Newbie please help

[Guest]

Hello All, I am new to boating and require some direction please. I Live in Brooklyn NY and tired of catching seaweed off the pier. I live in a apartment and cannot afford to spend four thousand plus to keep a boat at a marina. I was wondering if I can get a 12' inflatable boat (really reliable one) and buy a 15HP outboard. Keep the boat deflated in my suv (Nissan Rogue) and keep the outboard in my apartment. My concern is the smell of gas and oil in my apartment. (want to launch off the beach)
So my questions are:
which boat should I buy price range 500-1500 (best combo if any under 2500 or under)?
how bad will the engine smell and if there is a storage method to eliminate smell?
Is this a pipe dream?

 

[ronaldj]

Re: Newbie please help

What I can tell you is to get a Zodiac, Mecury, West Marine and a Lehr propane outboard. You will need the boat to weigh under 150lbs and you want an engine mated to it. Since most places in the lower 48 have outlawed 2 stroke engines you will have to go 4 stroke which are very heavy.The largest outboard you can keep in your house is 9.9hp
Anything else is too heavy to carry back and fourth. I say get a propane engine because there is no smell once the tankis disconnected. I hav3 a bad shoulder so weight was important to me. I fish the chesapeake bay in an 11ft zodiac with a 5hp propane engine on it. I have no problem at all. . When looking at a boat remember it is not the outside length that is important. It is the inside length. Also you want an 10 to 12ft boat that will run with 5-10hp. That setup will cost you around $3000. You can also use a large trolling motor in place of an outboard but you will have to haul batteries

 

[Guest]

Re: Newbie please help

What I can tell you is to get a Zodiac, Mecury, West Marine and a Lehr propane outboard. You will need the boat to weigh under 150lbs and you want an engine mated to it. Since most places in the lower 48 have outlawed 2 stroke engines you will have to go 4 stroke which are very heavy.The largest outboard you can keep in your house is 9.9hp
Anything else is too heavy to carry back and fourth. I say get a propane engine because there is no smell once the tankis disconnected. I hav3 a bad shoulder so weight was important to me. I fish the chesapeake bay in an 11ft zodiac with a 5hp propane engine on it. I have no problem at all. . When looking at a boat remember it is not the outside length that is important. It is the inside length. Also you want an 10 to 12ft boat that will run with 5-10hp. That setup will cost you around $3000. You can also use a large trolling motor in place of an outboard but you will have to haul batteries

Thanks so much for your response. I was thinking of a 11ft zodiac, I'm concerned about the interior base because I plan on taking my wife also. I want to get a trolling motor for emergencies, bimini and maybe like a 5 ft sheet of rubber or something where I can keep my tackle box ( hooks that's fall out don't puncture my boat). Any inexpensive fish finder suggestions?

 

[IraRat]

Re: Newbie please help

Hey! Former Canarsie boy here!

I used to launch my Sevylor from Paerdegat Basin, and take it out into Jamaica Bay. Had a tiny Yamaha 2.5 on it. (It might have even been a 1.5; don't remember.)

Forget a trolling motor. You can't haul both an outboard and a trolling motor/battery in that small inflatable. And the currents and chop anywhere in Brooklyn are going to make it a nightmare. It might look nice when you go out, but when the weather changes, you're screwed. It was also NOT a lot of fun relaxing out there and all of a sudden a TANKER came by and you want to get way out of the way real fast.

And I gotta tell you--inflating and deflating these things is a pain in the a**, especially since you can't usually drive right to shore, and you have to shlep everything for launch. And when you're going home and deflating to get it back into the car, it's FILTHY. So you'll still need an area near home to hose it down. So all of this inflating, deflating and cleaning takes about 2 hours out of your day. Also, you have to see the actual interior space of these things in person. An 11' inflatable can give you like only 7' of actual space. It's not a comfortable, safe feeling environment for two people in the waters you're talking about.

My suggestion is to find yourself a nice little Gheenoe type vessel and a cheap trailer, and somewhere safe in your neighborhood to park it. Or safe in a different neighborhood.

Gheenoe Manufacturing, Titusville, FL

I don't know if there are Harbor Freights in NYC, but if so, you can buy one of their cheap and standard regular bolt-together trailers (mine is just 4 by 4) and modify it to hold the boat. Or you can car-top the smaller Gheenoes, and with the Gheenoe, you can actually start out just by PADDLING, and buy your motor later.

