what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

[squale]

Looking to buy my first boat and was wondering what the best manufacturers are of fishing boats and what boats in particular are good for both salt water and fresh water?

 

[JB]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

Howdy, NTBM.<br /><br />Welcome to the board.<br /><br />You will get a lot of opinions on this.<br /><br />My opinion is the Boston Whaler classic (pre-2002) Montauk "17" (16'7") or pre-'90 Outrage 18 (18'6").<br /><br />The new Montauk 170 is a different design; wider and heavier, but can still be had, well equipped, for under 20 Grand.<br /><br />My Montauk is 23 years old and still as good a boat as any 2003 made by anyone.<br /><br />Good luck. We will now hear a lot of different opinions.

 

[JJ57103]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

I've never tried(or even seen) a Boston Whaler, but I've heard alot of positive things about them. I can only tell you what's worked for me. <br /><br />I have an 18' Pro V Lund with a 60 on it. Console steering, deep hulled boat. Had it in some pretty nasty weather a time or 2 and it made it through with flying colors. All the bells and whistles you'd want in a fishing boat. It's aluminum too, so it'll take some beating if need be. I fish the Misssouri River, so you never know when you may be hitting any number of submerged items... federal judges controlling water levels to keep environmentalists happy is a never-ending headache. Nicely equipped for around 13k in these parts. Good luck in your search.

 

[squale]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

Lund boats aren't made for ocean or bay fishing also though right?

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

The Lund Tyee model is promoted as a salt water<br />boat. Although I do not own a lund, I fished from<br />many different models, and they sure are a fine<br />boat.<br />I owned a Boston whaler years ago, and also <br />consider them to make one of the finest salt water<br />boats available.

 

[kenneyhackworth]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

Have some friends on the water with Scout hulls. They take the water well, and their owners seem to be happy with the product.

 

[squale]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

how much is that lund for the ocean?<br /><br />and where can I find a bunch of new boat reviews and their prices?<br /><br />Most online sites don't list the prices for their boats..<br /><br />what's the best boating information source for reviews and prices? something like BoatingWorld magazine maybe?

 

[Whaler Proud]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

Ditto JB on the Whaler recommendations. I use my 17 exclusively in fresh water and it performs great.

 

[kenneyhackworth]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

There are some good boat sales sites out there:<br /><br />www.boats.com <br />www.boattraderonline.com<br /><br />just a couple, good luck on your search!

 

[TrenchFisherman]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

hey NEW...i am from sussex county NJ and if you are looking for used boats you can try www.thesaltydog.com ...lots of boats from NJ NY PA and DE. i had a wellcraft v-20 and that was great for the bays of new jersey and a few miles out. big v front was nice and the boat didn't sway much in the waves. aluminum boats are nice for hauling but fiberglass boats are better for the bounce of the ocean and waves. good luck on your purchase. if you don't get one before winter go to the boat show in NYC. u can see all the makes and u can see the difference in quality. my favorite boats are Wellcraft, Boston Whaler, Thompson(not made anymore) and Sportcraft.

 

[squale]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

hey thanks for the info. Yeah I am from Morris County, NJ so right next store to ya. When is the boat show in NYC? Is it at the Jacob Javitz Center where they have the annual car shows?<br /><br />why do you like those boats the best?

 

[TrenchFisherman]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

i think it is in December but could be in January. I think it switches a little but yes its in the Javits center. Can't wait to go this year because its time to start looking for a new boat.

 

[squale]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

what boats are you going to consider?<br /><br />Do you want a fishing boat? or a skiing boat?

 

[dolsen]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

Check these out

 

[DJ]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

Newtoboatsman,<br /><br />Lunds are fine boats. However, I wouldn't consider ANY boat that has carpeting everywhere you look a saltwater boat.<br /><br />Most saltwater boats are of the "hose out" variety. Saltwater plays havoc on everything. You do not want carpet or vinyl holding it in the boat.<br /><br />Fishing boats come in so many flavors that it is hard for anyone to give you advice on what you want. Alot depends on where and what you fish for. Bassboats are great for bass and pan fishing, yet you do not see many out in the ocean going after King Mackerel. Many are purpose or region built. The Lund is a Midwest fresh water boat.<br /><br />I do have to agree with the others though, a Boston Whaler will handle just about anything. But, they're not for everyone. They are not flashy and are somewhat utilitarian.

 

[squale]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

I checked out that North River boat.. is that for the ocean too? I never heard of North River.. do they make good boats?

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

North River has one of the worst web sites you can can't imagine (the owner says he wants to make his site better, but is too busy making boats)....but makes one of the better boats available; in our area, they're outselling Duckworth and Woolridge, two comparable premier white water/off-shore boats. They have a great reputation in the PacNW, and are well made. Don't know what shipping to your area would add to the cost.<br />Comparing Lund, Starcraft, and other flatlander aluminum boats to PacNW manufacturers (above, plus Silver Streak, Pacific, Motion Marine, North West, etc.) is like apples to oranges...or more accurately, thin to thick. They use heavier materials, welded technology, and will take hard marine abuse, either white water, or off-shore, depending upon the model. Prices are not cheap, however, and Lund is much closer to your $30K range (I presume you're including engines in your budget). <br />I've never seen one, but Black Lab (www.blacklabmarine.com)in Maine might be something you might be able to check out closer to your home. He appears to build PacNW "style" boats.

 

[record hunter]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

Yes everyone has an opinion about this one My friend has a boston waler and likes it .I have a sea ray .Its a good boat. But thats right but I,m surprized no one ever says anything about a radon. There are a couple of differant but the originator was Don Radon I have been in alot of boats and nothing rides like a radon especially in rough water and following seas .Well that is my 2 cents.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

Sure love my NorthRiver, but your closest dealer is in Ohio.

 

[dolsen]

Re: what are the best fishing boats under 30K ??

I also love my North River. Yes newtoboatsman, the seahawk NR is for the ocean and big open water. You could get one with a single OB (150Yammi prop) or so for about 30k. Ive yet to come across an unhappy NR owner. Heck, Ohio is just a short hop anyways from NJ.