New boat?

[xd2005]

I'm trying to determine the most economical (looking to stay at or under $1k) way to get a setup I want. Primarily lake fishing....MAYBE would want to be able to take on the Columbia or Hood Canal, but big maybe and not deal breaker if I cannot. Would like to be able to carry 2 adults, one child.

So I currently have a 10' Columbia Fiberglass boat and a 1.5ish HP eska motor (giving me problems).

I would like to get an electric trolling motor as well as stronger gas motor.

I'm guessing for the current boat, 30# thrust is as low as I would want to go. Looking at no more than 9.9 on the gas.

So is my current setup worth keeping based on what I need and backfill the motors, or should I look to just replace all?

I've seen a couple deals on 12' aluminum packages on Craigslist for around $1k. One has trolling and gas, the other has just gas (but 4 stroke 9.9 Yamaha). The gas-only one does look more stable (5 ft wide and higher rating for motor). Is 12' big enough, or should I be looking at 14'?

I currently do not have a trailer, but would like to get one as well (both come with trailers). With that said, I have never towed (figured a small boat would be good way to get the hang of it).

Thanks...hopefully that wasn't too much of a ramble.

[Curly]

For 2 adults and a kid, I'd definitely upgrade from the 10' boat.  A 12' would do ok on small lakes.  But when you mention Columbia R and Hood Canal it sends up a flag and I wouldn't want to be out there with less than a 14' on most days.

But, your budget of only $1,000 is going to really limit you for getting a 14' boat.  I don't see how you could find a 14' boat with a trailer and a decent motor (probably want a 15 hp for venturing out to the Columbia or HC) for 1K. 

[xd2005]

I'm fine scrapping the HC and Columbia...I understand it's a huge part of the equation. The reason I would stay under 10hp would be to avoid registering...if I plan to go on HC or Columbia, that no longer matters.

I'll concede a lake boat is fine at this point. If I get into it enough that I want to upgrade at a later date, I can do that.

I actually have taken the 10' out with wife and kid and it was ok (granted, that will change as she grows), other than the motor issues I was having. It has 3 person/600 capacity, so not much different capacity-wise than I'd get with the aluminum, although space is a bit tighter (length-wise, still almost 4' wide for most of the length with dual hull).

[jackelope]

I have a 12' aluminum and if I put myself, my wife and my 5 year old in it, I'd almost consider it overloaded. Granted, there's bigger 12' boats out there, as in wider, higher sides, etc, but they're still only 12' long. No way in heck would I take it on the Columbia.
I think your budget will be your limiting factor, especially if you're looking for a boat, gas and electric motors all for under $1k.

[aaronoto]

I have a 12' aluminum and if I put myself, my wife and my 5 year old in it, I'd almost consider it overloaded. Granted, there's bigger 12' boats out there, as in wider, higher sides, etc, but they're still only 12' long. No way in heck would I take it on the Columbia.
I think your budget will be your limiting factor, especially if you're looking for a boat, gas and electric motors all for under $1k.

I've got a 12' aluminum and it's definitely got the room for 2 adults and a kid, but on anything other than a flat lake it can get pretty sketchy.  If you do want to stick with a 12' look for something like a Smokercraft Alaskan with high sides, it'll be a lot safer.

[xd2005]

Here's one I was looking at on CL. It's a little wider, so hopefully more stable. Granted, I'd go over budget, but could live with it.

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/boa/3836654964.html

[xd2005]

Suppose I wanted to go 14, maybe even up to 16, how much am I looking at and for what?

[jrebel]

Why not do a 12 or 14 foot Livingston??  You could easily take it in the Columbia or hood canal with 3 people.  I just bought one in great shape with a 15 HP outboard for 1200.  One of the most stable boats made. 

[xd2005]

Not opposed to it...

[Skillet]

 

Great boatts for their length.

FYI, the "under 16' and under 10 hp" rule does not apply any more, to the best of my knowledge.   Any boat with any motor needs to be registered, technically..

[xd2005]

It looks to still be there. RCW 88.02.570, which lists exemptions to registration has...

     ( 8 ) A vessel under sixteen feet in overall length that has no propulsion machinery of any type or that is not used on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or on the high seas beyond the territorial seas for vessels owned in the United States and are powered by propulsion machinery of ten or less horsepower;

DOR also has this pamphlet: http://dor.wa.gov/docs/Pubs/WatercraftVesselTax/BoatBroc.pdf

[Skillet]

I stand corrected!  Thanks for the info

[xd2005]

You scared me. I have a 10' unregistered (just titled) boat lol

[TONTO]

or that is not used on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States

 That don't leave much but some landlocked lakes.

[Skillet]

You scared me. I have a 10' unregistered (just titled) boat lol

My bad... I was going on hearsay from a few years ago.  Maybe even read it on the interwebs!