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Need Advice Best Boat for the Job #11604833 05/16/16 02:24 AM
Joined: May 2016
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Fisher421 Offline OP
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I'm thinking about buying a boat and would appreciate feedback on a couple of questions. Will use it to fish in lakes and rivers and for duck hunting (possibly in salt water areas). I'm thinking an aluminum boat around 18ft. Will carry me two boys.

Have been thinking aluminum, around 17 or 19ft. Does anyone think one or two feet make a lot of difference?

Also, would you be concerned about using an aluminum boat like Lowe or G3 in brackish or even salt water (I live near a bay area with offshoots where I could hunt duck).

Feedback from folks with experience would be much appreciated.

Re: Need Advice Best Boat for the Job [Re: Fisher421] #11605115 05/16/16 11:57 AM
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IKELEVI Offline
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Yes, footage does make a huge difference. Boats get small really quick when you add gear and people. I would buy the biggest I could afford.


17 LEGEND V20
17 MERCURY 250 Optimax ProXs
22 Ram 2500 4x4 6.7 Cummins
Re: Need Advice Best Boat for the Job [Re: Fisher421] #11606091 05/16/16 07:01 PM
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Bob Landry Offline
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Bigger is better and you will eventually develop two foot-itis. I can fish four in an 18ft, but sometimes I wish I had ordered bigger.

Aluminum will do fine in the salt as long as it gets a reasonable amount of care. That would be a good rinsing for both boat and motor. If you can run it in fresh water afterwards, so much the better.
When shopping, look for a boat that has the keel completely welded stem to stern and on both sides. G3 welds their hulls ona center seam and then stitch weld a cover plate to cover the center seam. This collects saltwater and if not rinsed, will give you grief. Also, if you are going to be in salt water, get a galvanized or aluminum trailer. A painted one will be eaten up in a couple of seasons.
I take my Seaark to the coast and when I get back to the lake everything gets a dunking. Corrosion X is also your friend.


2015 Seaark 1872 MV CC Etec-90
Two Helix 12 CHIRP SI's, , MinnKota Riptide ST80/i-pilot Link, Bob's Hydraulic
2020 Robalo R200 CC, Yamaha 150

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Re: Need Advice Best Boat for the Job [Re: Fisher421] #11606320 05/16/16 08:42 PM
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Droyhef Offline
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Your going to want an aluminum tunnel hull for for what you have described. Should have a jack plate and sponsons on the back to help it get ok plane. Lake/river combo is not going to be perfect for either but will be good for both. I have a 20'6" and I think it does good for both, will get wet in rough water but will take it, will run about 6-8" on plane but it ain't gonna do 4". I like it well enough


http://www.texasmegafishadventures.com
Guided rod and reel fishing trips for Alligator gar on the Trinity River as well as some other places
903-721-4296
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Re: Need Advice Best Boat for the Job [Re: Bob Landry] #11606662 05/16/16 10:39 PM
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Fisher421 Offline OP
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thanks a bunch for the advice. i'll have to do some research on the welding of the keel, very good to know.

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