Advice on first boat.

Good afternoon, I’m starting to look at boats and I’m wanting to buy one in the next year. This will be my first boat. I’m looking at advice on what boat I should get. I know it’s hard to say what kind of boat to get but I’m just looking to see what direction I should go. About 95% of the time it will be just me or me and my wife. I weight 280 and she is around 250. Right now we just bank fish. The boat that has my eyes right now is the Avid Commander 18 with the 90sho. My budget is really nothing over $35k. I want something that will last and something that can be beat up. I do not wishing than crappie here in Louisiana. I also fish for catfish, gar, speckled trout, redfish, and crabs. What are your thoughts? I appreciate it.

If you're going to be in brackish or saltwater ... opt for a big motor & trolling motor suitable for that type of water. Make sure the boat has the passenger weight capacity to cover the both of you (in case you run up on a "green" Green Jeans looking to make a name for themselves) and for insurance compliance.

I'll defer to others on other specifics.

That’s what I’ve been aiming for. I believe the avid capacity is like 800 with a 90hp. What do you think about a hand tiller vs steering wheel? I’m not a fan of bass boats. I do like the extra space of a tiller.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TacoTyler4x4

That’s what I’ve been aiming for. I believe the avid capacity is like 800 with a 90hp. What do you think about a hand tiller vs steering wheel? I’m not a fan of bass boats. I do like the extra space of a tiller.

---

Sorry :dono ... I have no experience, of late, of running a tiller boat. (all three of the boats I've owned were fiberglass "bass" boats)
I looked up the passenger weight capacity of a Avid18 Commander ... 650lbs ... so you're good to go on that front. Total "carry weight" is 1350lbs (persons & gear).

I've had both bass Phoenix 721 and bay boats Lowe Bay 22. I loved my bass boat when I was fishing tournaments but it was definitely one dimensional. The Lowe Bay 22 has a bit of everything needed for fishing, family, freshwater and saltwater.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TacoTyler4x4

That’s what I’ve been aiming for. I believe the avid capacity is like 800 with a 90hp. What do you think about a hand tiller vs steering wheel? I’m not a fan of bass boats. I do like the extra space of a tiller.

---

With a 90hp on the back I would go with the center console version of that boat. It's a much better option and you will have plenty of space for two people.

Keep a good job, because by the time you turn 21 you will have at least three!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ACAMS

Keep a good job, because by the time you turn 21 you will have at least three!

---

I’m 28 and don't have one yet. I have a decent job, just cant decide on a boat.

35K buy a glass boat and never look back, I did 27 years ago, paid cash. One if the Best decision ever made, you’re welcome.

I learned from experience to put the biggest motor you can afford or that the boat is tagged for. Not to go fast. Just helps with boat control in those less then ideal water conditions we always seem to have to fish in...lol..I ran a tiller for over 20 yrs and just got a boat with steering 5 years ago. The tiller is great for boat control around the dock, trolling etc. But, it got old for me (hard on the arm) as I got old. The steering wheel is nice and more enjoyable, just took a little getting used to the fact you cant spin the boat on a dime like a tiller. Exciting getting a new boat! Hope you find one you and your family want to spend time in, fishes the way you enjoy fishing and will enjoy for years to come. Good luck on the hunt!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vbottom

I learned from experience to put the biggest motor you can afford or that the boat is tagged for. Not to go fast. Just helps with boat control in those less then ideal water conditions we always seem to have to fish in...lol..I ran a tiller for over 20 yrs and just got a boat with steering 5 years ago. The tiller is great for boat control around the dock, trolling etc. But, it got old for me (hard on the arm) as I got old. The steering wheel is nice and more enjoyable, just took a little getting used to the fact you cant spin the boat on a dime like a tiller. Exciting getting a new boat! Hope you find one you and your family want to spend time in, fishes the way you enjoy fishing and will enjoy for years to come. Good luck on the hunt!

---

With your experience, would a 1860 handle me and my wife? Our weights are 280 and 250. Also, would a smaller boat handle us too? That’s my only question with boats is the weight. I’m torn between a 1860 center console and tiller.

You might think about the tiller steer boat will have the motor, batteries and your weight in the back of the boat when you’re driving it. You may have problems getting the boat to plane out.

It may not be a problem, just something that I thought about.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TacoTyler4x4

With your experience, would a 1860 handle me and my wife? Our weights are 280 and 250. Also, would a smaller boat handle us too? That’s my only question with boats is the weight. I’m torn between a 1860 center console and tiller.

---

I have a Triton 1860, and I think it's rated for 700 or so pounds, it has a 90hp Yamaha and has been a great boat. I just recently upgraded to a 21' Triton bass boat.

**EDIT** I just checked, the boat is rated for six persons or 860lbs, 1400lbs, persons, motor and gear.

Look for a good used 20' with a 200 motor .... they will handle wind and waves better ..... if you buy a new boat, it will need to be worked on in a couple years anyway!
You need 4 boats ... a barge, a bass/crappie boat, a big river boat and a small river boat! .... I don't have a barge, but I am old and not the party type!

