Newbie needs advice
 

OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need some advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is a 95
Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm physically
handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will be more stable for
entry and egress but I need it to be pretty light in weight ( because the
car has only a one ton tow capacity) so I can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble, diabetes
and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a used 12
foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite tender when
approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old aluminum 12 foot
Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun, but it was a bit heavy to
cartop (this was before the health probs hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if I find a
great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

Budd Cochran wrote:
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need some advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is a 95
Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm physically
handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will be more stable for
entry and egress but I need it to be pretty light in weight ( because the
car has only a one ton tow capacity) so I can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble, diabetes
and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a used 12
foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite tender when
approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old aluminum 12 foot
Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun, but it was a bit heavy to
cartop (this was before the health probs hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if I find a
great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd




A 16' carolina Skiff....wide, stable, not too heavy. But one of your
considerations should be where you are planning to use the boat.,

Newbie needs advice
 

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Budd Cochran wrote:
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need some
advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is a 95
Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm physically
handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will be more stable for
entry and egress but I need it to be pretty light in weight ( because
the
car has only a one ton tow capacity) so I can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble,
diabetes
and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a used
12
foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite tender when
approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old aluminum 12 foot
Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun, but it was a bit heavy
to
cartop (this was before the health probs hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if I find
a
great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd




A 16' carolina Skiff....wide, stable, not too heavy. But one of your
considerations should be where you are planning to use the boat.,

I like to fish at a nearby irrigation reservoir, Ken's Lake, near my home in
Moab, Utah. It varies from about 2 to 4 acres and a maximum depth of about
80 ft. My eldest son says it's smaller than the flight deck on his ship (
CVN 75, Harry S. Truman) while he was in the Navy. It's also limited to
sail, manual or electric propulsion.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

Based on your condition and towing ability - I would recommend you look at a
20' pontoon w/ a 75 hp engine on it. You can leave it in the water (yes,
there is the dock fee and fuel is a little more expensive) but no trailer
loading, hookup at the house and all the strenious effort required to take a
boat to the lake and back. You show up, crank it and go. Plus the pontoon
will give you plenty of room for doing whatever you want.

Other option would be to get something that fits your needs and dry dock it.

Someone in your condition does not need to be trying to load and trailer a
boat. Plus anything you could tow is going to be very small and not very
stable.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need some
advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is a 95
Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm physically
handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will be more stable for
entry and egress but I need it to be pretty light in weight ( because the
car has only a one ton tow capacity) so I can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble,
diabetes
and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a used 12
foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite tender when
approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old aluminum 12 foot
Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun, but it was a bit heavy
to
cartop (this was before the health probs hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if I find a
great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Budd Cochran wrote:
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need some
advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is a 95
Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm physically
handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will be more stable for
entry and egress but I need it to be pretty light in weight ( because
the
car has only a one ton tow capacity) so I can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble,
diabetes
and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a used
12
foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite tender when
approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old aluminum 12 foot
Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun, but it was a bit heavy
to
cartop (this was before the health probs hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if I find
a
great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd




A 16' carolina Skiff....wide, stable, not too heavy. But one of your
considerations should be where you are planning to use the boat.,

I have two grown sons, one 130 lbs and the other 280, myself and the wife
total 450+. While the boys are not going to be home much, they both love
fishing, so I want to be able to go on an all day, family outing. I want it
big enough to handle a large reservoir if I ever get a chance, like Blue
Mesa near Grand Junction CO or Lake Powell, but I have to be able to handle
it also.

I looked at some Carolina Skiff sites and the craft is too heavy.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:EOwuc.17251$3x.8834@attbi_s54...
Based on your condition and towing ability - I would recommend you look at
a
20' pontoon w/ a 75 hp engine on it. You can leave it in the water (yes,
there is the dock fee and fuel is a little more expensive) but no trailer
loading, hookup at the house and all the strenious effort required to take
a
boat to the lake and back. You show up, crank it and go. Plus the
pontoon
will give you plenty of room for doing whatever you want.

Other option would be to get something that fits your needs and dry dock
it.

Someone in your condition does not need to be trying to load and trailer a
boat. Plus anything you could tow is going to be very small and not very
stable.

--
Tony

I wish I could afford a pontoon and dock fees and put it on a fantastic Bass
/ Catfish lake but as the old saying goes, "If wishes were horses the
peasants would ride."

Besides, worry about the boat ( vandals, storms, etc.) would cause heart
attacks 9, 10 and 11 ... if I survive.

I'm looking at a max cost of about $2000 dollars. On a fixed income you
don't make a down payment on the Q. E. III. VBG

I guess I'll settle for all the stability I can get and, as I did on a old
Grumman canoe used by our Foster kids many years ago, I'll make stabilizing
pontoons for it, if necessary. Size, capacity and price are the limiting
parameters for me.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

Now that we have a little more info on what you really want and your use, I
would still suggest a small pontoon. There are several companies out there
that make them and you should be able to pick up a used one in a 14 to 16'.
However, $2000 is not really enough money to get something that is
dependable.

