Considering new river boat

[SND]

Folks:

I've been bitten pretty hard by the steelhead bug over the past 6 or so years. It's what I enjoy doing the most, drift fishing and fishing under floats. I had a Hyde low-pro and couldn't move around as well as I'd like. It was perfect for the PM but that grew old quite quickly. I am considering a '01 15' X 50" semi-v all welded hull with a 25hp 2 stroke merc tiller w/ electric start. It's all set for river fishing [river larry davit, chain anchor, rear anchor, trolling motor, new battery, fishfinder, new trailerable canvas cover, 7.5' oars]. Owned by an older gent who claims he just didn't use it over his pontoon. It is stored in a garage so I could inspect the hull underside very well - there is not a dent or scratch. The motor looks brand new. Superficial scratches where it rubbed on a dock which this old pipefitter-welder could work out pretty quickly. Looking at camp and cruise, freeway sports and the like, 3500 seems like a pretty good deal though it is not a new boat.

Questions:

For my primary steelhead river fishing , will 15feet length be enough? I fish mostly with one other and at least as much by myself.
I've been targeting a simple, simple set-up 16 footer with a four stroke 25 tiller motor. Should I wait?
I've searched this forum extensively and understand the two stroke merc will last a long time if properly cared for - anyone feel differently?
Will I be able to safely take this boat on small inland lakes for spring pike fishing or the like? This wouldn't be the primary reason for buying the boat and I may only do it once or twice a year. Again, there was some guidance on previous posts but it is not clear.Any decision one has already made is the [B]best decision for them. I'm Just trying to get some perspective from those with experience.

Regards,

Scott

[Ron Matthews]

15' Is good, Merc will last 20 winters, Yes you can take it on the lakes.

Don't fall into bigger is better! Much larger than a 16 is hard to control fishing wise. Take the manistee, you see these huge sleds that can only really fish down the center. you'll not see them tight to structure very often, they'll miss alot of good water because they can't control very effectively.

On the other side, ausable Doesn't have very big water to begin with and you'll end up spooking more fish than you'll catch. It's all about sneeking to good holding water and then keeping the fish there.

Me -I found that I needed two boats, One for each Side:lol: Both 16' ones a 15hp the other 100hp.

With the equipment you describe thats a good buy!! IMO

[SND]

Ron:

Thanks for the perspective ... it makes sense. I've pitched the "Two-boat theory" to my wife a time or two with absolutely no luck. I'll keep at it.

Regards,

Scott

[Mitch]

Sounds like a decent boat, I would limit myself to 2 people with a 15ft but it sounds like that's what you plan on.

Your post doesn't specify whether it's a prop or jet drive, that would be my only concern for sections of the particular rivers you mentioned. I'm sure you could get away with a prop but a jet would be much better.

Mitch

[2manyfish]

Be carefull... Money is always an issue; however, buying once right is cheaper than buying twice! I know from experience... Take the 15'er load in your buddy, a battery, cooler, rods, tackle, anchor, a couple of 15lb salmon, ice, the list goes on and on... And your NARROW 15' river boat may not go very far!! If it does have the jet on it you then lose 5hp. and you bought a water plow.. Find a WIDE 16' boat and it could make a world of difference. The hull is the cheap part!!!! Stay away from C & C (the dealer)..

[Ron Matthews]

It does make a diff.

It comes down to What your after, And where you'll spend the most effort. On the west side when action is hot-n-heavy You'll not fish that many diff. areas anyways, so motoring around No wake Isn't that big of a deal. But if you fish more Non-peak times Your for sure going to want to get up & out to cover tons of river.

I got tired a long time ago about not getting good water, I'm not the "sloppy seconds" Kind. So were up early and out of the hole!

Listen,you just need to get your wife out more! Once you hook her it's easier to convince her on your situation, Thats what i did! Just get her a couple master angler's and your all set!!:)

[SND]

Gents:

The boat I'm looking at is equipped with a prop drive motor. I was set to go get it yesterday but the "buy-once-right" type of thought kept coming through. I'm going to hang back and spend wisely on the original target; a 16' wide hull with a 4 stroke. Sounds also like I need to think the jet option through as well.

Thanks!

Scott

[OTIS1950]

Saturday I'm picking up my boat. It's a 16 foot starcraft with a Merc 40 horse. I havn't fished in a few years so I'm ready. I just need to set up my rod holders and I figure that in two or three weeks it'tl be FISH ON. I didn't go with the jet drive but I think that I'll be fine. So if you see a guy on the Manastee with a huge grin it might be me :D

Tight lines
Otis

[MIKE KOVICH]

My First River Boat Was A 14' X 48" John Boat It Had The 25 Merc Prop Drive Had No Problem Geting On Plane With Three Full Size Guy's Stumps Will Be A Problem So Make Sure You Wire Up The Motor So It Isn't Locked Down. One Thing Your Going To Need Is A Very Good Set Of Orr Locks And A Good Set Of Orr's 80% Of Your Fishing Will Eventully Be Rowing.
As For Price A New 25hp Merc Will Cost You At Least
$2500.00 To $3000.00 I Wouldn't Hesatate At The Deal.
It's Also A Great Boat For Small Lakes And Not Bad For Ducks. Good Luck And See You On The Water.