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Dec 30th, 2023
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 Boat setup
#12076408
02/04/17 02:57 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244
LSM
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244 |
For you hard core hybrid/whites fishermen. I need opinions/ideas on the best boat/setup for an all around boat for hybrids, whites and crappie. I am within close proximity to Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston, but don't mind driving farther. I've gone through a couple of bass boats years back and currently kayak fish. Most of my fishing now is limited to the white bass/hybrid runs up creeks and rivers, with a little largemouth bass fishing thrown in throughout the year. I'd like to get a boat so I can catch whites/hybrids/crappie year round out in the main lakes. I'd also like the ability to take friends and family with me that can't paddle a kayak all day. Having owned boats before, I know how easy it is to get sucked in to wanting the latest and greatest of everything. I just need a functional tool that will allow me to find fish and is safe on open water.
I would like to stick with aluminum, since I will be in the river some. Budget is probably no more than $5,000.
I guess what I am asking is, what would be the best "minimalist" rig for an inexpensive aluminum boat that will do the job.
Tiller motor vs. steering? Trolling motor? Electronics?
Or how about photos of your rig?
Last edited by LSM; 02/04/17 04:54 PM.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12076681
02/04/17 07:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,681
Capt Craig
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,681 |
Used is always cheaper than new... I have never ever liked tiller steer. When I am running or slowly maneuvering, I want to maintain good visibility and that is so tough to do from the back of the boat. So I would recommend traditional steering wheel control. I have owned and ridden so very many styles of boats. I personally love the center console style. Just more room to move around and certainly to get around versus a center walkway. I like a boat at least 19' as a minimum because you never know what the weather will do. But a person can do well with a 17' if they are particular about where they go and the weather conditions. But with a $5,000 budget, you are gonna have little to choose from. Trailer, boat, electronics and motor is a tight go for the price, not impossible, but just have to find the right deal. The quality of boat changes if your budget can be stretched to around $7500 or so. 2007 20' basic boat at $5,100. Not much of a deal. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2007-tracker-20%27-grizzley-2072-102944032 1998 Tracker 17' at 6,500. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1998-tracker-pro-team-175-tf-102842417/Good luck and hope you find a great deal!!
Capt. Craig Copeland
Licensed by the US Coast Guard
2019 Nautic Star 215 XTS Shallow Bay Boat
Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N
Nautic Star Boats Pro Staff (nauticstarboats.com)
Redneck Fish'n Jigs Pro Staff (redneckfishn.com)
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12076710
02/04/17 08:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244
LSM
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244 |
Yeah, after looking around, the budget will need to be increased some. In my mind, I really want a boat that I can take into tight spaces up the river, and out on open water. In reality, for use on large bodies of water, the boat shoud probably be something more. Really need two or three different boats.
I do like the idea of a center console. Thanks for the input.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12077029
02/05/17 12:45 AM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,179
ShinerInTx
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,179 |
For what you described, look into the Lund type boats. Lowe fm175 and similar series.
I almost went that route, but I've got young kids and felt like the pontoon would fit us better for now.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12077102
02/05/17 01:39 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,373
scubaarchery
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,373 |
I have a G3 1860 side console. I use it for duck hunting and white bass fishing. I have a 90 horse outboard which limits my duck hunting reach somewhat but it is great for big lakes and easily moves up river. You will have to go with an older aluminum for that price but get the bass boat layout for fishing convenience, you can cut costs with an older motor or smaller slower motor but don't skimp on the electronics and make sure the trolling motor is strong enough to hold your boat in place for crappie fishing.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12077236
02/05/17 02:39 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 677
forsanmedic
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 677 |
We have a G3 V172 and we can get around on both small and big lakes. We had a Tracker mod v and it did not do good with waves in winds over 15 mph. We fish Whitney a lot and when the wind is wrong it can get really rough. My wife and I fish sand bass, striper, catfish, and crappie out of it.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12077754
02/05/17 02:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 57
Klinger
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 57 |
When I was looking I was between Lowe, Tracker, and Lund. I eventually went with a Lund and can not be any happier. I have no issue with waves in wind and it does not get blown around nearly as much as I had anticipated for a deep v. I would have gone with a larger size had I not insisted on something that would fit into the garage. I also got a full windshield as the wife does not like getting windblown. Takes away some of the space but I have set myself up to accommodate. There are not a whole lot of them used online around here. But some searching can find a good deal. There is a Youtube video that goes thru how they are built at their factory. It is pretty impressive. And I can also say their customer service has been amazing as well. I had a rip in my bimini from the factory maybe 1/2 inch. I asked for a matching patch and they sent an entirely new replacement. When I was looking at the new ones they all have a flip up set of seats as an option in the back that fold down and make a large rear deck when you don't have company. I very seldom use them. I fish crappie/Whites/Hybrids/and Catfish out of it. I have not been out for striper in it, but do not think I would have any issues there either.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12077859
02/05/17 03:31 PM
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 88
stumpknocking
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 88 |
You can pick up a Skiff or Bay boat at a reasonable price. They are excellent in shallow water and handle the main lake fine. Only thing you give up is there's not much storage space on them. Big plus is , NO carpet and easy to clean.
