Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

C

convergent

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

The boat in my signature I just bought a few weeks back and we've been fishing and tubing with it quite a bit and so far its been doing great. I paid $4500 and it looks like new... garage kept. I have pulled a couple of big teens on a tube with 3 in the boat, and we were going pretty fast... never needed wide open throttle. For fishing, it can get into some very shallow water... just a couple of feet. Let me know if you have any questions.
 
lncoop

lncoop

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

Whatever you choose, I'd look for 18' minimum for your needs.
 
Huron Angler

Huron Angler

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

oregonboatnewb said:
What do you guys think of this ?

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/boa/1784004504.html
Click to expand...

I have the same boat and it is a great rig for skiing and fishing. Nice too that it comes with that canvas top, those are pricey.

Not a rig to run in 3-5' swells allday long but certainly won't soak the crew like a tri-hull or a tinny with low sides. These boats have chines and gunwale flares to deflect water away from the hull.

I've been on many similar boats on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and they are a pretty dry ride considering the ample freeboard(high sides).

Decent price too if the outboard runs well.:)
 
Huron Angler

Huron Angler

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

ExxWhy said:
I realize not all hulls are designed the same, but... had a 16' Sea Nymph fishing boat that was fine for fishing, but couldn't handle an 18" wave without getting everyone soaked. Point being, you may want to ask other owners about how the boat handles rougher water. Seems like most aluminum boats have little to no flare on the bow to deflect waves away. Guessing it doesn't apply to all, but it sure did to the last one I had.
Click to expand...

I agree...Sea Nymph made some bass boat style fishing rigs that are not good for skiing or tubing due to a low freeboard and zero flare on the gunwales.

My dad has a 16' Sea Nymph and I bet it's the same one you are referring to. Fishing only on those rigs except when the water is like glass. The layout is not conducive to having more than 2-3 people as well.
 
H

Home Cookin'

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

when you say "boat for fishing" we need to know how many people you want to take, the type of water you are in (depth and waves) and whether you are bottom fishing, trolling, or sneak casting (or all three). Looking for 60" drum or 6" perch?

When you say "boat for tubing" we need to know how many people will be riding in the boat and if they are big adults, small children, lightweight teens; are you pullnig one person tubes or big three person tubes, etc.

For example, deck boats generally aren't that good for just fishing or just tubing, but will do if you want an all around boat. You've already figured out the advantage of having a couple of boats, each with its purpose, than trying the impossible "one size fits all" approach.
 
1

180Fisherman

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

The best fishing/tubing boat will be a fishing boat. Fishing boats pull tubers wonderfully. Tubing boats fish terribly. Any 16'-18' center console will do the trick.
 
C

convergent

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

Yep, that's important... the boat I bought is perfect for lake fishing, but I would guess if you were out in a sound or bay or something you'd be not having a good time.
 
O

oregonboatnewb

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

I guess to be more specific, i fish for koke/trout/coho/steelies, and go grabbing, no crazy large fish, but i need a boat i can get blood and salt water in. I think i'm gonna get this boat (pending inspection). My plan was to sell my 17ft SeaSwirl w 120v4 rude and 14ft valco with 15 johnson, and buy 1 multi boat, but the more i look around, it would seem that the boats i want that are around 17-18 ft that would do both, would cost me another 2-4k out of pocket on top of what mine are worth... and currently, i can get this boat for maybe 300 difference of what i can sell the valco for... So no it won't solve my multi purpose needs just yet, but i think its a great patch for this summers fishing, which as of now is my #1 priority, because i've put blood sweet and tears into the SeaSwirl, so i know shes as good of shape as they come for towing 4 people around. And i would never rush to sell her, but this starcraft i think i'll always be able to get out of, for the 1400-1450 that i'm going to be into it from the getgo.

In a perfect world this boat would have a 40/50 hp evinrude, but the 80 will have too do.

A

Thanks much for all your advise gents, one of these days i'll get my 17ft/18 osprey of my dreams, for now i patch !
 
O

oregonboatnewb

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

LOVED the boat, but not this one, carbs needed rebuild/transom was soft, floor soft in area's, and outside hull needed some love also... i'm def a fan now of 16ft star crafts, now just to find the right one !
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

You need to start hanging out in the Starcraft section of this site. The guys will find you one.
 
O

oregonboatnewb

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

=) Already called on that one, and this one

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/boa/1787063581.html

If i'm going to get something that size/price, i'm going to have to dump my SeaSwirl, which currently has my heart invested in. Also would need more like a 80-120hp motor, cause it would need to replace my needs to ski behind as well fish in at that kind of price point.
 
Huron Angler

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

I like the one you posted better:D It's a nice looking boat especially at that price...and on the west coast to boot.

You could sell that 65hp Merc and repower with a 90hp for skiing:)
 
O

oregonboatnewb

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

Thats what i was thinking, but the 65 as it stands, does not have power tilt, and needs carbs rebuild, also might have fuel pump issue, has 140 compression all around, but won't idle... and dies also on rev's.

My 17ft seaswirl has a v4 120hp evinrude, and i LOVE the motors power/response, but at 2-3 MPG its a killer come a summer of tubing... What kind of MPG Could i expect on a 18ft Alum boat with a 90-120hp motor on it ? I Do absolutly love the styling of these StarCraft SS's, how well do they handle in wakes/choppy water, also are they pretty stable for fishing /crabbing off? My Neighbor has a 18ft star, but its closed bow and its got a 150 on it, for sale, but not my flavor.
 
Huron Angler

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

Check out ezmobee's thread for his videos at top speed, there's a link in his signature in this thread.

He got over 40mph with a 90hp I think. Plenty fast for skiing, not sure what his fuel efficiency is but at least better than a 120 on a heavier boat.

Personally I'd like a newer outboard since my '71 Merc guzzles in my opinion.
A new evinrude etec 60hp would be way better for power and fuel(but they just cost too much:p).
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

Well this evening I just ran around for hours with 2 other Starcrafters in the boat, much of it at WOT and only burned through 10 gallons or less. I'm pretty pleased with the fuel economy of my 90. That 18' SS you posted is beautiful but way too much money if the undersized motor has issues.
 
O

oregonboatnewb

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

Most def, I offered him 2000 without the useless non working 65hp, but he said no thanks... he said rock bottom is 2600, told him i'll call him when it doesn't sell in 2months. Love the boat tho, color/interior looks very nice, maybe i'll try to find someone to go in with me to get the motor off of it from the getgo.
 
O

oregonboatnewb

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Re: Perfect Fishing and Tubing Boat ? Even Possible ?

ezmobee said:
Well this evening I just ran around for hours with 2 other Starcrafters in the boat, much of it at WOT and only burned through 10 gallons or less. I'm pretty pleased with the fuel economy of my 90. That 18' SS you posted is beautiful but way too much money if the undersized motor has issues.
Click to expand...

Whats the ride quality like in your 18 SS ? Compared to lets say a fiberglass ski boat, is it much more tinny feeling in an Alum boat that big, or is it so big that it feels all the same ? If i go from My closest river put it, to portland, about 14 river miles, wot, takes about 1/3 of my 25gals lol.
 
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