[kmcalester]

I am looking to buy a boat here in the near future, and I love to fish lakes, streams,rivers, oh what the heck; any hole that might hold a decent fish I'd fish it.

I know I can find a boat that is like a s.u.v. that does it all. For rivers what's the smallest boat would I want to put on there and feel suceure at night?

On a big lake or reservior I want to be able to get from A-B-Z, and not be turned side ways be a bigger boat knocking me over with it's big waves.

On smalller streams off big rivers I want to be able to go up and not get stuck.

So I guess in a nut shell I am asking what is a good size welded alum. boat that can do it all and I feel secure in it with me and my friends and family, but enough know how to do what ever I want it to do.

Size, Power, Length, Width.

 

[SkipEye]

You are looking for a boat that probably does not exist. Not sure you can find a v-hull design that will handle rough water and yet still have the ability to run very shallow waters. Find out what is most important for the majority of your fishing and go with the best compromise.

P.S. If you find that 'perfect' boat, let us know.


Good luck! Not trying to be negative, just pointing out the two most obvious conflicts you are facing in finalizing your hull choice. Flat bottom for low draft and better stability, V-Hull to cut through the heavy chop and provide a more comfortable ride in the swells.

 

[DANZIG]

Nothing says you can't have two boats! LOL! :smile2:

 

[Mickey]

Kevin there is a lot of boat shows in progress at this time.Take the time and visit some and ask lots of questions. Good luck on your search.

 

[neocats]

Check out this SUV Boat.


http://www.gibbstech.com/humdinga_mil.php

 

[cantstopgrandma]

Well there is probably no boat to meet all the needs you have. But in my opinion, the most versatile boat would be a modified V jon boat. Handles waves better than a flatbottom, but still goes shallow for those small creeks and ponds/lakes. Get a wide one and it will be stable. That is why a lot of people around here use jon boats. We can go out in a river (or the chesapeake bay on a calm day), ponds, creeks, and we hunt, fish and crab and joy ride in them. Thats just my opinion, but like i said, there is no boat to do everything.

 

[n2fishn]

Do what i did talked all my fishing buddys into buying boats.We all owe differant styles and what ever water we are fishing we have the right boat to use.

But really Kevin there is no one boat that will fit every need but you will find one that will work good just do a little research.

Have fun fishing in that new boat......Send us some pic when you get it.

 

[spoonfish]

How much do you want to spend? That will narrow it down a lot as to your decision.

 

[Dave L]

Take a look at a River Pro.
http://www.riverpro-boats.com/index.html
They are an awesome all around stable boat.

 

[GaryF]

Take a look at a River Pro.
http://www.riverpro-boats.com/index.html
They are an awesome all around stable boat.

I'll second that. It's got to be one of the most versatile boats around.

 

[SkipEye]

I'll second that. It's got to be one of the most versatile boats around.

Forgot about the River Pro. That looks like a good one to consider.

 

[RamRod]

One word - "SeaArk" with a jet will get you in the same places as a River Pro as well. Just giving you options, I may be wrong but I think the SeaArk uses the thickest aluminum in their boats than any other boat manufacturer out there. Hope this helps.

 

[kmcalester]

This does answer my questions, maybe I'll just get something like a Pro-v boat for the river and big lakes, and smaller jon boat for streams.

 

[crazy]

I don't know my Duracraft will handle some rough water. Plus it will go as shallow as you dare. It's a 12 degree V with a tunnel hull. The boat's like a tank on water.

 

[GMC FishHauler]

i've seen a big flat bottom carolina skiff that seems to be perfect. The owner said that it did not ride too rough and with the jet lower unit says that he can go REALLY SHALLOW. I wanna ride in it to see if it is as smooth as my V hull, when i get a chance i will let u know

 

[tncater19]

i think you need a hover craft

 

[riverbud55]

well im thinkn this may be an suv (o ya they do build an suv model just not in the catalog http://www.wooldridgeboats.com/brochures/WooldridgeBoats_BrochureWeb.pdf), you'll not find any boat more solid, this will be my next boat http://www.wooldridgeboats.com/photos/XtraPlus/pages/OnWater2_jpg_jpg.htm with an ob jet you go in 6" of water or less and it will some big water also

 

[loanwizard]

As someone said, price means a lot. I bought my 20 foot 72 inch floor SeaArk with a 115/80 jet for that reason. I have about $20,000.00 in mine. It goes in 4-6 inches of water, is 94 inches across the beam, has a 15 degree hull, runs about 25mph loaded, 27-28 with just me and Nobody less than a Barge is gonna run you off a lake. I would trust it completely in a chop up to about 3 feet, anything over that and the life jacket is going on. That is just from a lack of experience in a 4 to 6 foot chop.

 

[Bill in SC]

If money is no object, and you're buying a new boat, there's none in the water better than a SeaArk IMHO. If you want a used boat, keep an eye on Craig's list in your area. The economy is suffering and cash is king right now. Some GREAT deals to be had on used boats right now. I just bought a '96 J-16 Carolina Skiff with a 25hp Tohatsu for 2K, boat, motor and trailer. Excellent condition! Runs like a dream and is a great boat. The search is half the fun!
BB in SC

 

[catfishcrazy256]

neocats has it figured out !!! :wink: