Thanks for taking the time to read. I’m just started my boat search and wanted to get local opinions on the matter. In the process of selling my built LandCruiser to purchase my first boat. I was dead set on my first boat being a center console; something like an older 16-20 foot Mako or Scout but I’m having second thoughts on the type of boat. I’m the lucky parent of a 1 year so having the time to go out to fish is hit or miss. I’d hate to buy a nice boat and just watch it sit in the yard being unused. Hence the reason for this long post. I’ve been thinking of getting an V hull aluminum jon boat to kind of test the waters to see how much I’d use before diving in on a big purchase of a center console. From what I’ve heard/read, it will be loud and rough in certain conditions but I’m ok with that. My ideal jon boat would be a welded v-hull somewhere around 16-17 feet long 52 inches + wide side console or stick steer. 40-90 hp motor. The boat will primarily be on Lake Murray but will take it down to HHI and Beaufort a few times a year for reds, shrimping, and oysters. My goal is to find a jon boat that would work well in the backwaters of the low country. Not looking to go in open water and not planning to go out if it’s a nasty chop.
What would you recommend? Also what would be must haves for the area?
Also, from reading posts on here, I promise to grab/hold/release fish correctly and link to my cruiser if you want to buy/trade.
http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5240992191.html
Buy a used fiberglass boat. Find an older Key West 17 with a good motor. A lot better ride, safer with kids, etc. Plus its around the same cost as a jon boat you are looking for. There is also someone selling a 17 Mako with a 125 Mercury for $4500. That boat is sweet. Great layout, fast, and the motor is in excellent condition. Tank had been replaced and moved under the console. New helm, steering cable, radio, bilge, switch panel, and all marine wiring. New bottom paint, topside, and hull. All wood was refinished. I sold that boat to him last year, as we did most of the work.
http://charleston.craigslist.org/boa/5245648552.html
Scout 185
what looper said
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Thank you for the advice. I will email him asking for more pictures. From your recollections, do you remember what kind of shape the hull was in? Being newer to boats, the age worries me some.
That hull was solid. The transom was replaced in the past, thick as could be. Floors were solid. Old gas tank was removed. I bought it just as a hull and put it together just to try some materials on. Motor came off an aquasport, had been kept in drystack its life.
Scout 185
I don’t know anything about that particular boat but I can tell you the 17 mako is an amazing hull. There is nothing like being able to float in 9 inches and then go 15-20 miles offshore the next.
17’ Mako
modified V hull will work. Look for a hull of .125 if possible. I have 2 boats one fiberglass and an older model lowe 14’ modified V. Have caught lots of fish out of both boats but to fish by yourself or quick trip can’t beat the john boat. Stick-it pin would be top priority and bow mount trolling motor.
JLee, I am in the same situation and primarily fish Murray, but fish inshore as well and have been very happy with my CS since I bought it 9 years ago.
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