Need help on first boat

[Austin11C]

Hey guys I'm new here. Been visiting the page for a long time for fishing tips and pointers. I need some advice on boats. I fish a lot in east TN mostly Norris lake and the Clinch river if anyone is familiar with the area. I'm getting burnt out on bank fishing, there's only so many good spots you can get to. I'm looking for a small boat for 2 people to fish. Depending on who I take but I'd say around 400-420lbs together no matter who I take with me. Like I said it would be for fishing the lake and river. I'm wanting something at least 14' I think 12' would be a little too cramped. Since I have minimal experience with boats I want something somewhat stable, I know flat bottoms are stable but don't pair well with choppy water from reading other post. I'm not sure what is considered choppy. The river doesn't flow extremely fast and Norris is a huge lake but I would say it was too choppy I guess. I'm on a budget and having to buy a used boat, I've found many good deals on Craigslist but I'm not sure what kind of boat would be ideal for me, a flat bottom, v hull or semi v? All the used flat bottoms I've come across are 14x36 I've not found any wider ones. I'm not sure if this matters but I would like to put a casting deck in whatever I get, nothing too high for I want to keep a low center of gravity so I'm thinking no higher than the average bench seat, but those questions can wait since I haven't even got a boat yet. I'm just excited to start a new hobby. Thanks guys 

~Austin

[Goldstar225]

I've owned two 14'X36" Jon boats that I used for many years, one that I built a front casting deck on.  I occasionally used them on larger (25,000 acre) lakes but watched the wind and weather closely.They worked and I never tipped over but if I were to go back to a Jon I would hold out for a 14'X48" or 16'X48" for the additional stability and space.  I did have a 12' Jon briefly but IMO it's just too small although many people use them. 

[fishnkamp]

First I live in Baltimore MD but spend as much of my time in your area as possible. I love love love that area, my favorites are Dale Hollow and Center Hill ( west of you of course).  

Now for a boat to fish that area. Please answer some basic questions.

 

Do you have a vehicle to tow a boat with?

What is your budget?

 

I will help more when I have these two pieces of the puzzle.  Also are you handy with wood working  because this boat could work out for you. Check this out.

 

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/boa/6090447480.html

also

https://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/6093979708.html

 

[Austin11C]

Yes I have a vehicle to tow, and I'm on a fairly tight budget for now. I would like to save up and get a nice boat but for now Im working with limited funds and have a budget of close to 1000-1500$ and that's preferably including everything. Im very good at wood working and I'm also a mechanic so any small problems like that I could handle myself. I've found a few in my price range I'm just not sure if I would be better off with a flat bottom or v hull. V hulls tend to be a little less expensive around here so I believe I may just get a v hull and continue to save for a better boat but still have something to use meanwhile. Also I've never fished center hill but have fished dale hollow and love it. But Norris and melton hill are both like 10 mins away from me so that's my primary spots. Thanks for replying. 

[tiredbobmarley]

i think people put too much thought into the flat, v or semi-v debate.  While they are all slightly different they'll all get you where you wanna go especially on small waters like lakes and rivers.  The only thing i didnt like about a flat was the boat slamming down on waves and jarring everyone on board.  I have a 14 ft semi-v jon boat with a 25 hp johnson on the back.  Got it on craigslist for 800 bucks.  That included the trailer and the trolling motor.  Id hold out till you find a good deal if you can.  Just make sure you have enough motor on the back to get up on plane.  Otherwise your plugging along from spot to spot. Recently had to put about 400 bucks into it to replace the deck and other failing items but its a fun project to work on.  BTW.....the name of my boat?  "It's Always Somethin" haha. 

[fishnkamp]

Take a serious look at this boat. It will be plenty stable I think, it is a good starting platform, and allows you to do some upgrades while staying in your budget.  Here is the link  https://knoxville.craigslist.org/boa/6091962631.html  This is not fancy, but will safely get you off the bank.

[Austin11C]

I'm going to look at one tomorrow, it's a 14' v hull 6hp evenrude brand new minn Kota trolling motor and trailer. Has 3 seats, 2 are removable raised bass seats, he's also including an anchor and 2 PFDs. The best part he's open to partial trade on firearms. Which I have more than my share of. Hopefully all goes well. Thanks guys. 

[fishnkamp]

Good Luck!  If it works out that will be boat number 10 I have helped find for a member here. It is fun to do research and watch others find their next boat.