sms986
Petty Officer 1st Class
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2017
- Messages
- 334
So I pretty much live in two states. As an avid (and usually unlucky) fisherman, I must have a boat in each state. At home, I've got my dad's mod v, which works great for the shallow lakes up there. Down here in the Carolinas, the lakes are much deeper and longer. I currently have a 16' mod v with a 40hp on the back. With all of my gear and the bait tank, there's not much room. Once upon a time last weekend I had 2 others on the boat with me and no one could move. It's time to upgrade. It's also not very fast weighted down. Here's what I'm looking for:
I want something with plenty of walking around space. I don't want a lot of top deck space like bass boats have-I'd rather be down in the boat walking around. I do need enough space up top somewhere to throw a net though.
I'd like something in the ballpark of 22'.
Center consoles are my #1 choice at this point.
I would like for the boat to be newer (2000+). Ideally the newer the better.
The lakes down here are deep, but I fish them shallow. I need something that can run shallow (~2-3') but fare some rough chop on open water. I also don't mean something that will clear a 2' sandbar on plane. I want to be able to get up in the shallow fingers and anchor to fish.
The lakes down here also somehow have fully grown trees floating in the middle of the water after every thunderstorm, so I'm a little shy on fiberglass but open to opinions. I've always had aluminum boats and have hit plenty of stuff full speed with no hull damage. So durability, glass or aluminum, is important.
My usual fishing morning consists of a 25 minute ride from the nearest ramp to my secret spot-I would like something a bit quicker. I also need a bigger tank/more efficient motor. My boat can go one run to the spot and back and be empty. ('63 40hp Evinrude, 8 gal. tank).
I'm looking to spend $10-25k.
And most importantly, I only want to do this once. I already have two broken down jet skis in my yard and a fiberglass cruiser restoration going on at home. I want to buy something that will last for years with low maintenance.
I really want an Xpress h22b. That's the best of all worlds, but I can't find any used for a good price and dealer prices for a new one are insane. I tried searching on my own, but there are so many different boats and researching each one would turned out to be a pain.
So I'm asking you all to share your thoughts on all of the above, have a discussion with me, and brag about your boats. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks!
I want something with plenty of walking around space. I don't want a lot of top deck space like bass boats have-I'd rather be down in the boat walking around. I do need enough space up top somewhere to throw a net though.
I'd like something in the ballpark of 22'.
Center consoles are my #1 choice at this point.
I would like for the boat to be newer (2000+). Ideally the newer the better.
The lakes down here are deep, but I fish them shallow. I need something that can run shallow (~2-3') but fare some rough chop on open water. I also don't mean something that will clear a 2' sandbar on plane. I want to be able to get up in the shallow fingers and anchor to fish.
The lakes down here also somehow have fully grown trees floating in the middle of the water after every thunderstorm, so I'm a little shy on fiberglass but open to opinions. I've always had aluminum boats and have hit plenty of stuff full speed with no hull damage. So durability, glass or aluminum, is important.
My usual fishing morning consists of a 25 minute ride from the nearest ramp to my secret spot-I would like something a bit quicker. I also need a bigger tank/more efficient motor. My boat can go one run to the spot and back and be empty. ('63 40hp Evinrude, 8 gal. tank).
I'm looking to spend $10-25k.
And most importantly, I only want to do this once. I already have two broken down jet skis in my yard and a fiberglass cruiser restoration going on at home. I want to buy something that will last for years with low maintenance.
I really want an Xpress h22b. That's the best of all worlds, but I can't find any used for a good price and dealer prices for a new one are insane. I tried searching on my own, but there are so many different boats and researching each one would turned out to be a pain.
So I'm asking you all to share your thoughts on all of the above, have a discussion with me, and brag about your boats. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks!