Boat recommendations-Need your advice guys [Archive]

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peterl

07-25-2011, 12:02 PM

Hi All,

I am looking for a small boat and would like your recommendations. However, I have a specific list of requirements that I have to meet :-)

-Must be approved for Lake Skinner, Corona and the Eastern Sierras
-Need to be able to store in my garage from rafters, or on the wall
-Needs to be transported in the bed of my truck or roof racks
-Needs to hold 2 people, and have a weight capacity of 500# (I am a big guy)
-Could use either a small outboard and trolling motor
-Prefer to purchase used

I know it is a tough set of specs. Was thinking maybe a plastic type jon boat, but the weight capacity is tight. Also looking at a porta-bote but they are pricey.

Appreciate any info and recommendations!

Thanks

Pete

dixoncider

07-25-2011, 02:36 PM

14' or 12' porta-bote....

laserbrn

07-25-2011, 02:47 PM

I wouldn't go with a porta boat. I was in one once and just did not like it all. Your requirements are definitely pretty tough. A 12' aluminum with a strong trolling motor or a small 4 stroke would probably be your best bet. Throw a 12' aluminum on top of your roof racks, bring a trolling motor and a couple of marine batteries and go at it for a day.

vortec_cruiser

07-25-2011, 04:41 PM

How about one of these -
Sea Dolphin or Bass Hunter
I have seen both for sale used.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse.cmd?N=1100574&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd737047

This one too. Comes in 8', 9', 10'
http://www.basspro.com/Uncle-Bucks-Pond-Prowler-Boat-10/product/10204582/-973178

peterl

07-25-2011, 04:45 PM

Thanks, i looked at those, but they are a little too short. DVL and Skinner require the boat to be at least 12' long....... That would be perfect otherwise!

How about one of these -
Sea Dolphin or Bass Hunter
I have seen both for sale used.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse.cmd?N=1100574&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd737047

Bassnman Mike

07-25-2011, 05:03 PM

Here ya go, a Sea Eagle Fold Cat

http://www.seaeagle.com/foldcat.aspx

Big B

07-25-2011, 05:43 PM

I have been looking at these Bass Tracker riveted jon boats 13' 10" only weighs 115 pounds has a capacity of over 500#'s and is rated up to 15hp for $700 brand new. Get a decent trolling motor, battery, and Hummingbird fish finder and you are right around $1000.

peterl

07-25-2011, 09:19 PM

Would love it, but they do not allow inflatables on either Diamond Valley or Skinner.

Here ya go, a Sea Eagle Fold Cat

http://www.seaeagle.com/foldcat.aspx

peterl

07-25-2011, 09:24 PM

Thanks for pointing those out, definately need to look closer at them!

Thanks

I have been looking at these Bass Tracker riveted jon boats 13' 10" only weighs 115 pounds has a capacity of over 500#'s and is rated up to 15hp for $700 brand new. Get a decent trolling motor, battery, and Hummingbird fish finder and you are right around $1000.

dixoncider

07-26-2011, 04:40 PM

That 14' porta boat is much bigger than the 12'..you see them used every now and then..It's a cool little rig...Capacity (person, motor and gear weight) 807 lbs. Maximum Gas Engine Weight 83 lbs. 9.8hp 4-stroke Tohatsu weighs 81.5 pounds..They go pretty good with one of those on there..The honda weighs a little more so that might not work../
"Need to be able to store in my garage from rafters, or on the wall"=Porta-bote...

NFCD I

07-28-2011, 07:54 AM

My first boat was a 12' Game Fisher. It was lite enough for me to hull on the roof of my Chevy Impala. It hung from the raffters in my garage. It would easily handle 2 large people. I used it in the Pudget Sound and local lakes in Seattle. I had a 10 hp 2 stroke Mercury motor that moved it along real nice.

peterl

07-28-2011, 08:40 PM

thanks, that is exactly what I am looking for. Only change would be a 4 stroke motor due to requirments here, but other than that, I am in the same "boat"

My first boat was a 12' Game Fisher. It was lite enough for me to hull on the roof of my Chevy Impala. It hung from the raffters in my garage. It would easily handle 2 large people. I used it in the Pudget Sound and local lakes in Seattle. I had a 10 hp 2 stroke Mercury motor that moved it along real nice.

dixoncider

07-28-2011, 09:36 PM

This is my 12' gamefisher, has a 5hp Tohatsu on it now..I carry it on the roof of my truck..2 guys over 200 pounds on this thing is way borderline.. however it does get bit pretty good..note stringer on stern
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v118/dixoncider/littleskiffedit.jpg

peterl

07-28-2011, 09:41 PM

Cool. Definately looking for something with decent weight capacity. I am a big guy (300#) so need something that can handle at least 500-600 pounds with people, motor, gear, etc!

This is my 12' gamefisher, has a 5hp Tohatsu on it now..I carry it on the roof of my truck..2 guys over 200 pounds on this thing is way borderline.. however it does get bit pretty good..note stringer on stern
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v118/dixoncider/littleskiff.jpg

dixoncider

07-28-2011, 09:59 PM

I can easily swap this boat.. I weigh 230...At 300 I would say no way on this thing..It needs more beam is the problem..

peterl

07-28-2011, 10:09 PM

Thanks, definately good to know!

I can easily swap this boat.. I weigh 230...At 300 I would say no way on this thing..It needs more beam is the problem..

dixoncider

07-28-2011, 10:15 PM

I like those porta botes. the 14' is a nice rig..but the bottoms are kinda soft which takes some getting used to..I would guess that a 12 or 14' valco type skiff is what you are looking for..It is all a compromise between money and space. I want a porta bote so I can carry it and my kayaks on the roof of my truck. but if you have to hang it, really a porta bote is the only way to go..I saw a used 14' for $1000 in the winter, went to get it but was sold before i got there...

peterl

07-28-2011, 10:57 PM

Yeah, I think a porta-bote is definately the best option for me. Would prefer a 14', but a 12' would be ok too.

Now, just need to find one I can buy before Monday. heading to Mammoth on Monday and would love to have one. Somehow I do not think it is going to work out :-)

I like those porta botes. the 14' is a nice rig..but the bottoms are kinda soft which takes some getting used to..I would guess that a 12 or 14' valco type skiff is what you are looking for..It is all a compromise between money and space. I want a porta bote so I can carry it and my kayaks on the roof of my truck. but if you have to hang it, really a porta bote is the only way to go..I saw a used 14' for $1000 in the winter, went to get it but was sold before i got there...

dixoncider

07-28-2011, 10:59 PM

good luck...I would get on one of those porta bote before you buy one and check it out..they are not much wider than the game fisher..at 300 pounds you would want to see how it reacts.. You may want the Valco type little skiff... all this is my opinion thats all..

DockRat

08-01-2011, 06:03 AM

I am a big guy (300#)
:Shocked::Shocked::Shocked::Shocked::Shocked:

DockRat

08-01-2011, 06:04 AM