What boat to get?

[Remdrake]

Am planning to purchase a brand new boat in the next year and had a few questions to ask you ifish experts. I plan on fishing mostly the Columbia river (fish alot around the mouth of the wind, Drano, mouth of Klickitat, Bouy 10) and some of its tribs (Cowlitz). I like the look and openess of the Alumaweld Super Vee Pros but is this just not practical for the average fisherman? How would this boat perform in those locations? Any comments on whay you fish in and like would be greatly appreciated. I plan on moving down to Gorge in the fall assuming I can get a job after I graduate from college in June. Thank you for your comments!

[freedrift]

I've been in the process of loking at every open sled out there for about the last month and posted a thread with close to the same topic not that long ago. I found that it was kind of dangerous in this type of arena to post a vauge ? such as what is the best boat. Of course everyone will tell you that the boat that they have is the best. Which it probably is for them. And to answer your question, in my opinion yes, that super vee pro will work for most situations. I only say most because I don't know about the salt. But I wouldn't take any boat in the ocean(I'm a big chicken). My advise would be to first evaluate your needs. Then spend the next year researching and driving every boat out there that comes close to fitting your needs, and talking to people that own them and make an informed decision. I hope this helps.

[BloodNtheboat]

Heres where you are going to find out what boat everyone has, and that their brand of boat is far superior to every other brand.

I fish all those mentioned places with my 18 ft super fee with a merc tiller(jet). It works great, except i find myslef wanting more boat at bouy 10. I do run tributaries too, so thats why i have a jet. Another thing, looks like you are going to be fishing the gorge, thus you will be fishing in heavy winds, this is where an open sled comes in handy, there is no top (sail) to push you around.

I really like the versatility of an open boat, but find myself wet at times, but i can fish in the wind better than a hard top.
If you do go with a top boat, make sure you get a long one so you have room, I really like the looks and fishability of the willie raptors with the windsheild the 22 and 24 foot ones look pretty roomy. Just dont get a hard top you will regret it.
As far as a jet goes, you just gotta ask yourself if you really are going to run in 6 inches of water, or are you gonna stay in the big river.
Hope this helps.

[id. painter]

Get an ocean worthy vessel . It wiil increase you options by 1000Xs .You can still use it at you favorite spots unless you really want to be in 6 inches of water.
Many great boats out there... id. p.

[Pickles]

As stated above get an Ocean capable boat! It will increase your options 1000 percent! That being said this means a boat with a closed bow and good bow entry is preferred! Also no need for a jet in the big blue!

[HOOKUP]

there is no "best boat" look at them all and then get what will make you happy! I like a windshild because my wife wont boat without one! Get test rides, look at all the options and then pull the trigger. Pretty much all the name brand boats are the same quality its mostly about what you want and after the sale service. Good luck

[snit]

Remdrake, excellent advice from all posters! You just have to decide what YOU want...that's the hard part.

If you're not far from Woodinville stop by 3RiversMarine and talk to Dave Lee (one of the owners) and tell him "snit" recommended that you talk to him. Dave's a "straight up" dude, who can answer (or help you answer your own) any questions.

I think service is just as important as the product, especially if it's something you're going to have for 5+ years. A little advice, buy the biggest engine and boat that you can afford, as no doubt you'll get "2-footitis" otherwise.

I love my Intruder, BTW