The thing is, I was in the same situation as you, and the inflatable just didn't cut it. I got the thing, tried to launch from shore a few times, but too much work inflating and deflating. I then paid for a SLIP during the spring and summer at the Paerdegat Canoe Club, and had to run there after every rain to bail. And it's a fragile inflatable.

If not a Gheenoe with a square stern, then a CANOE, which you could also fit with an outboard! Even one of those cheap Coleman/Sports Authority ones.

In Brooklyn, you'll get more use out of it, because it will be easier to get out there with it. Get something with a hard body.

 

[IraRat]

Re: Newbie please help

And here's the fishfinder for you:

Shop for the HawkEye Portable Fish Finder at Walmart.com. Save money. Live better.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Newbie please help

If wanting to go boating with wife get at least a 330-350 mt sib with inflatable deck, are much friendly to transport, assemble, dissasemble, launch than same size wooden or alum panel sibs. If properly air vacuumed can fit nicely inside suv. With respect to sib brands, check Saturn, Mercury air decks in that size range, less pricy that Zodiac brand.

I live on a 6th floor apt, and don't have any issues whatsoever with fuel smells, if you plan to keep portable engines inside apt, do it in a well ventillated area, not in your family room. Just keep engine fuel dry, caps, air vents properly closed and that's it.

If going for a gas engine will need lots of spare fuel small canisters to take along, the ones that screws inside engine, or go for a larger round external gas tank which will occupy more deck space than a equivalent 3-6 gal flat fuel tank. On the other hand, a small 5 HP with sib loaded with more than driver will doubt to achieve planing speeds unless extra boaters are light feather champs too, other than that expect to count with just fast displacement speeds that will bore you soon, including longer time trips to same spots than if you were on plane.

If going for a standard engine, opt would be a 2 strokes, but probably noy available any longer in your area, will need to get a 4 strokes, if so, the best weight/power ratio engine would be a Tohatsu 9.8 HP, top of it's class, being the bigger brother to same 6-8 HP detuned younger brothers. Although 330-350 sibs are normally rated for 15 HP, a 4 strokes engine will weight too much to man handle solo. Can get a engine stand with wheels to transport apt to beach and viceverse, including flushing engine on stand after use...

Happy Boating

 

[IraRat]

Re: Newbie please help

I'm concerned about the interior base because I plan on taking my wife also.

That's the thing:

The interiors on the smaller inflatables are horrible.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Newbie please help

Could you store a gheenoe inside a family suv ? definitely not, although looks good and versatile. The internal width of 320 sibs is 70 cm, 330 & up much wider. If siting on tubes, wooden bench not an issue, Probably a space issue if 2 boaters sits inside deck facing each other. But definitely wider than a canoe in which must seat in a row.

Happy Boating

 

[Guest]

Re: Newbie please help

Hey! Former Canarsie boy here!

I used to launch my Sevylor from Paerdegat Basin, and take it out into Jamaica Bay. Had a tiny Yamaha 2.5 on it. (It might have even been a 1.5; don't remember.) QUOTE]


Damn Man, you just changed my mind about investing some money and dreaming about having a good time . I been fishing by the rockaway bridge for past 3 weeks now and haven't seen a tanker yet. But at the same time I am afraid of any of those party boats, speeds boats blow right by and flip my boat. At this point I don't know what to do??????

Yea and there is no way I will buy a boat and keep it in the street, my outboard will be gone in 20 seconds.

I was looking at the SD330W ( love how wide it is)
Should i still buy a sib with hopes of taking it out to lakes in jersey and long island?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Newbie please help

If passing from cheapo $ 200 price inflatables into next higher boating step, prefferably is to invest $ wise. Not saying invest a lot, but definitely to have a 330-350 with just a poor 5 HP is not the way to go, personally have been through it and the final displacement speed was dissapointing, just for beers and goofing around water.

The SD330W is intended as a fishing boat platform, keep in mind that model is rated for a 15 HP engine, running with just a 9.8 and heavily loaded will probably experiment issues going into plane, being wider will definitely have more hull drag against water to overcome fast and plane easily. Unless going for a 15 HP and if it's not a problem for you, that's more weight & manipulatiing issues.

