first time boat

[ririb]

Hi everyone, I am in the looks for a boat for the very first time and am looking for something on the smaller side under 20 ft, I'd be using it just for cruising and fishing purposes . Any recommendations as to where to start at all or brands I should look out for? Thank you any help is appreciated.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Aluminum boat with outboard

 

[briangcc]

First boat I remember, and had a blast in, was my uncle's 16' Starcraft with a 9.9 Evinrude tiller on the back. 3 wooden bench seats (mighta been 4). Plenty of room for us young cousins to sit and fish from. He'd partake in a occasional cigar while fishing. Ahh the memories.

No speed records but that was a very versatile boat - fishing, cruising platform. We were in a protected lake where waves might top 1' at most so very stable under those conditions. This is NOT something I would take out in the Great Lakes unless it was dead calm....I don't like chumming the waters if you get my drift.

But this might not be the idea you're looking for as crusing and fishing are very, very broad terms. You need to narrow that down along with determining your anticipated load. Also make absolutely sure your vehicle is up to the challenge IF you are going to be trailering said purchase.

Generally speaking, and personal preference, I stay away from anything I can find at any of the big box chain stores - you know the one with the largemouth bass logo - as the quality isn't there for me.

 

[Silvertip]

It has been some time since I last posted but it's good to be back. Buying your first boat is sort of like asking us what sort of girl you should look for if you happen to be looking for a wife. To put this in perspective, Cruising and Fishing are two very separate capabilities so you must put a priority on which you do most. Yes - there are some compromise configurations and lots of them in 17 - 20 foot range. If biased toward fishing a single center or side console can provide pretty good fishing capability yet a fair bit of room for a leisurely cruise with extra passengers. Closed bow and even open bow runabouts are cruisers and do not make a good fishing rig. But keep in mind that's "my" opinion. Fiberglass or Aluminum is another choice to make as well your budget. If you favor the fishing capability then Alumacraft, Crestliner, Lund, and others all have side consoles in various lengths. I/O or outboard power is another decision. I/O's take up a lot of interior space. For runabouts the sky is the limit in side, layout, power, etc. Have fun but don't let your eyes overrule reality. Impulse buying rarely turns out well when it comes to first boats.

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard.

Inland lakes? Big lakes or smaller? What type of cruising? Just you and a pal? Wife/girlfriend? Or are you taking out a whole party of people?

Those types of questions will help the bunch of us make better suggestions.

 

[racerone]

Brother bought a simple 14' runabout ( maroon color ) in 1968.-----Had a 1965 Evinrude 40 HP with electric start.------He / we were proud of it -------Had much fun with it.----Fishing and water sports.-----But I think the standards today are different.-----