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| So you want to buy a utility boat package? |
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So you are thinking about getting a new 14’ or 16’ aluminum boat? You likely need an engine and a trailer to go along with it. I’ll bet you’re thinking, “these things are all about the same”. So you figure you can get on the phone, make a few calls and who ever has the best price is the guy to go with. Well it just isn’t that simple anymore, so you better step back and take a look at what’s available out there. |
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There are dozens of brands of good quality aluminum boats. Each company makes a wide array of models. And just because two boats fall into a 14’ category you can’t assume that they are even close to the same general size.
Consider this fact: we have 14’ open aluminum utility boats with bench seats that weigh as little as 142 lbs., and as much as 410 lbs.! That’s right, the big one weighs three times as much as the smaller boat. Since they are both made of aluminum, we feel that this one statistic should paint an image in your mind as how vastly different the size of these boats truly are.
Not only is depth, width and weight a factor, you also must consider horsepower capacity and load carrying abilities as well as hull design and interior layout. While the common bench seat configuration is still very popular, today more buyers are seeing the benefits of models with split seats. Moving about in the boat can be possible with a split rear or middle aluminum bench seat. A flat floor model can also improve your enjoyment on the water, help to keep your socks dry and lower the center of gravity all at the same time.
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How about an engine? A 9.9 once typically powered the garden-variety 14’ utility boat and many still do. But as boats have gotten wider more horsepower is often needed. Most of our utility boats in the 64” to 68” width category sell with 9.9s or 15s. The 15 hp engine offers considerably more power with little or no extra weight.
If you are looking for more than a 15 hp motor has to offer, we suggest that you think about a boat with a beam in the 70 to 75” range. With most buyers today opting for four stroke outboards the extra beam astern is highly recommended to carry the weight of the 25 to 40 hp four strokes.
Deeper boats tend to have taller transoms, requiring long shaft outboards. It needs to be said that a long shaft motor does not protrude any deeper into the water. Rather, the higher transom that offers an extra 5” of safety requires a longer shaft engine to reach the keel of the boat.
A well matched, quality built trailer really completes the total package. Don’t just rely on a recognizable brand name here – all of the leading trailer manufacturers offer value priced models as well more robust versions. Often times an extra 100 bucks or so buys you a lot more piece of mind on the launch ramp as well as the highway. We look for a welded, longer frame/shorter tongue design and prefer a galvanized finish. Twelve-inch wheels are a must as are waterproof taillights and a pair of 5’ to 6’ long carpeted bunks that are supported at both ends. Don’t opt for a low-end trailer that could leave you on the side of the highway on your way on the fishing trip that you have been planning for 6 months.
Every year we offer a variety of utility boat packages in several different price ranges. Take advantage of one of these specials and you are assured of a time tested package that offers more than just great value. Then you can rest easy, relying on our experience that you have purchased a proven combination.
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