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Shopping for a new fishing boat these days isn’t as simple as it once was. With a broad range of styles, brands and models this can get a little confusing. We have put together a list of tips that just might help you narrow your search.
How serious of an angler are you? Is the boat going to serve as a dual-purpose boat, for example, fishing for a part of the day and family/water sports for the rest of the day? Today many multi-species boats could also be described as multi-purpose boats. Is the boat going to be used for big-water fishing as well? In other words, is it going to be equipped with downriggers, planer board mast, etc? Some boats lend themselves to this application better than others. Do you plan on fishing any of the tournaments available today? If so, the boat will have to be equipped with the necessary features required to keep the fish healthy and alive. The answers to these questions are certainly going to influence your decision as to the model you choose. |
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There are many styles to choose from: single or side console; dual console; full windshield; centre console; cuddy cabin; walk-around; and tiller.
A single console allows people to move around the boat easily, as well as allowing quick access to the bow area. A dual console offers protection from the elements for the passenger as well as the driver. Whereas, a full windshield boat allows protection for virtually everyone onboard. A full windshield boat does restrict your ease of movement in comparison to single and dual console layouts.
A cuddy cabin or walk-around model provides people an area where they can escape the elements. The cabin is usually equipped with a head and other amenities such as a table and bed.
Size is dependent on several factors. Generally speaking, the bigger and the rougher the water, the larger the boat should be. Hull design can also play a large role here. The number of people who would be boating most times will also dictate the size of the boat chosen. Also, don’t forget most anglers carry more tackle than they need.
If you are strictly a bass angler, a bass boat may be the answer. Generally these boats will navigate in shallower water and with a lower profile are not as influenced by the wind as higher freeboard boats. This style offers large forward and rear casting decks allowing you to walk around and fish easily. Their drawback of course, is the lack of seating for more than two, possibly three, people.
If you fish for several species and want to troll using downriggers or drift with the wind, a boat with a higher freeboard is needed. Most anglers want rod holders. Does the existing boat already have them, or are the gunnels capable of easily installing rod holders?
A pontoon boat can be a very good fishing boat for a lot of people. This is covered in the “pontoon boat” section.
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If the boat is going to be used strictly as a fishing boat, creature comfort and upscale features may not be as much of a concern than if you have to worry about other family members.
Carpeted versus vinyl. Most shoppers always qualify this by saying, “There is no way I want carpet. If I flop a big fish on the floor there could be slime and blood left behind”. Today’s marine carpets clean up nicely. If it is a family boat, there is no doubt a carpeted floor is going to appeal to the feminine side of your boat-buying equation. The perfect answer is snap-in carpet over either vinyl flooring or fibreglass cockpit liner. Another option is a wash-down, self-bailing fibreglass cockpit. At the end of the day, turn on the freshwater and rinse down the interior. This style of boat is also the choice for the individual who ties up the boat and walks away from it until the next time he/she uses the boat.
Some models allow the bow of the boat to convert from a full bow casting platform to a bowrider configuration. This system allows for more comfortable seating in the bow, although most children are content with sitting on the platform which keeps the children further down in the boat. A disadvantage of a converting bow is the loss of storage in the bow area.
Some manufacturers provide transom options. You can get a traditional transom layout where there is a wet well in front of the engine. The other choice is a rear casting platform. This typically allows a seat on this platform. In the right boat this can provide for a sunning area for those days in which the family wishes to relax. Located within these casting platforms can be fold-down seats or a convertible bench seat. These convertible bench seats, when folded down, can provide a much larger casting platform (or sun lounging area).
Is there room on the dash to mount electronics? Most anglers want at least a fish finder and GPS.
The boat should have adequate dry storage for safety gear, clothes, tackle, and other important items. What kind of rod storage system do you want – professional tube-style, locking, or open?
Is the livewell large enough for your intended species? Do you need two? Do you also require a separate baitwell or is an integral livewell/bait system fine? These are all very necessary questions to ask yourself.
By adding a bow-mount electric trolling motor, you have created a new fishing platform. This motor opens up endless other fishing opportunities. Contrary to what most people believe, this motor is not just for fishing in shallow water. It is a great tool for drift-fishing, as a little kick with the motor keeps the boat drifting along structure or a depth contour. If necessary, it can be used as an auxiliary motor if the main engine fails.
If you decide you are going to trailer the boat, then you need to consider the weight and size of the boat package, the towing capacity of your vehicle, and the launch facilities you will be utilizing.
Today’s fishing boats can provide the whole family with the luxuries or amenities they require as well as being a very functional fishing platform. Choose a model carefully and it is possible to get “two boats in one”.
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