Boat selection

[Mike 126]

Hi all new to the forum but have found this site to be extremely useful!  Currently I kayak fish with my adult son on the local reservoirs and lakes in Northern VA.  I fly fish and use conventional gear for LMB.  I like the ability to get into smaller coves etc with the kayak.  However, my son and I are thinking of adding to the fleet and are considering a modified V jon boat so we can fish larger bodies of water (Potomac below DC and larger lakes).  For the local Occoquan reservoir the motor size is limited to 10HP.  We usually fish this with the kayaks but it would be nice to cover new areas that are out of reach for paddling.  I'm weighing the options I have and setting a budget of under $10K:

 

1. Grizzly or Lowe 1648 with 25HP to more effectively cover the Potomac and unrestricted water.  This would give us better options for including more than the two of us as well as being able to cover bigger water.

2. Grizzly or Lowe 1648 with a 9.9HP to be within the limits of the restricted waters.  

3. Grizzly or Lowe 1448 with a 9.9HP.  This limits us to 3 people max.

 

A completely different approach is to look for a used center console or smaller bass boat (Tracker) in the $15 - $20k range and use the kayaks for smaller water and the CC or bass boat for the larger water and even bay use (Center Console).

 

I can't go too large as my tow vehicle is limited to 3500 pounds.

 

Thoughts?

[browne762]

I have a Lowe 1546 with a 25hp on it. I really like it for mid to small sized waters. With the 25hp I can get on plane and go about 20-24 MPH, but that is WOT. On most days I can get on plane at WOT and then back it down some and stay on plan at about 16-18 MPH.

 

I wouldn't bother with a smaller outboard motor if it were me. If trying to get on a limited lake, I would rather spend the money on a 36v 112lb Ultrex and the features that come along with it over a outboard.

 

I also wouldn't fish three people on the boat, but I like my space and space for gear. 

[Logan S]

Our area presents us with a tough choice...Do we outfit a rig that will be great on the HP-limited and/or electric-only lakes but less than ideal on the Potomac/Bay?  Or go for a rig that's better suited to the bigger water but will be less than ideal on the more numerous HP-limited and electric-only lakes?

 

When it comes to the Potomac and Bay a small boat, to include everything you listed, will always pose a certain level of risk.  Even if you're smart about it, those freak storms or fronts can blow through and it gets ugly FAST.  Even in a 21' bassboat it has scared me unexpectedly.  Plenty of people fish both places in small boats just fine, but it is something that should be in the back of your mind.  

 

If the Potomac is going to be a regular stop for you, I'd say go on the bigger side...If not, I'd optimize your choice for Occoquan and the other lakes around.  

[Mike 126]

Logan - this is the exact dilemma I’m in. Maybe the CC is the way to go and use the kayaks for the lakes.  I don’t see myself going to Lake Anna or Deep Creek on a regular basis.  I think my preference would be to stay within an hour from home. That leaves the Lorton and Woodbridge area of the Potomac or around Chain Bridge.  Or heading out the Deale Md and working some of the shallower areas of the bay and tributaries.  

[Hi-Powered Red Neck]

My two cents on this topic is get the 1648 with the 25hp set it up like a bass boat with a 80ish lb 24 volt TM. You can fish the hp restricted places on the TM. Then find a used 7 - 9.9hp motor. If you keep an eye out you can pick up a small motor pretty cheep. The older small outboard motors are all but indestructible. One of my fishin buddies has a 7hp evinrude that his Dad bought in the early 70's. It's still going strong. It starts on about half a pull of the cord when warm and 2 or 3 when cold. Plus a 6 gallon can will run all day no problem.