New to boating. Need advice.

I am new to the whole boating thing. I am currently going through the education program and getting my Oregon Boaters Education Card. But on to my question, I am interested in getting a small aluminum boat for fishing Lake fishing or river fishing.

I have a family of me, my wife, and a two year old daughter (not planning on taking her on the water until she is 3 or 4).

I was originally looking for a boat in the 12-14 ft range, but after doing some online research, I keep on finding posts that say 16 ft is the sweet spot. My concern is, that being a newbie, a smaller boat would be easier for me to get in and out of the water, as my wife probably wouldn't be providing too much help.

So how difficult would a 16 ft boat in getting in and out of the water on your own, and how comfortably would a 12-14 ft be for a family of 3?

Any advice for a new potential boat owner would be greatly appreciated.

Re: New to boating. Need advice.

I had a 14' fishing boat for 3 years and it was tight with myself, my wife, and my son. As for launching a boat solo, its really not hard. Steps are dependant upon your resources- ramp, docks, type of tow vehicle, etc.

What I do is to back the truck and boat down the ramp until its far enough in the drink to float. I then get out of the truck in get in the boat. My wife then jumps in the drivers seat and after I back the boat off the trailer, she pulls out and parks the truck and trailer. I motor over to the docks and wait for her and my son to walk fromt he parking lot to the boat docks.

When I'm by myself, its a little different. While I'm docking the boat, the truck is holding up a ramp slot, so I try to be quick and run from docked boat over to the parked truck on the ramp. I then park the truck and run back to the dock to get my boat out of there so as not to inconvienence others because I don't have a "helper".

I'd go with the 16' and get the wife trained up on manuevering a truck and trailer

Re: New to boating. Need advice.

trailering?
12 to 14 would not be my 1st choice.
16 alum tiller with a 20/25 hp will work. .02

Re: New to boating. Need advice.

It sounds like I am going to be leaning towards a 16 footer. Probably a tiller, for the more open floor plan. I am going to be looking for used in the $1000-$2000 price range. What kinds of things should I look for. What type of hull should I be looking for in a fishing boat in the 16 ft range. Again, primarily on Lake or River fishing. Not planning on doing any salt water. Probably in the 20-25 hp range. What manufacturers have good reputations on older boats? If I am looking at used, what kind of things should I be looking for?

Re: New to boating. Need advice.

I wouldn't lean as much on manufacturer when buying used. There are some good names to be sure: Lund, Whaler, Carolina Skiff, Starcraft ... etc. But really, look for something in your price range that appears solid and is in good running order. If you can find an aluminum hull, tiller style with live wells and such - that sounds like it'll suit you well. You can also consider some of the center console type fishing boats - I've never owned one, but I've been out on them plenty and think they are one of the finest setups you can get.

Watch out for cracks in the hull (if it's fiberglass), or seems where the rivets aren't holding well (if it's aluminum). Check floors and transoms for soft spots or weak structure. Whatever you look at - put it on the water and see what it does running.

You might consider looking through the fishing forum and the restoration forum. The fishing one will give you some ideas what other guys are running, and the restoration will give you an idea of how much work CAN be involved when buying a used boat.

Good luck!

Re: New to boating. Need advice.

Welcome aboard dcam. Your plan is spot on. A sixteen footer with a 25 is a GREAT rig, and you should be able to snag one for a couple grand, maybe a little less if the right deal comes along. That size aluminum boat will be easy to launch, load and handle, so no worries there. Sounds like the only thing you need to decide is whether you want a V hull or flatbottom. What kind of lakes and rivers will you frequent?

Re: New to boating. Need advice.

For now the type of water I plan on boating in is typically calm water. Reservoirs, lakes, rivers. Mostly trout and bass fishing. But my brother in law is trying to get me to go salmon fishing with him on the Columbia River, he has his own 18 ft. Would a 16 ft handle salmon fishing? If it is something I end up enjoying?

I have heard to stay away from flat bottoms, because they are really rough on choppy water.