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1.) DParker - 02/01/2021
I'll be 60 this month, which means I'm due for entering my 2nd childhood. That has me contemplating the purchase of a sport/fishing boat. Someone please talk me out of it. :p
2.) bluecat - 02/01/2021
lol, sounds like a blast. Wish I had one for crappie fishing. Do it! Oh, sorry, don't do it (weakly)
3.) DParker - 02/01/2021
Thanks. I knew I could count on you for that token effort. So on the one hand I have your compellingly made "don't do it" argument. On the other hand...
4.) bluecat - 02/01/2021
I've not graduated to "I want a boat" for my birthday status yet. I'm still asking for underwear and socks. Damn you!
5.) Swamp Fox - 02/01/2021
Second childhood?! ---Pffft! ..... I'm on my fourth. :wink
6.) Swamp Fox - 02/01/2021
But seriously....
As a guy who has been dreaming up the perfect fishing boat for every possible scenario since the kiddie pool, start with a set-up that is designed for how you will fish most.
Don't start with some random boat you like and try to adapt it from there.
Ask me how I know ...LOL
But the good news is this is much more possible and easier these days than it was in olden times.
Think about whether you will fish alone or mostly with a partner, do you like standing or sitting, where you need/if you need rod holders and seats, do you want a raised deck, your need for livewell and cooler space, etc.
As a guy who has been dreaming up the perfect fishing boat for every possible scenario since the kiddie pool, start with a set-up that is designed for how you will fish most.
Don't start with some random boat you like and try to adapt it from there.
Ask me how I know ...LOL
But the good news is this is much more possible and easier these days than it was in olden times.
Think about whether you will fish alone or mostly with a partner, do you like standing or sitting, where you need/if you need rod holders and seats, do you want a raised deck, your need for livewell and cooler space, etc.
7.) DParker - 02/01/2021
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;63066]But seriously....
As a guy who has been dreaming up the prefect fishing boat for every possible scenario since the kiddie pool, start with a set-up that is designed for how you will fish most. Don't start with some random boat you like and try to adapt it from there.
Ask me how I know ...LOL
But the good news is this is much more possible and easier these days than it was in olden times.
Think about whether you will fish alone or mostly with a partner, do you like standing or sitting, where you need/if you need rod holders and seats, do you want a raised deck, your need for livewell and cooler space, etc.[/QUOTE]
What really complicates things is the need for 1 boat that is both a fishing vessel and "family outing" boat...though the major manufacturers have done a good job in producing some very capable compromises between the two. My favorite so far is the Tracker in the photo I linked above (the Targa V-19 Combo...or else the V-18 version). But I'm just getting started on this impulse, and don't know everything that's out there.
As a guy who has been dreaming up the prefect fishing boat for every possible scenario since the kiddie pool, start with a set-up that is designed for how you will fish most. Don't start with some random boat you like and try to adapt it from there.
Ask me how I know ...LOL
But the good news is this is much more possible and easier these days than it was in olden times.
Think about whether you will fish alone or mostly with a partner, do you like standing or sitting, where you need/if you need rod holders and seats, do you want a raised deck, your need for livewell and cooler space, etc.[/QUOTE]
What really complicates things is the need for 1 boat that is both a fishing vessel and "family outing" boat...though the major manufacturers have done a good job in producing some very capable compromises between the two. My favorite so far is the Tracker in the photo I linked above (the Targa V-19 Combo...or else the V-18 version). But I'm just getting started on this impulse, and don't know everything that's out there.
8.) bluecat - 02/01/2021
If you will be skiing make sure it has the horses to do it. I had a friend with a nice bass boat but it couldn't put people on top of the water.
9.) Swamp Fox - 02/01/2021
Yes.
To me that boat says "family lake cruising and one guy who likes to cast at the bow who doesn't need to get too shallow or swampy."
The questions I'd have would be: Can I put a seat up on the bow deck? How easy is it to set up rod holders? Is there a livewell or cooler, etc.
To me that boat says "family lake cruising and one guy who likes to cast at the bow who doesn't need to get too shallow or swampy."
The questions I'd have would be: Can I put a seat up on the bow deck? How easy is it to set up rod holders? Is there a livewell or cooler, etc.