Looks like your going to have to find an older jon boat w/ a small tiller
handle engine on it for that price.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:EOwuc.17251$3x.8834@attbi_s54...
Based on your condition and towing ability - I would recommend you look
at
a
20' pontoon w/ a 75 hp engine on it. You can leave it in the water
(yes,
there is the dock fee and fuel is a little more expensive) but no
trailer
loading, hookup at the house and all the strenious effort required to
take
a
boat to the lake and back. You show up, crank it and go. Plus the
pontoon
will give you plenty of room for doing whatever you want.

Other option would be to get something that fits your needs and dry dock
it.

Someone in your condition does not need to be trying to load and trailer
a
boat. Plus anything you could tow is going to be very small and not
very
stable.

--
Tony

I wish I could afford a pontoon and dock fees and put it on a fantastic
Bass
/ Catfish lake but as the old saying goes, "If wishes were horses the
peasants would ride."

Besides, worry about the boat ( vandals, storms, etc.) would cause heart
attacks 9, 10 and 11 ... if I survive.

I'm looking at a max cost of about $2000 dollars. On a fixed income you
don't make a down payment on the Q. E. III. VBG

I guess I'll settle for all the stability I can get and, as I did on a old
Grumman canoe used by our Foster kids many years ago, I'll make
stabilizing
pontoons for it, if necessary. Size, capacity and price are the limiting
parameters for me.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

Sounds silly, but you may want to look into kayaks/canoes. Easy to
launch/rather lightweight, manual powered. I'm only mildly disabled, so a
regular canoe works for me, but my friend is much worse off and has an
outrigger canoe. Extremely stable/lightweight


"Budd Cochran" wrote in message

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Budd Cochran wrote:
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need
some advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is a
95 Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm
physically handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will be
more stable for entry and egress but I need it to be pretty light
in weight ( because the car has only a one ton tow capacity) so I
can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble,
diabetes and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a
used 12 foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite
tender when approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old
aluminum 12 foot Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun,
but it was a bit heavy to cartop (this was before the health probs
hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if I
find a great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd




A 16' carolina Skiff....wide, stable, not too heavy. But one of your
considerations should be where you are planning to use the boat.,

I like to fish at a nearby irrigation reservoir, Ken's Lake, near my
home in Moab, Utah. It varies from about 2 to 4 acres and a maximum
depth of about 80 ft. My eldest son says it's smaller than the flight
deck on his ship ( CVN 75, Harry S. Truman) while he was in the
Navy. It's also limited to sail, manual or electric propulsion.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

We had a 16 foot Grumman that I bought thru the aluminum recycler I worked
for back in the early 90's when we were Foster Parenting.

With the outriggers, made from stacked chunks of pink insulation foam, it
was impossible to swamp it, but it lacked room for our fishing gear.

Budd
(who's beginning to believe there isn't a boat made that will work for him.)

"Peter Pan" wrote in message
ink.net...
Sounds silly, but you may want to look into kayaks/canoes. Easy to
launch/rather lightweight, manual powered. I'm only mildly disabled, so a
regular canoe works for me, but my friend is much worse off and has an
outrigger canoe. Extremely stable/lightweight


"Budd Cochran" wrote in message

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Budd Cochran wrote:
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need
some advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is a
95 Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm
physically handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will be
more stable for entry and egress but I need it to be pretty light
in weight ( because the car has only a one ton tow capacity) so I
can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble,
diabetes and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a
used 12 foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite
tender when approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old
aluminum 12 foot Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun,
but it was a bit heavy to cartop (this was before the health probs
hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if I
find a great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd




A 16' carolina Skiff....wide, stable, not too heavy. But one of your
considerations should be where you are planning to use the boat.,

I like to fish at a nearby irrigation reservoir, Ken's Lake, near my
home in Moab, Utah. It varies from about 2 to 4 acres and a maximum
depth of about 80 ft. My eldest son says it's smaller than the flight
deck on his ship ( CVN 75, Harry S. Truman) while he was in the
Navy. It's also limited to sail, manual or electric propulsion.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Budd Cochran wrote:
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need some
advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is a 95
Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm physically
handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will be more stable
for
entry and egress but I need it to be pretty light in weight ( because
the
car has only a one ton tow capacity) so I can load and launch it
easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble,
diabetes
and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a
used
12
foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite tender when
approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old aluminum 12
foot
Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun, but it was a bit
heavy
to
cartop (this was before the health probs hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if I
find
a
great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd




A 16' carolina Skiff....wide, stable, not too heavy. But one of your
considerations should be where you are planning to use the boat.,

I like to fish at a nearby irrigation reservoir, Ken's Lake, near my home
in
Moab, Utah. It varies from about 2 to 4 acres and a maximum depth of about
80 ft. My eldest son says it's smaller than the flight deck on his ship (
CVN 75, Harry S. Truman) while he was in the Navy. It's also limited to
sail, manual or electric propulsion.

