Buying 1st fishing boat...need room for 4.

[WaterDawg]

All,

Noob here. I have been a lifelong bass angler and I'm finally in a position in life where I can afford to buy a good fishing boat. I have been blessed with (3) boys who are now 14, 12 and 10 and they've gotten the bass fishing bug...bigtime.

We're in the market for a new or used fishing boat that we can all enjoy. The issue is that I want to have room for all of us to fish together. As you know, most bass boats are set up for (2) to cast comfortably.

What are my options? I'd rather not go the pontoon route, for reasons other than I just hate them and don't think they're really suitable for up-the-creek fishin', but their functionality really has me thinking.

Any thoughts here...please tell me there are other options.

Thanks in advance,

Donnie

[Fishing Rhino]

That rules out most bass boats.  While there may be space for four, most of the bass boats I've seen have seating for three, and clearly states on the load capacity, three people or XXX pounds.

Not sure if you could be cited by law enforcement for exceeding the capacity, but safety would dictate you adhere to the recommendation.

An open water, center console type of boat might be your best bet.  Problem is, they lack the stowaway storage of a bass boat.  Four on a boat casting is a dicey thing.  Even three anglers on a bass boat need to exercise caution and pay attention to the other anglers every time they cast.

At ages ten, twelve and fourteen, you'll really need to be on your toes supervising and instructing them in safety first.  Sometimes a difficult thing, especially when the fish are really biting.  Boys will be boys.

[Crestliner2008]

Check out the Lowe walk-throughs. They offer some large enough for 4 people. However, regardless of what boat you get, fishing four people is going to be tough. Too big and you can't get into the places you want to fish.

You might want to re-think this. Can't you make plans to rotate trips and take just one of your sons out on any given day? Two people can fish nicely out of a 17.5' Lowe walk-through. Crestliner, Lund and Alumacraft all make similar vessels.

The reason I'm suggesting a Lowe is that Cabela's has them on sale this season at a great price. Plus you get store bonuses up to $500.00 on large purchases like a boat. Just a thought.

[Fishing Rhino]

One other consideration.  A couple of smaller boats.  Two per boat, fish in the same areas, and switch "fishing partners" during the day.

That would give two a sense of independence, yet still be supervised, and would give them valuable experience in boat handling.  I'd think the 12 and 14 year olds are mature enough, and you could certainly let the 10 year old be captain while you are first mate, and there to take over if needed.

Something in the 12 to 14 foot range should work.  Cartop one, you've got plenty of muscle to help getting it on the racks, and trailer the other.  Two trolling motors, and you're good to go.

Or a larger boat on the trailer.  Lots of possibilities to consider.

Just a thought.

[done]

Check out the Lowe walk-throughs. They offer some large enough for 4 people. However, regardless of what boat you get, fishing four people is going to be tough. Too big and you can't get into the places you want to fish.

You might want to re-think this. Can't you make plans to rotate trips and take just one of your sons out on any given day? Two people can fish nicely out of a 17.5' Lowe walk-through. Crestliner, Lund and Alumacraft all make similar vessels.

The reason I'm suggesting a Lowe is that Cabela's has them on sale this season at a great price. Plus you get store bonuses up to $500.00 on large purchases like a boat. Just a thought.

I got 4 kids and I can tell you, the rotating trip is nice. I gives you one on one time with your kids which is not always something you get with a larger family. One of those times that lets you get to know them on a more personal level than you get with the whole crew. Not to mention you can get a true bass boat then.

[TommyBass]

Many of my friends and I have jon boats near the 1860 range. Large open floors with big decks, and plenty of person / weight capacity. We can serious fish with 3 people OK. 4 would be pushing it but its doable if your just out to have some fun. We can do 4 crappie fishing with ease. Plus you can beat it up and tear it up without worry.

This one is actually a 1966

http://www.g3boats.com/GatorToughJons/?m=1966SC

[Diablos]

http://www.suncruiser.com/showroom/sport-deck-boats/sd224.php

2 in the back 2 in the front...have fun

[slonezp]

A walleye or musky "big water" boat may be more what you're looking for. There is more seating and more room. Probably need a minimum of a 20 footer.

