The fun is draining out fast. Opinions wanted!

[Starting Over]

Hello All,

Have been lurking here for a few months and enjoy all the information. As the name implies, I am starting over, after not having a boat/fishing license for about 20 years. Thanks for the help so far, and in advance!

Last spring, my oldest Son and his buddies took me springer and sturgeon fishing on the Willamette. That was all it took and I had to get my own boat. I have been trying to research the best boat for me and the only firm answer I have so far is. There is no such thing as the perfect boat. I want to fish the Willamette, Columbia, go to the coast and fish/ crab and go outside on a nice day. The boys go up to Seiku every year and would like to go there with them too.

I know I dont want a full open Willie Predator tiller steer style, nor a North River 20' low sided river jet style. I am still playing with the idea of a glass boat ( Striper/Trophy) and like the 21' NR w/OS and the Pro Steelheader in the same configuration.

I have been searching east coast boats. No wood in most models, and tons of "fishing boats" of late models. I like the center consoles, but a walk around might serve better here? Even with airfare to go see and the fee to haul it out here, I still come out 10-35K less than local boats. (22-29") There are even boat club forums that the guys will go and look at a boat for you ahead of time.

In reality, probably the 2 aluminum ones above will be the 2 finalists. New, and I know what Im getting. There are lots of used ones for sale here, but the guys are needing as much or more than new. Id love to help a fellow Ifisher out, but money and financing play a big part in the decision for me.

They claim a 115hp is good, but offer a 150hp. Is a 150hp needed? All the claims of salesmen, online info, and numbers for HP, deadrise, width, height etc. is taking the fun out. We are closing soon on our house, then I can pull the trigger on my boat.

Well thats long winded enough to start with.

Thanks again, Chris

[Gundog]

Keep doing some research and if it is your first boat buy used. You won't know what you really want until you own one. I have owned many and just sold my last new one for a loss of about 10K. You will not lose near as much if you buy used and then when you figure out exactly what you want then buy new and you won't lose so much $$ getting rid of the first one.

Mike

[baitsauce]

Welcome aboard Chris. Nice first post too.

This would get a lot more responses on the Community Board, this board gets most of it's traffic from the DIY guys.

As far as what boat to get.....well.....depends on what you want to do with it kinda like you alluded to. Any boat is a series of compromises.

After reading your post, I suggest a jet boat in the 20 to 22ft range with a forward helm, windshield and at least 175hp motor will serve you well. That's what I have. I don't go after tuna, nor do I want to either. The tuna guys will have a really hard time going where I take my boat. Tilly Bay, the Santiam the Willamette. Not to mention dragging the kids around the lakes in central Oregon on our annual camping trips. I have taken it out to The Rockpile on many occasions and even to the Chicken Ranch too. I just have to pick my days.

If you spend much time on the coast estuaries you will run aground on a sand bar eventually. (Don't ask how I know this) Believe me, you'd rather be aground in a jet than a prop.

Glass boats are nice, but aluminum boats are a lot easier and cheaper to fix when you break 'em.

Also one of the things that most prospective boat owners over look is the trailer its sitting on. Is it galvanized? What kind of hubs and lights does it have? Do the lights even work? How good are the tires? Tandem or single axel? Is the trailer the right size for the boat? Are the bunks in good shape? The list goes on and on.

Just my

Good luck

[Starting Over]

Thanks for the replies so far. I didnt want to keep piling too much info in the first post.

I have had 7-8 boats before. My first at 13, 12' with a 7 horse Wards. I guess after thinking about it, about 50/50 glass and aluminum. Longest, 19' Apollo w Volvo IO which I liked and my favorite I think was a 17' Smokercraft sled center console w/35hp Ev prop. Maybe because it was the most money and I never had a single trouble with it. I lived in Coos Bay for 27 years and got experience with lakes, rivers, bay and ocean.


I missed my kids growing up. Always working. Now I have the means to buy a decent boat and spend time with them. Gearing up for grandkids, so keeping them in mind too.

Dont really care for shallows and the boys tell me all kinds of bad stories of the jet. My sons buddy has the open 20' predator/150pump. i liked the room, but even on the nice day, the wind was cold and it would be nice to get out of the sun. Wife, daughter in laws and grandkids will want to hide Im sure.

Several times, the Boys have said they got spooked at Tillamook in the 20' North River jet sled. Too low of sides, really wet ride and the jet in deep water, not so good. That was a hard concept to grasp at first.

