tom11841 Loc: Northern California

Small aluminum boats (12 or 14ft) with 15hp motors have worked well for fishing. A recent trip to an ocean bay, Reedsport, OR, has made me think a larger boat might be safer and allow more use beyond Summer. Considering boats with a cabin or enclosed steering compartment.

New boats are $50k or more. Used 17-24ft boats range from $12k-$20. There are lots of older boats on the market that range from 1976-2010.

Any thoughts on boats to consider are welcome.
Thank you for your input.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Well Tom, there are a lot of variables you have to look at.
Where are you goin to use the boat mostly. Lake, river, ocean? Then you have your budget. How much you lookin to spend?
What vehicle are you goin to use to pull it? That might limit the size of boat.
How many people are you planning on havin on the boat on most of your fishin trips?
If you're gonna have 3 or more you're gonna need at least a 19 to 20 footer to have ample room . Specially if you end up with more than 3 on the boat.
My boat is an 18 1/2 foot bass boat and it barely fits 3 people. We can do it but it can be kinda tight if the people aren't experienced.
So try to give us a little more info on what you think you might need?
Cabin cruiser, bass boat , full windshield boat, center console ?
Thanks. We'll try to help if we can.

RuffplayOR57 Loc: Klamath Falls, OR

Tom, Saw is correct. You need to figure what and where you are going to use the Boat mostly at. My Cousin I fish with most, has a 15’ with a 40hp for lakes and the rivers he fishes and itbworks great for 3 or 4 people. His Ocean boat is an Arima at 19’ . And it is just fine for 2 or 3 people fishing for Bottom, Salmon, Halibut or most whatever, but would not be good for any more than that. Good luck finding your ideal Boat!

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

The info on here has been good. I have a 17 foot Klamath I use the most. I fish bluegill to salmon with it. It gets very crowded with three. The biggest advantage is the light weight provides outstanding fuel economy. That being said, It is to light and small for waves over about one foot, in other words, gusts over 12 or 13 MPH. That restricts me from fishing on many occasions. I then have to pull out the Mako 260, a walk around sail fish tournament boat with small cuddy cabin much like a center consul. That boat will permit fishing six as long as you can hold on and keep your feet. On the down side, the twin 260's suck fuel making a trip very expensive. In retrospect, I would have bought a boat with a cabin and settee with windows. I am now looking for a replacement for the Mako. Unfortunately most of the newer boats are not designed for what I want. Something to consider is repowering a 70 or 80s boat with bracket and outboard. Older boats like Olympic and Fiberform have the layouts I want, but are I/O. I will not own an I/O. but a repower with 4 stroke outboard on bracket is not out of the question. I am also looking at 26 foot or 28 foot flybridge full inboard. Bottom line, make as full of a list as you can of what you are going to do with the boat and where you are going to use it. Post that list and you will be able to get a more useful response.

bharper4213 Loc: Yuba city

Well a lot of boaters don't like them, but I bought a pontoon boat and couldn't be happier. I've had many boats and my wife wanted one that the grandkids could have fun on, and she wasn't wrong. It's so comfortable and waves are not a problem. I go fishing by myself and it's so easy to unload and load I can't believe it.

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

Also the number of people and what size motor to get you up on plane. and a kicker for trolling.

tom11841 Loc: Northern California

Thank you for your input. There are many considerations as you point out.

The larger boat will be used in multiple waters, so utility is needed. I have been offshore near Tomales Bay with other boaters, which would be fun. We also like to go on the inland and mountain lakes on occasion.

My wife likes to go out on our little boat, but she gets cold and wants to go in. A cuddy cabin would be good for her. Bayliner walk around boats have potential. They may be too small.

Some of the older boats on the market have larger cabins, outboards and look flexible enough for our needs. New boats are really expensive and do not seem to offer much cabin space or deck space.

As I write this, it makes wonder how much the boat will be used. Getting to the ocean is quite a hike from here.

Your input is appreciated.

tom11841 Loc: Northern California

My brother-in-law had similar comments about I/O. He switched to outboards for his 24ft cruiser. He goes to the San Juans a couple of times a year.

We live in Northern California near Sacramento. We are about 3 hours away from saltwater fishing. I am retired so that is not an issue. The San Francisco Bay is the closest saltwater body that we would access. The Bay tends to get rough quickly and choppy most afternoons. Hence, the desire for a boat that can handle choppy waters. Something with some living space would be great. Older boats like the Bayliner walkaround series have some potential.

There are multiple boats from 1995-2005 that are affordable. My only concern about the older boats is how seaworthy they may be. Outboards are preferred over I/O. Both are expensive to repair, but the I/O are probably a lot more expensive.
Thanks for your input.

tom11841 Loc: Northern California

Saw,
My search is narrowing down a bit. Seaswirl walkarounds look like they have the features for the type of fishing and boat camping we want to do. Boats with outboards over I/O are preferable. 21 feet looks about right. I do like the older designs. 1998 to 2004. They seem to have more space...or I just think they do.

Just need the right deal now.

Thank you for your input; it really helped.
Regards,
Tom