[b.bates]

I haven't really kept up with all the boats currently being produced, but looking for some possible suggestions.

I am looking for a smaller boat. Nothing real fancy or elaborate.

My first thought is a 16 x 52-60inch Jon, but by the time I add power, trolling motor, and have a front deck, built up I am probably in the small skiff price range so just want to do my due diligence.

I am not looking to pole or be super stealthy. Just run a bow mounted trolling motor.

Main thing is stability, kids are both under 7 so something to keep them contained and fits in either the garage or small enough to stow in the backyard and not be seen from the road under a 6ft fence to keep the HOA happy.

Length wise 15-17ft, the wider the better.
stable boat
large front casting deck
livewell is a bonus but not a must have.
durable
storage for 24v trolling motor batteries

I dont want or need alot of power 25-40hp, heck there are alot of place where i dont even need the outboard

Mainly looking to fish smaller ponds and creeks and will run the trolling motor

I am aware of the Salt Marsh 1656

is there anything else comparable or that i need to check out?

pricing somewhere in the $10-18k range.

 

[No Bait / Lures Only]

Uncle J's custom boats

 

[Haulinvols]

My Santee has done a great job for me and my kids. 15.5 long, 58" wide. I run a bow mounted trolling motor and a 20hp stick steer Tohatsu outboard. Deck can be configured different ways (raised or low) and there is a live well option. Floats pretty skinny and a pretty good price point. There are probably pricier or more well known "admired" brands out there but mine was pretty hard to beat for the money. (you would be well below your price range new on a trailer)

 

[Reesehasthepuffs]

Sterling tr7, very wide and stable

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

Ranger Banshee

 

[17376]

Conchfish 16

 

[DuckNut]

Any boat 15 foot wide should be stable enough even for people with vertigo.

 

[watchdoc]

Keywest 177 or Tidewater 1784 both a 84" wide and super stable and roomy.

 

[Copahee Hound]

Although not great for rough conditions, a Carolina skiff is wide, stable, cheap, and shallow draft. Fore and aft decks, live well, add a trolling motor. Done

 

[el9surf]

For what you described a Hewes 16 ft redfisher or bonefisher would be a great platform.

 

[Smackdaddy53]

You should take an honest look at a Baby Cat from Transport in Palacios, Texas. It’s the “biggest” little boat you’ll ever run. 16’, wide beam, cat hull, super skinny, handles big chop like a much larger hull, 90hp and has a poling platform. They actually pole fairly well for such a wide hull. I’ve run three different boats, two had Tohatsu 90hp and one Honda 50. Solid hulls with great resale.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tra...wjQwt-U7IflAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&biw=375&bih=635

 

[ebr]

You should take an honest look at a Baby Cat from Transport in Palacios, Texas. It’s the “biggest” little boat you’ll ever run. 16’, wide beam, cat hull, super skinny, handles big chop like a much larger hull, 90hp and has a poling platform. They actually pole fairly well for such a wide hull. I’ve run three different boats, two had Tohatsu 90hp and one Honda 50. Solid hulls with great resale.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tran baby cat&tbm=isch&hl=en-us&hl=en-US&tbs=rimg:CVS7D2vDeDaQIkAKRWR8bYFfW1Q7c2uydE4dOsWYwMTWL4MmmdO_1auDmzMig8R1X_1SoYUKx0GkFZrFx4SbaRtTX-eF8V2za1NLApKhIJCkVkfG2BX1sRELfZVCa_1tmIqEglUO3NrsnROHRE34V29wjpHkioSCTrFmMDE1i-DEQ1JtpCWVEUCKhIJJpnTv2rg5swRELfZVCa_1tmIqEgnIoPEdV_10qGBH0W3l7atVGRCoSCVCsdBpBWaxcEbkXxR3TcC6ZKhIJeEm2kbU1_1ngRXm-Y3-mpgLYqEglfFds2tTSwKRFILM2oZdsCgQ&client=safari&ved=0CBIQuIIBahcKEwjQwt-U7IflAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&biw=375&bih=635

That looks a lot like the old 14' Scooter I had for running around South Bay back in '89. That one was a true flat hull so this tiny cat would take chop a lot better (a piece of plywood takes chop about the same as my scooter did ).

 

[Smackdaddy53]

That looks a lot like the old 14' Scooter I had for running around South Bay back in '89. That one was a true flat hull so this tiny cat would take chop a lot better (a piece of plywood takes chop about the same as my scooter did ).

Yessir these eat chop