Procraft fish/ski opinions wanted.

[32251]

Looking for a boat that can double as a fishing boat and something that the family can enjoy just riding around in.  Came across lots of ads for Procraft Fish/Ski boats from the 1980s and up for some very good prices.  Anyone have any opinions of these they would share.  Pros and cons.  Thanks.

[Sfritr]

Personally, Not a big fan of them.  It all depends on what you are looking for.  Typically, if you will be fishing more than cruising I would advise against purchasing.  FNS have much smaller casting decks as well as limited space for storage etc.  They are not really built to handle rough water very well either IMO.

If its pleasure you are looking for you are correct, there are some good deals out there.  

[cart7t]

The better name for those style boats are ski and fish.  If you're going to buy one, 20' is the minimum length.  Anything smaller just has no room set aside for the fishing part,  it's all taken up by the main floor/seating area.  

[fishfordollars]

A dual purpose boat is always lacking in either or both designs. Pick either, but try to stay away from the dual purpose rides. One side or the other will end up unhappy.

[32251]

Thanks so much for the opinions. This will be pleasure/cruising first and fishing way second. I just saw some of these on Craigslist and thought that it might make for a dual purpose investment in the $1k-$1500 zone that would be better than putting the money in to a bowrider/cruiser with much less fish potential.  I would really like to get one that my wife can just ride around in when she wants to do that with no fishing going on, but then when I want to take it out at least I will have some fishing potential.

I have a couple of simple aluminum dedicated fishing boats, but they offer very little in the way of fun/comfort for the family.  Trying to get a situation where they will enjoy going to the lake also. I don't have the tow vehicle for a pontoon and really don't want to get one, even though she would probably like that the best.

[Wayne P.]

I friend of mine had one of those boats in the late 80's. The set-up for a foot controlled trolling motor was very cumbersome. It rode very well in choppy water since the hull is quite deep for a bass boat. It is basically a bow rider with fishing as an after thought.

[Sfritr]

My 96 Stratos 278 has three seats across, basically bench style. My wife fishes for a bit, lays out for longer, etc. I must say, I have slept many a very comfy nap on those seats.

Even once or twice when I ticked, said wife, off and had to cover up for the night. hee hee :

[simplejoe]

I have a fish and ski and it's not all that bad, just lacking storage space but it runs good through the rough water and very stable. It has a nice fishing platform in the front, and has a small one in the back. It is nice for when you go out fishing in the morning by yourself and then the wife and kids come out to join you in the afternoon. I have a 18' and I just bought a 20' fish and ski should be picking it up this weekend. The 18' is now up for sale here locally on Craigslist for $2500 I hope it don't last long. I don't want to winterize 3 boats  ;D

                         joe