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....

[Antlershed]

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?

I have been in, and know plenty of guys that cruise around on the Cowlitz in 15-16' G3 flat bottom boats. You just have to pay attention when the 20-26' guide boats go bombing by. 

[Alchase]

I would wait until you arrive, and determine what type of fishing you wish to target.
Most of the rivers in western Wa, you would be better off with specialized boats (sled etc...) for low water and jets.
The Columbia is big water, with many types of fishing opportunities and requires different anchoring systems, deeper V-hull and more power is better.
Most west side lakes you can get by with a smaller boat (even car toppers), with exceptions to the bigger lakes lake Riffe, Alder,May Field, Lake Washington where wind can kick up quickly, you can still fish in a small boat if weather wise. I have been on both Riffe and Alder  when the wind can cause major issues in a boat smaller then 20 ft. and had a few white knuckle return to dock trips in my 14 ft Smokercraft Alaskan deep-V with 15 hp 4-stroke Yamaha.
Salt water, in Puget Sound can be done in smaller boats, again being weather wise, but you are better off to have size and power.
Ocean, well that is a whole different ball game and I will leave the best platform advise to the people on here who know what you should use better then I. I use charters when I fish the ocean, even they have had some serious pucker factor when it blows up. And crossing the bar can get down right treacherous at times.

[Bill W]

I'll be interested in hearing what boat you get.   Flat bottoms are nice for hunting out of but in the wind the guy in the front seat gets slammed.   You'll see wind most days out fishing in the sound or the bigger rivers.

Trout in rivers out here???   You will find there are very few rivers you can boat that have trout.  Most of the ones that have trout are too small for boats and the ones that are big enough to boat don't hold trout other than fall run cutthroats.

Lakes for trout are a different story and are all over the state.

[Badhabit]

Here's one for sale.
Well my smaller alumaweld is now up for sale. This boat is a 2014 alumaweld sport skiff 16'x60" 10degree bottom. It's got a Mercury 40hp elhpt and a 9.9mxlh merc kicker. Fish box, bow storage, nav lights, bilge pump, rod holders, big fuel tank, the whole 9 yards. I just put brand new bigger tires and rims on the trailer too to minimize stress when towing. Super high sides, I've had its all over the Columbia and never felt unsafe even in big waves. I've taken great care of the boat and its damn near brand new. Had it built in May of 2014 and picked it up in June. Nothing wrong with the boat I just wanted a jet and more room. It's a fish killing machine too! Asking $19,500 message me for more details or pics
If you're on FB PM me and I'll send you his name.

FYI it's not my boat, a kid in Yakima is selling it.

[Come Get Some]

I guide on rivers as well as run a charter boat in the ocean.  I duck hunt out of a 17' Alumacraft with a 70 HP Yamaha. Carries a lot of decoys and gear. We set out 14 dozen ducks and 2-3 dozen goose floaters. A smaller boat would definitely work. I prefer a v bottom. Still stable but when not if the wind comes up it is a much better and safer ride. You could use it in the Columbia and lower cowlitz as well as a few other rivers as long as you do not run in shallow water. Props hate that. We also have a 17' Raider sled with a 150 V Max pump for other rivers. Works well where it is intended. I prefer a prop for most applications, more control as well as not picking up all of the weeds while duck hunting.  Until you are seasoned I would suggest leaving the big water to those who have the equipment and know how. It is not so bad to hire a charter a few times a year. You can obtain a lot of knowledge as well as catch more quality fish until you get the experience and much CHEAPER than owning a boat for the ocean. If you do decide to go ocean bound I would suggest a deep V Fiberglass boat. Better ride and wont crack as ALL aluminum boats eventually do when taking a pounding. Not to mention Saltwater is hard on aluminum.

[bigmike86]

Thanks for all the tips guys. Glad I started this thread, it's making me realize I should start small and learn from other knowledgeable boaters before I get in too deep (pun intended)

[bigmike86]

What do you all think about tracker jon boats? Specifically the grizzly model

http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/?boat=3834

Looks like it'd be a good little river runner/duck hunter if I slapped a 25hp prop on it, this is more in my pricerange than some of the bigger boats mentioned

[fishngamereaper]

