Looking for advice about boats: So the wife is starting to soften her stance on getting a boat. Not there yet, but getting there! I have zero point zero experience or knowledge...

Nook Loc: Vacaville CA

So the wife is starting to soften her stance on getting a boat. Not there yet, but getting there!
I have zero point zero experience or knowledge regarding boats that don't get underway on nuclear power and dive as soon as they can. I plan on river and delta fishing here around the Sacramento and Napa rivers for the most part, with trips to lakes like Berryessa as filler. Trolling, casting, and
soaking bait are in the cards. No bass boat, because I don't need to fight the "no gunnels" battle when taking the young grandpups out with poppop on the water. My vehicle is rated for 1750 lbs.
I am not looking for a gold plated motor, but can afford a reasonable costing vessel.
There are a lot of fishermen here, and many (most?) are old codgers like me that know sometimes comfort can come at the expense of utility.
That being said, any recommendations for or against, and why?
I really appreciate any and all help. As I used to tell my guys back when I worked "always ask the guys that know what they are doing, because they know what they are doing and have already learned from their mistakes"

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Nook wrote:

So the wife is starting to soften her stance on ge... (show quote)

Nook there's alot of nice boats with deep sides. My old 81 glastron was great for the grandsons. Also plenty of seating if you just want to cruise. A nice aluminum deep v would work well for you if you can find a good price. Good luck brother 👍

Nook Loc: Vacaville CA

Grizzly 17 wrote:

Good luck brother 👍

Thanks Griz. Only real luck I need is to keep my wife smiling, at least until after purchase!

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Nook wrote:

So the wife is starting to soften her stance on ge... (show quote)

Well, you have a lot of decisions to make and a lot of research to do, and a lot of talking to boat owners that you know. One thing you have to do is include your bride in this decision. Is she going to be going with you, what does she want, if she is going to be going with you? My bride wanted a boat that was a lot better than the one I wanted, so we bought the one that she wanted, it had a windshield. Will it be just for fishing or maybe some cruising before stopping for lunch or dinner. Good luck. I'm sure you will get a lot help from the Forum.

D Tong Loc: San Francisco,Ca

Nook wrote:

So the wife is starting to soften her stance on ge... (show quote)

Nook I have a tracker 175 pro glide and it has a lot of features and room with high walls also not too expensive
Look up all and take your time deciding

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Nook wrote:

Thanks Griz. Only real luck I need is to keep my wife smiling, at least until after purchase!

Don't leave the toilet seat up and pick up your underwear will go a long way.

DC Loc: Washington state

if you plan on grandkids with you get at least an 18' . deep v aluminum with a main motor and a side kicker motor for slow troll but also as a back up incase your main stops on you while out in the delta somewhere. I added aa air shock seat for my wife's bad back and adding hydraulic steering currently

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Nook wrote:

Thanks Griz. Only real luck I need is to keep my wife smiling, at least until after purchase!

Probably a good idea Nook 🤣👍

charlykilo Loc: Garden Valley Ca

Look at dealers stock and narrow it down. This time of year some great used on the market. Check the ads. Never know??

Nook Loc: Vacaville CA

ranger632 wrote:

Don't leave the toilet seat up and pick up your underwear will go a long way.

Already doing that. I have a scheduled weekly black powder shoot every Wednesday. So far so good. Only interference with that schedule was when I went crabbing with 40Grit. Didn't catch any grief for those journeys. I have to elevate my game for a boat!

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Nook wrote:

So the wife is starting to soften her stance on ge... (show quote)

If I was looking for a boat that fits your needs I would definitely consider a Lowe 18ft fishing machine model. Nice aluminum deep V design with walk through windshield Has great free board for the kids. Lowe boats are known for their quality construction and components. If I was looking for a new boat a Lowe would be my first choice. They are not cheap, on the upper end of pricing , but in my opinion worth it. Good luck and take your time and do some comparison shopping👍

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Nook wrote:

Already doing that. I have a scheduled weekly black powder shoot every Wednesday. So far so good. Only interference with that schedule was when I went crabbing with 40Grit. Didn't catch any grief for those journeys. I have to elevate my game for a boat!

Lowe boats has a great website. They offer an array of options if you wanted to customize the boat to your needs

Nook Loc: Vacaville CA

Still above water wrote:

Lowe boats has a great website. They offer an array of options if you wanted to customize the boat to your needs

Thanks for the pointer. Nice looking boats, getting reeeeeaaallly spendy when I start clicking on stuff I want! I am going to keep looking around, but the 16 foot boat looks like it is light enough for my RAV4 to get places

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Nook wrote:

Thanks for the pointer. Nice looking boats, getting reeeeeaaallly spendy when I start clicking on stuff I want! I am going to keep looking around, but the 16 foot boat looks like it is light enough for my RAV4 to get places

Understood. It’s just my opinion but I think you might find that a sixteen footer gets a little tight for room with more then two on the boat fishing.

DC Loc: Washington state

Still above water wrote:

Understood. It’s just my opinion but I think you might find that a sixteen footer gets a little tight for room with more then two on the boat fishing.

I agree I have a 16' and I can take my wife and 2 grand kids but it is pretty crowded when fishing if I were to do it again I'd get an 18'.