Boat Advice needed

[elkmagnet]

Ok folks, I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new boat. It will be an 18' Koffler open sled with tiller. I can't deceid on whether to go with a 66" or 72" bottom. If I go with the 66" bottom it will fit in my single bay garage, with the 72" it will have to sit outside on the RV pad. I would much rather store it inside but I know wider is better. Has anyone had problems with an all aluminum boat sitting outside in the rain? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[stupenny5]

Go with a 72. build a roof / car port. The sun is the problem on the seats.
Those car ports are cheep.

[StickFish]

That garage must be pretty narrow - I get my 17' Lund that is 89" beam in with no trouble - heck cars are wider than 72" with the mirrors out

[Two Fister]

That garage must be pretty narrow - I get my 17' Lund that is 89" beam in with no trouble - heck cars are wider than 72" with the mirrors out


I think the floor width is different than the beam. Floor width is measured at the chines while beam is measured at the widest part of the boat from the outside edge of the gunnel to the outside edge of the opposite gunnel. Some boats have their widest beam amidships, while with other boats it's at the transom. A 72"(6') floor typically has a beam of 96"(8')-102"(8.5').

That being said, I'd go with the wider floor and I'd either build a carport or have a cover made. Also, since fitting it in the garage wasn't an issue any longer, I'd add a couple of feet in length to boot!!

Koffler makes one of the nicest boats out there!
TF

[River Bum]

The aluminum wont be damaged other than oxidation, however the seats and floor will suffer a quick demise. Buy as much boat as you can afford as wider is better, always. But, if you are like most of us, the boat will spend more time at home than it will on the water. If you keep it under cover it will last a lifetime, well worth the small investment to keep it covered even if it is just a nice waterproof cover to keep it dry and out of direct sunlight. Ideally you would install a car port to keep it dry and much more accessible.:twocents:

[StickFish]

Forgot these boats flare at the side

[elkmagnet]

Thanks for the responses and advice. I'll be going with the 72" and a good quality cover. See you on the river!

[A-Boss]

What motor are you getting? I bought an 18' Koffler open sled with the 66" bottom last December. (barely fits in the garage). I put a Yamaha 115/80 4 stroke on it.

Happy with the boat, but might have gotten a bigger motor if I had a do over. It gets up alright with 3 people in the boat, but wouldn't mind it jumping out of the hole a little quicker. Going to switch to a Stainless Steel impellor, according to the mechanic I should get a good boost (he has the same motor and switched his and claims its like taking one person out of the boat).

[elkmagnet]

I've talked to many people with this boat. Sounds like the 115 Yamaha 4 stoke jet is marginal for power. I'm seriously considering the Suzuki 140 4 stroke jet. I think the Suzuki only weights 7 lbs more