Question What kind of boat?

Cat Whacker · 04-23-2009, 02:31 PM

I am considering selling my Harley and purchasing a boat. I would like to get something that I can fish with but also maybe pull the kids around on a tube with. What is a good all-around boat? I will mainly be catfishing. I won't be buying new so keep that in mind.

Pike Hunter · 04-23-2009, 02:40 PM

Lots of manufacturers make fish-n-ski's now.
Depends on what you want for features, price range, etc.

I'd hit craigslist, they seem to have some nice multi-purpose boats for fairly reasonable.

Sorry I cant be of more help, lots of variables to factor in. You cant go wrong with sticking with a brand name.

Let us know what you get.

Here's a few from craigslist:
1992 Alumacraft w/ 90 HP Mercury
Lund Fisherman
Alumacraft Trophy 175

Cat Whacker · 04-23-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pike Hunter

Lots of manufacturers make fish-n-ski's now.
Depends on what you want for features, price range, etc.

I'd hit craigslist, they seem to have some nice multi-purpose boats for fairly reasonable.

Sorry I cant be of more help, lots of variables to factor in. You cant go wrong with sticking with a brand name.

Let us know what you get.

Here's a few from craigslist:
1992 Alumacraft w/ 90 HP Mercury
Lund Fisherman
Alumacraft Trophy 175

These would be perfect! I really like the Lund! I know I will catch heck from my buddies for selling the Harley but I think I would get more use out of a boat. It also would be fun for the whole family rather than just me. I'm guessing I can get around $11,000 for my Harley so I might be able to do it.

Evenflow · 04-23-2009, 04:00 PM

Get a lund.

playin4funami · 04-23-2009, 04:48 PM

What type of water do you want to fish with a boat for catfish? The reason I ask is that hull design and more importantly the boats draft can really come into play in rivers and shallow bays where catfish are often found. But a shallow draft boat rides terrible on an open lake and isn't exactly a ski/tube platform. tri-hull boats ride rough on windy days and so will any flat bottom,for tubing enjoyment you will want a boat that turns quickly and a full V bottom boat would fit the bill and ride even rougher water more smoothly. Inboard or outboard? prop or jet drive? there's alot of things to consider before jumping at a boat just because the price is right or some other reason,do a little research on hull designs(the bottom shape of the boat) and think of the possible places you will want the boat to take you,post specific questions,it will help others help you. You might as well be happy with your boat purchase instead of upset because it doesn't do what you want very well.

nedyarb · 04-23-2009, 08:29 PM

Sorry to steal the post but has anyone ever tubed with a bass boat? I have two young boys who want to go tubing and I"m just curios how well bass boats pull tubes.

Rob

Tone2129 · 04-23-2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nedyarb

Sorry to steal the post but has anyone ever tubed with a bass boat? I have two young boys who want to go tubing and I"m just curios how well bass boats pull tubes.

Rob

It doesnt put off the kind of waves and you can not "whip" the tube as easy, but its still fun.

papaw t · 04-23-2009, 09:58 PM

I have a Sea Nymph fish and ski and it works great for all of the above. It is a 17'6" v-hull with a 90 hp outboard Evinrude. It also has deep enough sides that I can take the grandsons out in it. Rides smooth and dry in most any water.

skeeter85 · 04-23-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nedyarb

Sorry to steal the post but has anyone ever tubed with a bass boat? I have two young boys who want to go tubing and I"m just curios how well bass boats pull tubes.

Rob

I used to tube in this boat all the time until I sold it.... The down side is that you can't keep the rope out of the water as easily and you just have to be careful not to get it tangled in the motor and you have to take it easy on turns because the rope tends to push on the motor (There is a 'Y' type rope that you can get though to help prevent that and helps prevent motor tangling). But anyway, you just clip on the back and go... Another downside is that you need three people to tube. A tuber, a driver, and a spotter (unless you have a mirror). Three people in my boat was a stretch for me.

To answer the original question on a good fish and ski...

Nitro 288 (or 189...or for cheaper the older 185). A lot of the great features of a tournament bass boat; Raised fishing platforms, fishing seats, trolling motor, rod storages, tons of extra storage, and livewells, fish finders. And a lot of the great features of a sport boat; Bow and Aft cushions for lounging, ski pylon, extra seating, bimini top, cooler for the brews...

It is a definite compromise in both worlds... Because it's duel purpose, they had to meet in the middle (which is the same with any fish and ski). With the extra seating comes less fishing space. Not a big deal for catfishing I wouldn't think. Also, the fishing platforms are a little lower than on a typical bass boat to accomodate lounging around. There are other compromises but I did a lot of shopping around and looked at a lot of boats and I think nitro did the best job at meeting both the fishermans and the ski/tubers needs. I know that statement will be faced with a lot of opposition.... Trust me though, with kids, you will never have a problem with them rather wanting to play video games than go on the boat.

