Post by: bigmike86 on February 22, 2016, 06:09:39 PM
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
Post by: Antlershed on February 22, 2016, 06:13:48 PM
Post by: bigmike86 on February 22, 2016, 06:20:24 PM
Thanks for the help! Sorry I cant be more specific at this point
Post by: KFhunter on February 22, 2016, 06:27:12 PM
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
Post by: Bofire on February 22, 2016, 06:27:36 PM
Carl
Post by: bigmike86 on February 22, 2016, 06:32:20 PM
Post by: Antlershed on February 22, 2016, 08:52:26 PM
One thing you will learn quick, is that in most fisheries, a boat won't get you away from the crowds. :twocents:
Post by: KFhunter on February 22, 2016, 08:58:28 PM
Post by: huntnphool on February 22, 2016, 09:00:33 PM
Post by: Antlershed on February 22, 2016, 09:01:57 PM
Post by: Antlershed on February 22, 2016, 09:04:22 PM
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. :oYou just need to be more adventurous. :chuckle:
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.
Post by: WSU on February 22, 2016, 09:20:52 PM
Post by: Westside88 on February 22, 2016, 09:23:09 PM
Post by: bigmike86 on February 23, 2016, 05:59:46 AM
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?
Post by: REHJWA on February 23, 2016, 07:25:07 AM
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....
Post by: Antlershed on February 23, 2016, 07:29:28 AM
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. :twocents:
Post by: Alchase on February 23, 2016, 11:15:11 AM
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.
Post by: Bill W on February 23, 2016, 11:44:50 AM
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.
Post by: Badhabit on February 23, 2016, 12:03:47 PM
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.
Post by: Come Get Some on February 24, 2016, 05:00:53 PM
Post by: bigmike86 on February 24, 2016, 06:18:31 PM
Post by: bigmike86 on February 25, 2016, 09:03:38 AM
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
Post by: fishngamereaper on February 26, 2016, 04:58:52 AM
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.
Post by: Come Get Some on February 26, 2016, 07:01:24 AM
Post by: Henrydog on February 26, 2016, 07:07:55 AM
Post by: Antlershed on February 26, 2016, 07:43:34 AM
What do you all think about tracker jon boats? Specifically the grizzly modelDon'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.
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
Post by: Badhabit on February 26, 2016, 08:57:24 AM
Post by: Badhabit on February 26, 2016, 09:30:50 AM
http://www.boattrader.com/dealers/elephant-boys/2886882/make-lowe/Page-2/Perpage-20
Post by: Machias on February 26, 2016, 10:31:25 AM
Post by: huntnphool on February 26, 2016, 12:48:14 PM
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. :twocents:
Post by: Brad Harshman on February 26, 2016, 01:35:10 PM
It's great because I've owned this boat/motor for less than a year now...
Avoid suzuki outboards.
Post by: fishngamereaper on February 26, 2016, 09:45:37 PM
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. :twocents:
:yeah:
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.
Post by: REHJWA on February 26, 2016, 11:05:33 PM
Post by: Curly on February 27, 2016, 03:54:17 AM
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.
Post by: bigmike86 on February 27, 2016, 07:06:13 AM
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?
Post by: fishngamereaper on February 27, 2016, 07:15:32 AM
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.
Post by: GoPlayOutside on February 27, 2016, 07:32:43 AM
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.
Post by: Antlershed on February 27, 2016, 08:07:57 AM
Post by: cohoho on March 26, 2016, 10:27:37 PM
Post by: fishwhackin on March 27, 2016, 05:01:51 AM
Post by: BigGoonTuna on March 27, 2016, 08:21:02 AM
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.
Post by: huntnphool on March 27, 2016, 09:17:28 AM
45MPH with me, 6 friends and 1500lbs of dead carp.
:o