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Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? #12855944 08/07/18 02:54 AM
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TXMulti-Species Offline OP
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So I've recently sold a couple things I don't use anymore (videogames) and am looking to buy myself something I can use for a couple different purposes. I'll go ahead and list a couple things I'm currently considering using it for, then a few options I'm looking at and would love to get some helpful tips/recommendations from someone here with experience.

-The primary purpose of this craft will be to transport myself and my carp gear to harder to reach places to fish the bank from in large and small public reservoirs. I'd like something that is stable and won't tip over, dumping all of my gear into the abyss. Preferably light enough to mount on top of my car and carry solo.
-I'll also be using the boat to map out parts of lakes, rivers, and ponds close to me with my Deeper, so I'd like it to be relatively easy to maneuver solo.
-I'd love the capability of bringing up to 2 other people with me to fish, so a good weight capacity (550lb+) is ideal.

A couple things I'm currently looking at:
Old Town Saranac 146
Sun Dolphin Sportsman Bass Boat
Old Town Guide 147

I'm willing to spend up to about $500 but could be convinced to shell out a bit more if it's good quality, also not opposed to buying used as you can see from that last link.

Last edited by TXMulti-Species; 08/07/18 02:55 AM.

Catch and release. The dream - to catch one of every species of Freshwater fish in our great state! If only I can resist Carp...
https://txmultispecies.imgur.com/
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Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856143 08/07/18 12:58 PM
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I love my Sundolphin, caught alot of fish and been a million miles up and down the rivers BUT it's not going to carry much gear and certainly not 3 people. Really not even two people very well. My wife and are both small frame and we manage. Going to be tough to get it on a car, only 100 lbs but bulky. I use a lawnmower trailer. maybe something like this used.. https://www.ohiogamefishing.com/threads/12-ft-v-hull-w-7-5-horse-merc-galv-trailer-f-s.153789/ this is just a random posting off the net but there is actually one for sale down the street from me and even has a bimini top.

Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856181 08/07/18 01:27 PM
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Yeah that little bass buster would be tough to get on top of a car, even with 2 people.

What kind of vehicle do you drive?

Another option is getting 2 separate kayaks, one for you and the other for your fishing partner. Not sure how much gear your talking about transporting, kayaks have limited space. But kayaks are light and easy to get on top of a car and if you have a pickup truck, you could fit both of them in the bed. I have an 11'6" kayak, I would just throw it in the bed, tie it down and I kept a rad flag on the end sticking out the tailgate. It's very easy to transport.

Another thing to consider is how much water you're trying to cover. Not sure how well that bass buster moves with paddling; based on the shape, I doubt all that well compared to canoes/kayaks. I think most people put trolling motors on them. You would need to factor the cost of the trolling motor into your overall cost.


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Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856192 08/07/18 01:33 PM
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Every canoe I've ever been in has tipped over. Imo a 12ft aluminum flat bottom would be best. I used to haul mine on top of a ford escort now i throw it in the back of my tacoma. We use kayak oars so we can stand and paddle. It's much easier on your back. Good luck with whatever you decide on. Always wear your pfd


https://www.Jiglyf.com

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Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856208 08/07/18 01:51 PM
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They paddle like a brick, found that out the hard way when I lost a prop. I use a 45lb traxxis with a group 24 or 27, depends on what mood I'm in. Then there is also the cost of the TX #s if you put a troll motor on it. Ain't nuthin cheap.

Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856255 08/07/18 02:27 PM
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Its probably more than you are looking to spend, but the ultraskiff looks awesome. No personal experience, but that is on my wish list.

https://www.ultraskiff.com


Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856263 08/07/18 02:37 PM
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Maybe work a little o.t. and save up some.
http://directboats.com/pontoonboats.html

Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856329 08/07/18 03:38 PM
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Thanks for all the advice guys!

Boocat - The Sundolphin is supposed to have a weight capacity of 550lb, that would certainly fit myself two buddies. (I'm 120 soaking wet)

spazm09 - I've got a Dodge Nitro, but also have access to a truck if necessary. Not so sure about the multiple kayak idea, unless my friends are gonna be buying their own. I'm not exactly made of money! Fair point about the propulsion, I've rowed a jon boat a good deal around Ray Hubbard and it isn't what I'd call fun. I'll definitely be looking at a motor

gar1970 - Flipping the canoe/kayak is a deal breaker for me, it's why I'm looking at other options. I know plenty that have never flipped one, but it's too much of a risk IMO.

COFF - Interesting for sure, but a little expensive and small. It'd definitely give you a lot of attention on the water, though!

boocat (again) - I've been considering building my own small pontoon boat, I've got someone who has some 55gal plastic drums on hand and could somewhat easily fashion those into some sort of craft, pontoon or otherwise.

All the above considered, I think I'm going to throw out the small bass boat unless I'm getting it for just myself. My brother has a jon boat that he could be convinced to either not sell/sell to me, so I may get a motor for that to transport a few people and a kayak for solo trips.


