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Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: dkecoleman on July 10, 2011, 09:00:48 PM

Title: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: dkecoleman on July 10, 2011, 09:00:48 PM: So I have a question for you guys. I'm in the market for a boat, but I'm not sure what type. I'm looking to get the family out on the water but there are so many different options. Which type of boat do you think you get the most bang for your buck? I'm interest in fishing in the sound but I don't have much experience in the salt. Is it worth it? I currently live in Orting so the drive to the sound isn't to bad. I have considered just getting a little utility boat for fishing the lakes, that I might be able to duck hunt out of as well. Or a bigger boat like a trophy, I think the wife might enjoy that alittle more. Or maybe a river boat. Just curious what you guys think is the best way to go?
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: duckaholic on July 10, 2011, 09:13:50 PM: not much for the salt water but a good bang for the buck boat when it comes to hunting and fishing.. my buddy has the 2072 with a console it is a big boat that dose well in rough water, we use it in the columbia river all the time.

http://www.trackerboats.com/all-welded-jon-boats.cfm (http://www.trackerboats.com/all-welded-jon-boats.cfm)
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: jeepster on July 10, 2011, 09:18:47 PM: i think one of the most versatile boats in washington is a hewes craft sportsman or an arima... they are small enough to take up the rivers and out to the lake for trout fishing but i also wouldnt hesitate to go out to neah bay to do some halibut fishing in one...you can also camo them up pretty easilly for duck hunting. the arima is a wet ride, but those little boats are tough SOBs.

if i could have any boat for the northwest/bc/alaska under 10,000$ i would get an old glasply 23 or something. they are the do-anything-go-anywhere-in-any-weather boat. made in marysville. i have a 20 foot glasply and paid 700$ for it. they way they were made was so ahead of its time, it kind of set the standard as to how heavy duty fishing boats are made today. they were the sea-sports/osprey/grady white of thier time. you can pick one up for 2000$ put in a brand new motor/outdrive, repaint it, and you will have a brand new boat for tens of thousands less. with what money is left over id buy a 14' lund and a 15hp motor to do everything else. stay away from anything bayliner/trophy.

bayliner=henry fords production line mentality+walmart quality :twocents:

this is an arima (https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.samishisland.org%2Farima%2Fimages%2Fboat4.jpg&hash=705cd05f87db3a35370f0e956e0fedb6ebaea2de)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dancingonion.com%2Fmedia191%2Fboats%2Fsportsman1.jpg&hash=f396d318319007599c7d000e1996998e5042b14c)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mauigeosciences.com%2FPhotos%2FFinish%2FDaBoat_FirstDip_032209%2520020.JPG&hash=29e51bd6dccb8804c42d386cc82439cde084be17)
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: lawdog on July 11, 2011, 12:55:55 AM: hands down its the medium small boston whaler, there is absolutly nothing you can do to the boat to sink it for one. there easy to get up on plane and hard to flip, the coast guard, navy and marine corps have been using different versions of the whalers for some 20 years already, there easy to maintain, you can outfit them how you want to, very rugged, and of course you shouldnt be afraid of taking even there 14 footer out on the sound in the worst of weather :tup: and there not too much money either. go to the bostonwhaler.com website and see there video of the 50 people they put in the swamped boat and it still doesnt sink, its pretty cool
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: rasbo on July 11, 2011, 03:43:54 AM: hewes would be my choice,prop not a jet
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: longknife on July 11, 2011, 05:59:59 AM: I will have to say, the Bayliner Trophy boats are great boats, and just screams lets go fishing! Just picked up a 21' walk around bow, cuddy (i have 3 kids and wife), with a merc 175 outboard for 8k. not many hours, lots of extras.(kenniwick area =freshwater use)
Look for fuel capacity, if you want to go out for halibut(Lapush, Neah bay ect). :twocents:
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 11, 2011, 07:07:22 AM: My buddy is the shipping boss at Hewes Craft. If I was gonna buy a boat, I'd get me one of those. Nice boats. You can get them at Clarks All Sports in Colville cheaper than any place in Washington.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: TheHunt on July 11, 2011, 07:18:38 AM: I would agree with lawdog on the Boston Whaler. Un sinkable and you can set them up any way you want.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: Rick on July 11, 2011, 07:25:02 AM: I'd pick the 20' North River Seahawk I bought in '06. Big enough to run 20 miles out in the ocean for Halibut. Small enough to run on local lakes. Will fish 4 comfortably. With the Yamaha F150,it'll run 50mph. Will pull tubers,skiers,wakeboarders,etc. Its aluminum,so you don't need a dock,just pull it up on shore if you want.

