Well here's the problem: I want to buy a small boat...at first I was going to buy a 10ft bass buggy and put a 5hp motor on it.

I was thinking it would be the perfect white bass boat; it can fit in my truck (no trailer needed) and I can take my son (he's four). Plus I can keep it at my office and fish during the week for a couple hours a day. I live in Austin and Rhimers Ranch is 30 min. away.

But then I was thinking, I would really like to take my Dad a couple of times also...it would be a great memory to have fishing trips with Grandpa, Dad (me) and Grandson.

Any thoughts on Bass Buggy vs Jon Boat?

i would go with a flatbottom. the bass buggy would work burt it may be a little small. i have a 15 foot alumacraft modified V. with a 25 horse yammy. it is perfect to fish 3 people. the only thing i would go with a center console. you have more storage. or you could go with a 16 foot aluminum flatbottom.
One more recomendation if you plan to have this boat for a while. go with a modified V they have thicker aluminum and they are more stable.
Gald i could help.

If you're gonna take three, you better not get a bass buggy.

It should be stable for gramps and safe for kiddo. A deep V or mod V with a wide beam if you can afford it. If you can't, anything that floats and gets you there and back as comfortably as possible.

Nothing is worse that getting out there only to have to deal with dead batteries, fouled motors or anything else that takes your attention away from the task at hand.

I had a small 14ft. fibreglass trihull with a 55hp motor...I thought it was cool at the time. Now that I'm older, I like to just back it up, launch and go. The only thing that keeps me from making it any simpler is those that would rather take what doesn't belong to them than earn their own way.

Locks, security, safety, ease of use, focus on fishing, comfort, storage, where you will store your boat and fishability are all things to consider when seeking a craft.

You can't do the job if you don't have the right tool....at least not as elegantly as possible.

Good Luck,
R

Depending on distance and current, a 50 lb transom mount trolling motor with a hot battery and extra prop will get it done on a small boat. TM's always start. Fuel is cheap.

David
www.davesguideservice.net

For spawning sandbass, a boat is not needed. If looking for just a fun boat, I am sure someone on here can help you. A john boat will fit more people than the bass buggy and you could probably get by with a very strong trolling motor or small engine. Good luck and it sounds like you have a good plan. I cant wait to take my little guy fishing along with dad and grandpa.

Get a 16-17 foot aluminum boat with a 40-50 HP Engine, you can find one for cheap at times.

David how are you!!!!!

Aluminum.

Thanks to everyone.

I think a 14-16ft might be best with a 25hp...I would really like a 40hp but not sure on the $$$.

Has anyone used stick sterring? Not a tiller, but the actual stick controls?

Thanks, Joe

Don't like them rather have tiller. That just may be me, but you asked.

aluminum boat with a small mud motor. that will get you WAY up into the creeks

Its fun to bank fish also.If there running you can catch one on every cast.It's fun to take a hike too.Make sure you can lift it and carry it.