10.) DParker - 02/01/2021
[QUOTE=bluecat;63068]If you will be skiing make sure it has the horses to do it. I had a friend with a nice bass boat but it couldn't put people on top of the water.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, that one's going to take a lot of reading and math. As important as power is, the engine is the most expensive single part...and the upgrades from what comes standard represent a big leap in the total cost of the boat. So it's important to get what you need, but not much more. On the other hand, BOAT is an acronym for "Bring Out Another Thousand"...
Yeah, that one's going to take a lot of reading and math. As important as power is, the engine is the most expensive single part...and the upgrades from what comes standard represent a big leap in the total cost of the boat. So it's important to get what you need, but not much more. On the other hand, BOAT is an acronym for "Bring Out Another Thousand"...
11.) Swamp Fox - 02/01/2021
Look up "crappie boats."
They are often pretty good for dual-purpose, and some of them are really well thought-out from the fishing angle.
The other place I'd point you to is War Eagle boats in the Predator series. I've long wanted a War Eagle boat but they don't make one that is perrrrfect for me, so the clock is still ticking.
They are often pretty good for dual-purpose, and some of them are really well thought-out from the fishing angle.
The other place I'd point you to is War Eagle boats in the Predator series. I've long wanted a War Eagle boat but they don't make one that is perrrrfect for me, so the clock is still ticking.
12.) Swamp Fox - 02/01/2021
Don't try skiing out of a crappie boat ...
LOL
A ski boat is where you just need to expand your social circle and keep your dollars in your pocket....:wink
LOL
A ski boat is where you just need to expand your social circle and keep your dollars in your pocket....:wink
13.) DParker - 02/01/2021
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;63069]Yes.
To me that boat says "family lake cruising and one guy who likes to cast at the bow who doesn't need to get too shallow or swampy."[/QUOTE]
Which is exactly why I like it.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;63069]The questions I'd have would be: Can I put a seat up on the bow deck?"[/QUOTE]
Yep. The aft deck as well. And the two jump seats at the stern fold down and forward to add even more surface to the aft deck.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;63069]How easy is it to set up rod holders?[/QUOTE]
As easy as clamping them to the "VersaTrack" channels that runs the length of both gunnels (or "gunwales" if). Think the boat version of the track systems that most pickups come with these days.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;63069]Is there a livewell or cooler, etc.[/QUOTE]
2 livewells, 1 fore and 1 aft. From the product sheet:
[B]LIVEWELL SYSTEMS[/B]
[LIST]
[*]Lighted bow 19-gal. (71.92 L) aerated livewell w/timer, recirculator & pump-out system
[*]Aft 30-gal. (113.56 L), 16 x 40" (40.64 x 101.6 cm) livewell w/port bait bucket holder, timer, recirculator & pump-out system
[*]Dual 750 GPH (2,839.06 LPH) aerator/fill pumps & dual 500 GPH (1,892.71 LPH) recirculating/pump-out pumps
[*]Molded 1-piece construction w/rounded corners for easy cleanup & to protect your catch
[*]Adjustable aerator heads for maximum water control
[/LIST]
And there's a box (1 amongst many...this thing has more storage than you can shake a graphite rod at) that can be used either as a cooler or as storage, with a hole for draining into the bilge.
Read all about it: [url]https://www.trackerboats.com/deep-v/targa-v-19-combo.html[/url]
To me that boat says "family lake cruising and one guy who likes to cast at the bow who doesn't need to get too shallow or swampy."[/QUOTE]
Which is exactly why I like it.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;63069]The questions I'd have would be: Can I put a seat up on the bow deck?"[/QUOTE]
Yep. The aft deck as well. And the two jump seats at the stern fold down and forward to add even more surface to the aft deck.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;63069]How easy is it to set up rod holders?[/QUOTE]
As easy as clamping them to the "VersaTrack" channels that runs the length of both gunnels (or "gunwales" if). Think the boat version of the track systems that most pickups come with these days.
