Recomend a first sled

[Bobberman]

Looking for some input on my first sled.
I will be fishing/hunting with it in rivers (santiam, LC), bays and a few high lakes. I have enjoyed fishing out of open boats so that is the direction I am leaning. I'm looking used and would like to stay under 20K. I usualy fish with two other people and at least one dog.

My list of must haves so far: 4 stroke kicker, Jet main, Wide bottom, Enough power to work my way into some whitewater ie. lower D.

Most of my river experience is in drifters so I will have to work my way up to some of the more difficult rivers. I have a good guide that is willing to show me the ropes on most of the rivers I will be running.

So any thoughts on the boat for me?:smile:

[fishkisser]

Rogue Marine

[Coastalfisherman]

Any of the major manufactures has good boats to look at. I run a 20' Fishrite Rogue II. It is all open and I have a Yamaha 150 that powers the boat up to about 60mph w 5 POB. With a pump I could run 4 POB and about 35-40mph.

I would definately go with an outboard. The room you save will be well worth it.

[Hunt'nFish]

Lots of choices out there. but first I think you need to decide on what hull design. Flat bottom, shallow bottom, v-bow or chisel nosed. How wide, and how long?

I bought a buddies little 17' M&W Marine (http://s111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Mike_in_Oregon/?action=view&current=DSCN3204.jpg), center console, 140Suz pumped.
LOVE IT. But I have to admit I wish it were 20' w/ 5.5'-6' bottom. But then they don't give them away do they?!!?

I also have a Crestliner 18' w/ 150merc prop. The 1st thing I noticed with the big pump on the sled was I can see the fuel gage dropping. Seriously, I swear I can! So it is not an economical machine to run. I like the pump and the big HP, but fuel economy sucks. Decide if you REALLY, REALLY need the pump.

[weekender]

First Sled? Used... Then you'll have a better idea of what you want a couple years later.

[troybuz]

Here is a great boat for the price: http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=1520788#post1520788
Heliarc boats were made by none other than Ernie Duckworth, and were a great boat. If this one is still available I'd grab it, and spend that extra $4,000 on boat jewlery!
Good Luck:meme:

[RazorClam]

if you are goinh to hunt and fish out of it i would strongly recommend an alumaweld flatbottom wirh of cource a jet pump. it will allow you to run really shallow and is a good wide stable platform for hunting.

[pugetplunker]

http://www.riverjetmagazine.com/fusetalk/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=69&threadid=14156&enterthread=y this looks nice :smile: :smile:.

[k9jeff]

I agree with razorclam.
I bought an alumaweld flatbottom 18' as a first sled to figure out what I really wanted. I love it and would not get rid of it. It was much cheaper and does just about anything.

[activpop]

I don't know Alumawelds, but know a bit about North Rivers. Keep your eye out for a used NR Scout. I would suggest staying with a 12 degree hull. I run my 20' in some shallow water and appreciate not having the 6 degree hull when i run in some chop.

[glowball]

I personnally wouldn't buy one of the flat bottom alumawelds. They don't turn near as well as just about any other boat you can think of. Not only that the jet is mounted lower than most other sleds.

You will get the most bang for your buck if you go used. Just from what I've learned in the last few months looking at a lot of different boats. And from some helpful insight from other ifishers. I would look at either a willie or a wooldridge. They will make the most of the power you put on the back of the boat.

Good luck in your search

[Bobberman]

Thanks for all the advice, I'm going to check out a few this weekend, before the wife changes her mind!

[Mo Outdoors]

Take a good look at Motion Marine. Especially the Kenai killer. A 20' boat with a 7' bottom. The boat will out handle and out perform any boat bigger or smaller. This model is designed to meet the kenai guides specs. It can have 4 passengers and be pushed by a 35hp prop and still do 40mph. Through a Yamaha 60 efi pump and you will have money and fuel to spare.