Here it is fishing four guys in Curlew last spring.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz176%2FRpelletierjr%2F29514_1286390768386_1488681577_30657130_4858454_n.jpg&hash=f013c4a503f630825574fbc2394b59eb1dde36a0)
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: Shed Stud on July 11, 2011, 07:48:22 AM: Must go aluminum. :twocents: Check out SeaRaider 22-72. About the same quality as the big name Hewes and north rivers for alot less money. Big enough for family and gear. Safe enough for salt, and small enough to tow around.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: TeacherMan on July 11, 2011, 08:58:54 AM: Raider boats are nice! I like the look of the 24 and 26.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: teal101 on July 11, 2011, 09:29:29 AM: Has to be aluminum. Nothing over 20' imo. Needs to be small enough to get down the wasteways to go duck hunting, small enough to maneuver easy, light enough to maneuver easy, big enough to handle the Columbia, tough enough to park in the rocks or bounce off a piece of floating debris, have flat decks for fishing, and a jet for shallow running.

My dad has a 17' Lowe and it is pretty awesome. My only gripe is a love hate relationship with it. Being aluminum its blown all over the lake in the slightest breeze while bass fishing. But, being aluminum it is very easy to move by hand and we can park it just about anywhere.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: bowtech721 on July 11, 2011, 09:56:28 AM: Quote from: Shed Stud on July 11, 2011, 07:48:22 AM
Must go aluminum. :twocents: Check out SeaRaider 22-72. About the same quality as the big name Hewes and north rivers for alot less money. Big enough for family and gear. Safe enough for salt, and small enough to tow around.
thats the boat I run
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: FC on July 11, 2011, 10:15:01 AM: Is that your Glass-ply in the picture jeepster?
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: jeepster on July 11, 2011, 10:39:45 AM: i wish, the glasply i had pictured was the 23 footer. sadly i dont have any pictures of my boat on this computer, but here is an example of what i have, same model, same color, except i have a 26 mile radar dome mounted on the hard top and dual antenas. my boat is still inside but im thinking it will on the water this comming weekend.... i was able to pick my boat up for 700$ and the main only had 180 origional hours. the guy got it for his kids and nobody was interested. it was used a few times, but sat for 12+ years un-touched. for being a 33 year old boat, the main fires first turn of the key. i think after fishing a season and a half on it it still only has 220 hours, most of which were put on at while at the shop

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.boatverse.com%2Fnlarge%2Fwith_merc_470_10779.jpg&hash=ee03d399841492e6a98828267c543586a47c2135)
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: akirkland on July 11, 2011, 10:59:37 AM: Unfortunately you need three boats to do everything. Most of the time that is ureasonable. So there is some give and take when it comes to the perfect boat. I would go with a 16 to 18 ft open sled with a pump. You can duck hunt the shallows, Run any river you want, fish lakes and the sound. You wont be pulling skiers or tubes. You wont be running out of La Push for anything. Living in Orting im assuming you are fishing the clay banks or slag pile. Maybe the south sound as well. Hell ya its worth it! Not like it was before but it still produces. You wont get beat up down there in a open sled either. Heck, i've seen open sleds out of Westport and Seiku. Another down side is its cold as hesck fishing out of a open boat in winter and spring. Thats what good clothes are for though. Just one persons point of view. Good luck to ya.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: Wingin it on July 11, 2011, 11:11:55 AM: :yeah: :twocents:
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: jeepster on July 11, 2011, 02:07:36 PM: also look at G-3 boats. thier "guide" (not the guide xt) series comes in a 18, 16, and 14" open aluminum skiffs. the 18 and 16 are 84" wide and are alot of boat, they all are extra wide and have high sides. i saw an 18 footer at the showroom that they put a deck in and had a 70hp tiller-steer honda on the back... i was shocked at how much usable room there was in that boat, its a monster. there was probably 3 times the usable deck space in that skiff than i have in my boat. g-3 is owned by yamaha, they are made in the usa and have a lifetime waranty. personally id want to have some rails welded onto the boat for something to lean against when fighting fish or to hold onto in the rough stuff

