Boat selection help

[bigmike86]

Hey everyone, I have a few questions about boats since the wife said I can finally get one!

I am looking to mostly get on fresh water rivers for trout, salmon, steelhead, but I also dont want to rule out the possibility for fishing/boating around the sound (on calm days). Also would like to be able to use for duck hunting

Does this mean I'll need a saltwater motor and trailer? Or is it ok to dip in salt every once in a while? Mostly looking for a 14-16 foot set up with 25-40 hp motor since this is all it looks like I can really afford at the moment.

Any other things to consider during my search? Thanks

[Antlershed]

Which rivers do you plan to fish? That will help a lot of people give advice on specific boats. All motors are good for saltwater, you just need to flush with freshwater after each outing. Definitely get a galvanized trailer. A painted trailer will only give you headaches (rust) if you plan to use it in the salt. Even if you don't use it in the salt, it will end up rusting.

[bigmike86]

Not really sure which rivers I will be fishing, Im actually moving out to washington in two weeks, so I only know what I can see from maps. Looks like part of the columbia is about 2 hours away from Fort Lewis, so Im sure I'll hit that, but I mostly would use the boat to get away from crowds on smaller waters locally. I know that plus duck hunting screams flat bottom jon, but I dont want to discount hitting bigger waters

Thanks for the help! Sorry I cant be more specific at this point

[KFhunter]

you're going to have to give up shallow gunnels for bigger water which hurts duck hunting performance and a deeper V hull which hurts shallow river performance.


figure out what you want most and lean that way then make do.  Instead of a using it for ducks maybe a smaller sneak boat will work even if you tow it with the bigger boat. 

Sounds like an aluminium deep V 16 footer with no less than 25hp but 40hp better.


deep V will take pretty chunky water at the cost of having a deeper draft
https://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/boa/5460313552.html

[Bofire]

Columbia is a large powerful river, it needs special attention.
Carl

[bigmike86]

Yea forget the columbia river, probably would only go with someone who had their own boat and knew what they were doing.

[Antlershed]

Once you learn how to boat the Columbia, it can be safely fished out of a 16' boat. You just have to know the sections to stay away from (you would never catch me at buoy 10 in a 16' boat), but I would feel comfortable on pretty much the rest of the river. Just like any other big body of water, the wind can come up fast in certain areas so you need to keep that in mind when venturing far from the launch. The best boat, based on what you described would be a 16-17' alumaweld (the Talon comes to mind), windshield, with an outboard pump. You really could do all you mentioned, maybe even some duck hunting depending on where.

One thing you will learn quick, is that in most fisheries, a boat won't get you away from the crowds. 

[KFhunter]

Thinking that might stretch his budget a tad far for a boat/motor in decent shape.  Might find something ratty, but I'd rather see someone buy a good clean tiller in good shape than a thrashed jet sled.

[huntnphool]

 Sounds like the Cowlitz will be your best bet, I wouldn't be going down river from the Astoria Bridge on the Columbia after noon on most days in a open 16' boat either, I've had the windshield on my 22' NorthRiver look like a aquarium several times.

[Antlershed]

I have no idea what his budget is in terms of dollars, but you can find the Talons in the $13-14k range. A brand new G3 with a tiller pump will be that much or more and I wouldn't take on the Columbia or the sound with that.

[Antlershed]

Sounds like the Cowlitz will be your best bet, I wouldn't be going down river from the Astoria Bridge on the Columbia after noon on most days in a open 16' boat either, I've had the windshield on my 22' NorthRiver look like a aquarium several times.

You just need to be more adventurous. 

I've fished the Cathlamet area upstream in a 14' open boat (deep v), but like Rob said, there are days down by the bridge where it is downright scary in a 22' boat. Actually the section between Puget Island and County Line can get nasty fast too. Taken plenty of waves over the bow in that stretch in the summer.

[WSU]

Where are you coming from? I would be willing to give you some good ideas when you get here.

[Westside88]

 :twocents:boats that are suitable for big water get expensive fast. If you start out with a manageable boat that works in smaller rivers and lakes you could have plenty of fun and learn the area. Chances are you'd eventually want to move up, but something like a smoker craft Alaskan in a 15' with a 25 hp outboard is pretty darn versital and you'd be able to get your money back later if you want.  Another option is a similar boat or with a 40 hp jet pump, gives you a lot of options.

[bigmike86]

This is great conversation guys! I am coming from Georgia, cant wait to leave!

I didn't initially express my strict price range because I wanted to truly know what the best option would be. That being said, I was going to try for around $5000, but can go a little higher if its necessary to avoid buying piles of junk

After thinking through all of the good points you all have mentioned, I'm wondering if I need to just forget the "bigger water" option and just stick to smaller rivers and lakes, this would also facilitate my duck hunting addiction.

Next question: could you hit rivers the size of the Cowlitz in a lower gunwaled flatter bottomed boat? what would be some name brands that I could check out in a semi v hull construction?
 

[REHJWA]

Also, all lakes except American lake on JBLM have gas motor restrictions. I picked up a fourteen foot semi v when I first moved up here and have loved it. I started with a 36lb trolling motor and have progressed through a 6,15, and now topped out at 25 hp.

I can disconnect the gas can and leave it in the truck on post , but can run crab pots out of solo point and hood canal too. I use it on the Cowlitz, and mouth of the Nisqually but I went with guys that new what they were doing first.
We take it every year to banks lake and as long as the wind isn't pushing everything off the lake I have been fine since I up graded to the 25hp.

 That being said I'm looking for a boat with a cover now to get my Dad out without him being in the weather.

Moving here from Fort Benning was quite the shock to the outdoor system....get with someone who has been here a while and study the regulations...they have more in the fishing regs here the all the regulations in Georgia....