Buying A New Boat for Salt/Freshwater fishing - Lots of Question

[Hennessey]

I posted something a week or two about a similar subject, but am really getting conflicting responses about this. I'm hoping some of the good people here can help. I consider myself a knowledgeable angler and a horribly un-knowledgeable boater. So here goes.

I'm buying a new boat for this fishing season. And by a new boat I mean my first one. I live in CT. My fishing will be split prob 65/35 salt/fresh water. Ideally this boat will be kept at a slip in Long Island Sound in the warm months, and pulled out when I want to go freshwater fishing. So it needs to be trailerable, and ideally I could launch it by myself.

Obviously money is a concern, but I want to stick to something new. I'll spend what I need to get the appropriate craft.

Stuff I'd really like:

trolling motor
casting decks
lots of room for fishing
livewell/baitwell
swivel seats


Questions:

Would aluminum be appropriate for my situation? Or too much saltwater exposure?

How big?

What make of boat?

I'm really open to any and all ideas and just want to do this right the first time around to minimize headaches

I need a fishing machine that will be used for other recreational stuff once in a while.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. And I'll bring you fishing whenever you want.

 

[KCook]

Re: Buying A New Boat for Salt/Freshwater fishing - Lots of Question

The requirements for casting decks and swivel seats will drive the choice toward a bay boat or skiff type. Most likely fiberglass. There are aluminum bay boats, but they are pretty rare. Some boat brands to look for would include Angler, Carolina Skiff, Maritime Skiff, SeaArk, Sea Pro, Southern Skimmer, and Triton.

Kelly