Fishing Boat?

[DonHof]

Looking to buy a fishing boat in the 14 - 15 foot range. What would be your
1,2,3 choice? Same with a outboard motor. Would like to stay under 30 hp on motor.

Thanks
Don

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Fishing Boat?

My choice would be an aluminum boat. Do you have any horsepower restricted lakes in your area you'd like to fish? If so you may want to go with a 9.9HP motor.

 

[Philster]

Re: Fishing Boat?

14-15' ? 30 H.P. is on the low side.

Why the restriction?

We always need more details about where, what, how, why, etc.

 

[JB]

Re: Fishing Boat?

Boston Whaler Sport 13 from the 70s or 80s, with a JohnnyRude 25.

Had that package for years. Safe as a cork, fast (to 25mph) and economical. Sold it for 40% more than I paid for it.

Warning, though. Once you have owned and operated a classic (pre-1990) Boston Whaler you will be unlikely to "settle" for anything else.

Bon Voyage.

 

[Philster]

Re: Fishing Boat?

Note: Flat-bottom hulls need less horsepower. A flat-bottom hull is nearly always "on plane". Any power is gonna cruise nicely (just about).

Any shape to the bottom, such as V or modified V, and you are gonna need power to come on plane, which means enough power to climb over the bow wave.

This is an important distinction.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fishing Boat?

it all depends on where you are fishing. 100 acre lake, river, creek, jetties, open water. there are many different types of 14-15 ft fishing boats.

 

[DonHof]

Re: Fishing Boat?

Like to stay with a v bottom, It's just me, but don't like the looks of a mod -v or flat bottom.
Most lakes around here are no-wake, but would like to take it on the Missouri river once in awhile. Looking at 30hp or less because I don't need to go across a lake at 50 miles per hour.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Fishing Boat?

Lots to choose from.
Crestliner, Alumacraft, Sylvan, Smokercraft, Starcraft, Lund, Northwoods, Sea Nymph, all make good boats.

You have a lot of boats to consider.
Water ready Budget ?
new or used
utility, flat floor
plush and fancy
livewells
bench seats
pedestal seats


I would find the type of boat you want, then look for one with the motor you are comfortable with.

Motors, Mercury, Yamaha, or Johnson are my favorites.
If you NEED a four stroke, get a Honda.

What ever you choose, make sure there is a dealer in your area for service.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fishing Boat?

Bare Bones: Lund S14 or S15 with a 9.9 (S14) or 15 (S15).
Side Console: No 14 footer will do. 15 foot Sylvan, Mirrocraft, Crestliner, Lund, Alumacraft or any of a gazillion look alikes with a 40 or 50 HP three cylinder Merc.

Aluminum in all categories. No flat bottoms unless you tend to stay on very flat water.

 

[DonHof]

Re: Fishing Boat?

After looking at all the boats it dosen't look like you can put a 40 or 50 hp motor on a small boat. 35 hp is the biggest thats on a Alumacraft 15.

Don

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fishing Boat?

You are ignoring the side console. 15 - 16 foot side consoles are typically rated 40 - 50 HP max. My Mirrocraft Pro Striker was one of them as is the Lund and Crestliner equivalents. Tiller steered boats are typically rated less HP because of control (steering) issues when operated with just one person aboard.