Budd



Take a look at some of the simpler Lund boats: www.lundboats.com. They make
an enormous variety of models - everything from very basic to quite
elaborate, and they hold their resale value VERY nicely.

I have a WC-14 which I easily towed with a '92 Taurus (6 cylinder engine).
On the web page, it looks like the old Grumman 3-bench rowboats that resorts
keep around for guests, but it's MUCH more stable and well built. Not a
great boat for lounging, though, if that's what the lady in your life has in
mind. It's in the "Adventure Series" on the web site. I have a 15 hp 4
stroke motor on it and it moves just fine with 3 adults. It's he
http://www.lundboats.com/index.cfm?i...&intModelID=69

I do most of my fishing on the Finger Lakes in upstate NY, and sometimes on
Lake Ontario. The latter can develop some very strange waves, but the Lund
handles them well (and safely). The only problem I've had (which I just
solved) was that if I'm alone in the boat on a day when I need to drive into
high winds, the combined weight of the gas tank, battery and me was enough
to raise to the bow to a point where it would catch the wind in, shall we
say, ways which build character. :-) I thought of moving the battery to the
bow, but it would require some creative carpentry that I haven't had the
time for. So, a bag of sand solved the problem for under ten bucks. I leave
the sand behind when I have passengers.

The boat, motor, tank of gas & trailer come in between 900 and 1000 lbs.

If you have not been religious about having your transmission filter & fluid
changed, now is the time to start. And, it might not be a bad idea to have a
transmission oil cooler installed. It's a mini-radiator just for that
purpose. Most are about the half the size of a loaf of bread. Your regular
mechanic should be able to handle the installation.

Finally, if you want something a little more comfortable, look at the 1660
Rebel Tiller:
http://www.lundboats.com/index.cfm?i...&intModelID=67

I'm not sure about the weight of that boat, though.

-Doug

Newbie needs advice
 

I've seen several boat / motor / trailer combos on the net for 50% to 75%
more than I can afford. That's why I came here looking for advice.

I'm just looking for advice on what I should get within my limitations and
your talking like I should be independently wealthy before even think buying
a boat. Do I need country club membership as well? Nineteen figure income?

Well, excuse me for not fitting into your requirements for boat ownership.

BTW, Tony, please point out where I said I was looking for anything other
than a small boat. The craft you're suggesting would banned because no one
else could put into the water for lack of room at the lake ( Ok, big pond)
that I fish at. I have one vehicle, a 1995 LeBaron GTC convertible my oldest
gave me for my last birthday. It can't tow a big boat. I live in mobile home
community, fer Christ's Sake, and I have no parking for a large boat.

Now, if you have nothing further, I thank you for your contribution.

Budd


"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:NXxuc.21549$js4.14432@attbi_s51...
Now that we have a little more info on what you really want and your use,
I
would still suggest a small pontoon. There are several companies out
there
that make them and you should be able to pick up a used one in a 14 to
16'.
However, $2000 is not really enough money to get something that is
dependable.

Looks like your going to have to find an older jon boat w/ a small tiller
handle engine on it for that price.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:EOwuc.17251$3x.8834@attbi_s54...
Based on your condition and towing ability - I would recommend you
look
at
a
20' pontoon w/ a 75 hp engine on it. You can leave it in the water
(yes,
there is the dock fee and fuel is a little more expensive) but no
trailer
loading, hookup at the house and all the strenious effort required to
take
a
boat to the lake and back. You show up, crank it and go. Plus the
pontoon
will give you plenty of room for doing whatever you want.

Other option would be to get something that fits your needs and dry
dock
it.

Someone in your condition does not need to be trying to load and
trailer
a
boat. Plus anything you could tow is going to be very small and not
very
stable.

--
Tony

I wish I could afford a pontoon and dock fees and put it on a fantastic
Bass
/ Catfish lake but as the old saying goes, "If wishes were horses the
peasants would ride."

Besides, worry about the boat ( vandals, storms, etc.) would cause heart
attacks 9, 10 and 11 ... if I survive.

I'm looking at a max cost of about $2000 dollars. On a fixed income you
don't make a down payment on the Q. E. III. VBG

I guess I'll settle for all the stability I can get and, as I did on a
old
Grumman canoe used by our Foster kids many years ago, I'll make
stabilizing
pontoons for it, if necessary. Size, capacity and price are the limiting
parameters for me.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...


A 16' carolina Skiff....wide, stable, not too heavy. But one of your
considerations should be where you are planning to use the boat.,

I have two grown sons, one 130 lbs and the other 280, myself and the wife
total 450+. While the boys are not going to be home much, they both love
fishing, so I want to be able to go on an all day, family outing. I want
it
big enough to handle a large reservoir if I ever get a chance, like Blue
Mesa near Grand Junction CO or Lake Powell, but I have to be able to
handle
it also.