I guide on rivers as well as run a charter boat in the ocean.  I duck hunt out of a 17' Alumacraft with a 70 HP Yamaha. Carries a lot of decoys and gear. We set out 14 dozen ducks and 2-3 dozen goose floaters. A smaller boat would definitely work. I prefer a v bottom. Still stable but when not if the wind comes up it is a much better and safer ride. You could use it in the Columbia and lower cowlitz as well as a few other rivers as long as you do not run in shallow water. Props hate that. We also have a 17' Raider sled with a 150 V Max pump for other rivers. Works well where it is intended. I prefer a prop for most applications, more control as well as not picking up all of the weeds while duck hunting.  Until you are seasoned I would suggest leaving the big water to those who have the equipment and know how. It is not so bad to hire a charter a few times a year. You can obtain a lot of knowledge as well as catch more quality fish until you get the experience and much CHEAPER than owning a boat for the ocean. If you do decide to go ocean bound I would suggest a deep V Fiberglass boat. Better ride and wont crack as ALL aluminum boats eventually do when taking a pounding. Not to mention Saltwater is hard on aluminum.

Aluminum boats don't crack. Welds may if you have a cheap boat, but generally not an issue this day and age.

[Come Get Some]

I don't know a single owner of an aluminum boat that actually uses his equipment that has not failed. As well as all 3 I have owned over the last 35 years. Just saying. Not if but when. If your boat stays in the driveway or is used lightly you MAY never have a problem. BUT is you are a hardcore outdoors man and use your equipment frequently get ready. AND I do not mean abuse it.. Use it. I suppose there is a fine line between the aluminum cracking and the weld cracking. As far as I see it it STILL CRACKED. Glass has 4 times the tinsel strength of aluminum, is quieter, warmer and most definitely a superior product for the salt. Which was the meaning I was trying to get out. But anyone can pick out the negative in anythng

[Henrydog]

No matter what you do get the biggest engine the boat is rated for.  Dealers will slap on smaller engines to lower the price.  Bad news.  Bigger engines give you lower cruising RPM which will lead to a longer life and less gas burned, and power when you needed it.  And you will need it in a river.  Also if you go with a jet pump you will loose about 1/3 of your horse power.  So a 60hp prop is roughly 40hp jet.   When they sell boats the weight advertised is empty.  Throw in a cooler, gas and gear and you will never regret the extra HP.  Just my 2 cents. 

[Antlershed]

What do you all think about tracker jon boats? Specifically the grizzly model

http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/?boat=3834

Looks like it'd be a good little river runner/duck hunter if I slapped a 25hp prop on it, this is more in my pricerange than some of the bigger boats mentioned

Don't know about the boat specifically, but a prop will limit you significantly. Only a handful of rivers where a prop would work, and in those, you would be limited to the first couple of miles (maybe) of river. Our rivers require a jet pump.

[Badhabit]

Out of the Tracker Grizzly's listed in jon boats I'd opt for the 1754 or the 1860 and probably lean more towards the 1754. It might not seem a big deal but the additional width is additional stability and might have a shallower draft than the 1648. The 1754 is an ideal size for a mud motor as well if you're looking at options.

[Badhabit]

The White Elephant Boys in Spokane have a pretty good deal on an all welded Lowe Roughneck 1860 DLX.

http://www.boattrader.com/dealers/elephant-boys/2886882/make-lowe/Page-2/Perpage-20

[Machias]

Back east here the Grizzly's are considered a poor choice, they all start leaking after a very short time.  I was all set to buy one for a catfishing rig here on the east coast.  The SeaArk's are REALLY nice boats.  I'd like to get the Procat 200 with a jet.

[huntnphool]

I don't know a single owner of an aluminum boat that actually uses his equipment that has not failed. As well as all 3 I have owned over the last 35 years. Just saying. Not if but when. If your boat stays in the driveway or is used lightly you MAY never have a problem. BUT is you are a hardcore outdoors man and use your equipment frequently get ready. AND I do not mean abuse it.. Use it. I suppose there is a fine line between the aluminum cracking and the weld cracking. As far as I see it it STILL CRACKED. Glass has 4 times the tinsel strength of aluminum, is quieter, warmer and most definitely a superior product for the salt. Which was the meaning I was trying to get out. But anyone can pick out the negative in anythng

 I use mine year around and I've never had a issue, from the Snake to Rivers Inlet and all over in between.

[Brad Harshman]

Do your research if you're buying used.  Trust me.  I have recently found out that parts for my 1995 suzuki 115 hp two stroke are no longer available.  Specifically, if I cannot find a trim/tilt seal kit, then I might have to scrap the entire motor or find an odd ball replacement because no one makes the dust seals, a $5.00 part.
It's great because I've owned this boat/motor for less than a year now...
Avoid suzuki outboards.