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;63069]Is there a livewell or cooler, etc.[/QUOTE]
2 livewells, 1 fore and 1 aft. From the product sheet:
[B]LIVEWELL SYSTEMS[/B]
[LIST]
[*]Lighted bow 19-gal. (71.92 L) aerated livewell w/timer, recirculator & pump-out system
[*]Aft 30-gal. (113.56 L), 16 x 40" (40.64 x 101.6 cm) livewell w/port bait bucket holder, timer, recirculator & pump-out system
[*]Dual 750 GPH (2,839.06 LPH) aerator/fill pumps & dual 500 GPH (1,892.71 LPH) recirculating/pump-out pumps
[*]Molded 1-piece construction w/rounded corners for easy cleanup & to protect your catch
[*]Adjustable aerator heads for maximum water control
[/LIST]
And there's a box (1 amongst many...this thing has more storage than you can shake a graphite rod at) that can be used either as a cooler or as storage, with a hole for draining into the bilge.
Read all about it: [url]https://www.trackerboats.com/deep-v/targa-v-19-combo.html[/url]
14.) bluecat - 02/01/2021
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;63069]Yes.
Can I put a seat up on the bow deck?[/QUOTE]
The ease and enjoyment of fishing on a deck is something to consider.
Can I put a seat up on the bow deck?[/QUOTE]
The ease and enjoyment of fishing on a deck is something to consider.
15.) DParker - 02/01/2021
As an example, here are top-down views of 2 of the several possible seating and deck configurations. The first would be for just tooling around the lake with the whole family (wife, both kids, son-in-law and granddaughter), and the 2nd would be for fishing (usually myself and my son).
16.) Swamp Fox - 02/01/2021
I've used VersaTrack rails in the past. If I were fishing all the time for big cats or stripers or out in saltwater where anything's possible I would want deck-mounted backing plates at the rod holder positions.
If you will be targeting "big fish" I'd have a conversation with my salesman.
If you will be targeting "big fish" I'd have a conversation with my salesman.
17.) Swamp Fox - 02/01/2021
[QUOTE=DParker;63075]As an example, here are top-down views of 2 of the several possible seating and deck configurations. The first would be for just tooling around the lake with the whole family (wife, both kids, son-in-law and granddaughter), and the 2nd would be for fishing (usually myself and my son).
[/QUOTE]
Perfectly suitable for either. If I were primarily focused on fishing (which I am) I'd make some changes, but for an all-around capable boat, that looks good.
[/QUOTE]Perfectly suitable for either. If I were primarily focused on fishing (which I am) I'd make some changes, but for an all-around capable boat, that looks good.
18.) DParker - 02/01/2021
While a once-in-a-blue-moon road trip to the gulf for a little saltwater action might be a possibility, it would be just that. Rare. Similar, an occasional drive to the Red River for large stripers would definitely be in the cards, and I would rig up some sort of sturdier trolling solution for that (there are quite a few videos on the subject that look promising).
19.) DParker - 02/01/2021
The storage in this thing is ridiculous. This shows most of it, but doesn't include the compartments in the front of both consoles, as well as the 2 that are located under the consoles at the feet of the driver and front passenger.
20.) DParker - 02/01/2021
And 9 cup holders, because...'Murica.
21.) Swamp Fox - 02/01/2021
[QUOTE=DParker;63080]And 9 cup holders, because...'Murica.[/QUOTE]
LOL ...
Gotta luv the guy who started with the cup-holders ....
LOL ...
Gotta luv the guy who started with the cup-holders ....
22.) bluecat - 02/02/2021
Of all the stock photos, you couldn't find one with some eye candy?
23.) DParker - 02/02/2021
[QUOTE=bluecat;63087]Of all the stock photos, you couldn't find one with some eye candy?[/QUOTE]
I know exactly what you're looking for.
I know exactly what you're looking for.
24.) bluecat - 02/02/2021
That's a lot of candy, lol
25.) bluecat - 02/03/2021
She's purdy, but I like a gal with a little more meat on her bones.
26.) Swamp Fox - 02/03/2021
Yer gonna need a bigger boat ...
27.) Swamp Fox - 02/03/2021
Sorry for the quick repeat, but sometimes it's hard to tell who's paying attention and who's just here for the "hunting content" (LOL) ...
Other times it's pretty easy.