I looked at some Carolina Skiff sites and the craft is too heavy.

Budd



Too heavy for what, Budd? Launching & loading back onto the trailer? If so,
there are ways of making that MUCH easier by adding the appropriate trailer
accessories. I find I expend the most effort when I'm trying to get the boat
straight onto the trailer in a crosswind. If I wasn't a cheapskate, I'd add
a set of guideposts for under $100. I'd add rollers instead of carpeted
bunks, which would make it much easier to push the boat off the trailer.
And, you can put an electric winch on the trailer instead of the
hand-cranked version.

You're talking about fishing here. This is religion. You MUST find a way.

Newbie needs advice
 

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:EOwuc.17251$3x.8834@attbi_s54...

Plus anything you could tow is going to be very small and not very
stable.

That's not true.

Newbie needs advice
 

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

Too heavy for what, Budd? Launching & loading back onto the trailer? If
so,
there are ways of making that MUCH easier by adding the appropriate
trailer
accessories. I find I expend the most effort when I'm trying to get the
boat
straight onto the trailer in a crosswind.

A few years ago, before my health probs, I found myself aiding a guy with
the retrieval of his fiberglass boat in only a 10 mph breeze. Solo, he
couldn.t handle it and he was about 6' 3". I Iearned quickly about
winds!!!! BG


If I wasn't a cheapskate, I'd add
a set of guideposts for under $100. I'd add rollers instead of carpeted
bunks, which would make it much easier to push the boat off the trailer.
And, you can put an electric winch on the trailer instead of the
hand-cranked version.

The hand crank wont be a problem as I do plan on some guides and roller
bunks. By using only a trolling motor, I won't have any power to spare so,
if I can get it to self-guide, the better off I'll be. Heck, if I can
figure out how, I may use the winch to launch and load.

You're talking about fishing here. This is religion. You MUST find a way.

LOL Well, fishing's not a religion to me, but it is one of my favorite
pastimes. I'm blessed also with a loving wife that also enjoys fishing, but
will also send me off to fish when she sees me getting stressed out. With
the frustrations from a forced early retirement, I get to drown lots of
worms.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

Then may I suggest you check out the inflatable fishing boats at
http://www.seaeagle.com/.

You can even get auto cig lighter air pumps to inflate em when you get to
the water. (deflate to put em in the trunk/back)

Check out the sea eagle 8 and 9's, they carry two people and lots of gear.

If you only have 1000LBS of towing available, almost anything on a trailer
is gonna weigh more than that.

A friend of mine carries one (deflated) in his RV so he can go fishing when
the mood strikes him.

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message

We had a 16 foot Grumman that I bought thru the aluminum recycler I
worked for back in the early 90's when we were Foster Parenting.

With the outriggers, made from stacked chunks of pink insulation
foam, it was impossible to swamp it, but it lacked room for our
fishing gear.

Budd
(who's beginning to believe there isn't a boat made that will work
for him.)

"Peter Pan" wrote in message
ink.net...
Sounds silly, but you may want to look into kayaks/canoes. Easy to
launch/rather lightweight, manual powered. I'm only mildly disabled,
so a regular canoe works for me, but my friend is much worse off and
has an outrigger canoe. Extremely stable/lightweight


"Budd Cochran" wrote in message

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Budd Cochran wrote:
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need
some advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is
a 95 Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm
physically handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will
be more stable for entry and egress but I need it to be pretty
light in weight ( because the car has only a one ton tow
capacity) so I can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble,
diabetes and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a
used 12 foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite
tender when approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old
aluminum 12 foot Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun,
but it was a bit heavy to cartop (this was before the health probs
hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if
I find a great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd




A 16' carolina Skiff....wide, stable, not too heavy. But one of
your considerations should be where you are planning to use the
boat.,

I like to fish at a nearby irrigation reservoir, Ken's Lake, near my
home in Moab, Utah. It varies from about 2 to 4 acres and a maximum
depth of about 80 ft. My eldest son says it's smaller than the
flight deck on his ship ( CVN 75, Harry S. Truman) while he was in
the Navy. It's also limited to sail, manual or electric propulsion.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

Budd, we are just trying to offer options. However, given the following
limits:
1. 1000 lbs w/ trailer and all gear
2. $2000
3. Small enough to store at a mobile home park
4. Stable
5. Carry 3 people plus gear
6. Easy to load and unload

If you had stated all this before, we would not have offered some of the
options.

Sounds like your wanting to beat us up for offering options that we did not
know were out of your range until just now.

Goog luck and happy boating. Sounds like your going to be stuck w/ a jon
boat.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...
I've seen several boat / motor / trailer combos on the net for 50% to 75%
more than I can afford. That's why I came here looking for advice.

I'm just looking for advice on what I should get within my limitations
and
your talking like I should be independently wealthy before even think
buying
a boat. Do I need country club membership as well? Nineteen figure income?

