Help Me Pick A Boat Please

[J Francho]

Lake Erie mostly…I'd be looking at a 20' deep V.

[slonezp]

Lake Erie mostly…I'd be looking at a 20' deep V.

Says the guy with a Bullet.

 

I'm in agreement. Anyone who fishes the Great Lakes regularly, J Francho aside, fishes out of deep v's or at least a deeper freeboard than a bass boat. It sounds like you're sold on the Triton but think about this. SAFETY First off, if you know anything about fishing the Great Lakes in a small boat, we have to pick and choose our days on the water. Secondly, that water can change on you with little or no warning. I wouldn't want to put my loved ones, let alone myself at risk, in the hands of mother nature.

I get out on Lake Michigan a number of times a year, but not as often as I'd like. I went from a 17ft deep v fish and ski to a 20ft Lund multispecies rig. If I fished the Great Lakes more often I'd be in a 20ft multispecies 'glass rig at the minimum. A larger sport fishing or cuddy cabin would be a better suited boat. Many years ago I was Salmon fishing with my, then 5yo son, in my dads 24' walk around on Lake Michigan. I was no stranger to fishing the big pond. It was glass calm in the morning and by afternoon, I heard the weather warning on the ship to shore radio. We were a few miles out and headed in but got caught in some of the nastiest weather I've been on the water in. Skies turned black and the wind and waves kicked up. The anchor snapped off the windlass and slammed into the bow from the waves. I was sure I was going to die at sea with my son. Thankfully we made it in with minor damage to the hull. I truly believe if Lake Erie is your stomping grounds, your leaning in the wrong direction. 

[J Francho]

Yeah but my Bullet is 22' long, and I'm crazy. Lol. I'm not taking kids out too often either. Though I will say that 10' front deck is nice for the kids. Plenty of room for the boys and I up there.

The reality is I can't afford the boat I need. I'd love what slonezp has. When I get chased off the lake by weather, the guys with big Lunds are headed out. At full throttle.

[gulfcaptain]

I work on the water and have more respect for it then a lot of "weekend warriors". Not saying that all do not respect the water, but I have friends that take a 16ft center console 20+miles out off of S. Cal.  I've been in his boat and honestly he doesn't have enought boat to fish when the wind kicks up and it's 2-3ft chop.  No free board, more of a flats boat.  My son wants me to get a boat and as much as I would love a bass boat, the safety of my boys and myself I would rather have a 17-19ft deep V Muti-speicies rig aluminum boat that can take a bit more weather.   And I would only be wanting to fish near shore and in the harbor (less then 3mi out).  And speed is a nice thing to have, but when it's rough you don't have the speed, and in a bass boat as you're taking waves constantly over the bow sitting in a pool of water running 6knots because you get caught with your pants down, wondering if you're going to make it back to shore safely, ask yourself that when you are choosing your boat for the body of water you're going to fish.  The Great Lakes are freshwater, but I would refer to them as INLAND SEAS.  I'd rather be overgunned and over prepared then undergunned, not to mention you get caught out in a bass boat in heavy weather, you may make it back in but may have structual damage to your boat that will lead to costly repairs.  Guess I'm trying to say is make safety the most important part of your desicion when you decide to buy your boat.  

[tstone]

You could meet all your requirements with a bay boat, the problem being cost.  If you're willing to give up speed, check out the NauticStar bay boats and you can stay close to your price range. If not, prepare to spend some money.