Advice On Boats Please

[tgreene]

Hello,

I enjoy most types of fishing. I am wondering if a zodiac-type boat with a trolling motor would work for bass/trout/panfishing?

Would something like this be fairly safe if I took it on the Columbia and stayed close to shore?

I'm pretty much just looking for something to putz around in, and maybe do some trolling. Advice on type (I'm really liking the idea of a Zodiac raft type) and type and size of motor would be greatly appreciated.

I have a small SUV, and would like to be able to tow, plus cost!!, which is another reason why I'm thinking zodiac-type and motor.

Thanks!!

Theresa :dance:

[Duckwheat]

I think you should buy a Zodiac. Because that's what you want.

I would also bet $50 it won't be the last boat you buy. It looks really ideal. Your goals for it are minimal. You will outgrow it quickly.

There will be the boat equivalent of the very attractive blonde walking down the road. She turns your head, another boat will turn your head.

I don't think your grandkids will be selling it in a garage sale after you are gone.

Seriously Duckwheat

[Smj]

A 13' Smoker Craft would be better for what you say you want a boat for. They're high-sided and stable for two people, and a 9.9hp will push it plenty fast and troll plenty slow. They're light enough you could tow it with a Geo Metro. And resale will be much better when you have to get a bigger boat. There are alot of these types of boats, with trailers, in the ads every week for around $2000.00-$4000.00.

I had one of these set-ups for 10 years, I put on a Minn-Kota transom mount, had legal lights, and fished it from the high lakes of the Cascades to the Columbia/Willamette/Channel, coastal lakes, tide water and Tillamook bay. I sold it for $3000.00 and figured I had put a little short of $4000.00 into it, that's pretty cheap rent for 10yrs of good times.

Smj

[Hunt'nFish]

Theresa,
Yes I too think a zodiak could have it's days on the columbia. I also agree w/ Duckwheat, you'll quickly outgrow it. Inflatables have their place, depending on storage space, transportation abilities and other factors, a zokiac is a very good way to get out on the water.
However, I also think they are pretty expensive. I wonder if a sound used boat/sled might not be a better value. Watch the boat trader/classifieds/nickel ads for a while and you just might find something in fishable condition that is bigger, faster, & more stable in the C.R. for equal money. It's surprising how much AND HOW LITTLE used boats can sell for. I recall recently seeing an old 17ft Nitro Bass Boat w/ 80-90hp Force for $1500, yes it was very run down from poor storage practices but barring any transom rot, a little elbow grease and some new carpet it could've made someone a decent ride.
My uncle bought an old late 70's Skeeter w/ 50hp Merc for $2000.
And I paid a bit less than that for my mid 80's 17.5ft Tracker w/ 50hp Merc. It's not the prettiest ride, but it's sound, floats, and I don't care if it gets scuffed a little. It's just big enough to be comfortable for 2 adults and my 2 girls, but small enough to tow behind anything. In the winter I throw a blind on & it becomes my duckboat. Very multi purpose, I like things that are multi-purpose...they tend to get used, A LOT. So I highly suggest you think out of the box. If your willing to put in the effort, the right used boat might be for you.

I will say this, purchasing a boat will be one of the best things you ever did. A boat changes everything. And we've had such a ball camping w/ it.

There is lots of help on the Ifish boards. Holler if you need an opinion on a boat or someone to take a look at it with you. I can think of several people I'd call 1st to get an opinion.
LOL and happy fishing,
Hunt'nFish

[Bartman]

Theresa, I too would recomend going with something a little bigger, not only because your less likely to grow out of it a little slower but also because of the columbia river factor, things can change out there pretty quickly. if you take your time,watching the adds, good deals do come along. good luck on whatever you decide.
Bartman

[tgreene]

You guys are great! Thanks for the input. I spent 10 years skiing behind a 16' Seaswirl Spyder, and want a small fishing boat to just putz around in. Thinking ouside of the box, I think you may be right about outgrowing the Zodiac. So I'll open my eyes a bit more.

What kind of a hull (the Spyder had a semi V) would work well? I don't need a large boat, just myself and my dog (German Shepherd) and no kids. So don't know about outgrowing it very fast, and I plan on being buried with my toys! (so not having kids gets rid of the grandchildren selling it! :grin:)

I just don't want to spend a lot of money (like most people) and want something small. Thanks for all of your advice.

I think I'll go take a look at some Zodiaks and get a feel for them.

Thanks again! Next I'll be looking for some hot spots for Bass!

Theresa :flowered:

[Duckwheat]

Theresa,

I apologize for my analogy. Should have given that a little more thought. Thought I was talking to Tom, not Theresa.

Apologetic Duckwheat

[Lunkerlander]

Man I would just look for a deal on somethng. If you get a decent enough deal you can always get your money back out of it. If it's not what you thought it would be.

[tgreene]

Duckwheat - no apologies needed. I laughed, especially because I'm blonde! he he he and have been told I'm attractive to boot!! :applause:

Besides, it's good advice.

Thanks again!!

[bucketmouth]

To get a good idea of what type or kind of small aluminum boat you will want for the kind of fishing you have in mind, go to the sportsmans show and look at the boats they have available there. Then having firmed up the kind of craft that will best suit your needs, you would begin searching the classifieds for that type of boat. At the show, they have alot of big boats, but there is also many smaller boats on display.

[QH's Paw]

Tgreene, don't know if you've heard but there is a local (somewhat local)club Oregon Bass and Panfish Club. You can find all angles or opinions imaginable at their meeting.They're a great bunch of folks and share all their knowledge openly. Look for their booth at sportsman show. I think any info. you're looking for will be found within their ranks. They meet once a month in Portland.
The advise for the smoker craft sounds pretty sound. :cheers: Zodiak boats are very tough and regardless of what you're told they are actually more stable than most other styles. There is a reason they are used by our Special Ops forces and rescue teams. That being said, beware of "Zodiak type" cheaper boats. They are usually construted from cheaper vinyl material,are not tough with regard to beaching your craft and they rarely last many seasons.Well that's my :twocents:
Good luck in your ventures. I'm sure you'll find warmwater fishing fun when you get to it.

[Hunt'nFish]

Here's a lead off of Craigslist:
Click Here: 1998 Alumacraft Fisherman 150 - $4500 (http://portland.craigslist.org/boa/129709614.html)

http://b.im.craigslist.org/9q/b1/DdUp6YqvYV088LRDwsV5F0A3xVst.jpg

Just another idea,
Hunt'nFish

[shalom]

The Oregon Bass And Panfish booth will be at space #424 . It is close to Englund Marine . See you all there .

[tgreene]

You guys are too nice. The small boat would be perfect for what I'm looking for. I'll start checking the net for a smallish boat. Thanks to all!!

Theresa :shocked:

[tgreene]

That would have been perfect!

Now I need to start keeping my eyes on the internet!

Thanks to all of you guys for your help!!

Theresa :clap:

[Hunt'nFish]

Here's a link to another possibility here on Ifish:
Click Here: 15' Sylvan Yukon w/ 25hp (http://www.ifish.net/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1105891&an=0&page=1&gone w=1)

[Sandz]

thats a cool little yukon