Where you intend to go boating, there should be speed limits, so not an issue if thiking the sib will flip. Sibs are very stable boats due to having low center of gravity on tubes & keel. The only way of flipping one is if caught by a large wave being sideways or hit by a boat at speed, and that can happen to any other boat type too. Just wear proper inflatable life west and voila!!

Happy Boating

 

[Guest]

Re: Newbie please help

I am still confused on what to do??? Irarat brings up multiple good points. (value his opinion a lot due to him living around the area where i plan to fish and boat around) I'm still very confused but from everyone who commented this is what i gathered

if i get a boat get a zodiac ( if want to go cheaper get a Saturn 330 <--- leaning toward the Saturn which is not much cheaper still range at 1,000 dollars. for no smell at all get a lehr (would have to get a 9.9hp at 2600 dollars). Sea Rider provided some helpful information about a gas engine which i will probably go for 15hp mercury, Johnson or some other brand hopefully around 1000 dollars. Anymore suggestions would be great. If anyone else has fished goes out to bay fishing / riding on inflatable boats please comment

 

[Guest]

Re: Newbie please help

I was able to find a 93 game fisher outboard on craigslist, going to buy today in couple hours ( he will test run it for me) whats a good price to pay for it? and any comments is it a decent engine for a first timer?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Newbie please help

For the size of the boat, there is none more seaworthy than an inflatable. A canoe is NY harbor! Are you kidding? Not a chance. Sea Rider gives good advice here and I agree mostly with him. Price being an issue, I'm thinking a 12 to 14' boat with a 15hp motor. Keep it lightly rigged and no more that two adults on board. It will plane nicely and you will be surprised at how much interior room there is and how stable the boat it is. Seeing that you intend to keep the boat inside, I would recommend the Saturn brand to save money.

Saturns take short shaft motors. A 15hp short shaft outboard is small enough to fit completely inside a large heavy duty garbage bag, like you can get at the home depot. After allowing the motor to dry completely, bag it up and seal with a zippy tie, no odor. Throw a desiccant bag in with it for good measure, also available at the Home Depot.

I love my 14' Saturn, take the family of 4 out all over the place with it. It handles big water very well. I outfitted mine with a 2000GPH bilge pump, but I've never shipped enough water to activate it, and I've had my boat in some pretty big seas. It bounces over pretty much anything as long as you don't take any breakers over the side. I particularly like the 14' Saturn with its 20" tubes and super wide beam. You would have to work pretty hard to flip this thing.

BTW, spring for a new or lightly used engine. Don't buy a '93 Game Fisher.

 

[Guest]

Re: Newbie please help

I want to thank everyone that has responded and guided me through. I failed to do some research like an idiot and bought a 15hp force for 450. guy tested it and it ran. I have it home and been trying to start it by pulling the cord 10-12 times sounds like its about to start but does not. any comments? by the way I just wanted to thank sea rider I seen him replying to everything and everyone

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Newbie please help

Weimed.

You are welcome, some clarifications, I don't generally reply to 4 strokes nor TLDI posts, are not my bussiness nor work with them, this is still a 98% 2 strokes country and in hope that will remain same for a looong time. Only provide answers on subjects/products that know about, have experimented with good results or have own myself including exhaustive testing to check limitations or good boat/engine combo advise or suggestions for different boating applications so buyers makes best "one time" purchase. Been myself through the boating learning curve.

The worst investment is buying something that were suggested not to buy or not work as expected and have to buy again to replace in a short term. BTW, you now have a Game Fisher & Force, right ? Are you becoming a collector of old engines ? Ask seller to show correct starting procedures. If by 12th pull engine has not started, you are doing something wrong....

Happy Boating

 

[Guest]

Re: Newbie please help

no I have one, 1996 Force Gamefisher 15hp outboard that I purchased two days ago (gonna buy a trolling for when this force craps out on me). I plan on staying in the bay area anyway and go out only in little to no wind. Maybe even row back if possible. Same as this youtube video motor 1996 Force Gamefisher 15hp outboard motor - YouTube
I was advised to take it to get serviced and based on what I read was to buy an impeller. I purchased the impeller online and after I get it back from service I plan on changing the impeller. What does it mean "service"? What should I expect and what's an average price for this service I guess aka tune up.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Newbie please help

I have been hesitant to make any recommendations, but maybe we can give some info you might find useful.

