Fishing Boat recomendations

[ghart 55]

Hi,

Im looking at purchasing a used fishing boat, but am not sure what I need.

It has to hold at least 1 adult (pref 2) and 3 kids. Id like to use it on smaller lakes, the nipigon river and perhaps in protected areas of larger lakes (nipigon bay)?

Any opinions on sizes, accessories?

I only have a couple thousand dollars right now so that may limit me.

Thanx,

Glenn

[Jayfishin 63]

Sounds like a deep & wide 14ft aluminum boat with a 10 to 20hp would do you fine.

There are lots of boats in your price range coming out in the papers now...check out the following:

http://www.norwestbuysell.com/

http://www.chroniclejournal.com/cat_index_38.php

Jay

[Bill Arnott 2]

Hey Glenn,

I would recommend a 16 footer minimum if you are thinking about playing around out on Nipigon Bay. The river is very protected and you can get away with a 12 there but make sure you have enough horses to get back up the river.( I once spent 3 hours slipping current seams with a 4.5 merc to get back to Alexander landing ) No matter what size you go with you'll have to pick your days out on Superior. If the whole family will be going often I'd wait a bit to get something that will serve your needs for a few years- otherwise you end up having to sell a boat as well as finding another. Without knowing your tow vehicle my pick would be a 16 with a floor & a 25-40 hp. Add a 12v electric motor and you're all set for everything you described.

>Bill

[Abes 5]

I would really suggest on atleast a 17' , 4 or 5 people in a boat can get pretty crampy if you plan on going out for any amount of time. And with that many people in the boat you really want to find something with a good floor plan so there's some kind of comfort. You could fish 1 adult and 3 kids in a 16' but add another adult and I think you'll be wishing you bought something bigger. I think the best thing for you would be to check out a few different sizes and see what can work for you because everybody is different..

Abes...