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Bighead · Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 2:04 pm Post subject: Boat Questions

I am contemplating the purchase of a boat in the nest 12-18 months.

I have not owned a boat in South Texas...grew up in aluminum flat boats in the 16-18' range with 50-90 hp motors in the marshes of Louisiana.

I will primarily fish the Laguna, Baffin, and all around here, but would also like the capability of going offshore on cotton candy days. I am not looking to run 60-80 miles out...mainly near shore, go look for Ling, in state snapper, kings, Spanish, etc.

I DO NOT like to wade. I always find mud, slop, holes, and it's just not enjoyable for me.

I am curious as to what you guys would recommend and why as well as any experiences you have with various boats.

Thanks in advance,
Bighead
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hickroots07 · Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 6:31 pm Post subject:

I have a 18 foot shallowsport, sport model (with the sides). I mostly drift fish but will wade on occasion. It's still easy to get in and out of when you need to. It runs skinny when you need it, drifts fine and skinny. It's not the smoothest ride, you can feel chop. It rides much better from behind the console vs on the front seat. I have also taken it offshore up to 8 miles on the most perfect of days in clean swells. No problem. I'll meet up and give you a test ride if you want. Lemme know.
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BayFly · Posted: Fri May 10, 2019 7:12 pm Post subject:

I've done the flat bottom aluminum rig in 12 to 18', as well, but not today! Length is your friend, as you are dealing with more than a little wind driven chop. If I were considering going beyond the jetties I think I would want to be in a hull 21' or longer, and the deeper the V the better for a comfortable ride. You don't want to necessarily size for what the weatherman forecast, but what will provide you and your guest with a safe ride home. Because the Texas bays are generally very shallow, the average boat we prefer to run or drift in our shallow bays are not the best for off shore. I'm sure there are some exceptions to the rule. If you are thinking about buying a used rig I encourage you to visit 2coolfishing.com's classified section to get a good feel for what is available in our market. Good luck with your search and decision.

loco4fishn · Pony Mullet Joined: 25 Oct 2012 Posts: 78 Location: Texas

I have an older 18 foot Kenner tunnel V with a 115hp overall length is about 19 ft I top out at about 38 to 40mph wot it handles the chop pretty good for its size and also runs reasonably shallow with a jack plate I run all over the Laguna and down to Baffin also have taken it past the jetty a couple times when the weather permits and the big V and high sides definitely help and I mostly fish from the boat also If I were you I would look into something like mine or a 21ft kenner or blue wave with a tunnel and a 150hp on the back That should be able to do what you are looking for Good luck

Johninaustin · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 1109

I was the same as you a while back looking for a retirement rig a few years ago.

I settled on a 17' Boston Whaler. Works okay in the bay and I take it offshore quite often on better days. 90 hp Honda. Sips gas and will run 35mph. Added a small kicker to the back for trolling.

The only drawback to it is that is I miss the storage space that was on my bigger boats.

Bryhn · Finger Mullet Joined: 01 Feb 2016 Posts: 17

I have a 21 Kenner (

Cricket · Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 12:16 pm Post subject:

I was in your shoes last Fall and was looking for something that could go in skinny water but also could head out across the Bay or out to one of the near rigs. Bought a Sea Fox. I'd look at them and at Nautic Star. Both will do what you want. The ride is dry and amazingly smooth. I really was happy with Russell O'Riley at Premier Yamaha on SPID near Ennis Joslin.

SandJKENNELS · Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 12:39 pm Post subject:

Check out the haynie line also.
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reallifetexan · Pony Mullet Joined: 08 Jun 2013 Posts: 79

There are multiple companies making catamaran style bay boats specifically for the purpose of achieving shallow water draft while still achieving a relatively smooth, dry ride in choppy water. Shoalwater makes a really nice cat boat in 21' and 23' models. The trick is finding one used without a gazillion hours on it...

Lone-star · Pony Mullet Joined: 02 Apr 2013 Posts: 90

Haynie magnum or HO, majek extreme, would be at the top of my list for laguna/Baffin land cut and a little offshore.