Well, excuse me for not fitting into your requirements for boat ownership.

BTW, Tony, please point out where I said I was looking for anything other
than a small boat. The craft you're suggesting would banned because no one
else could put into the water for lack of room at the lake ( Ok, big pond)
that I fish at. I have one vehicle, a 1995 LeBaron GTC convertible my
oldest
gave me for my last birthday. It can't tow a big boat. I live in mobile
home
community, fer Christ's Sake, and I have no parking for a large boat.

Now, if you have nothing further, I thank you for your contribution.

Budd


"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:NXxuc.21549$js4.14432@attbi_s51...
Now that we have a little more info on what you really want and your
use,
I
would still suggest a small pontoon. There are several companies out
there
that make them and you should be able to pick up a used one in a 14 to
16'.
However, $2000 is not really enough money to get something that is
dependable.

Looks like your going to have to find an older jon boat w/ a small
tiller
handle engine on it for that price.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:EOwuc.17251$3x.8834@attbi_s54...
Based on your condition and towing ability - I would recommend you
look
at
a
20' pontoon w/ a 75 hp engine on it. You can leave it in the water
(yes,
there is the dock fee and fuel is a little more expensive) but no
trailer
loading, hookup at the house and all the strenious effort required
to
take
a
boat to the lake and back. You show up, crank it and go. Plus the
pontoon
will give you plenty of room for doing whatever you want.

Other option would be to get something that fits your needs and dry
dock
it.

Someone in your condition does not need to be trying to load and
trailer
a
boat. Plus anything you could tow is going to be very small and not
very
stable.

--
Tony

I wish I could afford a pontoon and dock fees and put it on a
fantastic
Bass
/ Catfish lake but as the old saying goes, "If wishes were horses the
peasants would ride."

Besides, worry about the boat ( vandals, storms, etc.) would cause
heart
attacks 9, 10 and 11 ... if I survive.

I'm looking at a max cost of about $2000 dollars. On a fixed income
you
don't make a down payment on the Q. E. III. VBG

I guess I'll settle for all the stability I can get and, as I did on a
old
Grumman canoe used by our Foster kids many years ago, I'll make
stabilizing
pontoons for it, if necessary. Size, capacity and price are the
limiting
parameters for me.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...

By using only a trolling motor, I won't have any power to spare so,
if I can get it to self-guide, the better off I'll be.

On lots of ramps, the angle's all wrong anyway for driving the boat onto the
trailer.

Newbie needs advice
 

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...

I've seen several boat / motor / trailer combos on the net for 50% to 75%
more than I can afford. That's why I came here looking for advice.

Contact dealers for Lund and Alumacraft about used boats. For instance, my
14 ft Lund (just the boat) sold 5 years back for about $2000 new. I got a
deal on the prior year's model for $1600. When I've seen them used, they've
been in the $1000 to $1400 range, mostly from private sellers, not dealers.
But I recently asked my dealer about trade in value and he said he'd have to
give me a price which enabled HIM to sell my boat in the aforementioned
range.

I've run into quite a few Alumacraft owners who are also very happy with
their basic models, so those are worth looking at, too.

Finally, a friend of mine let me borrow a 47 lb thrust MinnKota trolling
motor a month ago to see if that was enough power for my boat. If you end up
finding something in 14' range, I'd go one step higher. My primary use for a
trolling motor is to move around in quiet backwater without scaring all the
fish. The 47 lb motor was fine for that purpose, but if it's going to me
your primary means of propulsion, you'll want something larger.

Newbie needs advice
 

Peter,

You need to come back from "Never-Never Land" and read the posts I've made
so far.

A) I have a "4 man" Coleman inflatable and It's my solo boat because I weigh
close to half the rated capacity.

B) A large Sea Eagle of a size to handle my family of four would be harder
than a rigid boat for me and the Missus to deflate, fold and stow. I'd still
need a trailer because the trunk on a 95 LeBaron is slightly bigger than a
box of Kleenex.

Your buddy, imho, would better off with a Porta-Bote. Myself, I'd need a
trailer to carry it and so on and so forth.

Budd

"Peter Pan" wrote in message
k.net...
Then may I suggest you check out the inflatable fishing boats at
http://www.seaeagle.com/.

You can even get auto cig lighter air pumps to inflate em when you get to
the water. (deflate to put em in the trunk/back)

Check out the sea eagle 8 and 9's, they carry two people and lots of gear.

If you only have 1000LBS of towing available, almost anything on a trailer
is gonna weigh more than that.

A friend of mine carries one (deflated) in his RV so he can go fishing
when
the mood strikes him.

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message

We had a 16 foot Grumman that I bought thru the aluminum recycler I
worked for back in the early 90's when we were Foster Parenting.

With the outriggers, made from stacked chunks of pink insulation
foam, it was impossible to swamp it, but it lacked room for our
fishing gear.

