What is the best all around boat to buy?

Mr. Fisherman · 10-01-2000, 03:01 PM

How about a little input on the best all around boat to buy?

Must be able to fish the Columbia, Lakes and ocean. Handle big water well enough to get out for Tuna and Halibut but still be trailerable (SP) so that I can tow it around to lakes etc.

Gotta be able to crab and fish for Sturgeon too.

HELP?

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Live to Fish
Fish to Live

RKB · 10-01-2000, 03:17 PM

Mr. Fisherman

Boy your opening A BIG CAN OF WORMS ON THIS ONE.My choice is a 22'nw jet.but if I lived down by the coast it would be 22'-24'welded boat with 130 hp honda or somthing with a prop/jet outboard Pilars buddy puffin as a great boat .Jets are nice on river but suck in ocean.just my .02 worth.
RKB

Gone Fishin · 10-01-2000, 04:55 PM

Here's what you need:

A Willefishritealumaweldnorthriverjetcraftnwjetboats kofflerbluefinbaylinerstarcraft boat.

In a sledoffshorecartopperdriftboat model.

See? Simple!

Good Luck!

Oh yeah, don't forget to get the
inboardoutboardjetpumppropelectric option!

[This message has been edited by Gone Fishin (edited 10-01-2000).]

RKB · 10-01-2000, 05:44 PM

Gone Fishin
I think that youve hit it on the nose now all i need is a 20 stall garage and I would have the perfect boat.

[This message has been edited by RKB (edited 10-01-2000).]

Hookset · 10-01-2000, 05:58 PM

Sounds like some pretty good answers so far. Your asking a lot from one boat. You'll find in every decission, you'll have to compromise. A boat that is trailerable won't make the ideal ocean boat in rough conditions, plus the better tuna fishing this year was out over 50 miles all season, more like 70 much of the season.

Think I understand what your asking for though. How large of a boat can you trailer and still fish in the ocean under ideal conditions. With this in mind, you'll be able to fish all the waters you mentioned.

First, I'd get a prop, works better in the ocean for handling and will get better fuel economy. Either a inboard or 4-stroke outboard.

The boat should be over 20 feet, just depends on what you'd like to tow and what you have for storage. A heavy fiberglass boat like a Bayliner Trophy (reasonably priced) would work in 22 to 24 foot. I've seen people tow around some really large boats. The number 1 stly of boat around here seems to be the Aluminum hull. The aluminum is ligher, strong and makes a good trailerable boat for a variety of fishing. Again, I'd opt for a large 22 to 24 foot x 102" aluminum hull boat. You'll also want tall sides and a deep V, at least 14 degrees with aluminum. There are some Columbia river guides fishing 24 to 28 foot aluminum boats and they run these out in the ocean on good days. More guides are planning on moving towards larger boats. But at some point, they become less versatile.

Get out and look around, ask dealers and check out the manufacturers.

hook

Pilar · 10-01-2000, 06:20 PM

Mr. Fisherman. A year ago my pal Jon was asking the same question. Then he found boat builder Ed Wing in Chinook, Wa.

Jon had his boat custom made by Ed for a very reasonable price. If I can find a digitized photo of 'Puffin' I'll post it for you. This boat is 22' and has welded aluminum construction. It is self bailing, has three air chambers for flotation, a non skid deck, deep V hull and a huge 65 gallon gas tank. Imagine an Arima made of Aluminum. A high bow and a Sea Drive platform for the 130 Honda outboard.

It's a strange looking boat, I'd never seen one before. Ed Wing designed it for the Columbia river bar. Extra strength built in for rough water. Because it is light, it gets 4 mpg at a cruise speed of 25 mph. Jon trailers it all over the state.

'Puffin' is a thing of beauty! E me and I'll get you in touch with Jon.

The bend is your friend!

