Boat questions

rocki22 · 02-19-07, 06:43 PM

New here and hoping to get some advice from those more seasoned. I'm buying a new boat and my budget isn't big. Based on my needs and budget, I’ve narrowed it down to either a 14 foot v hull (Alumacraft T14V) or a 16 foot modified v jon (Lowe 1648M) that I plan to customize with floors, seats and storage compartments. (Not any high casting decks, however). I had a Tracker super guide 16 deep v before I lost it in a divorce, so I know the solid performance of a deep v. I live in Utah, so the lakes I fish aren't huge, but they can be windy at times. I will admit, I like the additional space and wider beam of a jon, but since I've never owned one, I'm wondering what the performance would be like in windy conditions with some chop on the water. Again, the lakes are not that big(up to 8,000 acres) and I'll be along the shore most the time anyway. Thanks for any input.

Rocki

K-Driz · 02-19-07, 07:31 PM

The 16 foot boat would be better, especially if there are 2 people fishing from the boat...less chance to hook them or their equipment.

HOG Ranger · 02-19-07, 10:38 PM

I honestly don't know how long you will be happy fishing out of a 14' boat. I guess it depends on your fishing style and if you normally fish alone or with a buddy.

If it was me I would be looking used and try to find a bigger boat in decent shape for the same money.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

lizardsrule · 02-19-07, 11:30 PM

I've fished from a Lowe's and they aren't bad. The wider beam is nice, but it's still a aluminum boat, and will get ya pushed around some in the wind. Not as bad as the 14' will though. Do what I do just add fishing tackle for added weight it helps a little rotfl.

Lizards

zooker · 02-20-07, 07:08 PM

yeah max out your weight limit with tackle -like lizzy..

zooker

Bender · 02-20-07, 09:14 PM

I have a 16' aluminum boat, some call it an improved V, but it is pretty flat bottomed to me and it is like a sail in the wind. I was underpowered on the trolling motor anyway and I had to call it a day early several times because I just couldn't maintain any kind of boat position. I have fished out of a smaller V hull and it did seem a little less stable. The most important thing for me would be the ability to stand while fishing though.

Bender · 02-23-07, 07:19 PM

Where did the Edit button go?
Anyway I just read Nitro911's post. I guess a grand is better spent now than 6 down the road.

02-19-07, 06:43 PM	#1
rocki22 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1	Boat questions New here and hoping to get some advice from those more seasoned. I'm buying a new boat and my budget isn't big. Based on my needs and budget, I’ve narrowed it down to either a 14 foot v hull (Alumacraft T14V) or a 16 foot modified v jon (Lowe 1648M) that I plan to customize with floors, seats and storage compartments. (Not any high casting decks, however). I had a Tracker super guide 16 deep v before I lost it in a divorce, so I know the solid performance of a deep v. I live in Utah, so the lakes I fish aren't huge, but they can be windy at times. I will admit, I like the additional space and wider beam of a jon, but since I've never owned one, I'm wondering what the performance would be like in windy conditions with some chop on the water. Again, the lakes are not that big(up to 8,000 acres) and I'll be along the shore most the time anyway. Thanks for any input. Rocki

02-19-07, 11:30 PM	#4
lizardsrule BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Saint Augustine, FL Posts: 7,374	I've fished from a Lowe's and they aren't bad. The wider beam is nice, but it's still a aluminum boat, and will get ya pushed around some in the wind. Not as bad as the 14' will though. Do what I do just add fishing tackle for added weight it helps a little rotfl. Lizards __________________ There are three types of Snakes I hate 1. Live Snakes 2. Dead Snakes 3. Sticks that look like Snakes. And Gators too!

02-20-07, 07:08 PM	#5
zooker BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: denton nc Posts: 13,441	yeah max out your weight limit with tackle -like lizzy.. zooker __________________ the godfather.. aml in remission since 7-20-09

02-19-07, 07:31 PM	#2
K-Driz BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Murray or Smithfield, KY Posts: 209	The 16 foot boat would be better, especially if there are 2 people fishing from the boat...less chance to hook them or their equipment.

02-19-07, 10:38 PM	#3
HOG Ranger BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 306	I honestly don't know how long you will be happy fishing out of a 14' boat. I guess it depends on your fishing style and if you normally fish alone or with a buddy. If it was me I would be looking used and try to find a bigger boat in decent shape for the same money. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

02-20-07, 09:14 PM	#6
Bender BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 2,414	I have a 16' aluminum boat, some call it an improved V, but it is pretty flat bottomed to me and it is like a sail in the wind. I was underpowered on the trolling motor anyway and I had to call it a day early several times because I just couldn't maintain any kind of boat position. I have fished out of a smaller V hull and it did seem a little less stable. The most important thing for me would be the ability to stand while fishing though.

02-23-07, 07:19 PM	#7
Bender BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 2,414	Where did the Edit button go? Anyway I just read Nitro911's post. I guess a grand is better spent now than 6 down the road.

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