here is the price from the dealer here in town: 2011 G3 GUIDE V16 (84" BEAM) $4395

dont forget to add 300 bucks to the bill for a set of xtratuff boots and some grundens rain gear
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: cohoho on July 11, 2011, 02:37:55 PM: And 6 bilge pumps....
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: cohoho on July 11, 2011, 02:51:37 PM: My dilemma right at this very moment as I sold my 22 foot TJ Rio Classic recently.

There is NOT a boat that you can utilize 100% for all needs for sure. Write down where you will or want to use it most say 80% of time. Get that boat that suits THAT need and finds friends with the other boats. Sacrificing a boat that does all well, sucks, as that is exactly what a Big Jet will do for you, unless you run that specific area for that specific need. You need two for sure... at least two, an ocean and a "Real" river sled.. Some will argue but in the ocean the last thing you want is a wet ride from a jet hull or loose your fillings or break the kidneys ride and of course a deep vee in the rivers isn't going to get you anywhere close to upstream of the mouth. Since I used to be an exclusively shallow river sled guy in AK, thought the Rio would be a good choice for dual purpose here, it is if I want to stay near the dock in breezes off shore and then again also if I want to stay where the other fisherman are in the rivers... :bash: So it is off to the market that I go too. Flipping coins, riding and looking at other boats before I make this rather large purchase. But I am down to two choices...
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: akirkland on July 11, 2011, 03:17:14 PM: And.... they are?!?!?
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: dkecoleman on July 11, 2011, 06:23:03 PM: Thanks for all the replies, I'm leaning towards the hewes or something similar in nature. Fishing the lakes around here, the south sound and a few camping trips a year on the columbia is kinda the plan.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: Ripper on July 11, 2011, 07:43:36 PM: I had an 18" Smokercraft Phantom that I just traded in last Saturday. It was a very versitle boat for the NW. I used it in rivers, lakes the sound, but it beat the crap out you if there was a little chop on the water. Thats why I had to get rid of it. I traded for a 21' Seaswirl Striper. It won't be as versitle as the Phantom, but I can still fish the Sound and Neah bay of course, plus lakes and Lower rivers. Like Cohoho said, a person really needs 2 boats here. I'll probably pick up a smaller jet boat at some point for river and smaller lakes. You can't go wrong with the North River/Hewes class of boats. They are awesome. Unless you're going to be doing much shallow river running I'd look at a Lund also. They are the best riding aluminum boats I've ever riden in. I used to have a 16 footer and it was very smooth. Good luck in your search.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: pjb3 on July 11, 2011, 08:49:27 PM: I'm selling mine!!!
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: lokidog on July 11, 2011, 10:11:51 PM: Quote from: longknife on July 11, 2011, 05:59:59 AM
I will have to say, the Bayliner Trophy boats are great boats, and just screams lets go fishing! Just picked up a 21' walk around bow, cuddy (i have 3 kids and wife), with a merc 175 outboard for 8k. not many hours, lots of extras.(kenniwick area =freshwater use)
Look for fuel capacity, if you want to go out for halibut(Lapush, Neah bay ect). :twocents:

Good seaworthy boats but mine with a 150 only gets about 2 mpg. 18-20 foot aluminum boat will be much more fuel efficient, though a bit bumpier since they are lighter but will be plenty safe for the Sound and all but nasty weather on the coast. I have a 19' Alumaweld also and have put 9000 miles on it in the last three years (4-6 mpg depending on load), the Trophy gets to go to Westport once in a while or is used when I have to get off the island in larger seas. If I could have afforded it, I would have gone with the 20' Hewes instead. A little heavier but also has a higher gunnel.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: longknife on July 12, 2011, 06:17:37 AM: NICE BOAT!! Been fishing with PJB3

