Aluminum boat searching

[Zephyr]

Hi, this seems like a knowledgable group of people, perhaps you could point me in the right direction? I'm looking into purchasing a small aluminum boat. How small will depend on what's available, though obviously smaller the better for me.

I've tried looking around, though i seem to come to a dead-end with each search. I'm curious as to how small I might find a V-boat. 10' would be optimal, of course, if it doesnt exist, I can't have it can I?!

I hope to use this boat for fishing in mountain lakes (from Colorado, no ocean-going for me...). I have a small car, a neon, and adding a small hitch is available if towing is my option, knowing that there isn't much room on top to carry it on top.

Motors are not an issue, I have one in the family that needs minor repair, but my father was a boat mechanic and easily knows his way around boat motors to fix it up nicely if i find my 'dream' boat.

My question is, is there really someone who makes 10' aluminum v-boats or is this really a daydream? I've seen 10' jon boats, but... well, I don't know. They look as though they'd flip over too easily to me, of course, I've never been in one, so I would never know. I've grown up with at least 18'+ powerboats, which is much to much for just me not to mention small-lake fishing. I would imagine, even a 10' V-boat with a trailer would still be fairly light enough that I can manage on my own?

I appologize if a simliar post has already been made and answered, if so, please point me in the right direction of that post. If not, know of any small aluminum boats? Used or new?

Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

A 10 foot boat is only two feet longer than a sheet of plywood. For your needs I would suggest you look for a 12 footer since there are probably more of them -- new and used. Your Neon will not know the boat is back there. Do a search for boat manufacturers rather than just 10 foot boats. Then check each manufacturers offerings. I once owned a 12 footer and it was very comfortable for two people to fish quiet water. They also work well on those lakes that have a no gas engine policy. Put an electric trolling motor on it and go fishing. 10 HP on a 12 footer is plenty of power.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

Smoker craft may have a 10 foot V the Alaskan 120 lbs 525 lbs capacity 7hp rating.If you can trailer you may want to try to get the biggest boat you can afford.you will feel and be safer.and it will probably run faster than a smaller boat especially with a load.I tow an 18ft Crestliner utility semiV on a load rite trailer w a 50 Mer 500. with my little Subaru Impreza.Boat motor and trailer about 1,000 lbs.tows easily.
In each small boat you will find small boats that are say 12 feet and may be something like 11ft 9, low sides narrow and light/flimsy.Light is nice to handle but you give up stability and security.Then you have what I call a big 12 foot.longer deeper and wider.Like being on an ocean liner.

 

[JCF350]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

I have used both types of hulls that were 12 footers and prefer the stability of the jon boat (the V had rounded chines on it so if there are any out there with hard chines it may prove to be a different story). I use my 12 footer quite a bit here on Orange Lake and quite often stand up in it while just motoring around (I use a 50lb. thrust trolling motor on it and wouldn't do this with a gas engine on the back). Granted the jon boats have low sides but your not going to be moving around much in a 12' boat. The amount of freeboard you need depends on how much weight your going to put in the boat (put two 230lb men it with fishing gear and a couple batteries and it sits pretty low).

Your Neon will have no trouble with a 12 footer and a small gas engine.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

ebay search aluminum boat, and jon boat.

 

[KCook]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

My view is with JCF350. Keep in mind that jon boats come in a variety of widths. The narrow ones are for very small motors (or rowing). So skip the narrow jobs ...

Kelly Cook

 

[DJ]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

Buy the biggest one you can stow, tow and afford. The difference in weight, in a bare bones AL boat between 12' and 15', will be under 100#.

As stated, wider width Jon boats will be more stable, at rest.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

There were a lot of companies that made 10 aluminum Modified V hulls but very few sold. I would not buy less that 12 feet or 14 feet. Weight is not a factor and it much safer with 2 or 3 fisherman. Remember lots of nuts out there with 20 plus foot boats that are going to be throwing waves at you. Example my 14 foot Klamath weighs 167 pounds, no motor fuel or gear but your car can pull it with no problem. I pulled mine for years with a 1974 Chev Vega.

Lots of 12 foot Aluminum boats right here on I Boats and every paper where boating is popular.

 

[Zephyr]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

Thank you for all your replies, everyone! Knowing that my neon would be able to handle something a little larger is reassuring. I have seen numerous used 12footers on both ebay and craigs-list, so I will definately keep checking those out looking for the right one. Hopefully I can find the 'right' one by June, so the fishing trip with grandpa can have a non-leaking, sturdier boat than the 1970's rubber raft.... ha! Of course, if it needs to, the little rubber raft may have a few years left in it.

I'm not sure of the hp of the motor, i'll have to check on that.

Once again, thank you for all your replies!

 

[arks]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

Good info here.
I wanted a small boat for fishing around the marina. Got a 10' Jonboat and hated it- too small for 2 people and it would BARELY get on plane with a 4HP outboard.
I "upgraded" to a 14' Lowe "Big Jon", which is stronger and has taller sides than the regular ones. It planes easily with 25 HP and 3 or 4 people aboard. I love it....

With these small boats, a little extra means a whole lot! Go for the most boat you can tow.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Aluminum boat searching

For a 12 foot boat a Johnson or Evinrude 15 Hp is what your want. That what I have on my 14 foot Aluminum and it will plane with me and the wife going to the beach. Take another guy and fishing gear and it will not plane. With three it is a dog. Later models have more power than mine. Buy newer than 1990 if you can find one.

Light Aluminum with rivets expect to leak so plan on al bildge pump and battery. Welded boats do not leak unless they have really been abused.