need advice for starting out

[brian110100]

I would like to get a small inexpensive boat setup, but I don't know where to begin. I would usually be going out by myself on a fairly calm lake and would only be using it for fishing. I only have a small car so I need a boat that can be carried on a roof rack. I have found a boat that I like, it is 8 feet long by 4 feet wide and weighs 85 lbs, it costs about $500. I start getting lost when I shop for trolling motors and marine batteries. The trolling motors that I like so far are the Minn Kota Endura #30 and the Minn Kota Turbo 50T, both of these are under $200. As far as batteries, I have no idea. I don't even know where to start. I really need some advice on this equipment and any other equipment that I need to start out. Thanks.

 

[crab bait]

Re: need advice for starting out

welcome to the beginin' phase..<br />there is alot to learn but it's fun stuff to learn..<br /><br />always buy what you think you like & don't let price always get in-the-way...<br /><br />here's a short-list.<br /><br />always buy minnkota,, eagle or lowrance & a good deep cell battery ... the better has more power but also alot more weight..just about any brand will do. they even have deep cell diehards..

 

[Allen Henry]

Re: need advice for starting out

Howdy,<br /><br />The local Wal-Mart has both the trolling motors and batteries for reasonable prices.<br /><br />Trp251

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: need advice for starting out

Crab Bait has some good advice that took me many years to learn. Spend a few dollars more, get something you like and be happy with it instead of mildly dis-satisfied over the years. If you take care of your gear, it will last long enough so that the annual additional cost is minimal. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Scoop]

Re: need advice for starting out

I have the Endura 30. I like it a lot. It will have plenty of power for your small boat. It also will run for days if you have a good battery. Walmart has good prices on batteries and motors. Battery, If you want to run for days without charging, get the heaviest battery possible. I bought the heaviest, cheapest at Walmart and have been very happy with it (Until I carry it up from the lake to charge it). Johnson controls in Milwaukee, WI makes the batteries for Walmart, Sears, Farm and Fleet etc. I read in an in-fisherman article a few months ago that the heavier the better unless it is one of the new very expensuive technologies. As far as fish finders, Everyone says stay away from Humminbird, but it is hard to find one that is portable and cheap. I have been happy with my Humminbird portable model 200, but if you have the money and only one boat to mount it on, Another kind might be better. Have fun.

 

[okiecarp]

Re: need advice for starting out

Brian,<br /><br />I am in the same boat (so to speak). Money is not a problem with me, but weight is. I have a dissability. I have decided on an inflatable boat by Sea Eagle. www.seaegle.com. They are having a sale now. Good deal and they are tough. I will get one of those small gel batteries. The trolling motor will be a Minn Kota. I just can't decide on the thrust. I want to be able to go at least 7-8 MPH. I weigh 220#. Does any one have thoughts on the amount of thrust I need?