Catch and release. The dream - to catch one of every species of Freshwater fish in our great state! If only I can resist Carp...
https://txmultispecies.imgur.com/
[Linked Image]
Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856347 08/07/18 04:03 PM
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ok, I went and measured the interior of my 8ft sundolphin. The actual "deck" space is 2ft by 6ft (measure that out on your kitchen floor). The over interior width gunnel to gunnel is 3.5ft.

Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856365 08/07/18 04:17 PM
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Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856472 08/07/18 05:37 PM
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Saw this on the local CL site.
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/d/12-foot-aluminum-jon-boat/6662131465.html

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/boa/d/12-ft-boat/6636239036.html

This canoe is a flat back for a trolling motor and has pontoons to help prevent tipping. https://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/boa/d/coleman-canoe-with-trailer/6634449133.html

This one is interesting as it could go in the car after use. Most people I know that have one put it on some kind of trailer. It will get you from point A to point B. I know a guy that uses one of these on East Fork Trinity above 380 to get to his bank fishing spots.
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/d/like-new-2018-inmar-270h-ts-9/6647487488.html

The 3 man pontoon looks like a beast and can hold a lot of stuff.
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/boa/d/3-man-and-2-man-pontoon-boats/6651182140.html

Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12856779 08/07/18 09:41 PM
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A Canoe is hard to maneuver by yourself, will be hard to load on top of the Nitro. It will be a pain in the *** to load wet after a long day of fishing.

Last edited by Marc-62; 08/08/18 10:44 AM.
Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12857114 08/08/18 03:02 AM
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JJ4MEL - Thanks for the suggestions! Definitely some good stuff there

Marc-62 - Not a bad idea to get a back seat. I'm well aware of how much a boat, motor, and trailer cost but fortunately have access to my brother's jon boat/trailer which has seen the water a grand total of 2 times. I think I'm pretty much dead set on buying an old outboard motor for his boat and maybe a used kayak to use as my mapping/bait delivery boat. If I play my cards right I can still end up within my budget!


Catch and release. The dream - to catch one of every species of Freshwater fish in our great state! If only I can resist Carp...
https://txmultispecies.imgur.com/
[Linked Image]
Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12858393 08/09/18 03:06 AM
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Your criteria: 1) Budget of $500; 2) easy to load on top of vehicle; 3) ability to carry 3 people (and 'some' gear?); 4) average distance to travel not specified. This makes recommendations pretty tough. Maybe if you prioritize your criteria, we can help you with more sound advice.

Me: 57 years old. 220 lb, 5'10", insulin dependent diabetic (not future Olympic prospect). I have been canoeing since 16 years old (I think math = 39 years canoeing). 33 canoe/camping/fishing trips to Quetico/Boundary Waters in both aluminum & kevlar canoes. Here in Texas, I have fished small lakes & Brazos River in canoes for 10 years, about 30-50 trips per year. In my entire canoeing hisory, I only tipped over/dumped 3 times, all in 1 day, while in racing canoe - I was 17 old and racing in very heavy swell (pfd worn of course!). I did swamp in shallow water once in Canada and almost dumped 6 years ago at Wheeler Branch Reservoir. The last two events were egregious violations of standard canoe protocol (lapses in judgement) and good reminders. Lessons learned! I have been committed to canoe fishing Texas seriously for about 10 years now. I had bought an aluminum Grumman 13' on Craigslist for $350. It is not pretty, but it floats w/no leaks, I can easily load it on vehicle (I think 44#). It fishes skinny/stumpy water GREAT, and can hold a ton of gear. It is not fast, but I have paddled it 2-3 miles in a day of fishing. I do carp fish out of this small canoe and have caught many. NOTE: If canoe not grappled to rip-rap, enjoy the lake tour upon hook-up!

4 boys raised now & on their own, and my fleet has grown to 3 aluminum canoes and a Hobie PA 14 kayak. Don't ask. Let's just say each has their purpose (I tell my wife that). 2 were purchased new. 2 were Grumman aluminum canoes bought Craigslist - The 13' mentioned above, and a 17' in great shape for $250. Canoe design varies SIGNIFICANTLY. I understand the designs/material best suited for my activity. I have a good awareness of weather conditions on days I plan to be out and do not take undue risks.

Fleet
Grumman 13' aluminum canoe
Grumman 17' aluminum canoe
Osagian 17' aluminum square stern canoe (44" wide at center!)
Hobie PA 14 mirage drive fishing kayak

Re: Purchasing First Small Boat/Canoe - Recommendations? [Re: TXMulti-Species] #12858422 08/09/18 03:41 AM
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TXMulti-Species Offline OP
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Canoe-Yak Fisherman - If I were to prioritize the criteria, they'd go something like this:
Easy/fast travel
Easy to load on top of vehicle
Budget of $500
Ability to carry myself + 50-80lb of gear including 12ft rods, rod pod, scale/tripod, bait buckets, etc.
Ability to carry 3 people

As stated in the posts above, my brother has a jon boat which sees very little use. I could easily buy a motor for that, using it for group transport while having a smaller craft for myself.


Catch and release. The dream - to catch one of every species of Freshwater fish in our great state! If only I can resist Carp...
https://txmultispecies.imgur.com/
[Linked Image]
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