Need ideas on boat for fishing + family

[Lard_Bass]

I have been contemplating getting a small bass boat.  However, I was trying to think of boats where I could take the whole family out as well to cruise, sunbathe, grill, etc.  I was wondering what boats could cover both fishing and family activities.  Pontoon, deck, etc.?

I currently fish on lakes with 9.9hp restrictions but would take it to bigger lakes and rivers.  Any help would be appreciated.

[Jig Man]

My wife bought a deck boat a few years ago.  She loved it.  6 adults could go out and have plenty of room.  It had a bimini top and 4 fishing seats.  The only problem I had was I like to fish windy places and its high sides wouldn't allow it.

[kybassangler]

It is possible to put a trolling motor on a pontoon. Also hard to snag a cheap one they are so in demand.

[mackkie]

A fish/ski boat.  I just bought one.  This has the 2 bass boat style fishing seats and platforms off both ends of the boat.  They will come with a trolling motor as well.  Mine has a 90hp engine which is great for taking people out skiing or tubing.  It has 5 seats and is really a boat that has some versatility.  When you are fishing on a fish/ski boat, you feel like you are on a bass boat, but when you want it to be a good "family" boat, you dont feel like you are stuck on a bass boat, but a bowrider or similar...if that makes any sense  

I am sure some of the hardcore bass boat people wont agree that fish/ski boats give you the feel that you are on a bass boat, but i feel like I am on one.

[cart7t]

I've fished out of both pontoons and deck boats. OK if there's no wind, they're like a big sail if there is.

Fish n ski's are a compromise for those who can't financially justify a full blooded bass boat due to the input from the significant other or have strong interests in other on the water fun but can't afford a 2nd boat or have no place to put one.

If you go to a 19 footer or longer F & S, they're usually fairly adequate for fishing.  Anything shorter and too much of the boat space is wasted on the open cockpit with the seating for 5.  

[Lard_Bass]

A fish/ski boat.  I just bought one.  This has the 2 bass boat style fishing seats and platforms off both ends of the boat.  They will come with a trolling motor as well.  Mine has a 90hp engine which is great for taking people out skiing or tubing.  It has 5 seats and is really a boat that has some versatility.  When you are fishing on a fish/ski boat, you feel like you are on a bass boat, but when you want it to be a good "family" boat, you dont feel like you are stuck on a bass boat, but a bowrider or similar...if that makes any sense  

I am sure some of the hardcore bass boat people wont agree that fish/ski boats give you the feel that you are on a bass boat, but i feel like I am on one.

Which fish & ski boat did you end up getting?  Any brand recommendations? Thanks.

[bassboy1]

As far as I know, cart doesn't have one, he just has plenty of experience with boats, and knows the ropes (or lines in this case)

But, if you are looking for something new, look for the best dealer, and the best boat features.  If used, look for the features that you want.  I have an old (1974) Lund fish n ski we are restoring, and it wouldn't be great for fishing (luckily we just picked up a 'real' bass boat - an 18 foot alumacraft)  But, seeing as we were restoring it, we woulda put the correct features in.  Many of the newer aluminum deep vees are geared toward both sides, and fish well.  Just keep a lookout.

[mackkie]

Which fish & ski boat did you end up getting? Any brand recommendations? Thanks.

I got a 1993 cajun with ~200 hours on it for a steal at $2,800. Its 17ft w/ a 90hp johnson. There is a ton of room in the front...just like a bass boat and a platform with a seat off of the back. The other upside to this is you can go low 40s with 2 people in the boat...so she goes pretty fast. I am totally satisified with the fish/ski purchase...so much more versitality without having to sacrifice many of the bass boat features. I am trying to get the pics off of my phone so I can post a few pics...hopefully a new post will come soon with some pics

EDIT:  See this post for some pics of the boat for some ideas: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1188270672/0

[Lard_Bass]

Thanks mackkie, nice ride at a nice price.  I have been keeping my eye out on craigslist for a similar deal.  My problem is that I don't know what to look for or how to judge if the boat is in good condition.

[mackkie]

That I cant help you with.  A family friend who has worked on boat motors for his living for the past 25 years helped me find this boat.  He has worked on this boat for its entire life and he said that boat was a total steal.

As far as looking...I checked ebay for boats that were <500 miles from my house.  There were times that ebay had some real nice deals.  I also looked at my local want ad.  I am sure that there is something similar to this in your area...this is a great spot to find a boat.  Also craigslist will do the job.  

As far as what you are looking for in a boat...I was just as lost as you were.  Try to get a buddy to go out with you who knows about boats.  If you cant do that...read up about it online and make sure you ask a lot of questions.  You will get a straight answer from the boat owner for the most part.