Mandoman
Thursday, February 28, 2013 2:07:25 PM
I'm trying to decide if a boat is worth the trouble. I'm aware of the cliches - BOAT, bust out another thousand and a boat is a hole in the water into which you pour money.

I've decided to explore the 18 - 21 foot range for fishing in Chesapeake Bay. (and the disposal of an awkward body or two)Although info on hull style is welcome, I'm mostly looking for info/opinions on I/O vs. outboard engines, cost, efficiency, reliability, etc.

DrafterX
Thursday, February 28, 2013 2:13:07 PM
how heavy is the boat..?? how fast do you want to go..?? are you looking for a bass boat of more of a boston whaler type..?? lots of options out there.... I'd prolly start with asking fisherman on da bay tho... see what their preferences are and why... waves could get pretty big on da bay.... 😟
Mandoman
Thursday, February 28, 2013 2:29:13 PM

how heavy is the boat..?? how fast do you want to go..?? are you looking for a bass boat of more of a boston whaler type..?? lots of options out there.... I'd prolly start with asking fisherman on da bay tho... see what their preferences are and why... waves could get pretty big on da bay.... 😟

DrafterX wrote:

I've thought about that stuff. No bass boat. Deep V, or tri hull, probably. Looking for efficient operation over speed.

Burner02
Thursday, February 28, 2013 2:30:18 PM
Can't help with current boats or what you will need on the C/Bay. I had 4 different bass boats from early 86 until 06 and was not without one at any time during this 20 year period. Had the following outboards engines; 115 Yamaha, 150 Merc, 150 OMC, and 175EFI Merc. Most dependable was the Yamaha, followed by the OMC and Merc was last.

If you are planning on using a boat a lot, then it will probably be worth the expense. If it is only going to be used a few times a year, I would save my money for something else.

I miss having a boat, but don't miss putting 50 gal of gas in it plus another 25 in the truck.

Hope I did not muddy the water.

HockeyDad
Thursday, February 28, 2013 2:41:35 PM
Best boat = charter

(Cost of ownership will be less in the end)

DrafterX
Thursday, February 28, 2013 2:52:01 PM
outboards are prolly a little easier as far as winterizing and stuff... gas consumption has ALOT to do with how you drive it.. I owned a tri-hull once and it was a pretty rough ride compared to the deep Vs... it was a 21' heavy fiberglass bassard.. maximum deck area would be important to me on da bay.. gotta have room for all those crab cages... 🤣
DBIII
Thursday, February 28, 2013 4:06:52 PM
Bring on another thousand for sure, but super fun to be out on the lake in the summer. You will spend money on any hobby, go for it bro, you only live once(I think).
Burner02
Thursday, February 28, 2013 4:08:22 PM

Best boat = charter

(Cost of ownership will be less in the end)

HockeyDad wrote:

Yep, a charter or guide a couple times a year will safe many $.

Numismaniac
Thursday, February 28, 2013 6:47:00 PM
2 happiest days for boat owners............................. the day they buy the boat, and the day they sell it, hehe.

gotta agree with HD, and Burner here, by the time you get through paying slip, storage, etc, etc. You will appreciate a cap'n that can take you, put you right on 'em, and have you back home with a cleaned mess o' fish, by dark or dark 30.

wheelrite
Thursday, February 28, 2013 6:52:24 PM
I've had 3 boats...

fun , yes

a huge expense and pain in the ass , yes,,,

I suggest you find a friend with a boat...

wheel,

TMCTLT
Friday, March 1, 2013 8:56:38 AM

I've had 3 boats...

fun , yes

a huge expense and pain in the ass , yes,,,

I suggest you find a friend with a boat...

wheel,

wheelrite wrote:

Sound advice!!

Mrs.Tank
Friday, March 1, 2013 9:40:53 AM
though if you need suggestions for bodies, I might have a few....
Buckwheat
Friday, March 1, 2013 9:51:04 AM

Best boat = charter

(Cost of ownership will be less in the end)

HockeyDad wrote:

Best boat = Someone else's boat.

(No Cost of Ownership in the end except maybe some fuel and a few cases of beer) 🌫

jackconrad
Friday, March 1, 2013 11:38:40 AM
I hate cleaning those friggin barnacles !
DrafterX
Friday, March 1, 2013 11:40:43 AM

I hate cleaning those friggin barnacles !

jackconrad wrote:

you should shower more often... 😟

LetsRock
Friday, March 1, 2013 4:13:00 PM
I love having my boat, I dont think I could live without it. It is a ton of work and a big expense but I dont know what I would do without fishing and going to the beach all summer long.
edin508
Friday, March 1, 2013 5:33:52 PM
Love my boat! But it is in the smaller range so it's not as bad on the upkeep. It all depends on how much you are going to use it and if that is worth it to you. I am on mine almost every Sunday during the summer. Bass fishing is where it's at for me.
andytv
Friday, March 1, 2013 6:43:22 PM
Mako has some decent bay boats. Not as good as the OLD Mako hulls, but still pretty good. Outboard all the way.
dkeage
Friday, March 1, 2013 7:50:09 PM

Mako has some decent bay boats. Not as good as the OLD Mako hulls, but still pretty good. Outboard all the way.

andytv wrote:

My BIL bought a Mako from the 70s a couple of years ago. Great boat, but dont hit bottom....heavy as ****e to push....