What boats fit these specs?

[Tundah]

1) Minimum Persons Rating ? 4 (5 is preferred)
2) Storage length ? less than 20.5' (standard garage), with trailer
3) Total Cost ? $8,000.00 to $14,000.00
4) Livewell and/or baitwell
5) Minimum 90hp (preferably > 115)
6) Bow Trolling Motor (or installable)

Location:
Central Florida (year round)

Use:
80% time will be freshwater fishing (bass/speck/cats) in the lakes, with the occasional dragging of kids on a tube (ages 7 & 11). Will likely have 1 or 2 fishing buddies during an outing.
20% time fishing the Tampa Bay area for some table fare.
Outside of fishing, just some recreational floating with the fam.

Appreciate any input the community could provide on some makes, models, and years. Thanks in advance!

 

[JoLin]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

Hi, Tundah

Length with trailer is going to be your big limiting factor. I have a 16' tinny and though I haven't measured the whole rig end to end, I'd estimate that it's over 20' long from trailer hitch to outboard prop. Mine's a dual console model rated at up to 115 hp.

I'll let folks more familar with smallish boats respond, too, but you might be limited to a 15' boat. I'd think that would limit your forays into Tampa Bay.

 

[Tundah]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

I can be flexible on that as I do have a free outdoor storage place about 5 miles from the house. I just prefer the convenience of using the garage and unfortunately my HOA does not allow them on the property and they don't have a storage place here. If I went diagonally I'm sure I could stretch a couple feet...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

My 18' outboard Starcraft just fits in my garage. I thought I had a "standard" size garage but I guess not because I just went out and measured it and it's 22.5' feet. You may get a 16' in your garage but it's gonna be tight.

 

[jestor68]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

Lots of fishing boats, like the Tracker Targa series 17 and 18 ft boats fit in a "standard garage" with the swing a way trailer tongue, that shortens their storage length by about 48 inches. Kits are available to convert standard trailers.

For example, a 17 ft's storage length is 18'2". The 18 ft Targa storage length is 19'8" according to the Tracker web site.

I believe that all Tracker trailers have the swing a way tongue feature on their trailers. I assume other fishing boat builders like Lowe also have the feature on their trailers.

 

[jestor68]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

How's this for a candidate? Storage length is 18' 2" for a 17 ' boat that appears to have everything you want. Note the swing a way trailer tongue.

Comes standard with a 90 Optimax, with a 115 optional.

Another option is the so called "fish and ski" style, which basically a bass boat with dual consoles and a full windshield. When you want to fish, it's a bass boat. When you want to pull the kids, it's a runabout. Lots of those on the used market.

 

[agallant80]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

Like stated above the trailer will add another few feet to the boat. My 25 footer is about 32 feet on the trailer (boat hangs over the back about 1.5 feet and the fron is about aonther 5 feet).

 

[roscoe]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

1) Minimum Persons Rating – 4 (5 is preferred)
2) Storage length – less than 20.5' (standard garage), with trailer
3) Total Cost – $8,000.00 to $14,000.00
4) Livewell and/or baitwell
5) Minimum 90hp (preferably > 115)
6) Bow Trolling Motor (or installable)

Location:
Central Florida (year round)

Use:
80% time will be freshwater fishing (bass/speck/cats) in the lakes, with the occasional dragging of kids on a tube (ages 7 & 11). Will likely have 1 or 2 fishing buddies during an outing.
20% time fishing the Tampa Bay area for some table fare.
Outside of fishing, just some recreational floating with the fam.

Appreciate any input the community could provide on some makes, models, and years. Thanks in advance!

Well, probably not any bass boat, due to the person capacity.

"Standard " garages around here, are 22-24' deep.



17' boat max, IF the trailer does not extend out past the bow of the boat more than 6". Remember, the motor and prop will extend 18" off the back of the boat.

You really won't gain more than a couple inches by angling the trailer in the garage, tried several times, UNLESS.... you have 12' of garage width to use.

Single side console or center console will free up space for the fishing trips.

 

[Tundah]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

I'll take my garage measurement today. @jestor I have a tracker Jon boat now and absolutely love it, however I think I'd prefer glass with going in the salt.

Also I am leaning towards a center console. The boats purpose will be fishing many time more than leisure activities. I think I can get away with a 17' with a swing-tongue.

But for the proposes of generating some discussion on models, lets remove the length limitation and assume I'll use the storage yard.

 

[Tundah]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

Ok just measured and wow, can't believe they call it a 2-car garage... 19' deep by 17' wide (storageable area). Looks like gonna have to store the new boat down the road.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

There are some 16' Starcraft CC's out there that should fit, but even a short trailer under a 18' would be over 19', not including the engine

 

[dan02gt]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

How about a bass boat based fish and ski? Stratos, Skeeter, Triton, Nitro, and Ranger all make nice ones that would fit you needs perfectly.

 

[buellwinkle]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

They had a nice Boston Whaler at the boat show, 13' Super Sport, probably sits 4, I believe a 50HP outboard and was only $15K. That would fit in any garage. I think for another grand you can upgrade to the 15'.

 

[Tundah]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

How about a bass boat based fish and ski? Stratos, Skeeter, Triton, Nitro, and Ranger all make nice ones that would fit you needs perfectly.

When I first started researching this next purchase, I was almost sold on a bass boat and I know they would be perfect for all my fresh water endeavors. With my budget, I found some very nice bass boats with all the bells and whistles. However, from what I've read, they do not manage well on salt - between the trailers and carpeting. Although I may only make it over to the bay a couple times a year, it is something that I want the boat to accommodate.

I don't find the fish n ski models practical as the boat will be 99% fishing....if I couldn't drag the kids on the tube, it wouldn't be a deal breaker. Thanks!

 

[sublauxation]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

I have an 18ft aluminum. With the swing tongue and some winch post modifications the trailer is the exact same length as the boat but my 90hp evinrude adds either 24 or 28 inches (don't remember for sure) off the back when measured to the end of the prop shaft. Mine fits on a diagonal with room to spare but I'm about 6 inches too long to put it straight in.

Is it an attached garage? Would the wife mind you putting a hole in the wall through the garage? A prop is a nice decorating touch in the dining room!

 

[steelespike]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

Just for reference I have a Crestliner utility exactly 18' long with a 50 merc. Trailer is rated for a 18 footer it just fits boat.
over all length is 21'2" 24ft garage is 23'8" inside. Tongue is 6" from the door motor is 20" from the wall.
I would say that is probably the minimum length for a non articulated trailer and boat.

 

[Tundah]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

I have an 18ft aluminum. With the swing tongue and some winch post modifications the trailer is the exact same length as the boat but my 90hp evinrude adds either 24 or 28 inches (don't remember for sure) off the back when measured to the end of the prop shaft. Mine fits on a diagonal with room to spare but I'm about 6 inches too long to put it straight in.

Is it an attached garage? Would the wife mind you putting a hole in the wall through the garage? A prop is a nice decorating touch in the dining room!

Lol, its attached and backs to the dining room....trust me, I contemplated convincing her of changing the wall, but don't think I have enough husband credits for that project!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What boats fit these specs?

look at carolina skiff. Perfect for what you want, except you need half the horsepower!

 

[southkogs]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

look at carolina skiff. Perfect for what you want, except you need half the horsepower!

+1 Yeah, I think that might be a good option for ya'.

 

[Tundah]

Re: What boats fit these specs?

The DLX series is appealing, do they have decent speed with the lower HP outboards?