18 ish foot aluminum fishing boat advice

[blackpowderhunter]

Good evening all...
Decided I might want to purchase a boat (used), and wanted to start the research now, as i love to over analyze and research about everything i buy 
Looking at getting into a used 18 ish foot aluminum boat.
Price...looking (hoping) to stay aroundddddd 15k, preferably less obviously.
looking at aluminum due to lighter weight, easier to tow etc.  I drive a 2006 tacoma, and my next truck will likely be a tacoma.
I will be using it in lakes, and out on the sound for the usual stuff, shrimp, crab, salmon, maybe more.
I understand there will be limitations with that size boat i am looking at at the waters I can go out on, and I'm ok with that.
I would also like something with a windshield so that I can get a top and have it fully enclosed (if it doesnt already come with one)
Recently spent a week in south east alaska around petersburg on an 18 ft aulmaweld stryker doing some crabbing and halibut fishing, and it seemed to fit the bill quite well.  seas got rough and swells kicked up, we just headed in to calmer waters, no biggie.
Anyways, just looking for recommendations from any boat experts on things I should be looking for, or boats I should be considering, or if my budget and constraints are even reasonable.
Thanks!

[Happy Gilmore]

Some good deals on CL right now. I'd get something like this and buy a new motor and put some TLC into it revamping it if, I was looking to spend some cash. Having a new motor and rigging is #1 to enjoying a boat IMO

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/d/hewescraft-aluminum-fishing/6220087966.html

[Crunchy]

If you are gona fish the sound look for something with a decent V and if aluminum, thicker hull.  For an 18 footer 90hp is perfect.  I have an 18 foot Hewescraft Sportsman.  Awesome boat, but i mainly fish the salt. So a deeper V and thicker hull is what I want in my next boat.

[fishngamereaper]

Hewescraft makes a great boat. I'm on my second one. I jumped from a 17' Searunner to a full cabin 22' Searunner. Don't be in a rush though. Keep watching CL and a good deal will show up. Avoid something that needs a lot of TLC though. You may have corrosion issues that you wont see upon initial inspection.

As for brands in your desired length. On the high end Hewescraft, Northriver, Boulton, Duckworth. Middle road boats Raider and Alumaweld. I would avoid lesser brands.

Just be aware for your price range your looking probably minimum tens years old and at least 500 hrs on the motor. 

[C-Money]

Here is a link to my boat buying thread. Lots of good advice. We still use our boat a ton...was a great investment. Hours of family fun. Good luck on your boat buying adventure!!

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,153871.0.html

[Bill W]

one other tip is to make sure that the boat and trailer will fit inside your garage (should you intend to store it inside).   Most 18foot boats with swing tongues will fit inside.

[lazydrifter]

not mine but looks like a good deal.   

https://olympic.craigslist.org/boa/d/hewescraft-searunner/6220519481.html

[Stein]

15k is going to be tough, new will be at least double plus all the necessary extras.  Start looking and when you see one that looks decent, buy it as it will be gone in a day or two.  Honestly, you won't have a ton of choices for a saltwater worthy boat in that range so don't be too picky.  Find an ugly one with low hours on the motor.


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[NW SURVEYOR]

Plugger has an 18 footer all set to go with downriggers and the whole enchilada.
Fits your needs perfect.
You can fish the lakes and salt.
I have a 20 StarCraft and I love it.
With your Toyota it will trailer great.
I don't know the guy, but it may be a real good deal.
Good luck.
Rob.

[Katmai Guy]

Craigslist has an 18 foot alumaweld sport skiff center console 2 years old. My recommendation would be for the center console instead of the front windshield you can always put canvas from the bow to just in front of the console for full enclosure.

[lokidog]

My 19' Stryker worked well for many years.  90hp engine was more than enough.  Most people wouldn't believe what I've been out in.

Sorry Katmai, I disagree with the center console.  Having a windshield and at least canvas top on it is a necessity IMO for a variety of reasons.  Of course, I am a year round boater on the Sound.

[Happy Gilmore]

StarCraft Riveted boats are nice. Been out in a few. One was old as dirt and been in salt whole life. They say guaranteed not to leak for life. They are super light and haul butt with a moderate motor. My buddy has the 21' cuddy with a 125. It flat out moves. Will tick near upper 40's on glass. Get those in great shape, low hours well within your budget. Depends on what you want to do with the boat. Lakes, sound or, rivers.

[C-Money]

Pluggers boat is a really good deal, and close to your budget...I have seen the boat on the water, and its sharp!!

[Katmai Guy]

My 19' Stryker worked well for many years.  90hp engine was more than enough.  Most people wouldn't believe what I've been out in.

Sorry Katmai, I disagree with the center console.  Having a windshield and at least canvas top on it is a necessity IMO for a variety of reasons.  Of course, I am a year round boater on the Sound.

To each his own, I just prefer standing in the center than getting bounced up and down in the front when it's rough.  When I took rookies fishing it helped to have them in front of me and watch them and the water at the same time and I could run the riggers easier.  Some people say I'm anal.

[blackpowderhunter]

thanks for all of the replies so far.
what should i be looking for with regards to hull thickness and what degree bottom?
i see the stryker is a 14 degree full vee hull and .160 thickness (at least the new ones)

[j_h_nimrod]

My 19' Stryker worked well for many years.  90hp engine was more than enough.  Most people wouldn't believe what I've been out in.

Sorry Katmai, I disagree with the center console.  Having a windshield and at least canvas top on it is a necessity IMO for a variety of reasons.  Of course, I am a year round boater on the Sound.

To each his own, I just prefer standing in the center than getting bounced up and down in the front when it's rough.  When I took rookies fishing it helped to have them in front of me and watch them and the water at the same time and I could run the riggers easier.  Some people say I'm anal.

Center console is my preference as well and I learned year round boating in SE AK. IMO a center console is much more versatile, but a windscreen and cover make a great commuter and a more comfy cabin for people who are more sensitive to going out in inclement weather. I always hated trying to sit in a small stuffy cabin when the weather was rough, it was sure nice when the rain was blowing though!