Budd
(who's beginning to believe there isn't a boat made that will work
for him.)

"Peter Pan" wrote in message
ink.net...
Sounds silly, but you may want to look into kayaks/canoes. Easy to
launch/rather lightweight, manual powered. I'm only mildly disabled,
so a regular canoe works for me, but my friend is much worse off and
has an outrigger canoe. Extremely stable/lightweight


"Budd Cochran" wrote in message

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Budd Cochran wrote:
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need
some advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is
a 95 Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm
physically handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will
be more stable for entry and egress but I need it to be pretty
light in weight ( because the car has only a one ton tow
capacity) so I can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble,
diabetes and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a
used 12 foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite
tender when approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old
aluminum 12 foot Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun,
but it was a bit heavy to cartop (this was before the health probs
hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if
I find a great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd




A 16' carolina Skiff....wide, stable, not too heavy. But one of
your considerations should be where you are planning to use the
boat.,

I like to fish at a nearby irrigation reservoir, Ken's Lake, near my
home in Moab, Utah. It varies from about 2 to 4 acres and a maximum
depth of about 80 ft. My eldest son says it's smaller than the
flight deck on his ship ( CVN 75, Harry S. Truman) while he was in
the Navy. It's also limited to sail, manual or electric propulsion.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...

By using only a trolling motor, I won't have any power to spare so,
if I can get it to self-guide, the better off I'll be.

On lots of ramps, the angle's all wrong anyway for driving the boat onto
the
trailer.



The lake I'm fishing doesn't even have a paved launch ramp so I'll probably
be making some kind of extension to the tongue to keep the car from getting
stuck. Most of the trailers I've seen have straight tongues and a sawsall
cut, a little drilling and a length of tubing that will just slip inside the
tongue and I can gain a bunch of length.

One spot, two years ago, was just the right slope for the deck of the
utility trailer to rest level with the water while I loaded and launched a
small Penguin Pedal boat.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

"Tony Thomas" wrote in message
news:6FIuc.21519$pt3.17948@attbi_s03...
Budd, we are just trying to offer options. However, given the following
limits:
1. 1000 lbs w/ trailer and all gear
2. $2000
3. Small enough to store at a mobile home park
4. Stable
5. Carry 3 people plus gear
6. Easy to load and unload

If you had stated all this before, we would not have offered some of the
options.

It's been stated along with my being handicapped and on a fixed income
(Social Security)

Sounds like your wanting to beat us up for offering options that we did
not
know were out of your range until just now.

What us???? Yours was the only suggestion that made no sense in relation to
my parameters and you stuck to in even after I reminded you of a few details
you missed.

Sorry, Tony, but the only one I was having a problem getting thru to was
you.

Goog luck and happy boating. Sounds like your going to be stuck w/ a jon
boat.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

Tis better to be in a friendly Jon boat than to be on a yacht with those who
think they are better than you.

Goodbye, Tony. I hope you learn to be less bigoted some day.

Budd

Newbie needs advice
 

I'm getting the feeling that used is going to be the way to go but every
used boat I've had so far, like used cars, has come with a load of problems.

I'm getting to a point where it's not so easy for me to patch rock rips in
an aluminum canoe used to shoot rapids in the Colorado Rockies, or to
rebuild a wooden boat from a Stevenson day sailer design ( Winged Dinghy)
into a serviceable rowboat ( Great boat designs, btw)

Nor will I get to build my Stevenson's Projects "Weekender" sailboat I
bought plans for.

Do you have any tips as to what to watch out for in a used boat? The
obvious, of course, is damage to the hull like a rip, but how can you tell
if a weld is cracked or a rivet popped?

I think there is a Lund Dealer in Grand Junction CO, about 3 hours away from
me.

Budd

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...

I've seen several boat / motor / trailer combos on the net for 50% to
75%
more than I can afford. That's why I came here looking for advice.

Contact dealers for Lund and Alumacraft about used boats. For instance, my
14 ft Lund (just the boat) sold 5 years back for about $2000 new. I got a
deal on the prior year's model for $1600. When I've seen them used,
they've
been in the $1000 to $1400 range, mostly from private sellers, not
dealers.
But I recently asked my dealer about trade in value and he said he'd have
to
give me a price which enabled HIM to sell my boat in the aforementioned
range.

I've run into quite a few Alumacraft owners who are also very happy with
their basic models, so those are worth looking at, too.

Finally, a friend of mine let me borrow a 47 lb thrust MinnKota trolling
motor a month ago to see if that was enough power for my boat. If you end
up
finding something in 14' range, I'd go one step higher. My primary use for
a
trolling motor is to move around in quiet backwater without scaring all
the
fish. The 47 lb motor was fine for that purpose, but if it's going to me
your primary means of propulsion, you'll want something larger.

Newbie needs advice
 

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...
I'm getting the feeling that used is going to be the way to go but every
used boat I've had so far, like used cars, has come with a load of
problems.