[fishngamereaper]

I don't know a single owner of an aluminum boat that actually uses his equipment that has not failed. As well as all 3 I have owned over the last 35 years. Just saying. Not if but when. If your boat stays in the driveway or is used lightly you MAY never have a problem. BUT is you are a hardcore outdoors man and use your equipment frequently get ready. AND I do not mean abuse it.. Use it. I suppose there is a fine line between the aluminum cracking and the weld cracking. As far as I see it it STILL CRACKED. Glass has 4 times the tinsel strength of aluminum, is quieter, warmer and most definitely a superior product for the salt. Which was the meaning I was trying to get out. But anyone can pick out the negative in anythng

 I use mine year around and I've never had a issue, from the Snake to Rivers Inlet and all over in between.

 
Me to. Curious what boats you have run that have cracked (major hull defects covered by warranty). Might help shed some light if you name the manufacturers.  I've run aluminum boats for 20 years, 2 personal ones and 4 for work and never had a issue with a boat cracking. And I run them hard. Nothing against glass boats, just not my thing and they do have there weakness. But I don't want to derail the OP's thread more than needed.

For the OP, good luck with your endeavor. Maybe catch a ride on a few boats first and see what suits you best.

[REHJWA]

The NW adventure center on post has boats to rent so you can get an idea of what you looking for.

[Curly]

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

For sure you're going to need to find a used boat and you should plan on doubling your budget.

[bigmike86]

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

For sure you're going to need to find a used boat and you should plan on doubling your budget.

This point was slowly becoming clear to me...quite unfortunate but you gotta pay to play, right?

[fishngamereaper]

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

For sure you're going to need to find a used boat and you should plan on doubling your budget.

This point was slowly becoming clear to me...quite unfortunate but you gotta pay to play, right?

You can find a boat for 5k but don't expect much. Maybe start small and get your feet wet. Besides the boat you will need all the boat gear (required safety gear) and then comes the maint. BOAT- Bust out another thousand...This is why I have friends, I have the boat, and its my another thousand. The saying goes -whats better than owning a boat, having friends with boats.

[GoPlayOutside]

we sank a 21' boat in the Columbia last summer.  We were skiing of glass from 7am-12..then the winds picked up while we were a couple miles from launch.  Winds picked up so quick, we had no chance to hide.  Looking back we should have just docked on someones private dock....but we kept on pushing home hugging the beach for "safe harbor". 
3 big "waves" (wind blown curlers that we could surf) sank the boat within 10 seconds. 
Luckily we were all saved after 30 minutes in the water.  4 kids under the age of 5.  It was my biggest nightmare to date.
I had another close nightmare about 25 years ago with my Dad in the Puget Sound in a 18' boat.
Since you said, Columbia and possible Sound....I would either get a river boat or a big/sturdy boat for the "Mighty Columbia" and Sound. 

[Antlershed]

That was below the Astoria bridge though, correct? You really can't lump that section of the river in with the rest, though it all deserves caution. Glad you all made it out safe.

[cohoho]

Yep below the Astoria bridge is different game altogether...  Myself after running jets all over AK on shallow rivers, I decided I didn't need a jet here for what I like to do, but if you want to run the smaller rivers better be jet or your not making it very farther.  I sold my big inboard jet and got a aluminum with outboard - more all around boat for me, but miss running skinny rivers!  Auuuugh!

[fishwhackin]

In regards to the inquiry about Tracker Grizzly boats, I really like mine.  It is the 2072 model and used mostly for bowfishing and lake fishing.  I have used it on the Hood Canal for crab and shrimp.  I outfitted it with a Honda BF135 and it seems to perform flawlessly.  45MPH with just me or 45MPH with me, 6 friends and 1500lbs of dead carp.  The stability is great until you get in the swells that can arise out of nowhere on the canal.  Aluminum cracking?  Funny story, this boat took took a hit while on the trailer being towed at 50MPH from a car going 50MPH hitting the fender and busting both transom straps and landing the boat at about a 30 degree angle across the trailer.  The bottom had gouges but no holes and still to this day no leaks.  But take one of these flat bottoms across the lake at 40MPH with slight wind chop and you will rattle your teeth out and the boat apart starting with the welds cracking.  Just my experiences to help you decide.

[BigGoonTuna]

you can get a decent boat for $5000 if you know what you're looking for and are a bit handy, especially if it's an older flat bottom jon/sled.  tough part is that you have to be ready to jump as soon as you find one.

the price of new aluminum boats and outboards is crazy right now, and i'm on a working class budget so i'd never be able to afford new.  i picked up my last 2 river sleds for under $5000 so they're out there, not the prettiest but functional.

[huntnphool]

45MPH with me, 6 friends and 1500lbs of dead carp.