Wes posed a similar question to me some time back. Here is my response to him. The response is somewhat disjointed because I've added a few changes.
Wow, big question! Boats are really subjective. They are the true compromise. A few will meet all of your needs, but not very well, and others will meet a few of your needs to the "T" and not meet any of your other needs at all. You need to think about what it is that you really want from a boat. I think the best way is to this is by getting as many opinions as possible. Also, look at as many boats as possible. When the season re-opens, go to a large launch in the AM. Look at the boats, if you see something you like, ask the owner questions. They will willingly tell you everything. Remember, (especially with boats) opinions are like buttholes, we all have them and sometimes they stink. Take them for what they are worth. Before making my suggestions, I'm going to give you a couple web sites to check out. http://www.danblanton.com/bulletin.html The search tool for this web site is the "Find in Page" command located under your browser's edit key. Enter "boat". The archived sections for 6/00 - 7/00 and 4/00 - 5/00 have lots of info about bay boats. These guys are talking about striper fishing in the SFO. There are lots of similarities between there and here. http://www.wmi.org/www/boating/boatboard/ In my opinion, the best boat site on the web! Lots of stuff, much of which you won't need, but as a future boat owner you may get involved with. Browse the headers looking for related topics. The bottom of the page has a command to keep taking you back 35 messages. There is also a search feature so you can target your search when needed. http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/trailers_towing// Same board, different topic. If you plan on towing your boat, this is where you can learn about it. http://www.boattraderonline.com/ So you found the boat. How much is it gonna cost? This site will give you an idea of boat values new and used. It also has tons of ads for used boats. Now my opinion. (remember my comments above) 1. I think the best value is used boat. People buy them, don't use them, and yet still pamper them. You just have to look. Once you find one, have it surveyed and get the engine checked out by a reputable mechanic. 2. Your needs: light enough to be towed by a Vanagon, shallow draft for S. Sound, be able to handle wind chop for Central sound. You are almost at odds with yourself. Shallow drafts mean a flatter bottom, which means a rougher and wetter ride. A heavier boat with a deeper V or modified V hull will give you a smoother ride, but weighs more. That makes it harder to launch and heavier to tow. 3. Aluminum vs Fiberglass: In general, one is heavy, one is light. One is noisy and the other is quieter. One has double hull flotation and the other doesn't (both must meet CG flotation requirements). One needs a bigger motor to push the extra weight (higher fuel cost). Many south sound guys and also lots of central sound gear fishermen use aluminum. They are fishing calm waters or close to shore and their launching points. It meets the needs: light, easy to launch, economical to buy and operate, shallow draft. Unless it was a quality aluminum boat (a local guide uses a very nice quality one) made for open water, you wouldn't catch me taking one, even on a bluebird day, across the central sound. 4. Recommendation: Arima http://www.arimaboats.com/ (in Kent) makes an economical, light glass boat designed for the sound. Check out a 15 or 16 ft model. It is light enough for your Vanagon to tow; yet you could cross the Sound safely on good days. In a chop, the boats ride is bouncy and it can be wet, due to its light weight. Yet it has double fiberglass and foam hull construction with no wood stringers so you don't have to worry about rot. The boat is unsinkable (literally). I had one for 2 years. It took me most places I wanted to be in the south sound. I wasn't willing to risk any of the real shallow estuaries with it. Rocks and running aground aren't something I wanna do. On good days I felt safe in it crossing the sound and even going to PNP from Shilshole and back. This isn't a boat you would be afraid to use at Sekiu. Addition to above. Fishing 3 folks fishing an Arima 15/16 (or similar size Whaler) to small. Also, the Whaler Montauk can give you the same type of bouncey and wet ride. I wouldn't bother with an inflatable. It would be so much trouble to inflate, you wouldn't use it. Also they aren't the most stable. Remember that you are going to be standing in this thing and casting. Let me amend the above paragraph. I have since watched people standing and casting from them in protected waters. If you can keep it inflated, it may be an option. Whatever you get, get the largest boat you can. If you have to think, "well the boat is a little smaller then I wanted", then don't get it! After you use it a few times you will find yourself looking for something larger that still meets your needs. This is a disease called 2 foot itis. It will cost you more in the long run and it isn't covered by health insurance. What do I use. I use a 20' whaler revenge. It has a small cuddy which takes away from fishing space but gives me lots of storage and a place to sleep in case I feel it is unsafe to make the return trip. Also, my daughter insists on a cuddy so she has a place to play with her friends when we go boating. If I were to re purchase, I would look for a center console Outrage. It has the same hull but no cuddy. Again not less then 20�. Despite the size of the Revenge, the cuddy space really only allows one person to cast at a time unless you are in proteced water an can us the deck above the cuddy. Lots of folks get by with car toppers. That, with a small kicker is economical and easy to store. Just turn it over and it stays dry. Store the kicker in the garage or basement and you never have to winterize it. Use a ferry to cross the sound and launch near where you want to fish. Many places that I boat to have launches nearby. Most are more than suitable for small light craft. West Marine has a book giving write ups on all the public launches in the Puget Sound area. The boat is a major time and space commitment. Regards, Mike -----Original Message----- From: Willy Gevers [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, November 30, 2001 11:01 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Boat advice - Boston Whaler or... After the phenomenal silver season we just experienced, I have been thinking about getting a small runaround to better chase salmon in. An ideal boat would be stable, able to carry 3 people, (2 flyfishing and one driving), low profile but relatively seaworthy for close to shore salmon fishing, and fast enough to cover miles of shoreline. With no input or advice, I would pick a 15' Boston Whaler. Does anyone have any input? Also need some help on how to explain to my lovely and ever patient spouse why we need another boat when we already have three :)
