[slamdunk]

Well guys, and lets not forget the girls (cause, my better half would be my 1 st mate). I'm looking for a boat. And jeez, are there so many things to consider when buying a boat! I've been searching/learning for quite some time. Have seen some nice boats, including those at the Tradex show this past weekend, but I'm still confused, so I thought I'd ask for your advice.

This much I know:
I'm looking for a 14 footer aluminum, with trailer and motor.

Would be hauling it behind a Van (V-6) with towing package, so weight is a concern.

Would be using the boat in BC lakes and in the Fraser river. I doubt I'd use it in the salt chuck, but...

Would be carrying two people plus gear.

A lot of the lakes I would be going to have restrictions on the size of the motor - usually 9.9 HP
I would be getting an electric motor for those lakes that are electric motor only, but would also like enough HP to be able to scout out larger lakes like Sheridan and Bridge Lakes.

Would like a mid boat console, electric start motor set up.

I'm really torn between a used set up and a new set up.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Used - you never know the history, but the price is lower and the savings could be used to buy additional gear, ie" fishfinder, power winches, downriggers etc, New - well, no history, warranties galore, but the price is up there.

I'm sure I haven't included all my wish list/requirements, so ask for clarification if you'd like.

But, for you experienced people out there, what do you think? I'm not a every weekend type of fisherman, but I imagine I'd used the boat about 15 - 20 times a year.

Can anybody recommend a make, Lund (my preference), Duroboat, Princecraft etc?

Thanks in advance for your replies....

 

[Mike D.]

Go with a 14 foot JON BOAT! (lund or pc) they are awsome boats for the money! as for the engine concern....I dunno what I would reccomend....JON BOATS are very nice fly fishing boats too...

Mike <")))))><

 

[Steelie Trav]

I love buying boats, better than buying trucks!

First off I wouldn't suggest anything less than a 15hp for the Fraser. A lot of people will say that a 9.9 is just fine, but I have used a 9.9 in there and when you have to go upriver it is quite slow. When deciding between new and used I think it really comes down to how much money you want to spend. Used boats definitely are cheaper and you get to buy more goodies for it!

I was looking at a 14ft welded alum gregor with a centre console, 25hp merc used last year before I found my starcraft. He wasn't in any hurry to sell it, he might still have it. I'll throw him an email if your interested.

 

[cohokid]

IF you have a newer 9.9hp then on the fraser, with 2-3 peopl max will work. (with a 12 footer) With the older motors, they would measure the horse at the head of the motor, not at the prop. With means a new 9.9 is 9.9 at the prop instead of 9.9 at the head, lossing some hp going to the prop. I have a 14 footer, and I know a 9.9 is going tobarley push it by as they are heavier then a 12 footer. In my opinion i would go with a 15 hp on a 14 footer as you can get into some trouble on the fraser pretty fast, and it would be nice to have the extra saftey power to push you out.

 

[skagit3]

I would definitely rule out anything that is riveted if you are going to use it on the river. The abuse you are going to put the boat through you should look at an all welded boat. I don't know if Lund makes a welded boat. Lowe makes a good Jon Boat. Their Roughneck series are very sturdy and built very well for that style of boat. One other thing to really look at is the width of the boat. When you are in the 14' range some manufacturers can get very narrow. As a side note, a buddy of mine tows a 17' Lowe Roughneck with a 60 horse 4 stroke Yamaha and a 5 horse kicker behind his 4cyl. Ford Escape and it does just fine.

 

[eimaj]

I would go for a 1448M jon boat with a 30hp motor and a bow mounted remote steering eletric. It doesn't have the console but you really don't need it. it'll add cost and weight to the boat, and take up room. You'll have plenty of power and will be able to rip around the Fraser with no problems. And electrics always work better on the front of the boat rather than the rear.

 

[finaddict]

I would definitely rule out anything that is riveted if you are going to use it on the river.

