Help Me Buy A New Boat.

[bheff]

If you decide prop vs jet you may consider welding pods on the rear for better shallow water running.

My dream boat is a 1648 or 1748 center console. no carpeting with pod's on the rear and a 30 hp prop. No carpet. Like a mini bay boat.

I never thought I'd like a center console till I fished out of one.

With kids I like a wider boat vs narrow. That way when they get all tangled up or cant get that knot tied right you can set next to them and help them out.

I'm not sure how feasible that would be with a narrow "river" boat. I guess it depends on the age of the kids too.

I really like the idea of a CC. Most of the ones I find are either a deep V or out of my price range. I wouldnt be against a flats boat if I could find one.

[kjackson]

I have a boat I'm getting ready to sell that may be a bit too large for you, but...

It is a Starcraft/Smokerraft/Sylvan (painted as a Starcraft but carried in all three brands) Sportsman. It was intended as an entry-level jet sled for PNW rivers. It's 18 feet long, has a 92-inch beam. It's a mod-vee-hull jon with a big flat floor, raised casting deck, built-in fuel cell (but no livewell), and runs a 50-hp Yamaha two-stroke. It sits on a galvanized EZ-Loader bunk trailer with oil-bath hubs.

Right now, it is rigged for a 24-volt trolling motor system (including a two-bank charger) and has a Minn Kota Riptide bowmount. I also have a 24-volt transom mount for it as well. It is dirty at the moment and needs a couple of minor things done to get it ready to sell. I'll be asking about $5K depending upon the trolling motors. I will not be selling it with electronics, but I do have a couple of older units I could throw in.

[holleybob]

I really like the idea of a CC. Most of the ones I find are either a deep V or out of my price range. I wouldnt be against a flats boat if I could find one.

I found one in an Arkansas Craigslist ad about a month ago for 1200.00. It had Florida registration and a 40 horse yamaha. Great price but it was real rough. my gut said go for it but my head kept saying "money pit!" I passed.

[bheff]

Kjackson, I sent you a message.

[gotmuddy]

I found one in an Arkansas Craigslist ad about a month ago for 1200.00. It had Florida registration and a 40 horse yamaha. Great price but it was real rough. my gut said go for it but my head kept saying "money pit!" I passed.

every boat is a money pit.

[mjk86]

"a hole in the water that you dump money into"

[fishinwrench]

Of all the things a person throws his money at, a boat should be the last one he'd complain about.

[LarrySTL]

Of all the things a person throws his money at, a boat should be the last one he'd complain about.

That is a GREAT point !!