I like the idea of buying used for the price. Thats why I was so excited to find all the boats for sale on the east coast. Pretty cost effective really. Highly rated dealerships and soooo many choices. A 24' glass boat 2004 on galv. trailer with twin OB for about 25K, so bumping 30K delivered. Thats alot of money, but has all the electronics and some even have all the poles, tackle and all. Nice vacation to go look. And 10K less than the 2 aluminums listed above.

See what I mean? Soooo many options. If I had just won the lottery, I could buy 3 boats and not worry about any of this.

[fishkisser]

Whatever choice you make will be the best one at that time ...
Everybody finds out there boat has limitations ...
There is no perfect do-all boat ... Pick a comfy one ...

[garyk]

Originally Posted by fishkisser

Whatever choice you make will be the best one at that time ...
Everybody finds out there boat has limitations ...
There is no perfect do-all boat ... Pick a comfy one ...

And if 'used'...

One that was expertly rigged and immaculately maintained.

Try to take somebody along who REALLY knows the details of the type of boat you're considering to help you inspect it. Someone who knows all the details that add up to make a boat either a fun and dependable craft, or one that creates high anxiety every time you launch it. Details like -- are the components (wiring, steering, switches, electrical panels) top quality, or 'lower shelf' stuff used to produce a "SHOW SPECIAL" priced boat?

[Starting Over]

Well thanks for the input.

So now maybe some more pointed questions?

21' with offshore and 33" sides sufficiant for bigger rivers, bays, San Juan Straights and the ocean on a decent day?

How much of the brand discussion is just like FORD, CHEVY and DODGE?

The North River salesman just called to see if I wanted to take a ride on Saturday. I really like that boat, but its also 6K more than the Pro Steelheader. Well, not entirely. THe RS has a 115 Honda and the NR has a 140 Zuke. So thats part of the difference. I was worried about warranty, but he assures me that they will warranty the boat in writing.

How important is hydraulic steering on a 21' and 140hp Zuke?

Zuke just came out with their version of electric start/tilt. Anyone have this new ob?

The North River has a 70 gallon fuel tank as opposed to 40. Would ou use that much other than long distance for tuna? I dont see this boat as a long way tuna boat anyway. Maybe at Winchester Bay when they are only 12 miles out?

I havent seen a boat rigged yet at the dealer. It appears that it would be a pain to tiller steer the kicker. I know they make tie rods, but most look really bush league. Is there a way to do it better?

Are the TR-1's a better answer? 3K is quite a chunk of change. How long do they last? I am buying this boat now, plan to repower before I retire so I have a paid off boat. 12 years to go until I can fish all the time!

Oh, the NR guy said he will throw in VHF, DF and FF. Might need to upgrade from what he is "giving me"? He claims with the setup he is quoting, I will be ready to go NOW! Just add gas and friends........ I think I need to add an anchor, and I will be looking for comfortable life jackets. Not those orange pain in the b_ _ _ _. What else am I missing?

Thanks, Chris

[fishkisser]

Sounds like you know what your looking for ...
Now its just the hard part ... The decision ...
Remember , this will be your starter boat ...
Going with a new boat is a big step and big cash outlay ,
when a good used boat will allow you to see what you really want...
I say ... keep looking ... don't rush into the first one that comes along ...
Oh and by the way ... 3 boats isn't enough to do it all either ...

[Steelie Steve]

The North River salesman just called to see if I wanted to take a ride on Saturday. I really like that boat, but its also 6K more than the Pro Steelheader. Well, not entirely. THe RS has a 115 Honda and the NR has a 140 Zuke. So thats part of the difference. I was worried about warranty, but he assures me that they will warranty the boat in writing.

How important is hydraulic steering on a 21' and 140hp Zuke?

You lose nothing by taking the NR salesman up on his offer to take a ride.

If you are looking at the 21' NR Seahawk I wouldn't go anything less than the 140 zuke / 150 yamaha. I have the 20' Seahawk with the 150 yamaha on it and that is the least I would go on that boat. I test drove a 20' with a 115 and it was sluggish coming out of the hole with me, my wife, and the salesman on board. I have no power issues with (4) on board mine.

I wouldn't get the boat without Hydraulic Steering...

[Danno]

Take a good look at Arimas (glass boat). A 19 or 21' boat will handle NW waters real well and even take you out for tuna on the right days. High sides and superior stability. Used boats are reasonably priced.

