First time boat buyer

[007John]

Hello all, I am currently interested in buying a first new or used fishing boat and need help deciding upon the size, hull type etc.... I am a huge fan of angling, and have just started, so this boat would be used mainly for the purpose of fishing and sometimes for casual boat rides.  Under normal circumstances, there would be roughly 2 or 3 people max fishing and maybe 4 people for a boat ride. I have browsed lots of deep v hulls and mod V hulls, which I'm aware are excellent for handling choppy weather as opposed to flatter bottom boats like job boats etc., but also know that they can be less stable when anchored or drifting in slightly rougher water. Another factor that I am considering is size. I am hesitating between a 14ft fishing boat and a 16 ft. I have fished from some 14ft fishing boats before and have felt slightly crammed with numerous people inside, though I'm aware that not all boat manufacturing companies make a certain size of boat in the exact same manner. Are semi V hulls a good option as well?  I was also considering potential storage. All the boats i've seen either have no strange compartments whatsoever, or have too much storage including rod holders for many people and a livewell etc....Is there something in between? I'm fully aware that the fishing experience is not as comfortable nor successful when in a disorganized boat. Also, what size in your opinion is ideal for my needs?  I'm aware that smaller boats tend to plane faster due to less weight, but I would most likely have a relatively low outboard engine (25 - 30 hp), few people and maybe a bag or two, so not much concern of exceeding the compliance notice in any way.

 

I feel as though there is a lack of information on the web for first time boat buyers, and would greatly appreciate some advice that could guide me in a certain direction and focus my search. This experience is exciting but greatly frustrating at the same time, lol.

 

 

Thank you

[GaryH]

Glenn has a great video on the site for first time boat buyers that would be beneficial for you. You must also consider the size and the water you’ll be fishing/ boating in when determining size and configuration of your boat. Good luck on your quest.

[Krux5506]

my 17' Lund is fine to fish in with two people. Any more than that, it's too cramped. It can be done but I just don't enjoy it. I think you should be looking at bigger than 16' if you're intending to have more than 2 people on it whether just cruising around or particularly for fishing. 

[Glenn]

1 hour ago, GaryH said:

Glenn has a great video on the site for first time boat buyers that would be beneficial for you.

 

You mean this one?

 

 

 

[slonezp]

4 people in a 14ft boat ain't gonna happen. Going to be cramped in a 16footer as well.

[MN Fisher]

My 14' after rebuild will fit one adult and one pre-teen - neighbor will be borrowing occasionally to take his daughter fishing.

Yes, I'm getting something from him in return for the loaning.

 

My old 14' runabout was cramped with two

The old 17' runabout my parents had when I was a teen - two adults, two teens was a crowd.

 

For four people - I'd suggest a minimum of a 19'

[Functional]

i can do an occasional 3 people fishing on my 17.5', 2 on either side of the bow and 1 on the back (as long as they are aware of their casting). If I was to have more than 2 people fishing often it would get old real quick.  4 people for a boat ride isnt a problem as long as they arent hefty people.

 

I'm in agreement with 19' or more if you plan on having more than 2 people fishing regularly.

 

Compartments youll have to determine whats best for your use. If you have no use for a livewell but it has everthing else you want they do serve as nice drainable coolers. Hull design i wont comment on, I've only ever been in my tracker's mod-v hull and feel it handles well. I will say some of the fiberglass boats passing me seem like they are handling the heavier chop much better though.

[detroit1]

I have a 16' deep v that fishes 2 great, and 3 a couple times a year. Third guy just fishes from the middle and has nowhere to sit or lean on. Sux for him, but at least they're fishing !

[WRB]

Fishing to bass anglers on this site means casting lures.

There are several 14’ to 16’ aluminum boats with seating for 4 passengers. 4 anglers fishing but not casting lures is also common, but not for most bass anglers. 

Now we get to the bass angler who wants a pedestal front seat and trolling motor, sonar unit extra the 14’ boat is marginal for 2 anglers casting lure, the 16’ boat is OK for 2 anglers, 3 not so good.

Tom

[Big Hands]

Three can fish from my 16' tracker jon, but there will be compromises, LOL.

 

If you're going to have four people fishing any freshwater lake for bass, it would be more about having a good time with friends than it would be about fishing. 

 

1 angler = very serious

2 anglers = serious to very serious

3 anglers = semi-serious 

4 anglers = casual, not really serious

[Jig Man]

007John there are too many unknowns for me to give any reasonable answer.  For example, where are you, what size water will you be on, what species will you be pursuing, what is your budget, and what about your size and the size of guests.  All of those factor into the equation.  Provide some of that information and you can get better recommendations.  The main thing is that you and your guests be safe in tour boat.

[gunsinger]

I bought my first boat a year ago Memorial Day.  Prior to that, I'd ridden in several bass boats but never driven or operated one.  So, like you, I had a lot of questions.  Unlike you, I wasn't on this forum (or any other) to ask questions so I relied on the dealer to steer me right.  Unfortunately, my sales guy didn't have the knowledge I needed so, my first piece of advice is, don't count on the dealer to know everything you should consider.  I'm not saying I got a bad boat or a bad deal, because I didn't.  I just wish I'd have known then what I know now.

 

In retrospect, important areas to consider (once you get past the hull type) are:

• Storage.  Make sure there is plenty of space to store all you need to carry such as rods, tackle, flotation, fire extinguisher, tools, etc.  
• Engine.  How much engine you need will depend on the lake size  but, tbh, you can never have too much IMHO.  I would opt for the most engine the boat will support.
• Trolling Motor.  This is a big one.  My 17' Lowe has a 45lb thrust, 12v Motorguide on it.  It moves the boat and lasts a reasonable amount of time.  But, because I fish an electric only lake most of the time, my TM is my primary means of propulsion and I now know that, were I to do it all over again, I would insist on at least a 24v, 80lb thrust TM.  I can replace it, but it won't be cheap.
• Electronics.  I was so excited that the boat came with a Lowrance Hook2 5 in the console.  I just knew it was going to help me catch fish.  Well, the problem is, I don't fish standing at the console.  So I was constantly having to go there to see depth, or ask the back of the boat buddy.  consider adding the electronics you want on the bow, whether that's DI, SI or livescope.
• Seating.  The boat will probably come with a regular seat on the bow.  Consider replacing that with a butt seat.  It's much easier to lean on when operating the TM than a regular seat.
• Trailer.  I wish my trailer had self-centering rollers on it.  Also, it came with ratchet straps to secure the back.  I would replace those with Boat Buckles.  You'll be glad you did.  Talk about a time saver.  

That's just my 2 cents.

[Deephaven]

A 20' tiller is a great option for 4.  Not sure what else would really allow all to cast.  Even that is a bit cramped depending.