Getting started....

[Northerner]

I'm looking for a cheap boat to get me started. I would settle for a canoe, just something that is going to get me off the shore in the small inland lakes. Can you give me some of your recommendations for some cheap canoes/fishing boats that are stable and easy to manuever. I would like something I can get into the back of my F-250.

Thanks

[dtg]

If your in the Grand Rapids area, there is a guy on Grand River Drive, North of Knapp St, on the East side of the road that fixes aluminum boats. He has a HUGE assortment of 10-16' aluminum boats, Most of the boats needed some minor repair, he fixes them and he sells them reasonably cheap. I may have his number, but am going to have to dig it up.

You can find a used 2.5 fairly cheap too. If your going to be doing a lot of self loading and solo fishing, a canoe may be your best bet, they're light easy to manuever and only need a paddle or a very small outboard to get them where your going.

[kroppe]

Northerner,

Great post! I started with a 17' 9" canoe, which I still have. Bought it for $400 at a canoe outfitter/rental livery. It was not the prettiest thing, but perfectly seaworthy and suited my purposes. Paddled it on Silver Lake in Washtenaw County for a summer, then put a 50lb. electric trolling motor on it the following year. My son (6 yrs old at the time) caught many bass and pike out of this canoe, and made some good memories. I threw it easily in the back of my old F-150 and tied it to the cab door handle. lol

Call around canoe rental places, they normally sell a few canoes every year.

[Northerner]

Thanks for the fast replies and the great information. I think I might look at some canoes. I know there is a guy on this site selling a 15'5"" coleman canoe for about $250. That might be a good buy for me as long as I can pass it by the wife.....:lol:

[catfishhoge]

Quote: "long as I can pass it by the wife".....

Gota be carefull there Northerner, sometimes it is easier to pass a large kidney stone, or a Power Stroke diesel while on a Snapper lawnmower......going up hill!

Hehe....hope you find a good starter!
Rick

[Northerner]

:lol: I know, I know.......My dad tells me that kind of stuff all the time!

[archie holst]

Northerner I've heard it's easier to beg for forgivness than it is to ask for permission.

[Northerner]

You're right!
I just bought my 1st fishing boat. I will break the news to my wife tonight.
http://www.sea-pro.com/wellcraft/scarabs/29/images/1.jpg

[archie holst]

Northerner if you still need a boat PM me I have one you can borrow. Only condition is when your done with it or you by a bigger one you bring it back. Keep it as long as you'ld like. I never use it any more it's a little ten foot flat bottom. I also have a 18 foot fiberglass canoe that I can't use. If it doesn't have a nice tall pedastal seat I don't use em can't set that low any more kills my back. These are not for sell but if some one here could put them to use for a season that would be ok.

[greg123]

Have a 14' flat bottom narrow style jon boat for sale, asking 150.00. Have used 5hp outboard and electric motors on it. Price includes set of oars. Used to haul it in the back of my old truck.


Greg

[Northerner]

You got any pics?