I am considering getting a boat for fishing. But I need to keep the
cost down and I need something that is just right for the few persons
that I will take on the boat.

My basic requirements:

o Stable enough for me to mount some kind of shade
to protect me and my loved one from sun. We only
need the shade when we are fishing; we don't have
to have it when we are on the way to the fishing
spots. This is the MAJOR requirement.

o Light enough to be propelled by an electric
trolling motor alone for a couple hours (this
means no gas engine on board when I operate
the boat in electric-only lakes). This is the
second "MUST" requirement.

o Low cost, nothing luxury.

o For fishng and relaxing, not for cruising, nor
water skiiing. This means no running around
in high speed.

o Only to be used in lake, bay, and near-shore
where I can see the land, and in good weather.

With these said, I would like to know the size of boat that I need for
the following requirements:

o What is the minimum size I should look for
if I only need to have two adults (including
me) and one child? Here, I mean all of us can
sit comfortably and safely without worrying
about capsizing. I am assuming that a 12-ft
semi-V hull boat may be OK; but I am not sure
if it will be stable enough when I mount a
shade over it.

o What is the minimum size I should look for
if I need to carry four adults (including
me)? Again, I mean all of us can sit comfortably
and safely without worrying about capsizing.
I am assuming that a 15-ft semi-V hull boat
should fit the bill.

Any idea?

Thanks for any input in advance.

This is a followup question on my post not long ago about choosing
between using a canoe or a row boat with electric motor only.

Jay Chan

On Fri, 09 Sep 2005 15:18:47 -0700, jaykchan wrote:

I am considering getting a boat for fishing. But I need to keep the
cost down and I need something that is just right for the few persons
that I will take on the boat.


how about this:

http://www.user.dccnet.com/lsumpter/...t_Bimini2s.jpg

In calm lakes, 12ft is plenty for 2+1. I've had that many on my 8-footer
many times, although 12ft adds some moving-around room.

I use the 9.9 to get that boat to where I want to fish, then the trolling
motor once I'm there. I have a Minn Kota Max40T with moves it nicely at a
couple knots. Get the Max (Maximizer), NOT the Endura: the savings in
battery life is worth the extra cost.

Not so for the "sal****er" series: I've had a cheap Endura used
exclusively in salt water and never rinsed off (unless it's raining -
fresh water is precious on a cruising boat!). It's over 5 yrs old and
showing no signs of wear.

BTW: That boat is for sale: $3000CDN. That's an almost-new 2005 Merc
4-stroke on the back. Email me for details.

Lloyd Sumpter
"The Tin Boat" 1975 Mirrocraft 12

In calm lakes, 12ft is plenty for 2+1. I've had that many on my 8-footer
many times, although 12ft adds some moving-around room.

Seem like a small boat can do well if the water is calm. If what you
said is true, I should be able to fit 4 adults in a 16-ft boat
(combined people weight is around 700-lb). But I expect to use the same
boat in both calm freshwater lake and protected sal****er area where I
may get some waves from passing boats. I probably need a boat that is
slightly bigger than the minimum -- something like 17-ft or 18-ft.

Thanks for the info.

Jay Chan

On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 10:39:53 -0700, jaykchan wrote:

In calm lakes, 12ft is plenty for 2+1. I've had that many on my 8-footer
many times, although 12ft adds some moving-around room.

Seem like a small boat can do well if the water is calm. If what you
said is true, I should be able to fit 4 adults in a 16-ft boat
(combined people weight is around 700-lb). But I expect to use the same
boat in both calm freshwater lake and protected sal****er area where I
may get some waves from passing boats. I probably need a boat that is
slightly bigger than the minimum -- something like 17-ft or 18-ft.

Thanks for the info.

Jay Chan

At this point, length is only one of many factors. I've been out in
English Bay in some fairly snotty weather in a 13ft Laser sailboat. I've
seen Cal 20s out in stuff that would make you puke in a 30-ft powerboat.

If you're looking for "seaworthyness", look for at least lots of freeboard
and something covering the bow so if it gets "buried" it doesn't scoop
water into the boat. Or, get one that's self-draining, like a Boston
Whaler.

Lloyd

If you're looking for "seaworthyness", look for at least lots of freeboard
and something covering the bow so if it gets "buried" it doesn't scoop
water into the boat. Or, get one that's self-draining, like a Boston
Whaler.

Yes, high freeboard is something that I should be looking for.

I am just not quite convinced of the idea of covering the bow. I am
really not going out in a high sea -- ever. And covering the bow will
prevent me from fishing from the bow. When I am talking about going out
to sal****er, I am referring to very calm water in protected area.

Jay Chan

wrote:
If you're looking for "seaworthyness", look for at least lots of freeboard
and something covering the bow so if it gets "buried" it doesn't scoop
water into the boat. Or, get one that's self-draining, like a Boston
Whaler.


Yes, high freeboard is something that I should be looking for.

I am just not quite convinced of the idea of covering the bow. I am
really not going out in a high sea -- ever. And covering the bow will
prevent me from fishing from the bow. When I am talking about going out
to sal****er, I am referring to very calm water in protected area.

Jay Chan

Things can happen quickly on the ocean.