Im a primarily fresh water bank fisherman who has been recently surf and pier fishing. Any suggestions on what to look for when purchasing a boat. We want something that we can take on most fresh water lakes but also up and down the creeks, marshes and channels. Would like to spend around 5-6k range. Any help would be greatly apprecieated
16’ to 18’ V hull production style center console boat (Key West 1720 type), Carolina skiff j16/14, v hull aluminum jon boat, etc. In that order.
Just my opinion! Lotta fun boat shopping. Make sure to look them over really hard.
-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
“Praise the lord and pass the ammunition” -Howell Forgy
A lot of boats would fit this purpose pretty well. You need to ask yourself how big/rough the lakes, how many people will be fishing with you, tight spots or mainly open water, how large of boat you can tow and handle, how much maintenance you’re willing to do etc. A deep V will cut through chop better, a flat bottom will go shallower and be more stable. Something with high sides will be drier, low is less effected by wind and easier to land fish.
I’ve used this 16’ High Tide “flats” version (ie: fully decked) to fish NC lakes and inshore salt. It’s close to perfect for ME when fishing 1-2 people. Any more and it gets cramped fast.
I think flats boats work pretty well as bass/inshore boats because they are similar styles of fishing where you stand on top of the decks for better visibility and easier casting but I’d go with something else if I were trolling for stripers or soaking bait around the jetties. Good luck on your search and let us know if we can help when you start to narrow down your needs.
16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120
Cool rig JLee
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com
So many styles and kinds of boats out there. From flat bottom to deep vee. Might want to consider going to the boat show this weekend and checking them out.
John
Pathfinder 23 HPS
For 5-6 K you will want to look at used boats unless a 14’ jon boat with a 15 hp suits your needs. There are some really nice used boats out there.
Olde Man Charters
Sir Fish-A-Lot, Boats tend to last much longer than cars and lose their values even faster. So, your price range is doable with some nice used rigs especially if you’re willing to do some cosmetic work yourself. My father got a steal on an 18’ 2005 Kenner Tunnel last summer in that range. He couldn’t be happier.
16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120
Alweld jon in Swap Shop here that’s really close 
Thanks for all the quick responses!!! We live in Columbia and typically fish lake monticello for catfish and panfish. Ive been looking but i cant find the motor requirements for monticello. We want something that can fit 3-4 people comfortably although it will probably just be me and him on it most times. We were looking for something used cause upon searching we saw that they can get pretty pricey. When saltwater fishing we typically go to Pawleys island and georgetown just to give you an idea of the type of location we’d like to fish. As far as targeting fish, if it will bite the hook we will take it
I don’t think there is a HP restriction on the main lake, but the small upper lake has a elect. motor only restriction! Good luck.
Saw about a 16’ High Tide with a 50 hp 2 stroke Yamaha, for sale sitting by the Windy’s on Sam Rittenburg for the last few days. Looks pretty good. Didn’t see the price or phone number, because I was too busy texting and driving.
John
Pathfinder 23 HPS
quote:
Originally posted by Sir Fish-a-lotIm a primarily fresh water bank fisherman who has been recently surf and pier fishing. Any suggestions on what to look for when purchasing a boat. We want something that we can take on most fresh water lakes but also up and down the creeks, marshes and channels. Would like to spend around 5-6k range. Any help would be greatly apprecieated
Make sure it floats and the motor runs! LOL I have had my share of “hooptie” boats. There all fun as long as they run good. 16-18’ Center Console is probably the most versatile rig out there. Good luck!
Guns kill people just like spoons made Rosie O’donell fat.
I have a 1503 High Tide with a 50 2-stroke. I am looking to get on the low end of what you are looking to spend. I will text or email you photos if you would like. P.M. me if you are interested.
I bought a High Tide once, and first time I put in at Bluffton I almost got swamped. No freeboard in my opinion. I would suggest a 16’-17’ CC as someone said earlier. I think the Key West 1720 style is perfect. I fish inshore mostly, will go to a nearshore reef on a good day, and also do a little lake fishing in my 17’ Sea Hunt.
Bob
“Remember boys, we are all members of that great fraternity, the Mystic Knights of the Sea”
I’ll add this: My High Tide was not like the one shown in an earlier post. Maybe a different model.
Bob
“Remember boys, we are all members of that great fraternity, the Mystic Knights of the Sea”
I can’t tell you how many boats I’ve had, well over 20 though. The best all purpose boats I had were skiffs.
Old Chicken Make Good Soup
Check your pm.
Double D.
Looking to sell my 2002 Key West 1720cc. Has a 2002 Johnson 115 hp Saltwater Edition outboard and aluminum trailer. PM me if interested.
Key West 1720 115 HP Johnson Saltwater.
My suggestion: buy used, don’t be in a hurry, and be willing to travel for the right deal. Your best bet for a good deal in that price range is going to be finding something from a dealer that deals in new and high end used boats. When they get something in the 5-8k range, they want to get it moved and want to make a deal. That’s how I came across my boat I restored and set up for bowfishing. Drove to a dealer in Mobile, AL for it. It’s also what I do most of my creek fishing in and split time in freshwater between it and the bigger boat. A few plug screws and the whole light rail system is loose, and a few inline plugs and all the lights are free of the ballasts, etc which are mounted under the deck.
1860 G3 DLX
Carp Crusade Bowfishing
a guy just sold a really nice used Sea Hunt 172 on scoutdoornews.com a couple of weeks ago that would have been perfect for what you are looking for
I have a Sea Hunt Triton 177 with a 115 Yamaha on it, it takes me everywhere I want to go and drafts pretty shallow. They quit making that boat due to all the people wanting 22 foot plus bay boats now. Such a shame IMHO, my little 177 has been everywhere from 12 miles off shore to 4Ki, to the real skinny waters in the creeks. Turns on the dime and is an awesome shrimping machine too. Very versatile boat Sea Hunt gave up on…
I’d get a V hull with a decent amount of freeboard so you aren’t limited. Good Luck!
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