Damn I guess I should tell that to my 30 year old 18' riveted Hewescraft 110 O/B Jet that has been on over a dozen rivers up and down the coast over the years. :

 

[Crazy Drifter]

Tell you what, I have a 17' flat bottom with a 40 horse merc. I've never had any trouble with it in the fraser or on the larger lakes,( though I am up grading to a 19 ' jet this year). The thing you really have to consider is where are you going to fish the most, and how many people do you want to take along. If you are out on the Fraser lots through out the year, you may want to consider a 16' plus with 30hp plus for power. Last season I saw more than once three or four guys in 12 ftr's with 9.9s trying to make up the river. Not only is it stupid, it's frigin dangerous. Pick a boat and motor that is capable of performing safley in the water you are intending to travel. If you are only out on the river during sockeye or for spring when they get hot and you enjoy expoloring med. sized lakes then a 12' to 14' with a 9.9 plus would do you fine,
Crazy D

 

[marko]

Murray, how's it going bud? I faced this vary same dilemma last year and sounds like we
had the same requirements in mind. If you want to take my 16 footer for a spin just let
me know, you might just be sold on the concept...we could even pick up some crab for
dinner..... ....cheers...Marko.... ;D

 

[skagit3]

I would definitely rule out anything that is riveted if you are going to use it on the river.

Damn I guess I should tell that to my 30 year old 18' riveted Hewescraft 110 O/B Jet that has been on over a dozen rivers up and down the coast over the years. :

I'll bet it doesn't leak either? :

 

[finaddict]

I would definitely rule out anything that is riveted if you are going to use it on the river.

Damn I guess I should tell that to my 30 year old 18' riveted Hewescraft 110 O/B Jet that has been on over a dozen rivers up and down the coast over the years. :

I'll bet it doesn't leak either? :

Of course it leaks Skag. Its 30 years old, which means as your elder, it deserves your respect. When you get to 30 and get bounced around all the H2O and gravel you'll leak too. ;D

Let me introduce you to the "Bilge pump" an amazing device that empties out any moisture from the "inside" of the hull and puts it back to the "outside"

 

[skagit3]

I have owned two riveted boats. I can tell you, they must not make them like they used to. I was constantly running my pump. I had to open an account at the marine store to keep up with the amount of gluvit I had to use on the bottom to slow down the flow. I have not had one problem with leaks in an all welded boat. The only time I need a bilge pump is when I am washing off the floors with my raw water wash down. No thank you and never again!!

Like the old saying goes......Screw me once it's your fault, screw me again and it's mine.

 

[rln]

just get the rivets tightened. I have had a couple of really old smokercraft boats and paid about $100.00 to get them tightened up. Worked very well.

 

[skagit3]

Because I don't want to mess around with it. I want something that is built to last. You cannot go wrong with an all welded boat. It is not a matter of if, but a matter of when you will have problems with a Riveted boat. I don't know about you, but in my world if I know without a doubt I am going to have problems with something, I stay far, far away!! Why invest into future problems. It doesn't make much sense.

The boats I owned prior were both Smoker Crafts. All I can say is.... !! Never again!!

 

[slamdunk]

Thanks for all your advice guys! And Marko - love crab, so we should really get out.

Well, yesterday I solved my problem and bought a boat - or maybe in doing that I've just added to my problem

It's a 14 foot Lund SSV with steering console, electric start 15 HP Merc, with EZ Load trailer, seats to put my big butt in, and a live bait well, which is large enough to stow gear , or lunch, or libations in. A lot of storage room.

The fellow bought in new in 2002 and used it for 3 summers (Lakes only) when he then bought a 5th wheel and couldn't tow the boat. He winterized the motor after last using it.

It's in spotless condition. I paid more than I wanted to, but what the heck, fish bite on flies on rods coming from the nicest boat -- right ???

I'll be hauling it with a 4.2 Litre Ford Van with towing package. When I went to pick it up, we hooked it up to the van with no problems, then hooked up the lights. The lights didn't work, so off to car repair shops etc. It being later in the day, the first 3 shops were either too busy, or didn't have staff to help. The 4th spent quite a bit of time trying to solve the problem and then discovered that all the fuses and relays for the trailer lights hadn't been installed!! Jeez, I know Ford is having financial problems, but that's a bit too much!

After the fellow made a few phone calls, he discovered that the only fuses and relays available were in Maple Ridge - I was in Squamish...So, I had to stick some red duct tape on the back and take my chances. It was still light enough out, but was dark and cloudy with all the rain. I would have preferred to have the lights on.

So, now comes the shelling out of money. I need a garage to store it in. Fish finder to find the fish. etc, etc,,,,

But at least that itch I've had for so long now is finally scratched!!!

 

[marko]

And Murray is up and Running! Should have lots of fun this summer. Anytime you want
just give me a shout and I'll show ya my feedin grounds....Marko... ;D

 

[coho_killer]

And Murray don't forget to take me along on that nice boat of yours! Nice purchase very impressive! Beauty! Man i can't say enough nice things about it! :thumbup:

C.K.