What Would You Do ... ?

BigWaterBigFish · 02-19-2004, 01:52 PM

Here's the scenerio ... I am moving to Alaska in July, based out of Anchorage. I own a 18 1/2 Striper Walkaround Cutty that is all outfitted for ocean fishing here. I intend to do most my fishing in the Prince William Sound out of Whittier (closest marina to Anchorage) or maybe Seward for halibut and salmon plus some lake fishing for browns, char and grayling. For those who know Alaska and that area ... would you haul the boat up or would you sell it here and buy something different maybe bigger (21 or 23) once you are there? I have access to a small lake boat and most likely will pickup a driftboat (maybe FLYFISHER who just moved up there will share) once I am there for river fishing so I am most interested in opinions about whether my boat would be suitable for those waters (not open ocean but the inland islands and fjords). Thanks in advance.

Joe Schwab · 02-19-2004, 02:04 PM

BWBF, If the boat is in good shape by all means haul it up there. Boats are worth more up there than they are down here simply because of the freight to get them there.

A boat like that if it has good fuel capacity should be perfect for Prince William sound. Try it and at least you will get top dollar if you decide to trade up.

I took three boats to Alaska and sold them after I used them for more than I could have gotten down here. Lots of folks just don't want to trailer them that far but the roads are good now and with a little care they will get there in good condition.

[ 02-19-2004, 03:07 PM: Message edited by: Capt. Hook ]

RiverRogue · 02-19-2004, 02:09 PM

The previous reply I believe is good advise. However, if you do trailer your boat up there, if you dont already have good mud flaps on your tow vehicle, get em! You will save a lot of rock damage to your boat. You still may want to cover the exposed forward bow area as well.

dampainter · 02-19-2004, 02:09 PM

If it were me and I could sell here and get a bigger boat when I get up there, I would do that...If you haul your boat up there and it does not do or go where you want, how hard would it be to sell up there? from hook`s post sounds like you could sell pretty easy and get more for it too.... wish I had those decisions to make.

[ 02-19-2004, 03:12 PM: Message edited by: dampainter ]

corkyking · 02-19-2004, 04:05 PM

Sounds like your boat is perfect! Don't forget towing it to Seward for the Silver derby or Homer and Anchor river for salmon and Halibut or Big Lake for Northerns or or or ...........

drhall99 · 02-19-2004, 04:55 PM

Take the boat with you.

Pitch Pocket · 02-19-2004, 05:01 PM

You would appreciate a full cabin boat in SE Alaska. If you are going to tow a boat up there, and if you can afford it, I'd tow the boat you want to use up there. You may be able to get more for your boat up there, but you will pay more for the boat you decide you really want if you buy it there. Do more research on what works best for you up there and make your decision before you move. Just my $0.02.

buckleydux · 02-19-2004, 08:38 PM

BigWater,
My cousin is a halibut guide out on the peninsula and prefers the glass boats, he has had three different boats in the 12 years he's been up there. All three boats were purchased in Washington used 3-4 years guiding in Cook Inlet, sold for more than he had originally paid, and back to washington he goes to upgrade again.
My dad is to retire this year and plans to take a boat up every june to help pay for his summer's fishin'.
So, in my opinion take the boat you want to use for awhile with you!

little hunter · 02-19-2004, 08:47 PM

Keep the striper that is the best all around boat :smile: