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I fish out of a 1720 Key West and absolutely love it. If I went a different route it would I would fish a boat like Butch does. Some type of walleye style boat would be ideal, I think. Them walleye fishermen fish in some crazy wind and rough water so that style of bait handles it well.
Got a 20' tidewater bay boat. woudn't have anything else. lots of rodholders, live well, bait tank,troll motor,electronics,60 gal gas tank, dry storage, got it all for 4 fisherman, sometimes more.
I don't like a cc on a boat less than 8' wide. That big con sole just eats up too much the floor space. I had a 34' cc that was ok.
i have a 2001 19' seapro bay cc w/115 4strk yamaha and could not be happier unless i got a new tidewater. i use it shrimping , striper fishing, running about, my son uses it skiing and just about anything else. my next boat will also be a cc.
SYG,
First thing to keep in mind is there is no PERFECT boat for all fishing situations. That being said, if you fish for multiple fish species, then a center console is probably the most practical boat. For the past 10 years I have fished out of a 2003 21 ft Sea Pro bay boat with a T-top, and I really like it. I have a 140 hp four stroke, which gives me decent top speed (40 mph) and pretty good fuel economy. It also a decent family boat, I pull my kids on an inner tube in the warmer months. There are some great boat lines made right here in SC (Scout, Tidewater, Sea Hunt, probably others). Sea Pro boats used to be made in Newberry before Brunswick Corp bought them out and then proceeded to shut them down a few years ago. I would recommend going with all composite construction (no wood) if you can. The way I look at it, if a boat is made for the coast, but if you mostly just use it in freshwater, it should hold up for a lifetime. A bay boat will handle pretty much anything a lake throws at it. I've skipped across the tops 4 to 6 ft swells in a 30 mph wind several times, with no issues. I also like the self bailing and no carpet. If you can swing it, a T-top makes life in the sun a lot more pleasant. Hope this helps some.
Fish oblivious, thanks for your input. I know there is no perfect boat, at least not that I am aware of. I was just wondering how some die hard crappie fisherman like them. I think t tops look cool but I would rather go with a Bimini if anything. The permanent t tops would definately catch the wind and make trolling more difficult in a cross wind. Even if I go with a bass boat I will try hard to find one with the non skid marine deck and not the carpet. A few months ago I was really close to ordering a xpress X19 in Camo with the nonskid deck. I have decided to hold off and think about which kind of boat I really want more thoroughly. All of you guys input is really helpful, I have learned a few things from the comments as I have never had a center console. Whatever I decide to get I will let everyone know and post pictures. Thanks again.
I love my bay boat, i got a 22ft pro lite, and its ideal for the majority of the lakes around here, I've yet to put a crappy in the boat(seeing how i just joined this forum a week ago to get an idea of how to find those rascals), but i've tossed a striper or two in, some cobia, some reds, kitty kats, a few gators. you can't beat a bay boat. also have a casting deck turned into a layout deck with pads for the lady friend. anyways if you are ever around murray area when you get back i'd be glad to take you out to see if you like that style
young gun,
One thing I will agree with other on even thought I've owned 2 center consoles, the SEA PRo is the only one I would ever consider if I had to every go that way again, it sets just a little lower in the water than any other type bay or bigwater center console. do your homework and when you get back in Town I'd bet you can get several rides from anyone of us that may have a boat like you'd like to fish out of or purchase for yourselve. I know I'll make a place for you in MY Ranger, OR if you want to get small MY 15' High tide, now thats a boat.
Thanks for the offer, Stumphunter. I know how nice the Rangers ride, I have fished out of them before. I have to pass on the 15' high tide though, lol. I just sold the 18ft boat I had. Whatever I get will be at least 19ft with a 150, whether it be a bay or bass boat.
I have a 20 foot Cajun CC, The Crappie Office, I have had every style boat there is I think, will never own anything but a CC now