Boat selection help

[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.