Good luck!
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12077938
02/05/17 04:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244
LSM
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244 |
I really appreciate all the input. Shopping for the perfect boat is not an easy task. I have increased my budget though.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12078031
02/05/17 05:34 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,621
psycho0819
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,621 |
I ran into the same decision when shopping for a new (to me) boat a few years back. I fish Tawakoni mainly, but also like to get back in some creeks and rivers at certain times of the year. I too wanted a tin rig for the tighter places. I ended up going with an 1860 center console. A 2072 would no doubt be better when on the open water, but there are times when it would simply be too big to get where I want to be without a PITA.
The problem I had was finding aluminum center consoles for sale used. Seems like people who buy these things like to keep them. Every one I found was either out of the year range that lenders were willing to loan against, or the sellers were basically upside down on them, not necessarily wanting more than they were worth, but wanting more than blue book which is what most lenders will finance. Lenders didn't seem to consider upgrades when valuing a boat so fish finders, upgraded TM's, jack plates, etc were not considered by lenders to add to the value of the boat even though we all realize they do to the user. For that reason I ended up buying new and paying extra on the principle every month to insure I'm not stuck with a boat valued at less than I can sell it for should I need to, and it'll pay off early. Then the problem was getting an interest rate that I could live with. It seems the lenders have our number on toys like boats, I had hell fining a lender who would get below 5% interest even though I have good credit.
My advice is, decide what you want, then be patient in choosing the boat and lender. If financing, get your lender setup and ready to go so when you find the right boat you can take advantage of it before someone else does. If paying cash, then you have that whole thing beat before you start.
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12078080
02/05/17 06:09 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,957
Bob Landry
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,957 |
Short of having a boat for every purpose, any boat you get is going to be a compromise. You'll have to decide what you can live with/without and start there.
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
Bitter Gun Owner
Bitter Clinger
Armed Infidel
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: Bob Landry]
#12078171
02/05/17 07:25 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244
LSM
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244 |
Short of having a boat for every purpose, any boat you get is going to be a compromise. You'll have to decide what you can live with/without and start there. I agree. Which is why I will be hanging on to my kayak. I can go places no boat can go. However, those places are only good 1 month out of the year.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: psycho0819]
#12078174
02/05/17 07:26 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244
LSM
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244 |
I ran into the same decision when shopping for a new (to me) boat a few years back. I fish Tawakoni mainly, but also like to get back in some creeks and rivers at certain times of the year. I too wanted a tin rig for the tighter places. I ended up going with an 1860 center console. A 2072 would no doubt be better when on the open water, but there are times when it would simply be too big to get where I want to be without a PITA.
The problem I had was finding aluminum center consoles for sale used. Seems like people who buy these things like to keep them. Every one I found was either out of the year range that lenders were willing to loan against, or the sellers were basically upside down on them, not necessarily wanting more than they were worth, but wanting more than blue book which is what most lenders will finance. Lenders didn't seem to consider upgrades when valuing a boat so fish finders, upgraded TM's, jack plates, etc were not considered by lenders to add to the value of the boat even though we all realize they do to the user. For that reason I ended up buying new and paying extra on the principle every month to insure I'm not stuck with a boat valued at less than I can sell it for should I need to, and it'll pay off early. Then the problem was getting an interest rate that I could live with. It seems the lenders have our number on toys like boats, I had hell fining a lender who would get below 5% interest even though I have good credit.
My advice is, decide what you want, then be patient in choosing the boat and lender. If financing, get your lender setup and ready to go so when you find the right boat you can take advantage of it before someone else does. If paying cash, then you have that whole thing beat before you start. Got any pics? Thanks.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12078563
02/06/17 12:07 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 423
Southtxangler22
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 423 |
I use a tracker v-guide 16... Ipilot on the front and wrapped in rod holders.. It's literally the best all around fishing machine.. It's aluminum, so any wind or waves it'll be rough, but not near as rough as in a flat bottom. I drag baits for blues, spot lock on schools of whites, and chase boiling stripers all over Canyon Lake. I take it down too the Nueces River and can go anywhere there with it. I've fished all over lake fork and Tawakoni in it.. Its a great little boat. I'd prefer a 20ft center console.. But with the budget I had, it's caught a ton of fish with little to no maintenance aside from the basic water pump and lower unit oil change. I see these models or boats like it on Craig'slist within your budget. Good luck to you.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12079898
02/06/17 04:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,690
BigPoppa007
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,690 |
Last edited by BigPoppa007; 02/06/17 04:49 PM.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: BigPoppa007]
#12080197
02/06/17 07:31 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244
LSM
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244 |
Wow. I've been looking at the wrong Craigslist region. I am in Huntsville, so I have been looking in Houston and not finding anything as nice as those for the money. Thanks
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12081689
02/07/17 03:50 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,693
Catfish-hunter
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,693 |
Agreed,looks like a couple good deals up there. I just picked up a 2001 Lowe 16' v bottom with 70hp Johnson. Runs great,low hours,original seats and carpet are showing age but not torn for $2200. The catch and to my point. The boat has cancer but for this price, I can't be happier. Something I never seen before in person is the electrolysis. Apparently the first owner went salt water fishing and didn't clean out the boat when they finished. I got around 5 small pencil sized holes in transom oozing white puss. (But I plan to clean it soon,I just put clear silicon on it for now )And the bottom of the boat has some etching that looks like maybe a mold in comparison. Anyway,something to look for on used aluminum boats. I never heard of anyone talk about this before. It might help you save your money on a bad boat. 
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12082796
02/08/17 01:47 AM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,690
BigPoppa007
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,690 |
Last edited by BigPoppa007; 02/08/17 01:56 AM.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12084182
02/08/17 09:20 PM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,690
BigPoppa007
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,690 |
Last edited by BigPoppa007; 02/08/17 09:24 PM.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12085167
02/09/17 01:06 PM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 333
BODA
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 333 |
look at corpus christi craigslist too
I bought by boat for running shallow on the coast a few times a year, it also does double duty as a duck boat. In a few weeeks it will be filled with sand bass, when it warms up the kids will be cannonballing off the front and getting sunburnt.
I guess my point is that any boat can be universal if youve got the right attitude.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12085388
02/09/17 03:26 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,621
psycho0819
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,621 |
I ran into the same decision when shopping for a new (to me) boat a few years back. I fish Tawakoni mainly, but also like to get back in some creeks and rivers at certain times of the year. I too wanted a tin rig for the tighter places. I ended up going with an 1860 center console. A 2072 would no doubt be better when on the open water, but there are times when it would simply be too big to get where I want to be without a PITA.
The problem I had was finding aluminum center consoles for sale used. Seems like people who buy these things like to keep them. Every one I found was either out of the year range that lenders were willing to loan against, or the sellers were basically upside down on them, not necessarily wanting more than they were worth, but wanting more than blue book which is what most lenders will finance. Lenders didn't seem to consider upgrades when valuing a boat so fish finders, upgraded TM's, jack plates, etc were not considered by lenders to add to the value of the boat even though we all realize they do to the user. For that reason I ended up buying new and paying extra on the principle every month to insure I'm not stuck with a boat valued at less than I can sell it for should I need to, and it'll pay off early. Then the problem was getting an interest rate that I could live with. It seems the lenders have our number on toys like boats, I had hell fining a lender who would get below 5% interest even though I have good credit.
