jennis9
Petty Officer 1st Class
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2008
- Messages
- 396
Re: Cheap boat
In my area you can get a nice clean boat for 5-7k if you don't jump on the first thing you see.
When we started looking - we thought we would want a cuddy. And the more we looked - we knew that the cuddy would be wasted space for the style of fishing we wanted to do on lake erie. So we got an openbow and it is great for us - plenty of space to move a round and fish - tube or just relax. Our bimini makes it complete - so we do have a space for shade.
No matter what you start out with - you're going to find that you have boat envy over other features you may not have even thought of at the time you bought your boat.
Hang out at the dock and watch some of the boats come in - most of the guys you talk to would love to tell stories about their boats. You can also check on the web in your area if there's a local fishing forum - we have a great forum here and guys are always posting about empty seats for days out fishing. So you bring a few sandwiches and pay for gas and get a feel for what kind of boats fish the water you want to be in.
Your decision also may depend on your storage options... towing vs docking. And are you at the max with your budget - do you have a stash for new gear or ... gulp .. repairs. And do you have enough to have your boat insured and loaded with the necessary safety gear?
Remember, you are not making an investment in something that will appreciate in value over time.... You are buying a liability... so take your time make sure you like it and it will fit into your leisure lifestyle. it's a buyers market so you can be patient and smart about your decision.Good luck!
In my area you can get a nice clean boat for 5-7k if you don't jump on the first thing you see.
When we started looking - we thought we would want a cuddy. And the more we looked - we knew that the cuddy would be wasted space for the style of fishing we wanted to do on lake erie. So we got an openbow and it is great for us - plenty of space to move a round and fish - tube or just relax. Our bimini makes it complete - so we do have a space for shade.
No matter what you start out with - you're going to find that you have boat envy over other features you may not have even thought of at the time you bought your boat.
Hang out at the dock and watch some of the boats come in - most of the guys you talk to would love to tell stories about their boats. You can also check on the web in your area if there's a local fishing forum - we have a great forum here and guys are always posting about empty seats for days out fishing. So you bring a few sandwiches and pay for gas and get a feel for what kind of boats fish the water you want to be in.
Your decision also may depend on your storage options... towing vs docking. And are you at the max with your budget - do you have a stash for new gear or ... gulp .. repairs. And do you have enough to have your boat insured and loaded with the necessary safety gear?
Remember, you are not making an investment in something that will appreciate in value over time.... You are buying a liability... so take your time make sure you like it and it will fit into your leisure lifestyle. it's a buyers market so you can be patient and smart about your decision.Good luck!
.