I Need A Boat..

[NMarotta28]

Hello Everyone,

I have quite the big dilemma.. With me only being 19 years old as a full time college student and dont have the most sufficient funds to buy a

very nice bass boat by any means.. What would everyone suggest me to do so I am able to get out on the water (Sick of Off-Shore Fishing).

How much is a decent Jon-Boat? I am an avid fisherman and I really want to increase my skills and fish from a boat.. Offshore fishing is either

hit or miss where I live. (I am 20 minutes North of Boston). Please give me some ideas!! I hate kayak fishing because I won't be able to jig

or anything.

Give me some advice and feedback on what I should do.. Thank you everyone!

Nick.

[00 mod]

Find a fishing partner in your area! Concentrate on a school, so that when you graduate and get a good job, you will have the money to buy a nice boat!

Jeff

[Jim McC]

You have a lot of options, depending on your budget of course. I was going to suggest a kayak, if you go alone. What do you mean you can't "jig or anything"? It also depends on how you will transport it(back of truck, on roof, trailer). You also have canoes, small jon boat, 8' or 10' Bass Raiders, etc.

[slonezp]

Once you get a boat there are many other costs involved

Large enough vehicle to tow the boat

Registration

License plate for the trailer.

Insurance If the boat is going to have a gas motor on it and you plan on fishing with a partner you should have some type of liability insurance to protect yourself from a mishap.

Launch fees

PFD's, throables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flare gun, etc

Maintenance/repair on the motor and trailer.

Storage

You're going to want some type of electronics and a trolling motor

Anchor and ropes

Possibly rod holders if you plan on trolling or pan fishing with more than 1 rod

Props Shallow water fishing = prop repair

Time I live an hour drive minimum from anywhere I can launch my boat without worry. I have a smallie river 15 minutes away but I've destroyed too many props on my deep v the last few years. I have a 15hp motor sitting in my garage waiting fo a jon boat to put it on.

and so on...

I bought my first boat at 24 with a friend of mine because I couldn't afford it on my own. That's not a good idea either. Trust me.

Good luck

[hooah212002]

I'm broke as well and i have been contemplating an inflatable boat. Of course, I don't fish large bodies of water, so it should be fine for me. Amazon has a number of them for ~$100 and you are ready to go. Then, you could check out Craigslist and find a cheap trolling motor. I even saw a video where a guy modded his and put in a PVC frame for his wooden floor that he covered in carpet. Plus, you don't really need an actual boat launch.

[tnriverluver]

I wood highly recommend something along the lines of a Kayak or Canoe. Most states don't require registration of non-powered craft. Yours may vary so check the regs. Maintenance free, and very little in required gear. Craigslist always has a lot of kayaks and canoes at good dirt cheap prices.

[Sun Fish]

Totally depends on your budget and the water you plan to fish. If your not fishing any big waters where you really need an outboard a yak or canoe is a good option or a cheap older aluminum boat for well under $1000 w/ a trolling motor is another option. You can also get older bass boats for cheap but they will take time and money to bring them to life again. I bought a 1980 16' Bass Boat this summer for $2500 and put roughly another $1000 into her for new carpet, seats, outboard service, fish finder and other misc things and she's great!

[sarcazmo]

Depends on your budget.

Personally I've always been pretty frugal and financially responsible. I've never had a car payment, always put a decent amount per month away, and generally have no debt besides my mortgage. I could have purchased a boat @ 19 but decided to spend some time establishing what I wanted to do for a career.

I just purchased a decent boat off craigslist. I already had a vehicle capable of towing, life vests, and a fire extinguisher. Just got an insurance policy and cant remember the exact details but it was inexpensive. If you can be patient and keep your eye on CL I'm sure you can find a pretty decent boat. Locally I've seen many boats in the 3k-3500 range that are lake worthy and g2g. One thing to remember though boats in that price range typically wont include good electronics.

If this is something you're truly passionate about I'd say go for it. One thing though be patient! Dont rush in to anything! Check local fishing boards for good mechanics and have them check it out before you commit to anything. Don't compromise. If you're not 100% happy or have any doubts whatsoever keep waiting. You'll find what fits you best!

[jkarol24]

I had the same thoughts and bought my first bass boat this summer at the age of 17. I love the thing, but its ALOT of work and ALOT of money. I basically took my bank account and drained it.... I've put more $$ into the boat than i paid for it, plus i just blew the motor. I would suggest waiting until you have the capital to buy a nice newer boat, because the old boat that i have is a money pit like any old one. If you have to have it, its do-able but be prepared to be broke...

[sarcazmo]

I had the same thoughts and bought my first bass boat this summer at the age of 17. I love the thing, but its ALOT of work and ALOT of money. I basically took my bank account and drained it.... I've put more $$ into the boat than i paid for it, plus i just blew the motor. I would suggest waiting until you have the capital to buy a nice newer boat, because the old boat that i have is a money pit like any old one. If you have to have it, its do-able but be prepared to be broke...

