Guest Guest_NeilandTom_Fisherman Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 What Boat would suit me? Discovered this web site and must say I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newboy Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 Realisticly, to be able to fish 4 in a boat, it has to be a fairly large boat, 18+ at the very least, even that would be cramp for a cuddy boat. Once you have chosen the style/size of boat, then you have to decide what your budget is, is it going to be a new boat or a second hand, or even a sound but much older boat. If it's a 2nd hand boat, you don't have much choice on outboard. You can only choose from what is available at the time you are looking. However, I would avoid old 2 stroke, if fuel consumption is your main criteria. On the other hand they are easy to work on if you are planning to do the maintenence yourself. 4 Strokes are more economical by do require a little more maintenence than 2's. Have a look at Dave's website, he's got some boat and outboard on reviews by their owners. It also contains lots of info on must have in a boat. Dave's Website Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will church Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 Advice from someone who has just converted from 'playing' at sea fishing. I looked at loads of boats before getting mine - I still don't know if I've made the right decision! One I looked at closely and nearly bought was a Predator 16, it has had excellent reviews. it has an open cuddy type of shelter. It is very reasonably priced if you are looking for a new one. A 40hp would probably be the minimum sensible if you want to get out and about a bit and make full use of the boat you have just bought. I got a 50hp on mine, and I am wondering if it might be too small already. I bought a new Wilson Flyer, against a lot of Forum advice, but because I needed deck space with somewhere to sleep - and it had to be well priced. The supplier sold me a good condition 5yr old 4 stroke to go with it, doing this can save you cash to start with and will hopefully be reliable. Look at boatsandoutboards.com to get an idea what is about. If you are not regularly fishing 4 then 16 or 17ft will be about right. This size will be easy to trailer and launch and therefore you can keep it on your drive if you have one. Another bonus for me was that a normal family size car can tow a boat this size with the right trailer. If you can buy secondhand, you may get all the extras that cost so much (anchors, ropes, electronics etc) when you have to kit out a new boat. Good luck! Will Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 Welcome Neil, Your reference to returning against the tide suggests that you might consider a displacement craft with a maximum speed around 6-7knots in which case you will find a number of those around the 16ft mark that are powered by 15-20hp engines. These are quite seaworthy craft and can travel distances but require time and tide to do so realistically! However they do suffer in that you cannot dash around to quite the same degree as these zippy Predators, wilson flyers and warriors; and these crafts speed and extra power give them extra options if the conditions change. You will pay more, and they will cost more to run but you will get more fun - and will find yourself having family days out on them too (which may or may not feature in your plans). For 4 in a boat fishing you really are looking bigger unless you are happy to sit on each other..........18 - 21ft. Personally I think a cuddy is overrated for protection from the rain - however from spray running out to fish (and back), and wind when at anchor, it is extremely valuable. All the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afishionado Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 What Boat would suit me? The one in the magazine advert. Real boats cost far to much and are a constant drain on finances and the nervous system. However if you are determined to be daft like the rest of us and kid yourself that you will 'get it right' for a few pennies and have hours of endless fun here goes with a bit of realistic advice. Discovered this web site and must say I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam F Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 Hi Neil, As you have probably guessed the questions you have aksed could fill a book with answers. Firstly can I suggest that you join the club - for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul D Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 I was going to suggest that your best bet is to join tghe club, come along to a meeting and get to crew on others boats. This way you will be able to see the differences between boats. Re: Fishing 4 people, I have a 17 ft boat and have fished with three ( it is rated up to five ! ) but even with three it gets cramped ( actually can get cramped with two when Sam comes onboard with all his sandwiches ). ie. You will need bigger to fish 4. I am considering going up in size to a 19ft but the costs rise exponentially. re: Trailing or mooring. I would say trailing is much cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afishionado Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 I've only done this to bump it to the top again. I guess there is going to be more advice on this one than you could shake a stick at......... Mad Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domino Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 "cost effective... store / moor... Poole / Bournemouth"???? Never seen those words put together in one sentence before!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 thanks paul our boat is 23 ft and can still get pretty cramped with 4 people fishing sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coddy Posted July 1, 2005 Report Share Posted July 1, 2005 Hi Neil If you want to go out on a seaworthy boat but don't mind it not being fast but will take 4 people I would suggest the Orkney Longliner. It is 16ft long, very stable and takes take a lot of punishment. It will tow behind almost every car and you dont need a large outboard, approx 8hp will cope with most conditions. Cheap to run. Down side it does not usually have a cuddy but you can get the fold down canvas type. I have fished for a number of years in one of these in all sorts of sea conditions on the East Coast. We beached launched/recovered every time and as long as you know your and the boat's limitations I think you wont go far wrong. You will still need all the safety gear but that goes for whatever boat you get. Good luck on your intentions, it can be fun if it all comes together and the fish are about. Regards Coddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Removed Posted July 4, 2005 Report Share Posted July 4, 2005 Many thanks guys, more food for thought (if I can still afford to eat after I buy a boat) I am off on holiday this weekend but will return late July to do some serious searching. In the mean time if you see a small orange tender phutting around Bournmouth Bay give us a wave. Many thanks again Neil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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