Greetings All,
Recent member here, been lurking for a while. As you know, this forum is a great resource for dipping into the knowledge / experience of members here and I'm afraid I'd like to pose a question that no doubt, has been asked many times here before. I've read thru some similar threads, but looking for some guidance for my situation.
What is the right flats boat for me? So I thought I'd describe my requirements. I don't have a specific budget in mind, probably less than $20k, due to already being an owner of a 22' deep vee boat, that checks many boxes for us for family boating, island exploring and some inshore and nearshore fishing, but am looking for something smaller to more easily fish the smaller inshore waters around us.
I'd be looking for the highest quality hull my budget would allow, maybe 17-18ft, assuming 10+ years old. Ideally I'm thinking of something structurally and mechanically sound, that I could put in the water on short notice when life and weather cooperate. Not so much worried about cosmetics, as I'd like it to be an easy in, easy out, easy clean up for when windows of time open up for some time on the water. It would be run in the intracoastal waterway where larger vessels abound, when headed to fishing spots, so it would need to be sea worthy enough for potentially choppy waters before reaching the smaller creeks and rivers I'd like to explore (ever hear that before?). It would not be used as a technical poling skiff requiring a super skinny draft. Honestly, there's a chance I'd be removing the poling platform all together. It would be used regularly in shallow water, but usually no shallower than 2 feet. Some might suggest a 19-20ft bay boat, but it would only be used with 2 people fishing, and am looking for something that 1 person can easily manage in tight, somewhat shallow spots. There's also a chance I might add a trolling motor and/or power pole. I would like it stable enough fish the gunnels, without being super tippy. I realize having a requirement of handling some inshore chop contradicts my stability request a bit --- everything is a compromise, of course. 2 livewells would be nice, but 1 would suffice.
So after all that, I'd like to get your thoughts. Not necessarily looking for specific leads today, really just advice on what hulls to consider, others maybe to avoid, etc. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
Recent member here, been lurking for a while. As you know, this forum is a great resource for dipping into the knowledge / experience of members here and I'm afraid I'd like to pose a question that no doubt, has been asked many times here before. I've read thru some similar threads, but looking for some guidance for my situation.
What is the right flats boat for me? So I thought I'd describe my requirements. I don't have a specific budget in mind, probably less than $20k, due to already being an owner of a 22' deep vee boat, that checks many boxes for us for family boating, island exploring and some inshore and nearshore fishing, but am looking for something smaller to more easily fish the smaller inshore waters around us.
I'd be looking for the highest quality hull my budget would allow, maybe 17-18ft, assuming 10+ years old. Ideally I'm thinking of something structurally and mechanically sound, that I could put in the water on short notice when life and weather cooperate. Not so much worried about cosmetics, as I'd like it to be an easy in, easy out, easy clean up for when windows of time open up for some time on the water. It would be run in the intracoastal waterway where larger vessels abound, when headed to fishing spots, so it would need to be sea worthy enough for potentially choppy waters before reaching the smaller creeks and rivers I'd like to explore (ever hear that before?). It would not be used as a technical poling skiff requiring a super skinny draft. Honestly, there's a chance I'd be removing the poling platform all together. It would be used regularly in shallow water, but usually no shallower than 2 feet. Some might suggest a 19-20ft bay boat, but it would only be used with 2 people fishing, and am looking for something that 1 person can easily manage in tight, somewhat shallow spots. There's also a chance I might add a trolling motor and/or power pole. I would like it stable enough fish the gunnels, without being super tippy. I realize having a requirement of handling some inshore chop contradicts my stability request a bit --- everything is a compromise, of course. 2 livewells would be nice, but 1 would suffice.
So after all that, I'd like to get your thoughts. Not necessarily looking for specific leads today, really just advice on what hulls to consider, others maybe to avoid, etc. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
