Boat stability

[bassfisher]

The wife and I are looking into a boat (14 to 17') that draft shallow water (less than a foot), it doesn't matter brand, just inexpensive, we are looking in the 15 to 2grand area? We'd also like to know which hull shape would be more stable, square, or V hull/ Last question, would it matter, glass or tin? (we found tons of glass, not to many tin) It might see salt a few time also. We'd like to hear your thoughts please. Thanks in advance for any help!

[lilmule]

Tin Lizzy dont go to small 15-17 ft,all kinds of tackers and lowes used out there,make sure it floats dont leak and runs,and yes in that price range as many came with 25 hp outboards or may even have a ten on them.
Larger and wider is more stable than smaller generally,also can have a shallower draft if not built to heavy than a smaller narrower 14 ft.
Many fiberglass bass boats have a 12 in draft but not suitable shallower or stump friendly.
I use my 20 ft allison down to about 15 in then turn around.So best buy I can think of for that is about a 15 ft tracker or lowes.Standard steer not stick as it has a lower resale value.
Even though it is shallow water and slow wear a pfd when under power.Same boat is for shallow protected waters,not for main lake rough water.

[nofearengineer]

Harold, hull stability depends on how you plan on using it.
Sitting still, there is nothing more stable than a short-draft flat-bottom boat.
At speed, a flat bottom is a PITA to control, so modified V's are the ticket.
In wavy water, true V-hulls are often the best as they cut through waves much better.
At that short of a length, I am assuming by salt water you mean bays, brackish rivers and such. I wouldn't be caught on open ocean in anything less than a 20' unless it's a very deep 18'...but that's just me.
I would look at a nice fiberglass fish'n'ski in that price range.

[bassfisher]

That what we were thinking also. No way would we take a 14-17, out in the ocean, just channels, bays, and canals, stuff like that. Heck, I'd have to think very hard about taking the Avalanche out in open water.

[lilmule]

Think shallow the lil alum boat is within 1500-2000 price range more like 1800-3000,if talking 15-20k id do a flats boat and skinny dip in style.

[screwballl]

I love my little 14 ft., 42" wide jon boat. It is stable, good to around 8-10" of water. I actually had it in a 4" deep creek flat with me at the front for counter balance to the batteries and motor in back, just used a paddle to get through that super shallow spot (which led to an AWESOME bass/bluegill hole).