Quote from: pjb3 on July 11, 2011, 08:49:27 PM
I'm selling mine!!!
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: MADMAX on July 12, 2011, 06:19:45 AM: I would say something aluminum around 18ft with a canvas top and 4 stroke kicker and main motor.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: cohoho on July 13, 2011, 10:43:41 PM: How bout a 23 foot Wooldridge with a 200hp Honda??????????
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: BLUEBULLS on July 14, 2011, 01:05:24 PM: A guy needs about 6 boats!!!

For me, based on what I do, my next boat will be a 18-20ft v-hull tiller, either Warrior, Yar-Craft, Ranger, or Lund.

Most likely a Lund due to the price of a fiberglass. Like an 1825 Pro-Guide w/ a 90hp 4 stroke or 2050 Pro-guide w/ a 150hp 4 stroke.

Gotta have something tough for banging the rollers on the Umatilla pool of the Columbia.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: Antlershed on July 14, 2011, 01:39:55 PM: Like some have mentioned, there is no "one" boat for the PNW. I have ran our 20' NorthRiver with a pump 14 miles out of Westport, and it will be making its 3rd annual trip to Nootka Sound this weekend. It is not ideal for these trips, but it gets the job done safely. For me, the perfect boat would be a 24' Open Willie Raptor with a big 4-stroke Yamaha, both prop and pump lower units, removable windshield, and a canvas top. But I would also have no problem giving up ocean fishing, as I only make one or two trips a year anyway. Just need to win the lottery first...
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on July 14, 2011, 01:45:10 PM: For me, one that doesn't cost anything... :chuckle:

Boats are a money pit.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: Sporting_Man on July 14, 2011, 01:58:35 PM: I ended up fancing drift boats only. I get seasick from big seas, then as far as rivers go I like Oly Peninsula rivers the best (no motor allowed) - solution is: drift boat.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: tmike on July 14, 2011, 02:00:32 PM: I decided a few weeks ago to get a sled for the rivers and fell into a Duckworth Prosteelheader 3 and couldn't be happier. It's 17 feet, has a fully enclosed canvas top, 115 yamaha pump and I added an older 8hp 4 stroke kicker. It's built solid. I've had it on the Cow twice and just returned from Sekiu and it handled the waves great. It's got a modified v hull so I was surprised it didn't pound to hard. Right now it's on the lake and I can also pull the kids around on the tube. It's hard to find an all around boat but this one is pretty close. I wouldn't take it out in the ocean but I've seen smaller out there. I'm into it for less than 10K.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: tmike on July 14, 2011, 02:02:15 PM: I have a drift boat for the very same reason too.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: gasman on July 14, 2011, 03:42:01 PM: Quote from: pjb3 on July 11, 2011, 08:49:27 PM
I'm selling mine!!!

Why :dunno:
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: fishcrazy on July 14, 2011, 07:47:26 PM: I went though the same thing when picking out a boat. I ended up with a 21' fwrd helm Willie raptor. It does everything you mentioned better than any other boat I could find. Rides nice in chopy water but can get it done in the shallow skinny stuff. I have found that I use it more in places and ways that I thought I never would and the family has grown bigger. :chuckle: I hope to trade it in on a 24' open Raptor in a few years. Exactly like the one Antlershed described but with a few more options :tup:

When it comes down to metal boats you won't find a better quality boat than a Willie. I have climbed through them all.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: kbyers on July 15, 2011, 01:01:48 PM: Quote from: dkecoleman on July 11, 2011, 06:23:03 PM
Thanks for all the replies, I'm leaning towards the hewes or something similar in nature. Fishing the lakes around here, the south sound and a few camping trips a year on the columbia is kinda the plan.

With the places that you have mentioned it sounds like you are not going to need a jet. Maybe I missed it, are you looking for a new or used boat? If used I would look for a Hewes or a Duckworth Pro Steelheader. New, check out River Wild boats in southern Oregon. I saw them at the Portland Sportsman show a couple years ago, really solid boats priced very reasonably.

