Question on Duroboat value

[Ellensburg]

So I've been in the market for a boat for a while now. Met a guy at work who has a 12 foot duroboat with a 9.9 honda motor and galvanized trailer.

The whole package looks great and hasn't been used much...

I am questioning how safe something like this will be in the sound for crabbing/bottom fishing. I use to go out in a rowboat all day, but I will be taking the fiance and I want something more secure.


Also, he is asking $2500 for the whole set up which seems like a screaming deal... I just dont know my boats that well and wanted some of your advice.
thanks

[RadSav]

Not sure I'd be overly comfortable in a lot of places on the sound with a 12' boat.  I'd be very selective on when and where if I were in a boat of that size.  Not a lot of margin for error.  I do like the Duroboat.  Stable and bullet proof even at 12'.  Great for carp shooting!!!  9.9 horse is awful small for a boat of that weight.  Should be perfect as a lake boat.  As for the sound...I'd say a better crabbing boat close to the dock/launch.  I've pulled way too many bodies out of the salt to get too adventurous with open water.  I'm sure plenty will disagree with me on that though.

[scout/sniper]

I agree with radsav.
Great lake boat, I see a lot of them on the small lake I fish.
A couple guys at work have them and like them.
I probably wouldn't put a larger motor on it though.
For the price you are looking at you could get a pretty nice boat though.

[jay.sharkbait]

We had a 12 Duroboat at the family beach cabin. It went thru hell and I covered the  sound from Gig Harbor South.

No issue

[scrminbanshee]

I think if i were you i would try and hold out for a 16ft lund or smoker craft. The alaskan models come up often and  if shopped you can probably find one in your price range. I have a 16ft lund and go out in the sound allot and go to numerous lakes. For the sound though i still try and make sure i pick good days. Its a great boat takes my wife myself and two dogs out. You would be surprised how well these little boats do and with smaller motors. Mines got a 25hp etec on it and will plane with 5 geese, 3 guys,(smallest prolly 200) a dog(a big dog) and some hunting gear! Feel free to shoot me a pm if you want to go out in one and see how it does. 

[fishinmike]

Will it work?  Yes
Would I recommend it? No

12ft is big enough, but once you put 2 people, crab pots, cooler, fishing gear, etc., you are adding a lot of extra weight. There is also the fact that with 2 of you and all this gear she will not have much comfort in the boat. Most people that are not on the water much need a little room to move around, seems to make them more comfortable. With your boat loaded with gear and 2 people, you will also be sitting a lot lower in the water. The wind can come up fairly quick and if your boar is to heavy it may fill with water and down you go.
All that being sad, safety is key. You don't want to be out on the water wishing you had a bigger boat, not a good time.

[Westside88]

Duro's are great little boats. My Dad has had a 14 foot since 88. I agree however that 12 is small for the intended use. For use on the sound I'd look for something more in the 15-16 foot range.