My advice is, decide what you want, then be patient in choosing the boat and lender. If financing, get your lender setup and ready to go so when you find the right boat you can take advantage of it before someone else does. If paying cash, then you have that whole thing beat before you start. Got any pics? Thanks. These are the best pics I have on this PC    
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12085426
02/09/17 03:42 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,077
Flipside Outdoors
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,077 |
I started with a kayak like you and then moved to a 16' bass boat to get around on the main lake and take my friends. The bass boat ended up costing WAY more in constant repairs than I had anticipated. I sold that boat and ended up just financing a 23' bay boat that I got used for $12k. I can't tell you how much better the bay boat is. You almost don't have to worry about the weather because it can handle a lot. The motor is EFI which is a HUGE advantage over carbs. I would sit at the ramp cranking my bass boat forever and my EFI starts up the first time every time. I'll never look at another carb motor.
I would suggest keeping the kayak for creeks and rivers and getting a bay boat if you can afford it or finance it. On my bay boat I've fished with 6 people at the same time jigging for whites and we were all comfortable. I sold my kayaks and I regret it every winter.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12085446
02/09/17 03:55 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,693
Catfish-hunter
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,693 |
Nice and simple.  nice fishing boat
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: psycho0819]
#12085491
02/09/17 04:22 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244
LSM
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244 |
I ran into the same decision when shopping for a new (to me) boat a few years back. I fish Tawakoni mainly, but also like to get back in some creeks and rivers at certain times of the year. I too wanted a tin rig for the tighter places. I ended up going with an 1860 center console. A 2072 would no doubt be better when on the open water, but there are times when it would simply be too big to get where I want to be without a PITA.
The problem I had was finding aluminum center consoles for sale used. Seems like people who buy these things like to keep them. Every one I found was either out of the year range that lenders were willing to loan against, or the sellers were basically upside down on them, not necessarily wanting more than they were worth, but wanting more than blue book which is what most lenders will finance. Lenders didn't seem to consider upgrades when valuing a boat so fish finders, upgraded TM's, jack plates, etc were not considered by lenders to add to the value of the boat even though we all realize they do to the user. For that reason I ended up buying new and paying extra on the principle every month to insure I'm not stuck with a boat valued at less than I can sell it for should I need to, and it'll pay off early. Then the problem was getting an interest rate that I could live with. It seems the lenders have our number on toys like boats, I had hell fining a lender who would get below 5% interest even though I have good credit.
My advice is, decide what you want, then be patient in choosing the boat and lender. If financing, get your lender setup and ready to go so when you find the right boat you can take advantage of it before someone else does. If paying cash, then you have that whole thing beat before you start. Got any pics? Thanks. These are the best pics I have on this PC That is a very nice boat. Thanks
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: Flipside Outdoors]
#12085493
02/09/17 04:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244
LSM
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 244 |
I started with a kayak like you and then moved to a 16' bass boat to get around on the main lake and take my friends. The bass boat ended up costing WAY more in constant repairs than I had anticipated. I sold that boat and ended up just financing a 23' bay boat that I got used for $12k. I can't tell you how much better the bay boat is. You almost don't have to worry about the weather because it can handle a lot. The motor is EFI which is a HUGE advantage over carbs. I would sit at the ramp cranking my bass boat forever and my EFI starts up the first time every time. I'll never look at another carb motor.
I would suggest keeping the kayak for creeks and rivers and getting a bay boat if you can afford it or finance it. On my bay boat I've fished with 6 people at the same time jigging for whites and we were all comfortable. I sold my kayaks and I regret it every winter. I plan on keeping yaks around. I have been killing the whites and crappie this year in places no boat can go. Thanks for the advice on the boat. I do like the idea of a CC.
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12085591
02/09/17 05:24 PM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,690
BigPoppa007
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,690 |
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12086584
02/10/17 03:26 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 140
Pastor Terry
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 140 |
My best advise is have a boat that is dependable. After that, it's all about the electronics! Do your homework there and you will catch way more fish.
I bought an old beater bass tracker with 30hp Yamaha. Stripped it down, rewired it, camo wrapped it, new wood, new seats, new carpet. It's a fantastic boat with very little effort.
I have had it for 6 years now and love it!
enjoying fishing with family and friends 
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Re: Boat setup
[Re: LSM]
#12086871
02/10/17 12:45 PM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 333
BODA
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 333 |
^^^ good advice, I can tell you one thing, if you are thinking of getting a litte center console like the one above, you will cross the main body of a lake when the wind is kicking and make a chiropractor appointment on your way home
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