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I’m looking for my first boat. Something just big enough for me and my wife and son to enjoy and fish lakes and rivers. Any advice is appreciated. Should I buy new or used, Any brands or models to avoid etc. it’ll be a couple months before I buy but I am looking now.
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I think it will all come down to personal preference.
There are many good deals to be had between November and March on used boats in classifieds and craigslist.
I was in the same situation years ago and opted for used in a 16 footer. Very good for 2 peeps and still comfortable for 3. I went with aluminum for my personal preference and got a good deal on complete package, trolling motor, big motor, fish finder for $3,500.
I wanted to get in cheap to see how much it would be used.
Nothing wrong with buy new either.
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How big of a lake are you talking about?
My first was a 1436 John with a 25 hp. Then 1648, 1756,1548, now 1860.
Really depends how big of water you’re fishing and how you’re going to fish.
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Anywhere from 4000 acres to 14,000 acres lakes and as many miles of river as I’d care to look at. Plenty of options nearbyQuote:
Originally Posted by tcounty
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A 1654, 1754 or 1648 jon boat would be a fine start. Good tool to learn in and fish very well.
I see you are from Lumberton (coastal area and swamps). Popular boats in the area are the mod v jon boats. Im iffy on buying used.
I had a 16' stick steer Duracraft and loved the convenience but it had a really rough ride due to the flat jon boat hull. I sold it and finally realized it offered too many advantages to discount due to rough ride. I'm at the age where climbing on and off raised decks offers a good chance to take an unplanned swim.
So I recently found another one and bought it. It is a Weldcraft with a bit of a v-hull front and to my delight it rides very smooth even in heavy chop.
Don't know your budget but the one I got had 15 hours on it and it was under $10K. 50 HP Tohatsu 4stroke with DF and TM. A lot of boat for the money and well suited to the lakes and rivers in your area. (I'm from Bennettsville so know your area)
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Lots of used Carolina Skiffs out there in the 16’ range.
Basicly a f/g Jon boat, with a center console and the seating requirements you need.
I wouldn’t go less than 48” width bottom on an aluminum Jon for 3 people.
I don’t like all the seats in many of the Jon boat designs, but then I don’t have 3 people on board.
Check out Richard Genes V front Jon, I believe it’s 15x52 and maybe 16.
Lots of open space which i like also. A cooler can double as a seat.
Made by Alweld Boats over in AR, they have a nice line of different styles built better than some out there.
This may sound dumb but my suggestion is go to boat ramps on the bodies of water you expect to fish on a busy day. Take the time to see what people are using. Don’t be afraid to approach folks as they come in if they are in something you think you would like. Ask them questions. Most guys are more than willing to share information about their boats. Likes, dislikes, performance, what they would or would not change. When their launching is not the time for that because they only have one thing on their mind at that time. When they are finished for the day they will be more willing to talk. A few hours doing this could save you a bunch of money and agrivation. Heck take a cooler with lunch and some drinks and just make a day of it.
Always smell the live wells. If it don't smell like fish pass on it! It must not catch them. rotfl
Biggest question is what price range. Me personnely with 3 people I would not go less then a 17 foot and as wide as I could get in that size range. I am one that likes to get up and be able to walk around the boat with out tumbling over someone else or tackle. If money is not a problem I would be looking at an 18 foot plus boat just for comfort and stability of the boat.
I agree, a lot has to do with your budget. Starting off, I'd suggest going with an aluminum hull. Mainly because it' so much lighter (gas saving for both the boat and the car) and easier to trailer on the road.
I'd recommend something around the 16' length, with a 20 - 25 hp 4 stroke (if you can find it) in a used boat. Plenty of room for 2 anglers and not uncomfortable for 3.
A flat bottomed jon boat would be a good start - as long as you are aware of it's limitations (the rear seated person will have to endure a wet ride in rough water). V-hulls will give you more "sea worthiness" in big / rough water. They are, however, a bit more challenging to rig up for crappie fishing, depending on your preferred style of presentations. Everything in boating is a trade off. And as has been said, personal preference factors in greatly.
Chris, if your budget has limits, there are used up aluminum bass boats with locked up engines that can be had for very little. A couple of used tires, repack the bearings, a little imagination, some sweat and elbow grease will get you on the water. A 5hp outboard will move it along, but not fast, mind you. Buy two paddles in case the motor quits. And that will beat the stuffing out of sitting on the bank wondering what is around that bend in the creek.
Its hard to have a bad day on the water.
Good luck on the hunt. Alot of good info here. If buying used check motor compression, lower unit lube and check for metal. If you go with all aluminum you don't have to worry about anything rotting out. I have 3 grown boys now and when they were small we fished out of canoes, 14 and 15 foot V bottoms, 14' flatbottoms and 16' flatbottoms and a old Crosby Sled fiberglass trihull. We managed to have fun and catch fish out of them all.
It is all about budget and personal preference. I would suggest buying a new boat if possible. I prefer glass to metal because of the ride. However there are some sweet aluminum boats out there. Sea Ark, Express, War eagle come to mind. With 3 people 18 footer would be my minimum. I also like center consoles because it seems to give me more room. I would suggest you calling Big River Marine. Bill Burnett is a member of this board and will give you some good advice. He also sells boats and gives a break to CDC members. He will give you some things to think about. I fish salt water a lot so I have a 22 foot Nautic star bay boat. It is also a great crappie boat. It rides good and no fresh water body I fish will get rough enough to prevent you from having a safe dry ride home.
best buy on a boat WILL NOT be in a couple of months , the prices will spike bigtime in the spring ….
and go used as the new hurts on depreciating assets ….just saying
first rig should be easy to use and small as you can get away with .
would likely pick an all weld aluminum around 16ft. for 3 people that's extra wide for stability .
enough motor to run about 25 mph or a little more and a 4 stroke if you can swing it .
a trailer that's got the largest wheels you can find as it wont likely eat wheel bearings as fast if you keep them greased up .
larger stuff gets costly to feed and wont be as easy to use ,launch and pull
my 2 cents