I can only speak for the one I own, and what I'd look for. Look at the boat
with and without the motor on the transom. With the motor on, see if you can
spot any sag, which could mean someone towed with the motor up, but the
motor fell. With the motor off, give a transom a few good hard yanks and
look for any play that seems abnormal. As far as the hull is concerned, any
major dents will be obvious, but a properly designed hull isn't going to
suffer much from the occasional bump with a log or rock.

The Lund WC series boats are popular with Canadian guides who sometimes drop
the boat (without motor) from the fly-in airplane before landing to deposit
passengers. They're nothing but hull, and VERY solid metal benches with some
sort of composite board on top. I've encountered some obstacles in 5 years
which should've done more damage to the bottom, but still, I have nothing
but scratches.


I think there is a Lund Dealer in Grand Junction CO, about 3 hours away
from
me.

Call him. My dealer explained that he's more likely to TAKE a small boat in
trade if he knows he's got a serious buyer who's looking. This is especially
true as the season progresses. The dealers don't want to be stuck with
inventory, especially low-margin boats which take up space they could use
for fancier boats.

Newbie needs advice
 

Thanks, Doug.

I'll call him tomorrow and see what's available. Gas, locally, is over $2.10
a gallon for 85 octane and even at 29 mpg, it would be an expensive trip.

I looked at Lund boats back in the mid 80's just before losing a good job
due to a downsizing. I liked the solid look and was considering a 17 foot
with a 20 hp motor, trolling plate, fish finder (flasher) and remote
steering. It was a package I could tow easily with a 6 cylinder Valiant.

Budd

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...
I'm getting the feeling that used is going to be the way to go but every
used boat I've had so far, like used cars, has come with a load of
problems.

I can only speak for the one I own, and what I'd look for. Look at the
boat
with and without the motor on the transom. With the motor on, see if you
can
spot any sag, which could mean someone towed with the motor up, but the
motor fell. With the motor off, give a transom a few good hard yanks and
look for any play that seems abnormal. As far as the hull is concerned,
any
major dents will be obvious, but a properly designed hull isn't going to
suffer much from the occasional bump with a log or rock.

The Lund WC series boats are popular with Canadian guides who sometimes
drop
the boat (without motor) from the fly-in airplane before landing to
deposit
passengers. They're nothing but hull, and VERY solid metal benches with
some
sort of composite board on top. I've encountered some obstacles in 5 years
which should've done more damage to the bottom, but still, I have nothing
but scratches.


I think there is a Lund Dealer in Grand Junction CO, about 3 hours away
from
me.

Call him. My dealer explained that he's more likely to TAKE a small boat
in
trade if he knows he's got a serious buyer who's looking. This is
especially
true as the season progresses. The dealers don't want to be stuck with
inventory, especially low-margin boats which take up space they could use
for fancier boats.

Newbie needs advice
 

Find an Alumacraft (AlumIcraft?) dealer, too. Based on conversations with
owners at launch ramps, they seem to be well constructed, too. Slightly
different layouts, but still serviceable.

Earlier, I mentioned the friend who let me borrow his trolling motor.
Because he lives out in the sticks, he spends more time driving around rural
farm country. A couple of years back, he was looking for a second boat.
After a week of driving around, he'd seen a dozen parked on lawns with for
sale signs. In many cases, they're very much underpriced. And, he worst
thing he saw was boats which were filthy, needing nothing but an afternoon
with a scrub brush. He ended up finding a 16 ft aluminum boat for about
$300.00.

Might be worth a tank of gas to pack a big picnic lunch and drive around
aimlessly. :-) Or, if you're going to see that dealer, take some back roads
on the way home.

-Doug

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Doug.

I'll call him tomorrow and see what's available. Gas, locally, is over
$2.10
a gallon for 85 octane and even at 29 mpg, it would be an expensive trip.

I looked at Lund boats back in the mid 80's just before losing a good job
due to a downsizing. I liked the solid look and was considering a 17 foot
with a 20 hp motor, trolling plate, fish finder (flasher) and remote
steering. It was a package I could tow easily with a 6 cylinder Valiant.

Budd

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...
I'm getting the feeling that used is going to be the way to go but
every
used boat I've had so far, like used cars, has come with a load of
problems.

I can only speak for the one I own, and what I'd look for. Look at the
boat
with and without the motor on the transom. With the motor on, see if you
can
spot any sag, which could mean someone towed with the motor up, but the
motor fell. With the motor off, give a transom a few good hard yanks and
look for any play that seems abnormal. As far as the hull is concerned,
any
major dents will be obvious, but a properly designed hull isn't going to
suffer much from the occasional bump with a log or rock.

The Lund WC series boats are popular with Canadian guides who sometimes
drop
the boat (without motor) from the fly-in airplane before landing to
deposit
passengers. They're nothing but hull, and VERY solid metal benches with
some
sort of composite board on top. I've encountered some obstacles in 5
years
which should've done more damage to the bottom, but still, I have
nothing
but scratches.


