newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

[Shfftr]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Not sure if you found a boat yet but I noticed you were concerned about canvas and seating arrangements in earlier posts. Just an opinion but I think the boat being the proper size for what you would want to do is more important. You can always change seating configurations,add that canvas/camper top or build a bow fishing platform or even find room for a livewell but you can't add space. I have only had 3 boats so I may be talking out of my A@@, but the first 2 were Ok for a short period of time and it wasn't long before ,we needed a bigger boat. Just my 2cents FWIW.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Not sure if you found a boat yet but I noticed you were concerned about canvas and seating arrangements in earlier posts. Just an opinion but I think the boat being the proper size for what you would want to do is more important. You can always change seating configurations,add that canvas/camper top or build a bow fishing platform or even find room for a livewell but you can't add space. I have only had 3 boats so I may be talking out of my A@@, but the first 2 were Ok for a short period of time and it wasn't long before ,we needed a bigger boat. Just my 2cents FWIW.

Still on my quest but definitely honing in. Will be looking this weekend at one. Finding that the 18' with open bow seems to be the sweet spot, big enough without being huge and unmanageable. I think a 16' would work but I can see where those extra 2 ft really add space.

 

[Shfftr]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

I think you may like the 18' length with the open bow. I had a Grumman 16' Side Console,great for 2 but started getting crowded with the third person. Also,my 18'ers sides are 4 or 5 inches higher giving a much more sense of security. I realize the higher sides make fishing a bit more difficult but it all is a trade off unless you are rich and can have several boats. I don't know anything about the Columbia River or the Puget sound other than some motorcycle trip's to see them but here an 18' on calm days with a careful watch on the weather and proper safety equipment Lake Michigan is doable. Good Luck with your search.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

I think you may like the 18' length with the open bow. I had a Grumman 16' Side Console,great for 2 but started getting crowded with the third person. Also,my 18'ers sides are 4 or 5 inches higher giving a much more sense of security. I realize the higher sides make fishing a bit more difficult but it all is a trade off unless you are rich and can have several boats. I don't know anything about the Columbia River or the Puget sound other than some motorcycle trip's to see them but here an 18' on calm days with a careful watch on the weather and proper safety equipment Lake Michigan is doable. Good Luck with your search.

Thanks. It will be primarily a lake boat but knowing that I -might- have an interest at some point of a trip out in the Columbia River or Puget Sound at least I feel it's possible with an 18' boat if conditions are right.

 

[Shfftr]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

I hope I didn't mislead you about Columbia River and Puget sound,Lake Michigan is quite different. I can launch my boat and put it directly into the lake,but unless there is a direct launch into Puget sound crossing the Columbia River Bar is not something I would want to attempt with an 18' boat. When you have time Google "Columbia River Bar", might change your mind about that particular trip. Anyway,good luck with your search.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

I hope I didn't mislead you about Columbia River and Puget sound,Lake Michigan is quite different. I can launch my boat and put it directly into the lake,but unless there is a direct launch into Puget sound crossing the Columbia River Bar is not something I would want to attempt with an 18' boat. When you have time Google "Columbia River Bar", might change your mind about that particular trip. Anyway,good luck with your search.

You didn't mislead me. I have no intention of crossing the Columbia bar...I don't have a death wish. Columbia River usage if any would be further inland and upstream. Puget Sound is separate from the Columbia River and there are lots of places to put in all up and down the Puget Sound. Some areas pretty protected and others that are more open. Thanks for the concern though I do appreciate it.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Hi everyone. Thanks for the all the help. I wanted to let you know I pulled the trigger on a 1987 18' Starcraft SS this weekend. Has a '87 110 Johnson VRO V4 OB on it. It was apparent that the boat was cared for most of it's life. I think I'm the third or perhaps 4th owner from what I could gather. It even came with the original boat and engine owners manuals.

Had the engine compression checked by local marine repair shop before purchase and while perhaps a bit low (105-107), on another thread in the johnson area other forum mebers thought it was acceptable. Mechanic that did test thought it was a little low but still in the acceptable range. Mechanic said motor starts easily and seems to run well. They checked the floor and transom along with a few other things (steering, charging system, etc) and said it looks like it was a cared for boat. Didn't get to do a water test as it was very cold and snow prevented use of the ramp. So, had to trust that it runs out well. I'll be doing some basics on it like a new impeller before braving a first run in early spring.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Now you'll have to post some pictures of your prize!!

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Now you'll have to post some pictures of your prize!!

This is the only pic I have right now.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Looks like a very fine rig. Still have any season left to use it?

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Looks like a very fine rig. Still have any season left to use it?

Thanks. Nope...we are below freezing here right now so after mechanic checked it out had them fog the cylinders down. Prev owner says it had stabilizer already in the tank so it should have that through the carbs already so hoping I'm good there. Plan on getting it out hopefully in April.

 

[Watermann]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Thanks. Nope...we are below freezing here right now so after mechanic checked it out had them fog the cylinders down. Prev owner says it had stabilizer already in the tank so it should have that through the carbs already so hoping I'm good there. Plan on getting it out hopefully in April.

Hey Oly, that's a great boat you found, should do just about anything you need her to.

Man that doesn't happen very often that it gets below freezing on the westside of the State. It should be boating weather over there in a few weeks time.

Don't worry about fuel sitting for a few months, it's not that fragile, especially here in WA where we have our own refineries of wonderful Alaskan sweet crude.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Hey Oly, that's a great boat you found, should do just about anything you need her to.

I hope so. It's missing some of the canvas and what is there is aged so need to work through that. Not sure when all the standard maintenance items were last done so I'll spend the time to work through checking steering, throttle cables as well as all the motor related items of replacing impeller, lower unit oil, filler seals, checking VRO system and making sure alarm works, etc. Looks like the fuel hoses needed to be replaced, at least one is leaking. But hey looking forward to doing the maintenance and having her ready for spring.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

That is a great choice. And not a bad deal all things considered especially on the west coast. I paid $900 for mine but I have another $1500 already in a resto and probably another $1500 to go.

 

[Shfftr]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Congratulations on the new boat,I hope you and your family enjoy it.

 

[AChotrod]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Congrats! Looks like a fine boat that will do everything you want it to.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Great to see you went to the 18! Best of luck with her.

 

[Shfftr]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Just some food for thought. You may want to do some investigation about the VRO system. I never had problem with mine but it seems a lot of people did and they eliminated the system and just mixed their own fuel. At least knowing there may be potential malfunction you can monitor it's performance. Good Luck with the new boat and enjoy the upcoming holidays.

 

[Krichbourg]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

You'll like that boat. I expect it will serve your needs for many years to come.
Make sure to check out the Starcraft group here at Iboats. You can find out all you need to know regarding your SS.
Post plenty of pics when you can, we all love that. Good luck.

 

[olympic]

Re: newbie - help choosing a 14-15' used aluminum boat for use on 1000+ acre lakes

Thanks everyone and Happy Holidays! Will be working on it over the holidays and will get some pics posted out in the starcraft group.