Aluminum Boat Questions

[FadedOne]

I got a free 12' Aluminum boat from a friend. I normally camp hauling my travel trailer so I was curious is it possible to poke around the lakes using a trolling motor? I would like to be able to throw the boat in the bed of the truck and perhaps slap on a 55lb trolling motor and be off. Is this possible?

I would like to be able to get on the water at Castaic, Convict Lake, Huntington Lake, and various other lakes.

Thanks in advance!

[Viejo]

It is very possible and much fun. Just spent 6 hours on a local lake in the San Bernardinos with the wind blowing and my electric still had half a charge on the battery, Think of a way to recharge your battery if going for more then one day. Also...having a motor means you must be registered with valid sticker and registration. A 12 foot boat will open up a whole new world for you.

[laserbrn]

You'll be okay on the smaller lakes. I fish the lower lake at Castaic a few times a week with just my 40lb thrust trolling motor and it's on my 14' aluminum boat. I use two large marine batteries (with a switch so when one is dead I'm not stuck). It's great fun and it's often easier than dealing with the outboard for moving around. Obviously when I hit the upper lake at Castaic though I use the outboard. It would be a bit ridiculous to try to get around a lake that big with just my trolling motor.

You might be able to pick up a small 4hp or something for that thing that'll get you puttin' around the bigger lakes on nicer days and you can lay it down inside the truck during transport.

[lovefofish]

dont due what I did and buy a f'n 12# thrust troling motor and have a 10hp gas motor. you feel off balanced lol

[FadedOne]

This is great news then! I can now searching for my trolling motor and gear. I am completely new to boating so my list so far is a trolling motor, battery, oars, anchor, anchor lines, dock lines, and life vests. Is there any certain type of anchor that I want?

[lovefofish]

cement bucket and rope git r done.

[laserbrn]

If you want cheap the cement bucket will work for such a small boat, but I prefer a slip-ring anchor. With 150' of line, the chain and shackle and everything it's about $75.00 from walmart.

Make sure you buy a decent Marine Deep Cycle battery and charger, it will make all the difference in how long you can go out and fish. The only thing I can think of that might be missing from your list is a fishfinder. Makes it a lot more interesting if you can use a fishfinder and know the depths, see the structure and understand where you are fishing.

Good luck....and enjoy it, it sure is a blast.

[fishfinder]

12' on the upper lake. :Titanic:

[FadedOne]

If you want cheap the cement bucket will work for such a small boat, but I prefer a slip-ring anchor. With 150' of line, the chain and shackle and everything it's about $75.00 from walmart.

Make sure you buy a decent Marine Deep Cycle battery and charger, it will make all the difference in how long you can go out and fish. The only thing I can think of that might be missing from your list is a fishfinder. Makes it a lot more interesting if you can use a fishfinder and know the depths, see the structure and understand where you are fishing.

Good luck....and enjoy it, it sure is a blast.

150' sounds like a lot of line does it take less space then I am thinking?

Oh and what size are the standard issue rental aluminum boats? I thought those were all little 12'ers.

[fishfinder]

150' sounds like a lot of line does it take less space then I am thinking?

Oh and what size are the standard issue rental aluminum boats? I thought those were all little 12'ers.

the rentals at the lake are 14" usually. though i have rented some 16 footers at silverwood about 7 years ago.
but 150' of rope is not enough for castaic if you ask me. thats what i have and i am going to get 300'. you will need to put out at least double for the depth you are in.

[laserbrn]

I said on a nicer day. You wouldn't want to be on the upper lake when the wind is howling and things get a bit choppy. You could navigate just about anything that lake can throw at you, but it could get pretty dicey in a 12'er. I've seen guys on the upper lake in Kayak's, just needs to be a nice calm day.

I have 150' and I often wish I had more, but the minimum would be about 150'. 150' of line doesn't take up very much space. The water level is up pretty high compared to what I remember in the past and my anchor can definitely feel the difference.

[FadedOne]

I said on a nicer day. You wouldn't want to be on the upper lake when the wind is howling and things get a bit choppy. You could navigate just about anything that lake can throw at you, but it could get pretty dicey in a 12'er. I've seen guys on the upper lake in Kayak's, just needs to be a nice calm day.

I have 150' and I often wish I had more, but the minimum would be about 150'. 150' of line doesn't take up very much space. The water level is up pretty high compared to what I remember in the past and my anchor can definitely feel the difference.

Thanks for the tip. I was thinking I could throw in 50' of rope and call it done. Thank goodness we have forums to help with the learning curve. I would like to get a "real" boat one day, but I am hoping I can learn some things poking around in the little 12'er =)