A couple other points with a Flats Cat, make sure it has a jack plate and also opted for the custom 4 blade prop for the all important hole shot in shallow water. You can cruise over about 4" of water but you don't want to slow or stop in that depth since the boat takes more water than that when stopped
It has always cracked me up to hear fishermen talk about "the hole shot", or "getting up 'on plane' in a big hurry..... it's FISHING, dudes ! WTH is the big hurry to go fast IMMEDIATELY ?
And of course, many, many tales of hitting submerged hazards, resulting in boat/motor damage, "not seeing" that kayaker or swimmer, creating unnecessary erosion on lake shorelines due to incessant wakes....I could go on, but you get my 'drift'..... something all you speed demons apparently have no concept of....lol.
I can certainly appreciate having the ability to traverse long distances on a large body of water in an expedited manner, but reveling in "hole shots" and horsepower on a 20' boat that exceeds that of the vehicle that tows it, is tantamount to wearing a tuxedo to the community swimming pool...."because I wanted to impress and be noticed"......oh,.... you'll definitely be noticed, and the subsequent judgement will be cast, count on it.
jwald51
Loc: Texas Gulf Coast. near Freeport
Yes I think that is my dream boat.
Able Man
Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)
jwald51 wrote:
Yes I think that is my dream boat.
If you would "hit Quote Reply" we'd all know what you're talking about.
While fishing the Flats a boat like my Flats Cat needs to get on top as quickly as possible to avoid damage to the flat. Everyone has seen the scars left behind by boats in skinny water. By hole shot I meant finding the deepest water on the flat and hitting the throttle to get on plane asap. A Flats Cat is not a speed demon of a boat, we are not talking about speed the point is to try to keep the skew and prop from doing damage. If you find a nice used Flats Cat I would not hesitate if it is a fair deal, they are great boats.
jwald51
Loc: Texas Gulf Coast. near Freeport
Able Man wrote:
If you would "hit Quote Reply" we'd all know what you're talking about.
Ok finally I think I got it. I thought if you replied directly under the post it was for that post. Now I got it. Maybe.
Able Man
Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)
jwald51 wrote:
Ok finally I think I got it. I thought if you replied directly under the post it was for that post. Now I got it. Maybe.
Soooo.... ¿What do you think is your "dream boat"?
Able Man
Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)
jwald51 wrote:
the 19' Flats Cat
OOOooo... Just now, "read all about it"; forgot to search for price (I can't afford one). Yes; THAT does look like a right useful vessel!!!
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