doubleheader
04-26-2009, 07:34 AM
I am into lake fishing for trout and especially kokanee. Mainly fish the foothill lakes down here in the Bay Area. I am leaning on a Boulton. No Boulton dealers down here but I really like the idea of building one to suite my needs. I am trying to decide whether to go in the direction of a lighter weight/lighter metal 18 1/2 Weldcraft Rebel with 90 hp engine (34 inch sides, 92 inch beam, 1300 lbs, 42 gal tank, .160/.100 metal) or in the direction of an 18 (or 19 foot) Boulton Skiff with offshore bracket and 115 hp engine (30 inch sides, 96 inch beam). I have wife and two small kids (2 1/2 and 5 1/2) and want this boat to be able to handle well, be stable. Storage wise I would love to go smaller, lighter and dont think I will fit anything much bigger than an 18 footer with an offshore bracket. In general, I like the offshore bracket concept for space and storage reasons. I looked at some heavy metal Seahawk on Friday but they seemed really big and heavy (maybe just have to get used to those sized boats as compared to by present small, light boat). Any thoughts appreciated.
cubsfan
04-26-2009, 09:07 AM
I am into lake fishing for trout and especially kokanee. Mainly fish the foothill lakes down here in the Bay Area. I am leaning on a Boulton. No Boulton dealers down here but I really like the idea of building one to suite my needs. I am trying to decide whether to go in the direction of a lighter weight/lighter metal 18 1/2 Weldcraft Rebel with 90 hp engine (34 inch sides, 92 inch beam, 1300 lbs, 42 gal tank, .160/.100 metal) or in the direction of an 18 (or 19 foot) Boulton Skiff with offshore bracket and 115 hp engine (30 inch sides, 96 inch beam). I have wife and two small kids (2 1/2 and 5 1/2) and want this boat to be able to handle well, be stable. Storage wise I would love to go smaller, lighter and dont think I will fit anything much bigger than an 18 footer with an offshore bracket. In general, I like the offshore bracket concept for space and storage reasons. I looked at some heavy metal Seahawk on Friday but they seemed really big and heavy (maybe just have to get used to those sized boats as compared to by present small, light boat). Any thoughts appreciated.
Yes they're big, but youre going to be moving it with your rig any way right? I am buying a Boulton myself and people have been telling me to upgrade to the 140. I am still trying to decide if I can afford to do that. The Boultons are awesome boats. I think if you plan on keeping it for years, get the heavier metal. I just went through the same decision. If you power with a Suzuki, you can also get a bonus 3 year warranty for free right now, and they are supposedly the best 4 strokes out there.:twocents: Also, I am a big fan of having the power right on the transom. The motor well takes up a little space, but it's nice to have it. Some people think the transom mount motors are better handling. I don't know.