DK, if you were going to list the top 5 places that you would use this boat, where would they be?
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: jackmaster on July 15, 2011, 02:13:54 PM: Quote from: Rick on July 11, 2011, 07:25:02 AM
I'd pick the 20' North River Seahawk I bought in '06. Big enough to run 20 miles out in the ocean for Halibut. Small enough to run on local lakes. Will fish 4 comfortably. With the Yamaha F150,it'll run 50mph. Will pull tubers,skiers,wakeboarders,etc. Its aluminum,so you don't need a dock,just pull it up on shore if you want.

Here it is fishing four guys in Curlew last spring.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz176%2FRpelletierjr%2F29514_1286390768386_1488681577_30657130_4858454_n.jpg&hash=f013c4a503f630825574fbc2394b59eb1dde36a0)
:yeah: i have 3 friends that all own NR a 23 ft 26 ft and a 32ft, we have taken the 23 out of the columbia and across the bar and didnt have to sweat it, of course crossing the bar sucks in bad weather but when you have a desent boat it help calm the nerves a bit :twocents:
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: cohoho on July 15, 2011, 10:27:15 PM: Well that is that.... After compression checks on Monday.. Will have a 23 foot Wooldridge Super Sport Offshore with 200hp prop Honda. No more Jet dog box to try and get around and able to run for what I want versus being destroyed by 1 foot chop... A bit of TLC and it will be ready to roll- aka the Sturgeon Reaper from this day forward.... New song for the CD player too... Don't fear the reaper, but will always have AC/DC Thunderstruck standing by to lure the Sturgeon....
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: lokidog on July 15, 2011, 10:52:35 PM: Cohoho.... Pretty Nice! Have fun!
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: kbyers on July 16, 2011, 07:26:44 AM: Sweet boat cohoho. Lots of fun waiting to be had
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 16, 2011, 07:56:34 AM: I would love to get a sled about 16 foot. Would be perfect to fish and duck hunt out of.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: tmike on July 16, 2011, 10:26:16 AM: Here's the Prosteelheader 3. It's an 1989 and I believe they changed the name since then. The 2 is a center consol and the 1 is a tiller type I believe.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff110%2Ftkswhanson%2FP1020861.jpg&hash=a698668c1ce2d9ef469ecef5a5e6dd7ec2e00b91)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff110%2Ftkswhanson%2FP1020860.jpg&hash=2467869ddca1c563e453a0e60b1eebcf9b0bafed)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff110%2Ftkswhanson%2FP1020859.jpg&hash=916bf1e98dd66f2088d722ca559f1f1c0e39b895)
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: dkecoleman on July 16, 2011, 11:47:46 AM: Quote
With the places that you have mentioned it sounds like you are not going to need a jet. Maybe I missed it, are you looking for a new or used boat? If used I would look for a Hewes or a Duckworth Pro Steelheader. New, check out River Wild boats in southern Oregon. I saw them at the Portland Sportsman show a couple years ago, really solid boats priced very reasonably.

DK, if you were going to list the top 5 places that you would use this boat, where would they be?

1. Lakes/Sound (most of the time)
3. Columbia
4. Strait

New or used doesn't really matter, As long as I find a decent deal. I just want a nice boat I can get the family out in, fishing being the priority, but capable of pulling a tube for the kiddo in a few years. I don''t want to have to worry to much about rough water catching me off gaurd. Not that I will be out in extremely rough water, things happen. Capable of staying out of the weather somewhat for the wife and kid. I love fishing the rivers, but I don't think I would enough, to make a jet worthwhile.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: gasman on July 16, 2011, 12:57:30 PM: Personally, I will be looking at the Glasply or a small Cutty Cabin style boat. A little cabin to escape the weather for the wife and kids may keep them more interested in being on teh watr with you. I know my wife has shown an interes in being on te water more but would like a place to get away from the weaher and relax.
I have been on others boats that had cabins on them and it was nice to sit out on the deck or under cover.