[Raining_Kings]

Originally Posted by Starting Over

Well thanks for the input.

So now maybe some more pointed questions?

21' with offshore and 33" sides sufficiant for bigger rivers, bays, San Juan Straights and the ocean on a decent day?

How much of the brand discussion is just like FORD, CHEVY and DODGE?

The North River salesman just called to see if I wanted to take a ride on Saturday. I really like that boat, but its also 6K more than the Pro Steelheader. Well, not entirely. THe RS has a 115 Honda and the NR has a 140 Zuke. So thats part of the difference. I was worried about warranty, but he assures me that they will warranty the boat in writing.

How important is hydraulic steering on a 21' and 140hp Zuke?

Zuke just came out with their version of electric start/tilt. Anyone have this new ob?

The North River has a 70 gallon fuel tank as opposed to 40. Would ou use that much other than long distance for tuna? I dont see this boat as a long way tuna boat anyway. Maybe at Winchester Bay when they are only 12 miles out?

I havent seen a boat rigged yet at the dealer. It appears that it would be a pain to tiller steer the kicker. I know they make tie rods, but most look really bush league. Is there a way to do it better?

Are the TR-1's a better answer? 3K is quite a chunk of change. How long do they last? I am buying this boat now, plan to repower before I retire so I have a paid off boat. 12 years to go until I can fish all the time!

Oh, the NR guy said he will throw in VHF, DF and FF. Might need to upgrade from what he is "giving me"? He claims with the setup he is quoting, I will be ready to go NOW! Just add gas and friends........ I think I need to add an anchor, and I will be looking for comfortable life jackets. Not those orange pain in the b_ _ _ _. What else am I missing?

Thanks, Chris

I'd take the NR guy up on a ride, and if you like it, make an offer what you think it's worth. The worse they can do is say no.

Personally I would look at the Yami 150 or better, I've heard that 140 Suzuki is more like the 115 Yami, and that's not enough HP for a 20'+boat. I've been told that 150 or higher required hydrolic steering, but it's something you can add later if needed.

My boat (NR Seahawk 18'6") has 40 gallon tank and I've never had it even half empty, and that was after 5 or 6 trips. If you are doing expeditions or chasing tuna, that may change, but for typical local fishing options it's not required, unless you like running up to Bonniville from downtown Portland WOT.

If you are looking at an Offshore bracket, with the kicker mounted on the OB, you are right, it is a PITA. My kicker also drags when I'm not up on plane. Having the kicker mounted on the transom with a cutout on the OB and a lift on the kicker would be much easier to steer. I do tie my motors together occasionally and that works fine if I'm not making lots of turns (i.e. Long straight trolling). But a $30 tiller extension also gets the job done. A TR-1 would be ideal and I may add one eventually - it's nicer, but not necessary. Worry about getting the right hull and power for your needs now, you can always add a TR-1 later.

I'd rather they knock the price off the boat than give me a POS Depth Finder and VHF. You would probably want to change them out otherwise. A good DF and GPS is a requirement on my boat especially if you are going out in the ocean (I like Lowrance or Garmin myself). The VHF is less an issue. At a minimum you want to tie the VHF and GPS together for the distress capability, but most basic VHF seem to support that.

Other add-ons you'll want to consider along with the brands I like:
- Life preservers - I like the Mustang inflatables myself. All the other ones I have in the boat never get used, but the Mustangs do. Don't skimp on them!
- Miller Marine Anchor Holder Nest (Fishermans Marine)
- EZ puller, ball and rope for pulling your anchor (Fishermans Marine) - Bes puller and the guy is local.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Pole Holder(s) - Most guys here swear by Folbes (I use Scotty Orca's myself)
- Compass - Found out the hard way it's good to have a reliable compass on board

Good luck and welcome to the madness.

[Starting Over]

Originally Posted by Danno

Take a good look at Arimas (glass boat). A 19 or 21' boat will handle NW waters real well and even take you out for tuna on the right days. High sides and superior stability. Used boats are reasonably priced.

Danno, I did look at the Arimas. Pretty nice. They have a nice one and OC Marina, but have not got over all the wasted space at the back around the OB.

My neighbor got a used Sea Hunter 21' I think, but it has pretty small fishing area. 2 guys Im thiking. Crab rings and 2 guys definately max.

There is a brand new 22' Sea Hunter in Coos Bay. Basic setup w/150 Honda for 44K. Trying not to go that highif I can help it. Still an option at the reaches of the money I want to spend.

Trouble is, at that kind of money and there have been some pretty awesome deals on much bigger, fully equipped boats here for sale. Just wondering if I really want that much bulk in a boat? If it was just the ocean? Im all over it. Soooo many choices.

[itoofish]

I will say the 140 is awsome, I have one on my nr seahawk 20ft after two years use no problems, I can run with the 150s or pass them with full load am really impressed with it. The nr will handel most everything you can throw at it and even waterski with 70 gal tank you can run all day and not worry about fuel even after tuna there are so many used boats for sale right now you can get great deal fully rigged good luck .

[Starting Over]

Originally Posted by itoofish

I will say the 140 is awsome, I have one on my nr seahawk 20ft after two years use no problems, I can run with the 150s or pass them with full load am really impressed with it. The nr will handel most everything you can throw at it and even waterski with 70 gal tank you can run all day and not worry about fuel even after tuna there are so many used boats for sale right now you can get great deal fully rigged good luck .

Guess I will research the credit union some more. I was told I couldnt get a used boat financed except by ripoff lenders and huge interest rate. Maybe that was the new dealers tool? I would like to find a lower priced boat and help another guy out if I can.

Will see what they say.

[mangler]

Starting over- the tr1 auto pilot systems are worth the money in my opinion. I use the pee out of mine all the time. As for the credit union thing, shoot me a pm, I'll put you in touch with my wife. She works for a credit union and does a ton of boat loans, both new and used. She would be able to answer any questions you may have about financing one.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by Starting Over

1. How important is hydraulic steering on a 21' and 140hp Zuke?

2. The North River has a 70 gallon fuel tank as opposed to 40.

3. I havent seen a boat rigged yet at the dealer. It appears that it would be a pain to tiller steer the kicker.

4. Are the TR-1's a better answer?

1. Hydraulic steering is SOOOOOOO Sweet. I should have installed it on a 18'Hewescraft years ago.

2. The larger tank is nothing but benefit. I think you'll regret a 40gal tank in the size boat you're considering (and the cost difference is negligible).

3. IF you're going to troll very much, insist on a partial offshore bracket with the kicker mounted on the transom. This is one of the biggest mistakes I see people making. The 21NR Seahawk you mention at trolling speed tracks so sweetly....it's just awesome. Get that kicker on the transom!

4. No the TR1 is not a substitute for a properly mounted kicker. In close quarters you will not be using it. You still have to be able to reach the kicker to hit it's start/stop buttons, raise it up or down, etc.

[Starting Over]

No matter what I find as a sale, when I add to it to make it apples to apples, Im within very close range of the NR Seahawk. I upgraded several things including the 150hp main and really like that boat.

We went fishng on the Willy Saturday and the Columbia at the Cowlitz on Sunday. There were 3-4 Seahawks there and are pretty sweet.

Now a wrench in the works. My buddy just emailed me saying he is selling his boat. Its loaded with toys and very well kept. It has 43 hours on it and is 15K less than the NR.

But! Its a sled and my Sons are having a cow about it being a sled. I got many opinions/ private messages here saying get a sled for what I want to do. Maybe they just want to sell ther sled? Dont know?

Mikes boat is a 2001 22' Boulton sled with v-8, T8 kicker and also a 78lb thrust trolling motor. 2 tops, 3 fish finders and tons of other stuff.

The boys say it sucks in the ocean, gas pump, crowds, and docking/loading on a trailer.

Im so frustrated with this. The boys just want the whole ordeal over with. I want to make the right choice.

Chris

[fishkisser]

Don't rush !!! Your boys just need to hold their water ...
If you are footin the bill you should get the boat that you want ...
Take your time , as winter sets in the prices will start to drop
and the selection will go up ...

[nutters]

Starting Over, did you ever decide on a boat? I have an 06 Seahawk if you want to take a look at it.

BG

[packer]

Just my , fished all summer for salmon and tuna on a 21 seahawk , very good boat , lots of room , handles good , excellent fuel mileage dry and warm in snotty weather

[Blue Seaduction]

If your going to fish the skinny waters, go with the sled. Boultons are great boats.
Some days I wish I had a flat bottom with a pump, until a start hitting chop or I'm out in the ocean.