Do you like cleaning the boat every trip ? Fish riprap ? Attachment 506831

I think the 18/60 with a ninety would be perfect for you. I am on boat 13 a 20ft xpress bass style with a 200 yamaha Sho. I have had 2 different 18/60 boats with 90hp's. Sold first one(lake sport) because the bottom was too flat(rough riding). Sold the second(duracraft) because a different deal came up. Both were great options. Both had side consoles. I had one boat with a center console and did not like the positioning at all. It was a 20 ft. bay boat. Anyway, I am a heavy guy and my partner was also a heavy guy. The 18/60 size was fine. Just so you know I bought both of those in your area.(pierre part/gonzales) My xpress also came from Baton Rouge. I lived in Watson for 25 plus years, then Port Allen for 9 yrs. until I moved to Tn. then back to La. in Lake Charles. I mostly fished atchafalaya spillway and below Houma in the marsh. You may know my SIL, big fisherman/hunter. Goes by flipper, lives in Brusly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Eagle 1

Do you like cleaning the boat every trip ? Fish riprap ? Attachment 506831

---

This is the boat that I want. Simple boat with a tiller. Graphs and a live scope. How does it handle rough water? And can is support two people at combined 550 lbs well?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by "D"

I think the 18/60 with a ninety would be perfect for you. I am on boat 13 a 20ft xpress bass style with a 200 yamaha Sho. I have had 2 different 18/60 boats with 90hp's. Sold first one(lake sport) because the bottom was too flat(rough riding). Sold the second(duracraft) because a different deal came up. Both were great options. Both had side consoles. I had one boat with a center console and did not like the positioning at all. It was a 20 ft. bay boat. Anyway, I am a heavy guy and my partner was also a heavy guy. The 18/60 size was fine. Just so you know I bought both of those in your area.(pierre part/gonzales) My xpress also came from Baton Rouge. I lived in Watson for 25 plus years, then Port Allen for 9 yrs. until I moved to Tn. then back to La. in Lake Charles. I mostly fished atchafalaya spillway and below Houma in the marsh. You may know my SIL, big fisherman/hunter. Goes by flipper, lives in Brusly.

---

Can you recommend any brands and models for me? My wife probably knows him, I’m from the Lafayette area she is from the brusly area.

So, before my new boat I owned a 40-year-old aluminum bass tracker that my brother is still using to catch loads of fish. Now that they are making those again, I'd probably suggest that as a first boat as they're relatively inexpensive compared to others and will fish two people comfortably.

If you want to to spend a little more, a small pontoon boat that is made for fishing opens up a lot of comfort and stability. I fish out of a pontoon now and being able to spot lock over brush and not worry over boat wake is awesome.

Good luck with whatever you decide though and on your next fishing trips!

Alumaweld with tohatsu is the most popular around Lake Charles. Sending you a private message later this evening.

I think an 18’ or 20’ aluminum with lots of ponies. The 20’ can be center console with the extra floor width. I like them simple, they’re a utility boat to me. I like Richard Genes 18’ he uses. Wide open and a blank slate for doing whatever layout works and a tiller outboard.

Here you go ..... Just a moment...

I have the 2006 Lowe stinger 190 with 115 optimax on the back of it and I really like it. I believe the capacity on that one is about 670 including gear but what I really like is the all aluminum welded construction such as the aluminum decks aluminum floor, no wood anywhere to rot or give you problems, especially if you’re in brackish or salty water. That is a bass style boat but it is heavy and has dry ride.


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TacoTyler4x4

This is the boat that I want. Simple boat with a tiller. Graphs and a live scope. How does it handle rough water? And can is support two people at combined 550 lbs well?

---

you can own this boat .

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by skeetbum

I think an 18’ or 20’ aluminum with lots of ponies. The 20’ can be center console with the extra floor width. I like them simple, they’re a utility boat to me. I like Richard Genes 18’ he uses. Wide open and a blank slate for doing whatever layout works and a tiller outboard.

---

I do too. Would that size be enough for bigger lakes? I would just prefer someone other than tracker.

No way I want an 1860 with a 40 hp motor, IMHO you can never have too much power.

1860 I would want a 90 at least maybe a 115 . What ever is recommended on the plate . I run a 40 on a1648 . Attachment 506858

Another vote for the horsepower. All it’s rated for is handy when weather or an emergency tells you to get there now! Also, running a motor wide open every time you move to keep it on plane has to put lots of stress that a bigger motor would handle with ease.

I would look at something like an Xpress or SeaARK in around 22 ft with a side console. I have fished out of a center consoles. I like a side console because it opens up the middle and you do not have to go around the center console. I buy used if possible. I also would look for maximum space in the front deck like for 2 people. I just bought a Lowe Deck Boat 96 model. I found it in MO on Facebook Marketplace. It is in good shape. I fished out of one a friend had yrs ago and always loved the idea of not getting up and down out of the floor like a bass boat. You and I are about the same size. The seat is more like a pontoon inside the boat. As you age, you want more comfort. Good luck.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TacoTyler4x4

This is the boat that I want. Simple boat with a tiller. Graphs and a live scope. How does it handle rough water? And can is support two people at combined 550 lbs well?

---

get a 17 54 at least with a 50 . I would also would recommend a 1640 with at least a 90 or 115 . My boat is used to small river fish and state lake fishing mainly . I do reservoir fish but put in close to where I fish . With where you fish I would go 1860 . jmo