Theres a lot of truth to this statement. But I find boats no different than any piece of machinery. If you get it looked over and do routine maintenance it shouldnt be too much of a money pit.

[Jim McC]

I still say a cheap kayak or canoe. A 19 year old college student should not be spending a lot of money on a boat. But he hasn't been back since he posted the question anyway, so....

[NMarotta28]

Sorry Jim, I've been working and haven't been able to check back with everyone.. Yes i know i should rush into it and theres no way i could put the proper investment into a decent boat. I am really passionate about fishing and the outdoors and it would be a great tool for me to enjoy what i do even more!! But looks like i will have to wait or look into a kayak for now.. .. Wishing i could hit the Lottery right about now!!!!

[Sun Fish]

Sorry Jim, I've been working and haven't been able to check back with everyone.. Yes i know i should rush into it and theres no way i could put the proper investment into a decent boat. I am really passionate about fishing and the outdoors and it would be a great tool for me to enjoy what i do even more!! But looks like i will have to wait or look into a kayak for now.. .. Wishing i could hit the Lottery right about now!!!!

If you have a tow capable vehicle and want something a little roomier than a yak, you can definately find a decent 12-14' aluminum boat for less than less than $1000. Slap a small outboard on it or just a trolling motor and your good to go without spending to much money.

[NBR]

Get your education so you can find a job that will allow you to maintain and use a decent fishing boat.

[Jim McC]

Sorry Jim, I've been working and haven't been able to check back with everyone.. Yes i know i should rush into it and theres no way i could put the proper investment into a decent boat. I am really passionate about fishing and the outdoors and it would be a great tool for me to enjoy what i do even more!! But looks like i will have to wait or look into a kayak for now.. .. Wishing i could hit the Lottery right about now!!!!

You never did answer us about how you will transport whatever you buy. I bought a 10' kayak last year and I love fishing in it. You can fish virtually anywhere with it, only weighs 60 lbs, easy to transport, no gas expense or maintenance, no trailer to maintain and tow.

[Loop_Dad]

NMarotta28, I hear you.

I was sick of being a shore bound fisherman myself. I decided that I should get something now rather than later until I have enough money to buy a real bass boat. I considered, kayak, canoe, kayak-canoe hybrid, pontoon, float tube, inflatable, jon boat...

I didn't want to get wet all the time. I wanted to be able to fish where there's some tidal current and some wind. I wanted to be able to take my daughter with me time to time, I wanted to be able to transport without trailer and I wanted to be safe, especially when I am taking my daughter. I wanted to be able to fish standing.

I went with inflatable, Intex Mariner 4. It has inflatable keel so it should help with tracking compared with flat bottoms. The material they use on this is a lot more like the one from more expensive river raft (I think). I put 55 lbs trolling motor for a bit extra power. I carry two batteries for all day fishing. It came with a floor, but it was not hard enough to stand on and totally concentrate on fishing. So I put a hard floor made out of 1/2 plywood. It was a work for me because I don't have much space and tools to work with, but the difference was night and day! Now I can stand and fish no problem.

I am very happy that I went for it. One negative is set up time. From the time I arrive at the marina to be on the water takes about 30 min.

The cost was $250 for the boat, $350 for the trolling motor, $270 for two marine batteries and about $100 for the floor (plywood, paint screws and stuff), $60 for battery charger, $120 for marine radio, $100 for registration and maybe another $100 for small stuff. So the total is somewhere around $1300. This is a lot more than I originally imagined.

Hope this helps.

[webertime]

Check Craigslist in NH, VT and Maine. There are a ton of canoes in there for ~$200. Take a lady friend for a drive to check out the foiliage and grab one! 30lb Trust Minnkota TM's are a dime a dozen at $50-$75. Throw it on the roof on basically any car or truck and you are good to go. This is what I did... I added a canoe stabilizer http://store.springcreek.com/Stabilizer-Floats/Stabilizer-Floats/Spring-Creek-Ethafoam-Stabilizer-Floats-Complete-Package-p1588.html (I got mine on CL for $50).

I am a big dude and have NO issues standing up in my canoe and flipping into slop or tossing big swimbaits... Sometimes I actually get a big fish in the darned thing! For $250-$700 you can get onto most any waters around you with very little effort and be off the shore. I love that it costs me $27 in registration per year and about a dollar in electircity per charge. PM me if you have any questions on my set up.

[Jim McC]

Check Craigslist in NH, VT and Maine. There are a ton of canoes in there for ~$200. Take a lady friend for a drive to check out the foiliage and grab one! 30lb Trust Minnkota TM's are a dime a dozen at $50-$75. Throw it on the roof on basically any car or truck and you are good to go. This is what I did... I added a canoe stabilizer http://store.springc...kage-p1588.html (I got mine on CL for $50).

I am a big dude and have NO issues standing up in my canoe and flipping into slop or tossing big swimbaits... Sometimes I actually get a big fish in the darned thing! For $250-$700 you can get onto most any waters around you with very little effort and be off the shore. I love that it costs me $27 in registration per year and about a dollar in electircity per charge. PM me if you have any questions on my set up.

How long does it take to set up the stabilizers? I wonder if these can be made by a handy person?

[Highhawk1948]

Look in the papers, and on these selling sites. You should be able to find a jon boat fairly cheap. If not I would go

with a canoe like a flatbottom with a square back. Good luck.

[webertime]

How long does it take to set up the stabilizers? I wonder if these can be made by a handy person?

The stabilizer attaches with two clamps, all you have to do is tighten 4 nuts.

There are a bunch of plans to make them on the internet, but I found that there were too many shortcomings (couldn't retract the out riggers, made with PVC/Conduit, ended up being nearly as expensive when all is said and done). If you have access to CNC/aluminum/welding equipment then you can certainly make one, once you see how truly simple they are.

[Quillback]

I spent about 12 years of my life living in Mass. around the Boston area. When I was in high school I fished with my dad out of his 12' aluminum johnboat - no trolling motors or outboard - we used paddle power, whoever was in front would one hand scull the boat to postion it, kind of a human trolling motor. We caught lots of bass, there's a lot of ponds and streams in Mass. that you can't get a trailered boat into, but you can get a cartopper in.

Later in life, I bought a one man fiberglass canoe, caught many a bass out of it also.

[dale.m]

Me and my buddy picked up a 12ft jon boat with a trolling motor, battery, net, and oars for 500 bucks this summer off of craigslist. It only weighs about 100lbs and fits in the back of a truck easily. We just finished modding it to have bigger decks and standing room like a bigger bass boat. I'd suggest trying to find something like that.

[BassChump]

I was in the same position although I'm not anywhere near 19 years old.

I wanted a good bass rig but I couldn't afford much. Not only could I not afford an expensive bass boat, I couldn't afford much to run and maintain a boat.

I ended up finding an older Trophy bass boat. A 16 footer with the original 85 hp engine and I've now had it almost 5 years now and I couldn't be happier. I am currently looking for something a little larger but this Trophy has served me well, it's been very easy to maintain and it gets me to any spot on any lake just as well as a 60K boat. Just not as quickly. It does about 35+ with two guys, a full tank and all the gear.

So if you really want a bass boat, you might look for something older that has been well cared for. There are nice older boats available that will fit pretty lean budgets but do your homework on them. The motor and transom are the big things to check out. Buy a compression tester at Harbor Freight and run a compression test on them, jump around the interior to see if there are any soft spots on the floor and if there is, there is a better chance that the transom may have some problems as well and you don't want to get into that.

I've bought and sold several boats in the last few years and when someone says, "it ran fine two years ago when I stored it" or " it only needs this little part, that's why it doesn't run", I run away from those. If it doesn't run but they say it's an easy fix, then why didn't they fix it before they put it up for sale?

I don't care of a boat is dirty or the carpet is in bad shape or even if the seats look like crap. Is it solid, does it run well and is the trailer in good shape. That's what I look for. I can recarpet, I can get new seats and I can do a little work to shine it up, but if I don't do those things, I can still fish out of it but if it has major unknown issues, I walk away very quickly.

And something to think about. Smaller is better in many cases. In my case, my little old Trophy does everything a 60K bass boat does, just not quite as comfortably, not quite as fast and not quite as flashy but mine does it for VERY little money while those other bass boats cost a fortune to run and maintain. I can go out on my Trophy for two days on some fairly large lakes and I'll burn little more than 5 gallons of gas. I'm pretty happy about that. The fish don't care what your in so who cares.

Anyway, my point is that there are a lot of really nice older bass boats with low hours that run perfectly and they are cheap. So if you know what to look for and don't settle, you can find something nice that will work great for you but as I said, don't fall for the "it's an easy fix" sales pitch. If it was easy, they would have fixed it.

Also, don't fall in love with something and buy it too fast. Again, do some homework. If you know someone that is good with engines, take them along to see it BEFORE you buy something. Preferably someone that knows boats as well. Take your time and be patient. There are great deals to be had out there and do not, DO NOT be afraid to low ball someone. When I bought my Trophy, the guy was asking $2800.00 and frankly, at the time anyway, it was worth close to that. I offered him $1200.00 because that's all I had and surprisingly he took it because he had already bought a new boat and just wanted to get it out of his yard. All I did with it was put in a new impeller, change the gear oil and I've been on the water ever since. It has been a great boat to me for the last 5 years and I've caught TONS of fish off of it. I've even used it for Salmon fishing in Oregon. It's not very good for that but I got several 20+ lb. salmon in the boat that day.

You never know what motivates people to sell something. Usually it's the money but now and then the motivation is to just make it go away so they can just move on.

Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.............