So, you want to buy a fishing boat?
So, you want to buy a fishing boat?
First, you’ll need to answer a few questions. Where will you be fishing? How many people will be with you? Where will you store the boat and how will you move it around? Also, how will you maintain it, keep it fueled and insure it? These are all important things to consider.
How will you use the boat?
How will you use the boat?
The type of boating you do will determine what kind of boat you need. If you’ll be out with your kids on a lake for some fishing, you’ll want a smaller boat. If you’re taking friends out to the Continental Shelf for days at a time of deep sea fishing, you’ll want a larger boat.
Boat sizes
Boat sizes
First let’s talk about the sizes of boats out there. Boats typically fit into four categories:
Less than 16 Feet
These can easily be towed behind a pickup truck or SUV, they’re easy to drive and relatively inexpensive to fuel up. However, the seating capacity will be limited, and if the water gets rough, these kinds of boats need to head to shore. Also, if this size boat has any storage or living space below deck, it will be extremely limited. These boats are typically powered by gas inboard or outboard engines.
16 feet to 26 feet
These are a little bigger, and you’ll need a larger vehicle to move them. However, they do offer much more space for larger groups of anglers, and they can handle when the lake or ocean gets a little choppy. Large boats in this category typically have space below decks for sleeping and cooking. Also, there may be a covered area for the driver of the boat to steer. A diesel or gas inboard engine typically powers these boats.
26 feet to 40 feet
If you’ve ever thought, “we’re gonna need a bigger boat.” This is a bigger boat. There’s more than enough space for you and your friends, and you’re going to have plenty of room for storage and to even live on the boat for longer periods of time.
40 feet to 65 feet
This is the size boat that people typically take pictures in front of. This is also when you start calling is a yacht. If you’re buying a boat this size, give us a call, we’d love to go on a fishing trip with you. These size boards usually require a small crew to operate, and will have every amenity that you’d need for spending significant time out on the water. They’re also more commonly found on the Great Lakes and the oceans.
Types of Engine
Types of Engine
The type of engine is most likely determined by the style of boat that you have, but here are a few of the styles and their advantages and disadvantages.
Gas outboard engines
These can range from just a few horsepower to hundreds and can power anything from a rowboat to larger, ocean-going craft. The engine is entirely self-contained and hangs off the back of the boat.
Gas inboard engines
These are popular engines for smaller craft and can range from 90 horsepower to well over 1,000.
Diesel inboard engines
This type of engine is used mostly in larger boats – more than 35 feet. This is due to the increased torque that a diesel engine can provide.
Jet boat engines
These are popular in personal watercraft and boats of that size. They suck water into the engine and discharge it behind the boat at high pressure.
Care and maintenance
Care and maintenance
Taking care of a boat motor is critically important. After all, when you’re out on the ocean or lake, and the motor quits, you’re at the mercy of the waves until help arrives. So, take care of your motor, make sure it’s serviced frequently and it’s running well before you plan your next big trip. Other than finding a great fishing spot, this could be the best thing you do before you go.
Winterizing
Winterizing
If you live up north and will need to store it during the off-season, have it professionally winterized so it’ll start right up when the weather gets warmer. You don’t want water, or other liquids to freeze and thaw inside the engine or cooling system. That could lead to bigger problems down the road.