Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: CP on January 14, 2020, 02:07:22 PM

Title: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: CP on January 14, 2020, 02:07:22 PM: I'm looking for a new lake fishing boat, something under 17' that I can easily handle solo. Preferably one that will fit in a garage. I have a couple ideas (see pic) but I'd like to expand the search a bit. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: Hillbilly Zen on January 14, 2020, 02:30:36 PM: How big of a lake and how many people do you want it to carry?
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: Stein on January 14, 2020, 02:47:05 PM: Go up a few feet, perfect lake boat. You could fish a dozen rods out of that thing easily.

(https://media.tmgcreative.com/2020/SUN-TRACKER_112020/Recreational-Pontoons_2452020/PARTY-BARGE-24-XP3_4970/Product-Beauty_1326546/PARTY-BARGE-24-XP3_img190447_700.jpg)
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: CP on January 14, 2020, 02:50:03 PM: 2, maybe 3 people - 1000ish acre or smaller lakes but something I wouldn't worry about if I was out on Lake Washington on a good day. Not Looking to take it to Swiftsure Bank
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: CP on January 14, 2020, 02:51:14 PM: Quote from: Stein on January 14, 2020, 02:47:05 PM
Go up a few feet, perfect lake boat. You could fish a dozen rods out of that thing easily.

(https://media.tmgcreative.com/2020/SUN-TRACKER_112020/Recreational-Pontoons_2452020/PARTY-BARGE-24-XP3_4970/Product-Beauty_1326546/PARTY-BARGE-24-XP3_img190447_700.jpg)

I'd need a new garage.
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: h20hunter on January 14, 2020, 02:57:19 PM: Bro in law has a 22 or 24 foot tri toon.....we slayed humpies in the sound having a blast. Awesome platform for many things.

New garage...psh....lame excuse! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: Stein on January 14, 2020, 02:59:12 PM: Build the new garage double sized and I'll rent out a bay. It'll be one of the best investments you have ever made and then I can start looking at a bigger boat too.
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: bhawley76 on January 14, 2020, 03:07:12 PM: What kind of budget are you looking at? I think very highly of Valco, I have a 16ft that I use for the lakes around here and have taken it crabbing and salmon fishing all over the sound.
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: Hillbilly Zen on January 14, 2020, 04:16:02 PM: Lake Washington on up to puget sound:

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=27773

For small lakes I’d get a 500$ used Livingston and slap a trolling motor on it and call it a day.

Good luck in your search !
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: Stein on January 14, 2020, 04:28:39 PM: I had the riveted version of this before I sold it for my new boat. They are great, can handle pretty big water and are comfortable to fish in especially with the top in bad weather. You can find an older one in the $6-7k range or something like this a bit newer for double. They are light, fairly flat bottom and easy to launch and retrieve solo, especially in shallow launches.

https://offerup.com/item/detail/803320388/

(https://photos.offerup.com/vy1UuuocqKzjLWnp3Cz_nrD1BcE=/600x450/2200/220070d1956a4daf983da240c14aedab.jpg)
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: Blacklab on January 16, 2020, 09:28:27 PM: Lots of choices

Gregor
Lund
Sylvan
Smoker craft
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: CP on January 17, 2020, 01:31:41 PM: All the name brands seem to offer pretty much the same line of boats, not much difference between any of them. Right now I'm leaning toward a Tracker but I think I need a trip to the Boat Show.
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: Bill W on January 17, 2020, 01:47:17 PM: An 18footer with a swing tongue trailer will fit in a standard garage stall. If you are considering a c-drive get the overall length first from the furtherest end of the motor to the pivot on the swing tongue. There is a possibility that you will need to lower the jack to the lowest position in order to get the windshield to pass under the garage opening.
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: jackelope on January 17, 2020, 05:53:07 PM: Sent you a pm, CP.
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: CP on February 10, 2020, 02:05:07 PM: Found one. I got it wet for the first time today. I think we will get along fine.
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: 2MANY on February 10, 2020, 02:14:20 PM: She's all dressed up and ready for town.
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: h20hunter on February 10, 2020, 02:32:18 PM: Nice. My center console is the same brand. Holler when you need a net man!
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: follow maggie on February 10, 2020, 07:00:07 PM: Nice boat. I like those River Hawks
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: blackpowderhunter on February 10, 2020, 09:39:55 PM: nice boat :tup:
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: CP on February 11, 2020, 08:11:50 AM: Thanks for all the kind comments. I need to finish rigging it, e.g. mount a 2nd downrigger, get another seat, find a place for the trolling motor battery, mount some rod holders, etc... I haven’t decided if I want a gas kicker or not.

Anyone know where to find the gunwale rail sliders for mounting rod holders?
Title: Re: Looking for a lake fishing boat
Post by: h20hunter on February 11, 2020, 08:17:06 AM: If they are the same as mine call elephant boys in spokane.