Oh and btw, its got a am fm radio with a speaker under the console so me and partner can listen to football. And 12 volt silent bubbles system with a line ran up front to hook your minnow bucket up to. Only thing you might need is turrets to mount some A Ks to. I was thinkin bout taking it to red jacket firearms and having this done.:D
Sent from my dang phone

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It could come with $7500 of Gold Bullion.....and I'd still be screwed :Rofl

I have owned several boats of different sizes shapes and styles over the years. Starting with a 12 ft aluminum. 2 tri hulls, up to a 24 ft cabin cruiser, And a 150hp walleye boat. Icurrently own a 21ft pontoon that i wish i had gotten 20 years ago. i only have a 25hp 4 stroke merc on it but i can troll ALL day on less than a gallon of fuel (no joke) I do wish for a bigger motor but poor folk have poor folk ways. I truly enjoy being able to have a few people on her and still have enough room to move around and uncramp. Another good thing is ou an find them very reasonably priced with worn out upholstery which lets you clear the deck and start from scrath easily for pedestals, live wells,storage,whatever. Paid $4000. for it. 2001 model. You can get very shallow and they still handle some pretty rough water. Well thats my nickle. Good luck with whatever you go with. God Bless.

16-18 alum center console with 25-50 for your restricted lakes up home. Also might consider a Carolina Skiff in same size. Little rough ride but no more than alum. Both fish shallow,not to heavy to pull and should find a good one in your price range. 25 ain't gonna be a speed demon but will get you there and back. If on Big 4 just got to use some common sense. With your leg a side console is about out of the question. I couldn't hardly run my old boat with that brace on my leg and my knee would bend.
Beyond the normal checks on motor and transom, check all wiring that you can access. On alum fill bottom with water and check for leaks at transom and bottom.

Get you one like mine.

This would be a great boat for you. You posted this the other day.

2000 model century bay boat. 22 ft long 90 in wide

I'd almost just as soon buy something that needed work. Heck you never know what someone else done, and I'd just about as soon start from scratch (pumps, rewire, etc) than keep chasing problems (or have 'em happen on the water). All that stuff isn't expensive to do. Just because it's new, don't mean it can't fail, but the odds are a lot less.

Been looking around a bit today, I think it'd be best for me to get a hull and trailer, and work on it when I could (afford to). Might take 2-3 years to finish it, but at least I'd know what I had when it was done. I could always buy a beater truck and leave it down here in the Spring/Summer.

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Originally Posted by majflyboy

This would be a great boat for you. You posted this the other day.

2000 model century bay boat. 22 ft long 90 in wide

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You and GdG just tormenting me today? :Rofl

You're right though.

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Originally Posted by NeonMoon

I'd almost just as soon buy something that needed work. Heck you never know what someone else done, and I'd just about as soon start from scratch (pumps, rewire, etc) than keep chasing problems (or have 'em happen on the water). All that stuff isn't expensive to do. Just because it's new, don't mean it can't fail, but the odds are a lot less.

Been looking around a bit today, I think it'd be best for me to get a hull and trailer, and work on it when I could (afford to). Might take 2-3 years to finish it, but at least I'd know what I had when it was done. I could always buy a beater truck and leave it down here in the Spring/Summer.

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The hull and trailer are the cheap parts

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Originally Posted by Big H trucking

The hull and trailer are the cheap parts

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Exactly :biggrin But at least it'd be a start, but that's not to say I couldn't get it with a motor. Just saw a '94 200ProV for $3K (re-ringed, other new parts and "warrantied"), more than I'd need, and a warranty's only as good as the one offering it. 200HP way more than I'd want, but there's a deals out there, I just never use to be one who spent the time finding them. Not that way any more.

Hey neon , I'm running a 1860 CC and love it. I'm not real limber anymore and 6'2" and I have a hard time getting behind a RC just isn't' comfy to me. Also I have a hard time getting up from behind the RC after I'm seated where the center console is no problem. I choose an aluminum because of the cc design and I wanted a jet foot with a tunnel hull. I'm running a 65 jet and it'll run 31 with 3 peeps. It fishes 3 peeps real well also and I consider it stable with three. I did cross the wakes of a cabin crusier yesterday and had to use some common sense but had no problems.hope this helps and feel your pain on searching boats. I looked at Craigslist all over the southeast every nite for three months before I found this boat at a dealership as a leftover model.

man ifn it was me i would get that old skeeter i think it is with the stick steering in the personal classifieds that is one sweet ride of course that would be good for my style of fishing and maby not yours but you could put racks on it i bet it would fish great

I lurked over on Tinboats, saw a guy who re-did a SeaArk Super Jon 1872MV, looked like a pretty nice boat. I'll need to save some cash before I can start "looking", I told Cray I'm just trying to keep occupied, otherwise I'd just be eating :Rofl

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Originally Posted by Donald@CrappieLogic

man ifn it was me i would get that old skeeter i think it is with the stick steering in the personal classifieds that is one sweet ride of course that would be good for my style of fishing and maby not yours but you could put racks on it i bet it would fish great

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If I had you're money I would Donnie. You're one of them rich geezers BigH mentioned .

Heres the Skeeter Donnies talking about.....great boat http://www.crappie.com/crappie/perso...-restored.html