I am also retired and on a limited income. I bought a used 14-foot aluminum boat with a trailer, a 9 hp motor, and a trolling motor for $2500. It is not pretty but it gets me where I want to go. We catch fish sometimes more than the very expensive boats around us. I would like a better boat but I am happy with what I have. I would have to have a LOT of money $$$$$ to spend $90,000+ on a boat.
I read the whole story and found it interesting. I would like to see a similar article on the cost of gasoline and diesel.
The same could be said for natural gas, coal, oil vs wind power. There are always two sides to every story and this provides one. I have an open mind and like most of us here I am very concerned about our environment.
I am lucky to have had a fishing friend for the last twenty-five years. When We Trout fish together we can barely see each other. When we are in my boat we can go hours without much of a conversation. When we do talk we are usually busting each other or telling jokes. Best of both worlds.
Got skunked one day and was telling my friend that there were no fish in this lake. Just then a beautiful Eagle swooped just over our heads and snatched a decent size fish. We both were stunned at the beauty of this bird and just like that it was a great day on the lake. I go fishing for a lot of reasons, some I don't know until it happens.
Rapala is my go-to for floating and 4' to 6' depths.
Time heals a lot of wounds. Hopefully, it will heal you too. Maybe then you can start slowly to get your confidence back and enjoy fishing from your yak again. Glad you were not hurt.
Drew, FYI I bought my 14' Deep V with trailer and with a bow-mounted 55lband pedestal seats and wood floor. Also came with a 9.9 hp, life jacket, a horn and a 12-volt battery, and a depth finder. I paid $2400 from Craigslist three years ago. The boat is a 1980 along with the trailer and 9.9 hp motor. After looking at a lot of used boats I found someone who took very good care and it has been three years and about forty times out and everything is good. This may be an option for you. Good luck!
My 14' deep V is a heavy boat and my friend is 220lbs and I am 170lbs. The battery is 60lbs and our tackle boxes, anchor, add another 40lbs. I had a 30lb motor and in a stiff wind, we would barely move. Went to a 55lb and it was much better. Not that much more to buy a 55lb vs 30lb. Again my boat is heavy with wood floor and compartments.
Thanks for sharing your experience, glad you are well.
I fish in my 14' deep v with a 55lb electric motor. I only fish with one other person in the boat for safety and sanity. The weight limits on most boats including equipment are not very much. A live well is a nice convenience but adds a lot of weight. There are portable options that are available. I fish many times with lures only since I don't have a lot of options where I can buy bait. This is how I prefer to fish, there are many choices for you to make it, your way.
I have a 55lb trolling motor and I am on my third battery one from Costco and one from Autozone. They are all 100AH batteries but all three give me different run times. I am going to go with Lithium in the near future. I fish a lot of local waters that only allow an electric motor, so I use it a lot. If I were to do it over again I would spend a little more. (all three of my deep cell were size 27)
sengfarmer wrote:
Don't forget to look at lithium batteries. 10 year warranty. This company also gave me a free 10 amp lithium battery charger as a bonus, it's worth around $100.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084DB36KW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have been looking at this battery for the last month. I did not see an offer for the free charger. Did you buy direct or from Amazon? Thanks!
My fishing buddy and I each have a Rapala that we call Old reliable since we seem to catch more fish with it than any other lure.