May be it's st me getting older :dunno:
:twocents:
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: cohoho on July 16, 2011, 02:32:28 PM: Unless your strickly running salt, I would stay away from Fiberglass.. Can't beach it without super safety look outs, heavier for sure, horrible to set anchor from on the Columbia... No self draining front end for late returns down river- not a problem if a cuddy for sure, but again getting out of the thing to set anchor or release it for that matter when you have too..... and go to shore is a real pain...
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: lokidog on July 16, 2011, 11:36:58 PM: Quote from: cohoho on July 16, 2011, 02:32:28 PM
Unless your strickly running salt, I would stay away from Fiberglass.. Can't beach it without super safety look outs, heavier for sure, horrible to set anchor from on the Columbia... No self draining front end for late returns down river- not a problem if a cuddy for sure, but again getting out of the thing to set anchor or release it for that matter when you have too..... and go to shore is a real pain...

:yeah:

I've got no gelcoat left on the bow keel of my Trophy after two years of beaching at the boat launch.... If you do go fiberglass, put out the couple hundred bucks for a good keel guard for the bow. They make a decent self-adhesive one I think.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: PolarBear on July 17, 2011, 12:35:12 AM: I'm kinda going through the same dillema right now. I am selling my big boat and possibly my work boat (keeping the Skeeter though) and am looking for a good, all around boat for salmon and steelhead fishing. I would like something that I could fish rivers but not get that crap beat out of me in the Sound, Buoy 10 or even the ocean.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: LndShrk on July 18, 2011, 09:03:37 AM: There is no really best boat for everyone. It is all a matter of personal choice.

Step #1 is to define your usage and criteria that you will use to qualify or disqualify.
Then shop. Compare and Test ride. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

I spent about 2 years shopping around. and making choices. (What fun that is.. )
I trialed many different options. In Glass and Aluminum.

When it was all said and done. Thunderjet won out with me.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: bowtech721 on July 19, 2011, 04:06:07 PM: Quote from: cohoho on July 15, 2011, 10:27:15 PM
Well that is that.... After compression checks on Monday.. Will have a 23 foot Wooldridge Super Sport Offshore with 200hp prop Honda. No more Jet dog box to try and get around and able to run for what I want versus being destroyed by 1 foot chop... A bit of TLC and it will be ready to roll- aka the Sturgeon Reaper from this day forward.... New song for the CD player too... Don't fear the reaper, but will always have AC/DC Thunderstruck standing by to lure the Sturgeon....
99% sure i saw you pulling that badboy north on I5 today... i drooled a little and pulled a neck muscle looking over my shoulder :chuckle: nice boat
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: fishcrazy on July 19, 2011, 08:34:11 PM: Allen I seen him going south this a.m. after it. he was going south and I was going north and could see the grin on his face. :chuckle:

Kris
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: RadSav on July 19, 2011, 08:45:57 PM: North River or Willie would get my vote. For me the Willie anchors in the Columbia better and the NR gives a better ride getting there. I did not like the Thunder Jet or the Duckworth. Have always wanted to give the Wooldridge a workout, but have yet to get a chance.
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: Elite1 on July 20, 2011, 01:24:33 PM: have a 25 ft wooldridge super sport drifter with several design changes during the building process . and love it . rides great ,handles nice . has 6.0 v-8 with jet .
Title: Re: If you could pick one type of boat for the northwest, what would it be?
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 21, 2011, 09:54:59 PM: Quote from: Rick on July 11, 2011, 07:25:02 AM
I'd pick the 20' North River Seahawk I bought in '06. Big enough to run 20 miles out in the ocean for Halibut. Small enough to run on local lakes. Will fish 4 comfortably. With the Yamaha F150,it'll run 50mph. Will pull tubers,skiers,wakeboarders,etc. Its aluminum,so you don't need a dock,just pull it up on shore if you want.

Here it is fishing four guys in Curlew last spring.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz176%2FRpelletierjr%2F29514_1286390768386_1488681577_30657130_4858454_n.jpg&hash=f013c4a503f630825574fbc2394b59eb1dde36a0)

This is the next set up that I have been looking at getting. The truck, quad and motor home will be paid off this year, so next year is looking attractive.