New boat advice

[coresuper]

I am buying a new boat. I’m 58 with bad knees, so getting up and down takes a bit and won’t get any better as time goes in. Wondering what suggestions you might have. Just sold my pontoon, so looking for a fishing boat. Mainly fish smaller lakes, rivers and tributaries.

 

[roscoe]

So many styles to pick from.

Starcraft Freedom 160 , 16'11", 60-75 hp

 

[dwco5051]

A lot of variables such as are you going to be fishing by yourself most often. A center console with an adjustable pedestal seat would be the most comfortable to operate. However docking is a little more complicated when you have to leave your seat to tie to a cleat. As I am 81 years old I find tiller steering to be very uncomfortable. My neck doesn't swivel like an owl's any more so sitting sideways is tiring. Side console is nice but on a smaller boat the seat will usually be lower but docking is easy. The big deal breaker on any boat is if you are going to trailer it and launch and retrieve it solo can it be done without excessive gymnastics. I know in a few years climbing over the bow will become more difficult then as I do now. This Winter I will be trying to figure out some way to add a couple of steps on my winch post.

 

[coresuper]

Will not get a tiller. I never fish alone. Going with at least a 20’ boat. My issue was how low the side console seats are to the deck. I like the idea of a center console or bay type boat.

 

[dingbat]

Define rivers and tributaries.
Both can be rather large bodies of water.

Center consoles and bay boats typically don’t have conventional seating. Leaning posts are the norm

 

[coresuper]

The Ohio river and the creeks that run off of it. We never go out when it’s rough out. Lowe Bay22 and Ranger RB200 are 2 that I’m looking at.

 

[82rude]

62 years old,both knees replaced in my 40,s,back a mess from osteoarthritis.I boat in an old starccraft ss160 with side console.I tore out those stupid back to back seats and went with adjustable post seats.No issues getting out atall,just take my time and am careful.Of course it helps that my launches are lightly used and when im having a bad day or hardtime people are very helpful as am I also to older people.Mostly fish on a little lake called lake superior/whitefishbay.

 

[roscoe]

Yep, climbing up to elevated fishing positions and low in floor storage are great for bad knees. Why ask ?

I would be looking for high freeboard, level flooring, ez access storage.

 

[Captain Caveman]

I've got a 2008 Alumacraft Navigator that is similar to what Roscoe pasted in the sense that it has a roughly 3-4" gunwale that goes around the perimeter. When I or guests step into the boat, they must step on that 3-4" gunwale, then onto the (storage) deck, and then down into the floor of the boat.

I remember at the time that one of the other Alumacraft options (maybe the Dominator) had a much wider gunwale that was essentially the storage deck. I mention this because as you get into and out of the boat, the width of the stepping platform may be of vital importance. I'm in my mid-40s with still really good balance, so this is not a concern. My 75yr old father with bad knees and questionable balance really has to be careful getting into and out of my boat...especially when the water levels are low!

 

[Lowlysubaruguy]

Here’s my solution to bad knees if you get past the tuna you’ll see the side door plenty of standing and sitting room to.

myself stepping over and into a lot of smaller boats my whole life I like a wide rail to either step on and into the boat from or to sit on and swing my legs over.

im dealing with knees and one shoulder myself shoulders in line for surgery if I can ever get it scheduled with COVID events. Funny seems like right after tuna and salmon season my shoulder always acts up. Must be some tie there

 

[Texasmark]

Here’s my solution to bad knees if you get past the tuna you’ll see the side door plenty of standing and sitting room to.

myself stepping over and into a lot of smaller boats my whole life I like a wide rail to either step on and into the boat from or to sit on and swing my legs over.

im dealing with knees and one shoulder myself shoulders in line for surgery if I can ever get it scheduled with COVID events. Funny seems like right after tuna and salmon season my shoulder always acts up. Must be some tie there

I am 79 and had an injury to my right shoulder years ago. Got back into fishing last year and being a bass fisherman, I preferred pistol grip stocks and short butts on my rods...butt got in the way on long but casting rods as I liked to have the rod directly in front of me, straight out.

As you said, I find that I can fish a few hours using my long butt rods without pain as having the counter balance of the end of the long butt for my left hand, it takes less effort on the right hand to get the cast out.....sooo I just got used to holding the rod in my left hand and letting the butt stick out under my left elbow when retrieving.

I realize that you are looking at longer boats. Point here is that adaptation to suit you may not be that difficult to change a near perfect purchase to a winner.

 

[JimS123]

I have periodic back problems now. I bought my Boston Whaler Center Console with the expectation that I might have greater issues later on.

The freeboard is actually low, making for a lighter hull that needs less HP. But the boat is equipped with 24" high handrails all the way around (and even over the CC) so the "usable freeboard" is almost at hip level. There is no place on the boat that doesn't have a strong rail to hang on to. There is a convenient opening between rails midship, so getting in and out is simple.

The seats are all high above the deck, and the helm seat back is adjustable fore and aft so you can fish out the back of the boat with ease.

Best fishing boat I ever owned. They make models from 15 to 21 feet.

 

[Texasmark]

I have periodic back problems now. I bought my Boston Whaler Center Console with the expectation that I might have greater issues later on.

The freeboard is actually low, making for a lighter hull that needs less HP. But the boat is equipped with 24" high handrails all the way around (and even over the CC) so the "usable freeboard" is almost at hip level. There is no place on the boat that doesn't have a strong rail to hang on to. There is a convenient opening between rails midship, so getting in and out is simple.

The seats are all high above the deck, and the helm seat back is adjustable fore and aft so you can fish out the back of the boat with ease.

Best fishing boat I ever owned. They make models from 15 to 21 feet.

View attachment 330074

Funny, I had initially thought about a Whaler for a reply. Didn't remember that they had rails in the aft section also with a gap midship for boarding. Yes on your CC......but the reason I didn't suggest it was that my preference is bow mounted seat and trolling motor. Rails get in the way for that. For Crappie fishing or trolling, great idea.....place to put your rod holders as I see on your (pretty) rig.

 

[JimS123]

Funny, I had initially thought about a Whaler for a reply. Didn't remember that they had rails in the aft section also with a gap midship for boarding. Yes on your CC......but the reason I didn't suggest it was that my preference is bow mounted seat and trolling motor. Rails get in the way for that. For Crappie fishing or trolling, great idea.....place to put your rod holders as I see on your (pretty) rig.

Options are abundant. We chose the optional split bow rail because we sometimes beach. A full bow rail is also available. We also chose a a full cushion over the bow casting platform so the wife can lie down in the sun. Also, just in front of the console is a cooler with a cushioned seat.

Eliminate the cushions, cooler and bow rail and you can add the optional bow pedestal seat and a bow mounted trolling motor.

They got you covered no matter your preference.