Corpusfishing.com

immense · Pony Mullet Joined: 16 Sep 2006 Posts: 52

I have been in the yak for a few years now and am seriously considering a boat. I have never purchased a boat before and was hoping the forum members could offer up some advice.

Here is what (I think) my criteria is:

* Flat bottom boat that is able to run in only a few inches of water
* I could care less about a huge motor – 50hp would be fine
* Ability to carry 3-4 people minimum
* Price range of $5,000 – $10,000
* Used would be best to keep the cost down, any advice on buying uses would be great
* If you had a great experience with a dealer please share!

Thanks in advance for any tips / adivice!

ironmanstan · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 4:17 am Post subject:

Ive been running a 16ft aluminum flat bottom with a 40 horse tohatsu for 11 years. Niether have been in the shop for repair. The boat is a weld-craft , purchased at portland marine, the motor at Coastal marine in rockport. Low maintenance, and great on fuel, its not the boat that catches the fish. Very Happy

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I LIKE MINE FRIED.

landlocked beachbum · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 6:48 am Post subject:

I agree with IMS AS LONG AS you keep an eye on the corrosion problems that may arise. I have had a Lowe 162 since 1994 and even though it only sees salt water once every 2-3 years the transom has many small corrosion holes going through where it's internally braced with plywood, which holds the moisture [and salt]. If IMS's Weld-Craft is the same company as the Weld-Craft just south of Little Rock, there isn't any wood in the transom, it's all aluminum braced. They make GREAT boats!

I need to remove the motor and pop the wood out of the transom so that I can get the interior surfaces blasted. I will then prime and paint them before replacing the plywood with FRP composite/honeycomb. No moisture retention, stiff and light. I have a 40 HP Evinrude on the back [also '94] and I get about 6-7 mpg and the boat tops out @ about 37 mph on GPS. This is all with me and the dog though. 3-4 people would take both numbers down but is still doable.
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Dave

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits". Albert Einstein

BIG LONG · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 7:14 am Post subject:

CAROLINA SKIFF! I REGRET SELLIN MINE, FLATS IN THE MORNING, OFFSHORE IN THE AFTERNOON, AN STLL HAD HALF A TANK FOR NEXT TIME. NOT TO MENTION 3 PEOPLE FISHING LURES AN STILL HAD ROOM FOR THE DOGS. 17FT SEMI-V WITH A YAMIE 60HP
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If you dont believe in god, you havent been to Texas.

Eightball Express · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 2:36 pm Post subject:

Talk to Carol over at Portland Marine. They will take excellent care of you.
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Looking for a River Pickle sunrise

pinsjeepster · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 3:36 pm Post subject:

2nd on that Carolina Skiff!!! I love mine. Bought it used for $2500 . 2000 16ft
with a 40hp yamaha. It will get in some pretty shallow water. 2 guys fish comfortable. Very Happy

ezmoney · Finger Mullet Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Posts: 15

where did you find a deal like that?????

REEL BEAST · Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 5:58 am Post subject:

Another vote for the Carolina Skiff. Bought my son a 14 footer, and the thing was indestuctable. I would reccomend a 16 foot or bigger however.
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Capt. Ross L. McElwee
R&R Coastal Adventures, Inc.

www.REELBEAST.com

BALZTOWAL · Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 6:26 am Post subject:

HOW MANY INCHES IS A FEW.

fairhunt1 · Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 8:45 am Post subject:

Big long,

We just moved that boat back down to storage in the bluff. I will for sure be down Mid August for 10 days, we'll have to fish out of it.
I hope I can get down before then.

If so I'll let you know.

BIG LONG · Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 11:59 am Post subject:

I will admit, I miss her! she still runnin good?
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If you dont believe in god, you havent been to Texas.

GoinCoastal · Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 12:12 pm Post subject:

I have not owned a boat in a long time, but I do believe if I was buying one today it would be a Carolina Skiff or a panga. Both boats are light efficient designs that carry a lot of weight with smaller engines. Everyone I know that has had a Carolina Skiff has loved them. For me, either would be great for ferrying my kayaks to more distance & isolated waters.

immense · Pony Mullet Joined: 16 Sep 2006 Posts: 52

Thanks for the advice - I am looking at Carolina Skiffs now.

fairhunt1 · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:00 am Post subject:

Big Long,

Dad has done a lot of work to the boat , new tires and wheels, bearings, buddies, doors on the front storage, some work on the engine (I don''t think needed to be done)

When we get down I'll let you know and see if you have time to fish a bit.