What kind of boat??

Stink Bait · 09-14-2009, 07:55 AM

I just sold my Bronco and the wife has OK'd a boat. I just don't know what kind to get. I see alot of boats in my price range $4,000.

I am not a small guy and tend to brake things when trying to squeeze between the windows to the bow on the "open bow" boats.

I like the lay out of the sleds, but they seem to be damn expensive.

I have thought about a drift boat, but my shoulders are shot from too many years of footbal.

I plan on keeping the boat in the rivers, tidewaters and Tillimook Bay.

Anyone have some advice?

fishkisser · 09-14-2009, 11:40 AM

Don't buy the fist one that comes along just cause you really want a boat ...
I would suggest aluminum hull , outboard , floatation in hull , side console ,
wide bottom , and drive before you buy ...

Stink Bait · 09-14-2009, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishkisser

Don't buy the fist one that comes along just cause you really want a boat ...
I would suggest aluminum hull , outboard , floatation in hull , side console ,
wide bottom , and drive before you buy ...

A friend reccomended I find an 18' starcraft and just redesign the floor plan to suit me. Remove the seats and passenger console to open it up. Anyone else try this?

baitfish · 09-16-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stink Bait

A friend reccomended I find an 18' starcraft and just redesign the floor plan to suit me. Remove the seats and passenger console to open it up. Anyone else try this?

I would get a all welded aluminum boat if I was going to keep it for a while!
Rivits can loosen up after a while and a salt water can corrode them

E4usmc0651 · 09-17-2009, 06:32 PM

you probably wont be getting a welded sled with a good motor for 4k. My first boat was a smoker craft lodge. Yes it had rivets but it also was only 4k. You need to think about some other things as well. What is more important to you the hull of the boat or the motor? would you rather have a bigger older boat or a smaller newer boat? Personally I would recommend keeping your eye open for a smoker craft lodge as it was a great boat for me to start out. If you wait around for a while I am sure you will be able to find one with a four stroke in your price range. There is a 17' starcraft open boat on Craigslist with a 2006 70 hp Yamaha ($4600)if you wanted something open with a newer motor.

Azeal · 09-17-2009, 07:01 PM

I'd go with a Smokercraft, like a 15' or so, and keep my eyes open for one with a newer 4 stroke motor.

You are not going to get a sled for anywhere near that, at least not one with a decent motor.

Other option would be a drift boat with a kicker.

Smokercraft would be great for tidewater, Tillamook Bay, Willamette, more sheltered areas on the Columbia.

Problem wth the older Starcraft idea is most of them are going to have old motors. Old motors tend to have problems and cost $$ to get right.

capt. slo-mo · 09-20-2009, 10:45 PM

Pardon my ignorance, but what kinds of use is a "sled" boat designed for, as opposed to a more traditional V hull...shallow water? Something else?

12pulls · 09-26-2009, 09:19 AM

^Shallow water.
I would look for something no less than 15' with the newest motor as possible. Starcrafts are great boats but like the poster stated, they usually have older motors. Smokercrafts are great boats and since so many buy them as their first, they seem to be sold more often than not with newer motors. Be patient, buy smart. Take lots of test drives.

pescado mucho · 09-26-2009, 02:07 PM

I have owned over ten boats. Not bad for 32 years old...

Here is my thoughts based on your comments.

But. I would recommend a Smokercraft Alaskan or lodge with a 25 HP 4-stroke motor. Best value and performance for $4000. You should be able to get a 15' Alaskan or Lodge for under $4000 with a 4-stroke. If you look around. You should be able to find a lodge under $4000 with a decent size main motor. You could add a kicker or an electric for trolling/backup and still be under $4000. there is on on CL right now for $3400!!!

Also, in that price range, look around, and be sure to get a boat with the accesories!! Does it come with a top, anchor, life vests, etc? All these things cost extra and add up fast! Having them used is fine. use IFISH to find used extras, do not buy them new!

#1 Where do you fish? Do you need shallow draft? If not, get a deep V. You will be able to fish bigger water for the smallest boat length.

#2. Get an electric start. With your bad shoulders, you don't want to have to pull start too much.

#3. Consider an electric as your troller/backup. New 12-volt and 24-volt electrics will push a boat no problem, and smart on-board chargers are more affordable. Plus you'll be stoked on how quiet it is when trolling, more peaceful.

My current, and favorite boat ever is a 1992 15' pro alaskan with a 25HP yamaha 4-stroke. I have a minn kota riptide saltwater-proof trolling motor. This is coming from a guy that has owned 3 drift boats, two jet sleds, a center console skliff, three smoker crafts, a alumacraft, a jon boat or two, and a fiberglass weirdo Olympic (was a sweet boat BTW).