Small Fishing boat for my boys

[rogerwa]

I am looking at picking up a small cheap fishing boat that we can use at my cabin. I am thinking this is a good way to introduce my boys to boat handling while I fish..<br /><br />I am thinking about a 14' standard v aluminum fishing boat with a 5-10Hp motor to putt around with. I am also looking at a 14' jon boat with the same size motor.<br /><br />Which do you think would be best. I am very familiar with the fishing boat but not the Jon boat.<br /><br />Our place is on a river that connects to a larger sized lake. I am thinking that this would be used primarily on the river and sometimes out on the lake.<br /><br />Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Maximerc]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

10 hp on a light alum boat can be pretty fast. if only one boy is in it it could hit 25 mph. We had a 12 ft john boat that we had a 9.8 merc on it was stinking fast in a straight line , and stinking scary turning. We also had a 6 hp merc , it was much better. I think some john boats are pretty narrow , or ours felt like it was. A friend next door had a old fashion steel .. rental boat. it was great with a 6 hp on it you could do any thing and getaway with it

 

[Maximerc]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

10 hp on a light alum boat can be pretty fast. if only one boy is in it it could hit 25 mph. We had a 12 ft john boat that we had a 9.8 merc on it was stinking fast in a straight line , and stinking scary turning. We also had a 6 hp merc , it was much better. I think some john boats are pretty narrow , or ours felt like it was. A friend next door had a old fashion steel .. rental boat. it was great with a 6 hp on it you could do any thing and getaway with it

 

[north40]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

I started my boys out in a 14 foot jon boat with a 6 hp Johnson. The jon boat is a much more stable fishing platform. A round or vee bottom will tip over if one stands up; may not capsize but could cause one to fall out if not careful. It is better to be underpowered to start out. Good luck and your boys will be fine men if they learn fishing.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

We used to trick ski behind a 12' alum boat with a 9.9. I would also recommend a smaller motor for a boat of that size. Something around a 5 horse maybe. I also like everyone's idea of a jon boat. Smmal v's can be a little tippy.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

sanger, don't coddle these boys, get sumpin fast enough to ski and tow. And if they tip it over, it's only gonna happen once, better when they are young. Chief

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

What chief said!<br />My 12' grumman V-bottom fishing boat was a turd with the 7.5 honda on it. The 9.8 merc was just right!!!!!

 

[RatFish]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

I have a 12' alum semi-v with a 9.9 Evinrude. Maximerc's experiences are probably similar to mine. Fast for a small boat. You could always limit the throttle advance until your boys become more comfortable and experienced with the rig.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

The river is no-wake so they won't be able to open it up unless I am with them. My dad had an old 5hp sea horse and that went plenty fast.<br /><br />I have never ridden in a jon boat. I was thinking that the stability would be good for fishing, but I imagine you pay for the stability with a rough ride due to the flat front..

 

[gatorboaterUF]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

when i was 12-14 i had a 12 foot jon boat with a semi-v and a 5.5 it did alright but i always wished it was alot faster my buddy had a merc 15 on his and we could knee bord with it and that was alot of fun we had a blast get the bigger motor and govern it down till they can handel it

 

[jtexas]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

When I was 8 my dad bought a 6-horse rude that we ran on rented 14-foot flatbottom aluminum jonboats. It was great, planed good with just two on board. Ran better on a 14-footer than on a 12-footer. Hit stumps with it, ran it aground once in a while. Never hit a tree head on, but I don't think even that would have caused major injuries.<br /><br />At 19 I was fishing with a bud, and a few Buds, and doing donuts when we both fell out, boat circling us at WOT, which is pretty slow with it turned all the way to one side. Gas tank floated clear & I was able to pull the quick-disconnect hose free. Couple minutes later boat stops, we climb in & go on about our business. Not advocating that kind of behavior, just saying, that rig will be somewhat forgiving in the case of horseplay.<br /><br />We got the 6 because it weighed lots less than the 9.9, but I think the 9.9 would of been fine.<br /><br />That was on natural lakes in Louisiana (where you can rent a boat for $3/day), with lots of standing timber, where even a strong wind couldn't produce big waves. I wouldn't let my worst enemy out in a boat like that on any of the big reservoirs I fish today, but you've probably already considered that.<br /><br />Flatbottom jons are not all that stable (compared to a bass boat, I mean) - you got to be real careful if you stand up in 'em.<br /><br />My prediction: your boys are gonna really enjoy that.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

Go with the v and get as much hp as it will take!<br />you can always adjust the motor to produce less power. When they get a bit bigger you will need the extra power.

 

[Smedley]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

why not try one of the poly boats like a bass hunter or pond prowler. Two people can fish fine. Very stable. I had one for a couple of years and fish standing up all the time. Most are rated for a 10 hp but work well with just a trolling motor. You can usually find them pretty cheap used and new. I sold mine for $100 with a small trolling motor 2 years ago when I got my Tracker.<br /><br />I had a 36 lb thrust Minn Kota on mine and pulled a ski boat to safety one night after his water pump went out.

 

[lingcod]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

for stability and fishability you cant beat a 12 foot livingston. throw a 15 horse on the back and hangon. 3 guys all on the same side pulling a crab pot and no worries<br /><br />lingcod

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

I have always favored a 13 foot Boston Whaler as a great first boat.Quality that wont sink and you will ALWAYS get your money back when you are done with it.Plenty of those boats available.Charlie

 

[Chris_Crafter]

Re: Small Fishing boat for my boys

I have a semi V 12' aluminum that I use with my kids on the ponds near my home.It's not as tippy as I thought it would be.I used Herculiner bed liner on the inside surface to prevent slipping if they stand up.I only use a rear trolling motor though.But the oars are there too,just incase.