[triglet]

i dont know if this will be big enough or not but we have been looking at this for 3 fishing and i dont see why you couldnt do 4 in it.  just a thought

http://www.g3boats.com/EagleSeries/176/

[K_Mac]

In my experience fishing three from a boat is a major challenge. Even in the biggest open style boat, like the Ranger Fisherman series, it would be hard for four to bass fish IMO. It is not just floor or deck space, but keeping four lines untangled while moving down a bank, esp. with three young boys... :-? Fishing is great way to spend time with your sons. 8-) Good luck.

[donmac]

If by 'bass boat' you mean you are prepared to buy a full size fiberglass rig, I think you'd be fine. I would not hesitate to take 3 young men fishing on a full-size boat. 2 on the front deck and 2 on the back, no big deal.   I raised 2 boys and have brought them both and a friend from time to time.

And, not knowing your boys, but having raised a couple of fisherman myself, I suspect the odds are low that all three will want to, or be able to, go together all the time for the foreseeable future.

As the years go by you might even be alone on that boat from time to time.

The multi-species boats mentioned are fine, but I suspect you'd be better off with more deck space. When I had a multi-species Lund everyone wanted to be on the front deck while bass fishing.

As far as ratings go, all 3 of my Rangers have been rated for 5-6 people - and my Lunds and other tin boats were similar.

[Mike Z]

Personally, what someone said about the walleye boat would be a good idea if you indeed are going to have 4 people in it at all times. That said, the older kid is probably going to discover girls soon, if he hasn't already and he woun't be going that much. Plus it's only about 4 years till college and then you'll be down to 3 anyway. For that reason I would just suggest finding a good used bass boat. Many will seat three normally along the regular seats and you won't need to worry about being over weight. I don't know how big you or your kids are, but I have been looking at some different boats and have found that many would be near or over capacity with 4 people. Plus if you get a bass boat you will be able to really enjoy those 2 man trips where it is just you and a friend or you and one son for some one on one time.

Good luck.

[Nice_Bass]

If you have the money, go with a fish and ski in the 22ft range.  Tough for some situations however I have fished as a 4th on the back many times and we have had plenty of room.

[WaterDawg]

I really appreciate all of the input here guys. I would have to believe I'm not the first one on the board to go through this.

I do realize that most days out would most likely not require room for all (3) boys, just wanted to be able to accommodate when needed.

When I first started looking into this, I did think that a center console 18-20' shallow draft, open-water bay-type rig might be the ticket.

Being down here in South Central Texas, just a few hrs from the Gulf Coast, there's no shortage of used bay boats for sale. I've found several 18-22'er center console's for sale for a reasonable price. These boats have plenty of motor for our use (120-185 hp) and plenty of deck to work from, albeit not much hidden storage like a bass rig.

You'll have to forgive my lack of boating knowledge, but is there any reason I couldn't use a saltwater rig like this in freshwater? I know you have to really be careful taking a freshwater boat to saltwater.

I've seen a lot of people use these type boats for fishing stripers on Lake Buchanan, which is a large open freshwater body. I like the fact that I wouldn't be limited to small bodies of water.

Again, thanks for the input.

Donnie

[Dwight Hottle]

Your thinking right. The saltwater boat will work just fine in fresh water. No extra maintenance required for fresh water versus salt water and it will allow you peace of mind on larger fresh water lakes.

[fishn hard]

Check out the Allison XTB21 it seats 4 and you can take out the 2 back seats and just have the 2 front or you can take out all 3 and just have yours here is a pic of mine And it is the best riding 21ft boat on the water hands down and you can pick the older ones up for around 7grand and you wont find any stress cracks on a Allison

[WaterDawg]

HB,

Thanks for the info on the Allison.  I've never heard of them down here in Tx.  Sounds like they're made up in TN.

Looks like a great boat.   I'll check them out.

Donnie