What's the Used Boat I'm Looking For?

[newbuyer4]

I've lived on the same 2 boats with my father all my life, a 1978 EBKO I/O and a 1980 Lund fishing boat. <br /><br />Now I'm graduated from college and ready to buy one boat for myself. I'm thinking of a boat to both enjoy luxury and fishing capability. My first thought would be to find an I/O and mount the bracket to slide a trolling motor onto the front. My only concern would be the depth of the boat and the inboard motor to limit my shallow fishing.<br /><br />Within my price range I'm assuming I need to look in the 1988 to 1992 year range, but need some advice on the setup I'm wanting to achieve. I love fishing, but don't have the time to dedicate the time so I'm leaning more towards the luxury side of things.<br /><br />Anysuggestions on possible brands (Larsen, etc. and models) that maybe aren't as deep a boat that I should look for. Do you think an outboard is what I should look for? I will need the power to pull a salom skier though for sure.<br /><br />Thanks for the help!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: What's the Used Boat I'm Looking For?

please let us know where you will be fishing/cruising, what type of fishing you plan to do, how many people you will have aboard, and whether you plan to trailer. more info, the better. maybe even your price range. thanks-

 

[newbuyer4]

Re: What's the Used Boat I'm Looking For?

Matt,<br /><br />I'll be fishing/cruising, etc. on relatively smaller lakes and reservoirs, with the largest one commonly on, Lewis & Clark Lake between S.D. and Nebraska (maybe 2-3 miles wide.)<br /><br />I actually do so many various types of fishing. Trolling for walleye, jigging, anchoring and tying onto trees for panfish, walleye, etc. Usually am fishing water between 30 and 3 ft. deep.<br /><br />On average fishing will be 2-4 people. When cruising should have an average of 4 people, with up to 6 or 7 if could handle the load and still get up a skier.<br /><br />I plan to trailor, with the most common use coming within 30 miles. I will commonly though trailor up to 180-200 miles.<br /><br />I'm just having to figure out what brand of boats will work best etc. I would like an inboard, but am worried the lower transit could limit my fishing.<br /><br />I plan to use the boat 60% cruising, and 40% fishing.<br /><br />I appreciate the opinions suggestions.<br /><br />Let's get geared for the season!

 

[JB]

Re: What's the Used Boat I'm Looking For?

Ahoy, Newbuyer.<br /><br />I suggest that you investigate the Classic Boston Whaler Montauk 17. It was made from 1974 to 2002.<br /><br />I have had many boats, both bigger and smaller and find my '80 Montauk the most versatile fishing boat ever made. Easily trailerable, fits in a garage, easy for one man to launch/load, unmatched safety.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[newbuyer4]

Re: What's the Used Boat I'm Looking For?

Matt, <br /><br />Other info:<br /><br />I'm probably looking at 16 - 18 ft, with my budget only up to $5500.

 

[newbuyer4]

Re: What's the Used Boat I'm Looking For?

JB, nice looking boat, I love it. Only problem is I need a little more versatile boat: Even if I'm out fishing, my fiance wants to be ale to lounge a little and work on the tan.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: What's the Used Boat I'm Looking For?

newbuyer-<br />your budget cuts down your options a bit, especially when you want to pull a skier (engines drive the price). but what you describe is what i do with my boat- a 20' center console. i prefer a center console for the fishability, while it provides good seating/power for the cruises/skiing. you may also enjoy a bow rider fish and ski, which is basically a standard bow rider with a swivel seat and trolling motor thrown up front. you probably want a 17 - 20 footer, with 115-150 hp engine. you'd be surprised the little draft many of these boats have that will allow you to get in tight places for those bass. to stay in budget, you'll need to go older and get lucky. as for brands, there are a thousand out there that sell these types of boats.<br /><br />my suggestion- use your internet search engine and type in 'boats for sale'. you'll find a hundred web sites out there that advertise boats. many have great search engines that allow you to input all your constraints- length, price, age, location, etc. in a few hours, i bet you know exactly what you want and what price you can get it for.<br /><br />hope this info helps. not real specific, but gives you some ideas. good luck-