Poor man's guide to boating

[salmonee]

So I've been looking for a boat for about 5 months now. I've personally seen boats that range from 5k to 20k, from 5-10yrs old. Looked at both fiberglass and aluminum construction. I can't seem to find the right boat that will fit my need at the price I want to spend. I'm looking for something mainly to fish the lakes, big river (columbia river in OR/WA), pugent sound/bay for salmon, and on occasion pull the kid on a tube. A new aluminum boat that would fit my needs could be had for 18k. A 10yr old comparable still runs 12-15k strangely enough. Apparently aluminum boats are in high demand in the northwest. Anyhow, now my thinking is that I want to spend 5k or less and look for a diamond in the rough. Some fiberglass boat that could suit both my needs. Really want something with fiberglass floors though. I'm sure there are guys/gal out there that has some great setups. I'd like to see some pictures as well as strategies on how to get something that would work for me. I've seen some of these "older" fiberglass which has been repainted and aren't bad setups for what I want to do. I'm not looking for something to tinker with as I'm mechanically ignorant. I think I saw I guy on this board who was really slick by buying multiple boats and swapping outboards then selling or giving away the pieces/boat he didn't want. Ideas like this would help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

the reason aluminum boats are so popular in your area, is a lot of the rivers are rocky, and the aluminum holds up better.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

As my father said to me a long, long time ago, "You either spend time or money."

You don't want to tinker? Then buy something that's ready for the water. It'll cost more, but you'll save all that time that older boats need spent in tinkering.

You want to save money. Then you'll need time to tinker with the boat to get it seaworthy.

Boats are expensive. That's the bottom line. You want a boat that's capable of the river, lake, and Puget Sound. There aren't any cheap boats that can do all that, especially if you want to do it safely.

You can find lots of cheap boats. Their owners got tired of tinkering with them and bought a newer, better boat. Trouble is that, if you buy one of these, you get to do the tinkering. Again, and again, and again.

Some of us don't mind doing that. In fact, some of us are downright addicted to it. There are folks on this forum who don't actually go boating. They fix up boats, because they like doing that. The ones who are addicted to boating and fishing usually have boats that don't need time spent on them trying to make them seaworthy. That would cut into their boating and fishing time.

So, describe your ideal boat to us. Size, materials, engine, accessories. When you can do that, down to the type of electronics you want on it, then you'll be ready to buy one.

For the new boater who doesn't want to "tinker," I recommend a new boat, one with a warranty. All others will require tinkering.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

I just went back and read all of your messages posted here on iboats. They're all over the place, as far as the type of boat you're looking for. You've gone to see several boats, and even taken test rides in some. But, you're still boatless.

There is no perfect boat. There really isn't. There are probably a couple dozen boats for sale today within an hour's drive of where you live that would be good and practical for the needs you described. None of them are perfect, though. None of them is the ideal lake boat and the ideal river boat and the ideal Puget Sound boat. That boat does not exist.

Now, the summer is over. Soon, boating won't be fun in your area, as winter creeps in and blows all the fun out of being on the water in the Pacific Northwest.

Eventually, you'll have to settle on one or another boat. It won't be perfect for all your stated uses, new or used. But, if you can finally pull the trigger, it'll be a lot better than not having a boat over the entire summer boating season. A lot better.

Frankly, you probably won't keep your first boat all that long. Since you aren't already boating, you don't actually know what it is you want the boat to do. So, your first boat will teach you some things. Your second boat will come closer to being your ideal boat. Finally, with your third boat, you'll have just what you're looking for, pretty much.

So...go find a boat that is seaworthy, runs well, has no serious flaws that will endanger you, and pull the trigger on it. Use the heck out of it. Try all the boating scenarios you envision. Then, when you figure out what you don't like about that boat, sell it and buy one with fewer characteristics that displease you.

You'll never know what boat you want until you have a boat in your driveway, just waiting to go to the water. Take it there and it will teach you what you want from a boat.

It's the only way to do this.

 

[oops!]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

read the above twice........good post cat

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

Well said CATransplant. I boat my first last year, and sold it 10 months later. I'm on my 2nd boat now and it's almost ideal as you said. Only thing I'd do different is a few more feet and a few more HPs. Maybe I'll keep it for awhile and do a hull extension like Oops did (Not likely)

 

[salmonee]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

Thanks for the response. I'm not looking for the ideal do-it all boat. I know this is unrealistic. I want more of a lake boat that can handle big chops. Big is relative, I know. I want a bigger 18-19' boat, leaning towards fiberglass somewhat because I like a smoother ride. Though I would pull the trigger on a nice aluminum. I could go either way. I'm not really set on construction.

I know that I'll have to "Bring Out Another Thousand" after my purchase. Thus, I don't want to spend 20k then spend 5k on electronics and gears. I like to spend 5k and then spend 5k on "stuff". Off the top of my head, I know I'll need different fishing rods/reels, tackle, echo sounder, downriggers, anchor system, gps, etc. I have no equipment for boat fishing.

I just find it very hard that i couldn't spend 5k and get a "safe" boat. I would spend 10k tomorrow if the right boat came along. For some reason, the boats up here in the NW costs much more than say like California, Texas, entire east coast. We're not a small boating community by any means either. I wouldn't mind going down to California for the right boat either and drag it across state lines. I search everyday on craiglist. My problem is that I don't know the manufacturer which has all fiberglass floor type boats. I know a few, Seaswirl, Trophy, Triumph, Mako, Wellcraft. I know what type of boat I want. I just can't search well enough to see if their on sale. I want a dual console fish/ski type, see below.

I hope your right about the end of boating season bring down boats. I'm afraid people would want to wait until next boat season to put their boats on the market thinking that buyer's wouldn't be interested in the off season.

 

[Biggems]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

Just keep a sharp eye out man. I was looking for the longest time for just the right boat and thought I'd never find it. You think you are working on a budget? I had a budged of about 1k! I finaly found the right boat. a 14'6" aluminum hull fishing boat. It has a very nice deck in it, bilge pump, livewell, storage compartment, running lights, chair, battery/charger, trolling motor and a trailer in great condition. Also came with life jackets, bumpers, two anchors, a crap load of rope, outboard fuel line assembly and fuel tank.

I got all this for just over 1K!!! I've attached some pics so you can see. I think you are looking for something a little larger but the point is, just be patient, and keep checking craigslist. That's what I did everyday. Once you find a sweet deal like this, jump on it!

Good luck!!

 

[crashnburn63]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

Just some input from another near newbie on Puget Sound.

I've been going thru the same thing. Only I did pull the trigger last spring. Bought a used 14 foot Duroboat (made locally). Aluminum construction - basically a large rowboat with a 10hp Merc on it.

Now I'm trying to decide between putting a bigger motor on it, or making it the "second boat" and buying something like an Arima or Alumaweld in the 15-19 foot range.

The Duroboat is the ideal boat for the kids to putt around in our bay on a summer day, for crabbing, for leaving at the dock overnight and having the tide go out and it ends up sitting on the oyster shells. Also easy for a single, inexperienced boater to get in and out of the water. But with the present motor, it won't work for tubing. And given it's size and lack of cover, it's not ideal for fall salmon fishing out on the open sound. OTOH, I don't really want to buy, store, and MAINTAIN another boat. Thus the conundrum.

The advice I get from most folks here is "of course you need more than one boat". A lot of these folks have 2 or 3 or even 4! (actually, counting the human-powered ones, I'm up to 3 now ). After all, Steelhead fishing on the Skagit pretty much requires a specialized jet boat.

But boy the kids and I did have fun with the Duroboat over the summer!

Good Luck,

-dm

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

I am the king of boating on the cheap:

1, Trade aquariums for old beat up boat...make sure the outboard has good compression.
2, Repair screw holes in bottom of hull with some epoxy and krylon plastic paint.
3, Make repairs to engine as need (the most important thing!!!) don't skimp here.
4, Install good bilge pump, and keep manual pump on boat just in case.
5, Go fishing, and keep an eye on your dodgy hull repairs.

Now I've spent a total of $500 cash in repairs on boat and trailer, the hull has been water tight, the transom solid. The hull is soft in spot (certainly rotted stringers) so I go easy on the throttle. If it sinks...it stays sunk...as all the lakes I fish can be swam across. For you...don't go this cheap..but the key really is a good engine and solid hull even if it looks faded and dated. You can't paddle a boat against a current trust me. A good marine cb is in order too.

It can be done relatively 'cheaply' but not if you are going far from shore. See pic below of my fishy boat when it was for sale from previous owner.

Ian

 

[ne7800]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

deals are out there if your willing to do some work just have to find them here is mine have a total of $600 invested including registration

 

[tommays]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

a lot of good advise

My current project is 27 years old and is still in production with hull # 5800 getting pretty close


Having owned hull #2733 brand new in 1981 it as a no brainer when 1981 hull #2930 showed up in the paper this spring as i know were all the warts are

And the warts are what always worry's me when new boaters do not work there way up in size as the warts are hard to find when you have no idea what they look like

But at about 50000 dollars less (yes really 50000 dollars)it was 27 years old or no sailboat , i cant freaking believe how much the price went up

The boat has needed about 100 hours of work (mostly cause i don't like ugly)and will really need more than i can count before it will look like new again

But it is 100% seaworthy and placed in races this season against brand new boats, it may take a few more years before all the warts are polished but it was used 3 days a week until my daughter went back to collage

And it has really served its purpose of a family project to work on and play together

 

[salmonee]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'll keep looking as usual.

ne7800, I would probably pull the trigger on something similar to what you have, if it came with an outboard and galvanized trailer.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

deals are out there if your willing to do some work just have to find them here is mine have a total of $600 invested including registration

Sweat deal, nice grab....I am jealous...


Ian

 

[turborich]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

I just picked this one up for $300. I think it was a good deal. Just be patient & you will find what you are looking for.

Back a few years ago I came across an old 1985, 22 foot Sun Ray cuddy cabin that was for sale. It was in need of all new interior, new fuel tank, out drive & it was filthy, but my friend was looking for a boat like this & he was handy. We talked the guy down to $275 bucks, He re-did the interior himself. found a good drive for $700 & he had a nice boat. He just sold it a few months back for $6,000 on craigslist.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

That looks like a fantastic deal turborich.

 

[ib656]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

i might suggest looking at a brand called triumph.... they are made of polypropolene or some material like that and while not shiny like fiberglass, they are VERY durable.


they are great fishing boats and take tons of abuse.... check the brand thread on this site.


good luck and keep searching.

 

[turborich]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

That looks like a fantastic deal turborich.

Thank you, I have been wanting a boat for a while so when I saw this I pretty much jumped on it. I will see if it floats pretty soon.(lol)

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Poor man's guide to boating

Thanks for the response. I'm not looking for the ideal do-it all boat. I know this is unrealistic. I want more of a lake boat that can handle big chops. Big is relative, I know. I want a bigger 18-19' boat, leaning towards fiberglass somewhat because I like a smoother ride. Though I would pull the trigger on a nice aluminum. I could go either way. I'm not really set on construction.

I know that I'll have to "Bring Out Another Thousand" after my purchase. Thus, I don't want to spend 20k then spend 5k on electronics and gears. I like to spend 5k and then spend 5k on "stuff". Off the top of my head, I know I'll need different fishing rods/reels, tackle, echo sounder, downriggers, anchor system, gps, etc. I have no equipment for boat fishing.

I just find it very hard that i couldn't spend 5k and get a "safe" boat. I would spend 10k tomorrow if the right boat came along. For some reason, the boats up here in the NW costs much more than say like California, Texas, entire east coast. We're not a small boating community by any means either. I wouldn't mind going down to California for the right boat either and drag it across state lines. I search everyday on craiglist. My problem is that I don't know the manufacturer which has all fiberglass floor type boats. I know a few, Seaswirl, Trophy, Triumph, Mako, Wellcraft. I know what type of boat I want. I just can't search well enough to see if their on sale. I want a dual console fish/ski type, see below.

I hope your right about the end of boating season bring down boats. I'm afraid people would want to wait until next boat season to put their boats on the market thinking that buyer's wouldn't be interested in the off season.

Traditioanlly boat's up here keep a very high resale value..you can almost forget Nada. Portland's boating community is huge for it's small size, and very diverse. However watch the new boat dealers carefully...there are some great bargin's out there that can be had if you really work it..

If you plan to boat the Columbia, Willamette and lakes persoanlly i would stay as far away from the shallow bottom river sled's as you can. One bright hot sunny day on the Columbia with a little wind can ruin your appetitie for the water on one of those.....unless you have kidney's made of stone and a iron back..

Just a ideal watch eastern Oregon and Washington when the snow blow's and things are tight the prices do drop a bit...take your time you will stumble into something.