Cat Whacker · 04-24-2009, 09:26 AM

Thanks guys this gives me some information to chew on.

sodaksker · 04-24-2009, 02:44 PM

This may be what you want.

http://omaha.craigslist.org/boa/1131670979.html (boats

MURF · 04-24-2009, 04:38 PM

Here's one similar to what I pull the Grandkids on tubes. 2008 Lowe 165 Fishing Machine Boats from High Adventure Power Sports & Marine Salt Lake City UT It is rated for six people. I use a floating "Y" from the rear eyes hooked to the tow rope. I have 75 hp Etec and 55 PD trolling motor. Rig is easy to trailer. I bought my 06 rig two years ago for 10k. (Heck of a deal) Don't like bass boats because kneeling down to lip fish and I'm not to steady on my legs I can see me walk off the flush decks.

Found an 05 that is bigger and larger motors more live wells, batteries in your price range, don't know if still available. Illinois Times: Springfield classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

Bacon · 04-24-2009, 04:40 PM

Crestliner sportfish hands down. Fishing seats and platforms that all convert to open bow and fold up seat in rear.

skeeter85 · 04-24-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sodaksker

This may be what you want.

http://omaha.craigslist.org/boa/1131670979.html (boats

I almost bought that exact boat last year. Wasn't in the cards at the time.

04-23-2009, 02:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cat Whacker Cat Whacker has no status. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Utica Posts: 188 Thanks: 0 Thanked 29 Times in 22 Posts	What kind of boat? I am considering selling my Harley and purchasing a boat. I would like to get something that I can fish with but also maybe pull the kids around on a tube with. What is a good all-around boat? I will mainly be catfishing. I won't be buying new so keep that in mind.

04-24-2009, 02:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
sodaksker sodaksker has no status. Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 52 Thanks: 2 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	boat This may be what you want. http://omaha.craigslist.org/boa/1131670979.html (boats

04-24-2009, 04:38 PM	#12 (permalink)
MURF MURF is Lock and Load Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Papillion Posts: 286 Thanks: 5 Thanked 38 Times in 28 Posts	Here's one similar to what I pull the Grandkids on tubes. 2008 Lowe 165 Fishing Machine Boats from High Adventure Power Sports & Marine Salt Lake City UT It is rated for six people. I use a floating "Y" from the rear eyes hooked to the tow rope. I have 75 hp Etec and 55 PD trolling motor. Rig is easy to trailer. I bought my 06 rig two years ago for 10k. (Heck of a deal) Don't like bass boats because kneeling down to lip fish and I'm not to steady on my legs I can see me walk off the flush decks. Found an 05 that is bigger and larger motors more live wells, batteries in your price range, don't know if still available. Illinois Times: Springfield classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events __________________ May the saddest day of your future. Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

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04-23-2009, 02:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
Pike Hunter Pike Hunter has no status. Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bennington Posts: 1,143 Thanks: 49 Thanked 56 Times in 46 Posts	Lots of manufacturers make fish-n-ski's now. Depends on what you want for features, price range, etc. I'd hit craigslist, they seem to have some nice multi-purpose boats for fairly reasonable. Sorry I cant be of more help, lots of variables to factor in. You cant go wrong with sticking with a brand name. Let us know what you get. Here's a few from craigslist: 1992 Alumacraft w/ 90 HP Mercury Lund Fisherman Alumacraft Trophy 175

04-23-2009, 04:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
Evenflow Evenflow is Wishing I was not at work Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Omaha Posts: 593 Thanks: 84 Thanked 168 Times in 82 Posts	Get a lund.

04-23-2009, 04:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
playin4funami playin4funami is thinking about fishing Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 512 Thanks: 74 Thanked 210 Times in 130 Posts	What type of water do you want to fish with a boat for catfish? The reason I ask is that hull design and more importantly the boats draft can really come into play in rivers and shallow bays where catfish are often found. But a shallow draft boat rides terrible on an open lake and isn't exactly a ski/tube platform. tri-hull boats ride rough on windy days and so will any flat bottom,for tubing enjoyment you will want a boat that turns quickly and a full V bottom boat would fit the bill and ride even rougher water more smoothly. Inboard or outboard? prop or jet drive? there's alot of things to consider before jumping at a boat just because the price is right or some other reason,do a little research on hull designs(the bottom shape of the boat) and think of the possible places you will want the boat to take you,post specific questions,it will help others help you. You might as well be happy with your boat purchase instead of upset because it doesn't do what you want very well.

04-23-2009, 08:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
nedyarb nedyarb is waiting for ice to melt. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 516 Thanks: 23 Thanked 74 Times in 68 Posts	Sorry to steal the post but has anyone ever tubed with a bass boat? I have two young boys who want to go tubing and I"m just curios how well bass boats pull tubes. Rob

04-23-2009, 09:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
papaw t papaw t is waiting for the next opportunity! Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lindsay Posts: 174 Thanks: 29 Thanked 32 Times in 23 Posts	I have a Sea Nymph fish and ski and it works great for all of the above. It is a 17'6" v-hull with a 90 hp outboard Evinrude. It also has deep enough sides that I can take the grandsons out in it. Rides smooth and dry in most any water.

04-24-2009, 09:26 AM	#10 (permalink)
Cat Whacker Cat Whacker has no status. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Utica Posts: 188 Thanks: 0 Thanked 29 Times in 22 Posts	Thanks guys this gives me some information to chew on.

04-24-2009, 04:40 PM	#13 (permalink)
Bacon Bacon has no status. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 52 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Crestliner sportfish hands down. Fishing seats and platforms that all convert to open bow and fold up seat in rear.