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New to motor boats #14244918 01/10/22 04:19 PM
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christian myrick Offline OP
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A question for those smarter than me. I have only been on a motor boat mabey 8 times in my life. Been kayaking and canoeing almost since birth. I'm wanting to buy a boat but not sure what's best for me. I catfish in the dfw area, I also like the close rigs in the salty water. Is there a boat, used that can suit both things? What type of money am I looking to spend?


Re: New to motor boats [Re: christian myrick] #14246135 01/11/22 08:16 PM
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Probably a center console is your best bet. As far as price, that is the one question you will have to answer. I will warn you decent boats, even used ones, are going for a pretty penny.


Originally Posted by OTFF
He is truly a sick individual.
Re: New to motor boats [Re: christian myrick] #14246200 01/11/22 09:30 PM
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Pat Goff Online Content
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Two big variables on your desire for a sled.
When you add dipping into the gulf, it adds a whole lot to your "must have".
So, when you look for a saltwater rig, be sure and get a saltwater ready boat.
This includes but not limited to:
Galvanized or aluminum trailer. One dunk in the brine will cancer up a painted trailer to a short and painful life.
SALTWATER rigging. Your DFW bass boat rigger will have no idea what's needed, such as tinning and coating all electrical connections, especially your bilge and pumps. All connections behind the dash.
Make sure you've got enough motor. A underpowered hull on a lake is annoying, ten miles offshore it's deadly. If you can't climb a five foot swell in a popup storm, you're in big trouble quick.
There's a fleet of boats that would pass the test, Kenner, Haynie, Pathfinder all would fit the bill. Get what you can afford, and plan on making some errors, everyone does when they start.


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Re: New to motor boats [Re: christian myrick] #14246606 01/12/22 12:46 PM
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christian myrick Offline OP
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Thanks guys. Mabey going salt is too much for a first timer. I've always paddled because I know I'm in total control. I've been caught out in bad storms before and been able to paddle through. Are there any more dependable than others? I'm not real interested in winning a race.


Re: New to motor boats [Re: christian myrick] #14247249 01/12/22 08:51 PM
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There are certainly motors that have proven less reliable.

Any 1st generation direct injected 2 strokes are suspect. But regardless If you’re buying used it’s up to you to check and inspect what you’re fixing to throw your money at.

And don’t let hours mislead you. A well maintained motor with 500 hours is better than one that’s been sitting with 80.

Spending $200 for a pro to check everything out is always money well spent. If the seller hesitates on that, you don’t want that boat.


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Re: New to motor boats [Re: christian myrick] #14247580 01/13/22 03:03 AM
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Dependable used motor? 2 stroke Tohatsu/Nissan, I can't kill mine, I run it very very hard. If you plan not to do the rigs, a heavy gauge aluminum boat is perfect for catfishing. You can get them muddy and bloody, wash it right out. They can handle dents and scrapes, and go places where most wouldn't want to risk taking a fiberglass rig. They require less horsepower to push. They are great solo fishing rigs! Cons are they don't handle rough water like a fiberglass rig and wind can push them around easier. I own both fiberglass and aluminum, my swiss army knife of boats is an aluminum rig and I spend more time fishing in it. Sure in the heck wouldn't got out to the rigs in it, but been on big bays and lakes.

Last edited by Alumacraft 14; 01/13/22 03:12 AM.
Re: New to motor boats [Re: christian myrick] #14247798 01/13/22 02:22 PM
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After consideration,
For a first time ever mariner, I'd go with the aluminum advice. Something you can beat the heck out of, which you will, and keep plugging. I'd much rather whack a dock with a tin rig than a glass.

My flats scooter is all welded aluminum, I wouldn't trade it for any glass rig out there, I bash oyster reefs, run it up on sand bars, do all manners of misuse and can't tear it up.

After you've had it a while, you'll learn what you really want/don't want, and can upgrade with specific tasks in mind.


Pat Goff
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