Boat help?

[willierower]

I just got a 20 horse Merc longshaft. Now I need a boat to mount it on. I was thinking of getting on of those modified V bottom Jon boats. Has any of you had any experience with one of these boats? Im wanting a boat for the bays, tide waters, Lakes and possible a Willamette springer trip or 2.
Would this be a bad choice? Or should I look into something else?
Oh yeah. I want a boat that is at least 16' in length.
Thanks in advance.

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

Slowly but surely, you're building me a new chariot to ride in before we fish again eh Paul? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

How much are you wanting to spend, since I picked up a Boat Trader and will start looking for you?

How's the search for my future Mrs. coming along? [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[ 07-19-2001: Message edited by: THE REEL HEY_YALL ]

[Fish Hunter]

I looked for a boat like you describe a few years back and noticed a GIII model that had higher sides than most. It got sold just as I arrived. It was only a few years old then. It struck me as more seaworthy than your typical Smokercraft Alaskan.

[HarpMan]

Take a look at the Crestliner Jons they have a welded hull etc. I have the 20' X 96" model in which I had Koffler remove the rear bench and add a few ribs. It does everything a normal sled can do and is alot lighter. I run a 80hrs 4 stroke yamaha pump and it has plenty of go. Another friend has the 18' with a 50 hrs prop and it is plenty. Sea Ark makes another fine welded jon you may take a look at. Search jon boats and you will find them all.

[willierower]

Yes sir Hey_Yall, Im trying to put together a new fish slaying boat, So I can show you what its like to get sore arms from catching too many fall chinook. I need to get it together soon. My regular fall chinook fishing partner (my dad) will be guiding this year and wont have the room.
Ive looked at the Crestliners, They look goofy with that wierd humped up gunnel. I like the looks of the Smoker Craft/Sylvan 1860 MVX Jon. There is a ton of room in one of those boats.

[NW_rvrbank_Babe]

Hey_Yall,
I think I found your Mrs. so your search is over. A gal came into the store, knew her gear and could fish like a son of a gun. I hope a few missing teeth, baldness and bad body order.. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] , doesnt keep you from wanting to go out with her....LMAO!

..........just chiddin............

[Thumper]

I think that the little Jon boats are a great way to do a lot, and all at a price that is about one-half that of a "real" welded aluminum sled. I have owned everything from a 15 ft. Klamath to a 460 inboard 21 ft. JetPace, and each boat has its place. But for just doing the kind of fishing that I prefer, my current 16 ft Grumman, Jet 30, and trolling motor just about does it all. With that set-up you can run the skinniest rivers, troll the lower tributaries and the Columbia, lake fish and even pull a few crab pots at Tillamook Bay. My friends have larger (longer and wider) versions (19 and 20 ft), and they are even more versatile. All of these little Jon boats troll four fishermen and plane out very well on small jets.

The one shortfall to keep in mind is that these are not ocean-going or rough-water boats and you are not going to be waterskiing with your kids. But other than that they are a great value.

[ampersat]

hey thumper,
is your grumman a v-hull or standard flat bottom? the flat ones seem to be cheaper (er, less expensive), which is good considering i don't have much budget for a boat. all the places you're going with yours are the places i'll want to go with mine. pics of your set up would be even better.

[Uncle Roman]

Hey, Thanks for the p.p.s. rod offer by the way....Anyway I'll let you know if I find anything over here boat-wise....and maybe we can do some fall fishing? My summer was most lackluster....Also, have you heard about a resort on the s.s? Somebody today said it will be called the "End of the Salmon Run" . golf, fishing and Californians......oh my.