Salmonator · 10-01-2000, 06:59 PM

Ditto on the aluminum hull. If you go with an outboard 21' should be enough but 22' is nice . I have a hard top and love it, especially when there is a driving wind blowing the bow spray back into the boat on a cold day. 34" side minimum, 8' beam minimum. If there are no plans to run the smaller, shallower rivers then definately 16 degree V. You'll thank yourself later when you're heading back to port in 4 foot wind waves. I like Thunderjet and if you're buying new I don't think you could beat their price for such a nice boat. Sal

Chaps · 10-01-2000, 07:40 PM

Yes, yes on the Edwing. I had him build me one of his 21 footers about three years ago. He has a basic V hull that he will finish out anyway you like as long as what you want can be done in aluminum. Don't expect anything too fancy but if you want TOUGH and INEXPENSIVE he's the way to go. I had him do mine as a center console with a hard top and a bracketed Honda 90. I gave him pretty detailed sketches of my desired layout and it came out neat. Do your own wiring, accessories, canvas, trailer, etc. as he really is a fab shop and is not really set up for producing dealer style boat packages.

Edwing Boats, Chinook WA, 777-8488 (Edwin Erola)

Osprey · 10-02-2000, 06:27 AM

I recommend a 24 foot catraft with breakdown frame and a 80hp pump...go anywhere and it's breakdown so you can put it in you pick up...well the motor might be a little heavy so bring a friend

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Row quietly and fish a Cataraft !!-------<'))>><

Mr. Fisherman · 10-02-2000, 01:54 PM

O.k.,

I'll shop for a Willefishritealumaweldnorthriverjetcraftnwjetboats kofflerbluefinbaylinerstarcraft boat.

In a sledoffshorecartopperdriftboat model
with a inboardoutboardjetpumppropelectric option

The boat custom made by Ed sounds good!
Looking forward to the pic of the Puffin.

I would really like to get out and fish in a few more boats before I trade mine in and get the new ATV (All Terrane (SP) Vessle)

I was seriously considering a Thunderjet or Motion Marine Outback, but I really love fishing in the ocean.

The wife needs a lil potty, too shy for the coffee can these days

Topin it off, I'm not a rich man, but I could play one on t.v. jk

Thanks for the input,

Pilar, can you get me a pass on the puffin?

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Live to Fish
Fish to Live

Mr. Fisherman · 10-02-2000, 02:01 PM

Oh yea! Put a sail on it too....

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Live to Fish
Fish to Live

Pilar · 10-02-2000, 02:22 PM

Mr. Fisherman. I'm callin' big Jon tonight. He lives in SE Portland. You guys need to talk. I'm sure he'd be happy to show off his new toy 'Puffin'. Maybe you could even hook up for a bottom fish trip from Newport out of the deal. He is primarily Ocean oriented. I'll E you when I get him on the phone.

Don't forget the oarlocks for the galley slaves.

The bend is your friend!

Mr. Fisherman · 10-03-2000, 04:29 PM

I LIKE IT!

Guess I shouldn't forget the drum option either...

Lookin forward to the contact...

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Live to Fish
Fish to Live

Mr. Fisherman · 10-09-2000, 09:29 AM

Any more input?

Anybody fishing a Mojet?
Do ya get over the bar?

Gotta do my homework this time.

Thanks,

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Live to Fish
Fish to Live

Mr. Fisherman · 10-10-2000, 04:04 PM

In addition to the last post, would anyone recommend crossing the bar in anything less than a 21 foot boat?

What about a boat with only one engine (inboard)?

Thanks for your advise...

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Live to Fish
Fish to Live

10-10-2000, 04:19 PM

Willie and Willie. You asked

Don't buy
too small, either size of the boat or size
of the power plant and by the posts, you
are not looking at a drift boat. Have fun
with it. Many years of fish in your boat
to you! (RT can you forward this to Willie
himself, maybe I can get a new hat?) Seriously, I don't know about the rest of
you on the board, but when you have an
issue to resolve, either with the boat,
or the dealer, that is when the service part
comes in. Many dealers and manufacturers
sell so many these days, it ain't like
it used to be getting things made right.
On a couple of occassions I actually talked
to Willie himself. A phone call and it was
made right. Ok - now maybe even two new
hats now. :smile: