Which boat is best?

[swick]

Okay here it is:

I want a small fishin boat (14'-18') to use in the everglades (fresh shallow water of course). I have 3 kids to take along with me and I would like to keep the price at or below $2000, possibly up to $3000 for all the bells and whistles.

Which is the best boat for me? Thanks.

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Which boat is best?

You should be able to get a 16' or 18' Lowe jon boat for that price, but you won't get one with an outboard for that price.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Which boat is best?

You really can't ask that question, as very few members on this site agree on a best boat in that range. The most important things are the way the boat was maintained, condition of the boat, and engine maintenance. You also want to make sure the previous owner knew how to operate the boat. For that price range, and to save money on repairs, I would recommend something with an outboard, maybe a small bowrider, as I tend to find them in that price range all day in Tampa.

 

[swick]

Re: Which boat is best?

I'm already starting to think bowrider, I know many people means many answers, I'm looking for a general consensus. I know there are boats in that price range, I also know to look for maintenance and repair issues. What I'm trying to nail down officially is what kind of boat is best for this use and how much if at all I need to adjust my spending limit. Thanks for the input.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Which boat is best?

the suggestion of an aluminum boat is a good one,and you can find a decent 14-16 with an older outboard for that price range..e-bay..craigs list..local classifieds..even here on iboats in the used boats section.A bowrider in decent condition for 2-3K never happen..a bowrider for 2-3K that needs work..dime a dozen. if your budget is 2-3 figure on spending more money fixing it up..then maintaining it. Parts for inboards arent cheap.Start off small and simple, this way you'll actually be able to spend time on your boat..instead of seeing your kids faces when you say the boats broken again.

 

[swick]

Re: Which boat is best?

Well I've been looking at small bass boats with older outboards. I can go ahead and check the bodies out real good and do compression tests, anything beyond that I refer to friends. I'm not so concerned with the condition of the seats and things of that nature, primary is the outboard, secondary is the hull, floor, electronics etc. I don't want to spend a ton of money, it is really supposed to be just cheap fun since we live so close to the evergladeds and we like to drive by and get out of the truck. I figured I can buy a little something to make it more interesting. And Iboats is awesome.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Which boat is best?

I would think safety first (3 kids) and then think about noise aluminum vs glass and finally 14' with 4 people is crowded. Carolina Skiffs are fairy inexpensive shallow draft boats but your not going to get boat & motor for 3 grand. Maybe you could find a good used 16' that someone traded up on that hasn't been rid hard and put away salty.

Not an endorsement just a thought.

Good luck in quest

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Which boat is best?

Id go for one that floats,,,,

after that its all gravey....

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Which boat is best?

I would look at flat bottom, wide and deep. Check out these:


http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/?boat=3126

Not bad for a new boat but you could something like that on CL in your price range. Also figure in another 3-400 for all your safety gear you will need.

Vests, lights, anchors, paddles, extinguishers, whistles ect.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Which boat is best?

Yep along with bifflefan not only floats but has a solid deck and transom with a well maintained outboard. Otherwise you might be spending a year or so on a restoration project with the kids ( which might not be a bad idea ) when you do put it in the water it will be a family thing.

Good luck in your search ya'll

 

[seatown7]

Re: Which boat is best?

How about one of those 13' -14' Livingston boats? I've got a 14 footer with a 15 hp Evinrude. It's deep, stable, carries 1000 lbs and is a tank. Used ones are everywhere for pretty cheap $.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: Which boat is best?

I would think safety first (3 kids) and then think about noise aluminum vs glass and finally 14' with 4 people is crowded. Carolina Skiffs are fairy inexpensive shallow draft boats but your not going to get boat & motor for 3 grand. Maybe you could find a good used 16' that someone traded up on that hasn't been rid hard and put away salty.

A few months ago I bought a 2008 Carolina Skiff J16 with 2008 trailer and a 1993 Nissan 25hp electric start for $1900. If you look you may find something similar for around $2k. Especially the later it gets in the year. I would definatly go with a Carolina Skiff or similar for use in that area. Very shallow draft, built like tanks with no wood in them, claim to be unsinkable and you can customize them pretty cheap. The bare hull to a J16 is actually pretty cheap if you can find the motor and trailer else where.

 

[MushCreek]

Re: Which boat is best?

If you're going to stay in the backwaters, you want a light boat with a dead flat bottom. A Carolina Skiff would be best, but you might not be able to find one cheap enough. Otherwise, a big wide john boat would work. Stay away from upholstery and carpet! There are tons of deals on used boats in FL- just make sure you get the right type.