I think there is a Lund Dealer in Grand Junction CO, about 3 hours
away
from
me.

Call him. My dealer explained that he's more likely to TAKE a small boat
in
trade if he knows he's got a serious buyer who's looking. This is
especially
true as the season progresses. The dealers don't want to be stuck with
inventory, especially low-margin boats which take up space they could
use
for fancier boats.

Newbie needs advice
 

LOL Take a quick look at a Utah map in the S.E. ... no back roads between
Moab and Grand Junction CO ... it's all desert!!!!

Driving around sounds like a good idea, but I've only lived here a few years
and much of that laid up sick ... time for the yard sales!!!

Budd

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
Find an Alumacraft (AlumIcraft?) dealer, too. Based on conversations with
owners at launch ramps, they seem to be well constructed, too. Slightly
different layouts, but still serviceable.

Earlier, I mentioned the friend who let me borrow his trolling motor.
Because he lives out in the sticks, he spends more time driving around
rural
farm country. A couple of years back, he was looking for a second boat.
After a week of driving around, he'd seen a dozen parked on lawns with for
sale signs. In many cases, they're very much underpriced. And, he worst
thing he saw was boats which were filthy, needing nothing but an afternoon
with a scrub brush. He ended up finding a 16 ft aluminum boat for about
$300.00.

Might be worth a tank of gas to pack a big picnic lunch and drive around
aimlessly. :-) Or, if you're going to see that dealer, take some back
roads
on the way home.

-Doug

"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Doug.

I'll call him tomorrow and see what's available. Gas, locally, is over
$2.10
a gallon for 85 octane and even at 29 mpg, it would be an expensive
trip.

I looked at Lund boats back in the mid 80's just before losing a good
job
due to a downsizing. I liked the solid look and was considering a 17
foot
with a 20 hp motor, trolling plate, fish finder (flasher) and remote
steering. It was a package I could tow easily with a 6 cylinder Valiant.

Budd

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...
I'm getting the feeling that used is going to be the way to go but
every
used boat I've had so far, like used cars, has come with a load of
problems.

I can only speak for the one I own, and what I'd look for. Look at the
boat
with and without the motor on the transom. With the motor on, see if
you
can
spot any sag, which could mean someone towed with the motor up, but
the
motor fell. With the motor off, give a transom a few good hard yanks
and
look for any play that seems abnormal. As far as the hull is
concerned,
any
major dents will be obvious, but a properly designed hull isn't going
to
suffer much from the occasional bump with a log or rock.

The Lund WC series boats are popular with Canadian guides who
sometimes
drop
the boat (without motor) from the fly-in airplane before landing to
deposit
passengers. They're nothing but hull, and VERY solid metal benches
with
some
sort of composite board on top. I've encountered some obstacles in 5
years
which should've done more damage to the bottom, but still, I have
nothing
but scratches.


I think there is a Lund Dealer in Grand Junction CO, about 3 hours
away
from
me.

Call him. My dealer explained that he's more likely to TAKE a small
boat
in
trade if he knows he's got a serious buyer who's looking. This is
especially
true as the season progresses. The dealers don't want to be stuck with
inventory, especially low-margin boats which take up space they could
use
for fancier boats.

Newbie needs advice
 

IMHO,
If you are handicapped you should really look into a small used pontoon boat.
They are really easy to enter/exit.

Fredo

Newbie needs advice
 

Read the thread. I've already addressed that suggestion.

Budd

"FredO" . wrote in message
...
IMHO,
If you are handicapped you should really look into a small used pontoon
boat.
They are really easy to enter/exit.

Fredo

Newbie needs advice
 

I looked at a 14' fiberglass Thundercraft runabout (1978) with an 85 hp
outboard about 3 weeks ago. Owner wanted $2400, but I could have gotten him
down to $2k or less, I'm sure.

Anyway, used boats in decent shape ARE out there. Keep looking, and I hope
you find what you're looking for soon.




"Budd Cochran" wrote in message
...
OK, folks. I'm thinking of getting my first new boat and I need some
advice.

I'm thinking I need a light, trailerable boat ( my tow vehicle is a 95
Chrysler LeBaron FWD) with about a 1000 pound capacity (I'm physically
handicapped and I figure a somewhat larger craft will be more stable for
entry and egress but I need it to be pretty light in weight ( because the
car has only a one ton tow capacity) so I can load and launch it easily.

My physical limitations are from blood pressure and heart trouble,
diabetes
and Post Polio Syndrome.

So, what styles / lengths / brands should I look at?? I once had a used 12
foot aluminum Jon boat, but it was a bit narrow and quite tender when
approaching hull capacity. I borrowed my brother's old aluminum 12 foot
Sears rowboat once and lightly loaded it was fun, but it was a bit heavy
to
cartop (this was before the health probs hit.)

Oh, price is important too. I may go for a used boat / trailer if I find a
great deal. VBG

TIA

Budd