Post by: blackpowderhunter on July 16, 2017, 08:08:59 PM
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 :chuckle:
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!
Post by: Happy Gilmore on July 16, 2017, 11:39:50 PM
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/d/hewescraft-aluminum-fishing/6220087966.html
Post by: Crunchy on July 17, 2017, 01:25:23 AM
Post by: fishngamereaper on July 17, 2017, 06:52:29 AM
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.
Post by: C-Money on July 17, 2017, 08:13:41 AM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,153871.0.html
Post by: Bill W on July 17, 2017, 08:20:53 AM
Post by: lazydrifter on July 17, 2017, 04:27:38 PM
https://olympic.craigslist.org/boa/d/hewescraft-searunner/6220519481.html
Post by: Stein on July 17, 2017, 08:32:38 PM
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Post by: NW SURVEYOR on July 17, 2017, 08:57:58 PM
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.
Post by: Katmai Guy on July 17, 2017, 08:58:51 PM
Post by: lokidog on July 17, 2017, 09:53:54 PM
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.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on July 17, 2017, 11:02:57 PM
Post by: C-Money on July 18, 2017, 07:16:20 AM
Post by: Katmai Guy on July 18, 2017, 07:22:00 AM
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. :dunno:
Post by: blackpowderhunter on July 18, 2017, 07:53:21 PM
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)
Post by: j_h_nimrod on July 18, 2017, 08:15:51 PM
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. :dunno:
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!