Large or small boats ?

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I need some advice from you fishermen. I'm very fortunate to inherit two fishing boats for an uncle that just past away. He left me a 2003 Searay 180 (17'-6") and a smaller fiberglass fishing boat that's about 13 feet. The smaller boat is in pretty good condition with a 15 HP motor. <br /><br />I'm not a fisherman and have never own a boat. My question is, in fishing small lakes what can a smaller fishing boat do that the larger Searay can not do? I'm in the process of debating if I should pass the little boat on to another cousin or should I keep both. I figure if the Searay can do all the work then I don't need to keep the smaller boat. However, if the smaller boat have advanges such as getting in shallow waters then I like to keep it. <br /><br />Please advise what you would do. Thank you.

 

[JB]

Re: Large or small boats ?

Howdy, NV.<br /><br />Smaller boats can go into shallower water, be easily pushed off if they ground or if you beach them, maneuver tighter in tight quarters, go all day on a small amount of fuel, fit in the garage, be towed by about any vehicle rated for 1,000lb, get by with portable engines and be rowed easily if needed.<br /><br />Larger boats can go farther faster, carry more people in greater comfort, handle rougher water and keep you busy for a lot more time maintaining them.<br /><br />If it matters to you, larger boats usually impress the neighbors and chicks more than small boats. Smaller boats are generally a lot kinder to you bank account.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[markvan]

Re: Large or small boats ?

at least with the searay if you ever get the urge to do any water sports you can at least pull a skier or tubes, plus you can fish out of it, pretty hard to use a 13' with a 15hp motor for water sports. I would venture to say once you get out and use the larger boat you will be glad you kept it

 

[one more cast]

Re: Large or small boats ?

I would think it would depend on the lake, does it have lots of tight shallow areas. And what type of fishing you plan on doing. Take them both out and play around and see if you think you would need them both. I have a 16'/35hp and a 12'/15hp. we take the 16' about 95% of the time.

 

[neumanns]

Re: Large or small boats ?

Hi Cousin

 

[fireman57]

Re: Large or small boats ?

I like the smaller boat for the simple reason I get to fish with it and not have to worry about it turning into a ski/tube boat. I know it is fun for everyone else but I eat the expense and have to use all my time entertaining these people. After that I'm almost too tired to fish. Like I said, almost.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Large or small boats ?

trust yur nice uncle... u really need both!<br />catch a lunker for him

 

[TKE381]

Re: Large or small boats ?

I agree with MY. The gods have sent you a sign. Keep both. Become the fisherman your uncle wanted you to be.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Large or small boats ?

JB nailed it right on the head with this one.<br />I also agree with MY's train of thought here to can't say as much about the company he keeps sometimes though.

 

[farginicehole]

Re: Large or small boats ?

I agree with keep them both, but I'm sure your cousin (and your late uncle) would at least appreciate it if you took him or her fishing once in a while!

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Large or small boats ?

It's a hard choice. The smaller boat is much more practical, but if you let the big boat go, you're going to wish you kept it. <br /><br />You'll see - if you end up keeping the SeaRay, in a year or two you'll be looking for an even bigger boat..

 

[snowshoe]

Re: Large or small boats ?

Nightvision:<br />You will have to seriously consider what type of boating you are going to do --- fishing large or small lakes/ rivers, join the water sport crowd, what amount of $$$ are you prepared and able to afford to pursue your boating life, how much time in your life style can you devote to boating, how Mrs feels about boating and is she prepared to join the fun. Many factors to consider. After all that, we had a 14' 9.9 hp cartopper and a 17' /115 merc tournament boat, -- never used the little one anymore so sold it and enjoy the 17' all summer. Whatever -- enjoy your toys and the days on the water they can bring you.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Large or small boats ?

Your uncle had both of them for a reason NV.

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Large or small boats ?

Give em both to your cousin. You'll be able to fish and ski for free because your cousin appreciates what you've given him. you wont have any upkeep, cleaning, maintainance, insurance,etc and you'll feel great because your so generous.