New Boat Opinions??

[Bodofish]

Think big and start leaving brochures for the boat you really want lying around, then start grousing about settling for a lesser model/brand. Pretty soon she'll just cave and tell you go buy the one you really want..... Works every time!

[G-Man]

Skip the rivets, especially if you are a hard core fisherman and will be out on the waters when it is choppy, chances are that over time a riveted hull will leak. If you are fishing big lakes and the Sound, you'll want a fairly wide boat that has a raised deck/floor and the highest gunwales you can get. Stability makes for a much better time fishing, especially if you are thinking of taking the wife and any kids you have or may acquire with you. As for hull design, unless you plan to fish in skinny water, go with at least a semi-v design. I have an 18.5' Raider Pro Fisherman with an 35 degree forward v and a 16 degree aft dead rise and there aren't many places I can't take my boat because of water depth. Also, a canvas top with curtains is great, especially if you can stand up under it. It will keep you dry when you're running in the chop or when it is raining, it is also nice to be able to get into the shade on hot summer days. It's drawback is on windy days when it will act like a sail.

[gfakkema]

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[hewesfisher]

Think big and start leaving brochures for the boat you really want lying around, then start grousing about settling for a lesser model/brand. Pretty soon she'll just cave and tell you go buy the one you really want..... Works every time!

Works even better when your wife says "We need a bigger boat" and insists on looking at new boats.

[rseas]

I tried to submit this last night but after spending an hour or so typing it on my smart phone the entry became unstable and evaporated, not unlike the steam that was coming out of my ears at that point… I have been intermittently following this thread and figured that it was time to offer a few words of wisdom. In addition to my earlier comment about being able to install boat seats with backs I am concerned about your overall satisfaction with your purchase. There have been many excellent posts addressing various aspects of construction method, new verses used and general good advice. The key theme seems to be take your time, there will always be a “great deal” available but once you make your purchase great deal or otherwise the baby is yours and you want to make sure it is truly what you want.

As a boat owner I have had more than a few boats. I have owned welded aluminum and boats with riveted hulls. I have also owned everything from kayaks and small skiffs to a large offshore sport fishing boat. While each was enjoyed and filled a need at the time my favorite boat and current mode of aquatic transportation is our riveted 16’ open skiff. It is very stable while at rest and at trolling speeds but still rides smoothly on plane, handling significant chop with authority. It is through almost 40 years as a boat owner that I offer the following. Don’t worry about construction method, i.e. welded verses riveted. Both can provide many years of dependable leak free service. Look more at hull design; consider deadrise fore and aft, beam and the availability of reverse chine. Reverse chine or the slight downturn of the outboard surface of the bottom of the hull significantly improves slow speed and/or at rest stability while providing a smooth predictable ride while on plane. It is very difficult to just look at hull design and know whether or not you have a good one. As part of your research and defiantly before you buy do a test ride.

Ask various dealers to give you a test ride in a boat representative of what you want to purchase. If a dealer will not offer a test ride move on and find one that will. When you do go for your test ride bring the girlfriend, dog, kids and or fishing buddy. You want to see how the boat performs with the boat loaded as it would be for most of your fishing trips. The weight of just one body can make a huge difference in how the boat handles in various water conditions. During the test ride make sure to run the boat down swell and head into the waves also quarter the swell. You want to assure that the boat is predictable under all sea conditions. Here in the PNW, even if just fishing on a small lake things can get nasty pretty fast. As others have said take your time in making your purchase, good luck and if you have any questions feel free to PM me.

[Bodofish]

Think big and start leaving brochures for the boat you really want lying around, then start grousing about settling for a lesser model/brand. Pretty soon she'll just cave and tell you go buy the one you really want..... Works every time!

Works even better when your wife says "We need a bigger boat" and insists on looking at new boats.

Yep that's how it ultimately goes. Sow the seeds and let her think it was her idea. And after a couple decades or more they know what makes both of you happy.

[gfakkema]

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[rseas]

You're welcome to come take a ride in our 16' Lund. It is currently in pieces for an interior modification but I can let you know as soon as I have it back together and ready to go.

[gfakkema]

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[sickbayer]

Sweet congratulations mate looks like the CL gods did look down on you, you've saved loads.

[Gringo Pescador]

[Steelheadin360]

Nice boat!!

[The Quadfather]

Did I read that right?.... It comes with a freakin' BBQ? You see those bbq's that mount on the side of sail boats, but I had a not sure if that is what is going on with this boat? I wish I could open the pics up larger. It is a beautiful boat and options. Where is the emoticon for jealousy?

Edit: I take it that was the one in Duval?

[gfakkema]

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[Bodofish]

Super glad you found the boat for you!!! And for the second most important purchase, don't believe all the BS Hype on the TV. Best bang for the buck and follow up support is from The Shane Co., bar none. Now mind you my wife has been in the industry for around 20 years. She currently sells part time for Macy's (Used to be a divisional sales mgr, all stores Wa, ID and OR). Id say buy a ring from her but it makes no difference and you'll get a better deal elsewhere. Shane will give you the best warranty in the business where others will want to sell it to you. They really do cut out the middle man. If you want one cut like a Leo, just ask. I will impart this bit of advice, all jewelry is priced to be put on sale. The true retail markup is when it's on sale. If you paid full retail on a piece you paid 4 to 6 times the wholesale price. Jared is nothing short of a rip off, well so is Macy's but you'd never pay full price there, it's always on sale. Go to Shane and compare prices and qualities, do not bring your Darling, go by yourself and get educated. Then bring your Darling when you're armed and educated. Commissioned Sales people are all liars and I'm sure that the ones at Jared are no exception. You're lucky they didn't get a good nip leaving a blood trail for the others. Again, if you don't have an in, in the industry and you're stuck at retail, go see the folks at Shane.

[Mike Carey]

Jewelry Sharks leaving a blood trail, ouch.

Great looking boat, congrats. Here's a thought for your ultimate upgrades - both a gas kicker for trolling trout/kok/salmon, and a bow mounted electric for shoreline fishing bass, etc. My bow mount electric also came in way handy for river fishing the pinks last year on the Snohomish. We'd let the boat drift down river and use the bow electric to make slight course changes. It was HUGELY effective, much better than anchoring up and fishing one spot. Can't do it on a busy weekend (too many boats) but weekdays it was AWESOME!

Anyway, you saved all that money not buying new now you can afford some of these final upgrades. Good purchase.

BTW, the two other pictures you uploaded are thumbnails. If the CL ad is still up, open them and right click to save the full sized picture. We're all living vicariously through your purchase.

[gfakkema]

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[sickbayer]

Thumbs up on Shane Co. My wifes ring broke and they had to get a new one made up, can't believe there guarantee its for life and doesn't cost you a thing. No hard sells salesmanship up there either. Also keep it cleaned for you, it was them that spotted the break..

[sickbayer]

Oh and we bought the ring 7 years ago cost like 7k if I remember we looked everywhere but they all wanted insurance as the price of gold just seemed to be climbing it was the main reason we went to Shane company. Lol you must think I work for them all this raving.

[gfakkema]

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