What’s your boat of preference?

[h2ofowlr]

I just wanted to see what most of you prefer boat wise, who own boats.  I owned a North River for a long time and recently sold it and looking to upgrade to a new aluminum one with a prop set up.  I was looking at the 20' North River Seahawk  any other good recommendations?  I checked out severa nice Thunder Jets as well with the off shore brackets?  Any recommendations would be great.

[Antlershed]

I've been fishing out of a North River for the last six or seven years. If you can find a seahawk i would go that route.   

[cohoho]

I wish they made a multipurpose boat, one that could do it all well, but they don't exist, I have explored almost every option and have sold numerous different boats and owned several others.  I guess decide what you would be utilizing the boat for the most, i.e. crabbing, trolling, open water, rivers, tubing, etc...  Everyone is going to have their personal favorite for sure.  even though I have a Larger 23 foot Thunderjet, it was the cat's ass in AK for where it would have utilized but sucks ass here (except for the Astoria area of the Columbia when I want to cut corners instead of following the channels). for what I want to do now within Washington (Open Water-Tuna, Shrimping, going to Canada). It does multiple thing well, nothing excellent.  On the flip side a big alum Hewescraft Ocean Pro (price range also) would be my choice for venturing in the open water of the sound and Canada.  It would harder to launch and deal with for taking the family recreating on local lakes.  I also like the North River Seahawk, but with them going under and all the ones that were sold at the auctions, you never know what stage of production it was in.  Have been hearing stories of some being 90-95% complete, missing stuff etc, when sold by Wells Fargo..  Best all-around period, bar none and would argue performance with any is the Wooldridge Alaskan II for shallow skinny jet able water.    Choices, Choices, Choices.  Go to the manufactures, heck alot are right here within the borders of Washington...

I would start with these things, What do you want to do with the boat, where do you want to go?  Price range?  Do you have a vehicle that can tow it properly and safely?  Gas consumption, is that a concern?  Outboard motors tend to give you more fishing and messing around room, where inboard jets limit your space.  If you have a raised deck your four feet off the bottom of the boat and doing stuff at water level is extremely tough and makes the boats sway harder in the swells and cross winds.  Good luck in your search. 

[buckhorn2]

One thing to look at is it going to be used in lakes or rivers or maybe the ocean. I have a 23 foot alumaweld super vee. When I got it I was thinking river but have been using it a lot in the ocean. I wish I would have got one with a little different bottom as mine pounds in a wind chop. A lot of boats have different bottom styles that are better if you are thinking offshore.

[Hunterman]

The best boat that I can come up with is one that floats, and the motor works 

Realy, what I look for is one that has a deep V haul, an outboard on anything under 24 foot.. It has to have good gunnel hight, storage for fishing rods, net, tackel boxes, and plenty of fuel for running to where the fish are..The biggest thing to have in comfort for the "Boss Lady"..

Hunterman(Tony)

[huntnphool]

I fish everywhere so the best for me was a sled. I have a NorthRiver CommanderX and love it. Its been in small rivers, large rivers, the bays and up the inside passage to Rivers Inlet without an issue.

[WAPITIHUNTER]

Sevylor 2 man inflatable. Which by the way actually only holds half a man!

[MuleySniper]

18' Tiderunner- Great Puget Sound boat. Seiku, Neah Bay...etc.  Set up with two electric Scotty's
14" Lund- Great Puget Sound salmon fisher, jigging boat and great laker for trout fishing
16' Alumaweld Potbelly- Perfect 3 person drift boat for steelies. Fun to row the small lakes too.
Im pretty spoiled in the fishing boat department.
 
Now I just need a 26' Cobalt....
MS

[TeacherMan]

20' searunner Hewes craft 

[rasbo]

I would like the 18 foot intruder by alumaweld,outboard prop with a 18 deadrise..perfect boat for the wife and I...

[PolarBear]

I own 4 boats for different applications.  I want to get another.  I like the North River Seahawk OS with twin outboards but since they have gone tits up I might be looking elsewhere.  I would like to find a bare bones (boat and trailer only) and rig it myself.  I wonder if they have any left from the factory that are still raw?   I really like the Coastal Craft boats out of Canada but I am not going to sink another $100,000+ into a fishing boat. I also like a Willy Predator as far as smaller boats go.  I wish that someone made a good all around fishing (fresh and salt) aluminum boat but I haven't found one even close to what it yet.  I know a guy in Bellingham that can make any boat type that you want but they are super expensive and, well, fiberglass.  You can never have too many boats!

[Crunchy]

Ya I am looking for a boat as well.  Want an 18ft boat with outboard for fresh and salt water (puget sound).  Want front mount pedistal seat and room for 4.  I have been looking at Crestliners but dont want that fancy carpet all over cause it wont last, and dont want to spend more than 10-15k.

[rasbo]

Ya I am looking for a boat as well.  Want an 18ft boat with outboard for fresh and salt water (puget sound).  Want front mount pedistal seat and room for 4.  I have been looking at Crestliners but dont want that fancy carpet all over cause it wont last, and dont want to spend more than 10-15k.

lund has one called a tyee check it out

[Dmanmastertracker]

 I have a 21' Custom Weld Storm 1/2 hard top, great boat, BUT.... If I had my druthers and could put a lump of cash down on a new boat, I would go with either the 26' Custom Weld offshore, a 24' Boulton Explorer, or a 24' Hewes Alaskan.

[MtnMuley]

Lund 18' Pro V SE.  Fits my application perfect.  Perfect walleye boat, and works fine for bass and with the downriggers it works well for salmon also.

[FISHBOY]

Lund Pro V 1800 IFS with a 140 Johnson 4 stroke.  Can't get a better quality Walleye boat (except a 1900 or 2025) in my opinion.

[dbllunger]

Lot of great boats out.  Won't pick any brand over the other as they all are generally pretty good in quality.

Welded Aluminum, Med V, Wide as possible, 30" or greater sides, extension for an outboard, suspension seats, full Canvas Top/Passenger area.  All the other options are great and the more the merrier.

[alanger]

I have a 21' Custom Weld Storm 1/2 hard top, great boat, BUT.... If I had my druthers and could put a lump of cash down on a new boat, I would go with either the 26' Custom Weld offshore, a 24' Boulton Explorer, or a 24' Hewes Alaskan.

Id go with the 26' Custom Weld offshore. They nice. 

[WAcoueshunter]

On the plus side, we have a ton of different fishing options here in WA.  On the down side, to fish them all well you need about five different boats.  I have a 21' Striper for the salt.  Looking to get a Hilaker or something similar to fish the lakes and certain saltwater spots.  I rely on family/friends for the rivers.

[h2ofowlr]

On the plus side, we have a ton of different fishing options here in WA.  On the down side, to fish them all well you need about five different boats.  I have a 21' Striper for the salt.  Looking to get a Hilaker or something similar to fish the lakes and certain saltwater spots.  I rely on family/friends for the rivers.

Yea, had this argument with the wife seveal times.  She made me sell my North River Scout,  I have my 18' Sea Ark set for duck hunting, canoe, aqua pod and 12' aluminum.  Trying to get a sea worthy aluminum boat and have been looking at multiple options.