We tent camped for years and enjoy fishing, so we used an inflatable. We had a 10 ft Avon with plywood floor and a 15 HP two stroke. We got lucky and found a 9.8 HP Nisson 2 stroke (same as a Tohatsu) which is better for the 10 ft boat. We always used a 12 volt inflator and finished off bringing the boat up to final pressure with the foot pump. It takes time to pump up the boat before using it and also to deflate it. That is a pain, but it beats not having a boat. Two people have no problem fishing from a 10 ft inflatable even with the required throwable device, PFDs, ice chest and tackle box.

We used the boat on primarily flat water, but it is very seaworthy in case the conditions deteriorate.

We purchased a 9 1/2 ft boat with an inflatable floor. Get a high pressure 12 volt air pump if you go that route, as properly inflating the floor is very tough with a manual pump.

An observation on the difference between the plywood and inflatable floors may be of interest. When you handle the inflatable floor boat, you have all the weight to handle in the folded boat. The boat with the plywood floor stores in one bag for the fabric and one bag for the floor, so it is easier to transport. Even though the air floor version is lighter fully inflated, it is harder to handle in the storage bag.

Gasoline fumes are bad news in a confined space such as an apartment, so completely drain fuel from the motor before storage. You really need a ventilated space to store gas cans even if the pressurized tank containers are used. Remember, a cup of gas is equal to several sticks of dynamite.

You have to make up your mind if having your own boat is worth it. You can fish quite a lot on party boats for what a boat, motor, and gear will cost you.

 

[Guest]

Re: Newbie please help

I have been hesitant to make any recommendations, but maybe we can give some info you might find useful.

We tent camped for years and enjoy fishing, so we used an inflatable. We had a 10 ft Avon with plywood floor and a 15 HP two stroke. We got lucky and found a 9.8 HP Nisson 2 stroke (same as a Tohatsu) which is better for the 10 ft boat. We always used a 12 volt inflator and finished off bringing the boat up to final pressure with the foot pump. It takes time to pump up the boat before using it and also to deflate it. That is a pain, but it beats not having a boat. Two people have no problem fishing from a 10 ft inflatable even with the required throwable device, PFDs, ice chest and tackle box.

We used the boat on primarily flat water, but it is very seaworthy in case the conditions deteriorate.

We purchased a 9 1/2 ft boat with an inflatable floor. Get a high pressure 12 volt air pump if you go that route, as properly inflating the floor is very tough with a manual pump.

An observation on the difference between the plywood and inflatable floors may be of interest. When you handle the inflatable floor boat, you have all the weight to handle in the folded boat. The boat with the plywood floor stores in one bag for the fabric and one bag for the floor, so it is easier to transport. Even though the air floor version is lighter fully inflated, it is harder to handle in the storage bag.

Gasoline fumes are bad news in a confined space such as an apartment, so completely drain fuel from the motor before storage. You really need a ventilated space to store gas cans even if the pressurized tank containers are used. Remember, a cup of gas is equal to several sticks of dynamite.

You have to make up your mind if having your own boat is worth it. You can fish quite a lot on party boats for what a boat, motor, and gear will cost you.

Thanks for your advice. I don't like to do charter because I rather spend time alone with my wife. I might be forced to ask local marina if I can rent a small space. Or maybe a neighbor in his drive way

 

[IraRat]

Re: Newbie please help

Sorry for not posting sooner.

As far as someone above suggesting I was nuts for recommending a canoe in New York harbor, I can first say that Jamaica Bay is not NY harbor, and tons of people KAYAK on the east and Hudson Rivers.

And when I said "park," I sure didn't mean leave it out on the street. I meant putting the boat somewhere secure, and keeping the motor at home.

And I'll reiterate, inflatables are a pain in the ***, UNLESS you're going to get a high-end one that's trailered and always inflated. And in that case, why get an inflatable?

But I'm telling you--I used to canoe from Paerdegat Basin to Howard Beach!

 

[IraRat]

Re: Newbie please help

Also, don't try to run your engine out of water. It needs to be in water because it sucks it in for its cooling system.

And you got a good deal on that motor!