Hey all, new member here from NJ! First time potential boat owner. I'm not ready to pull the trigger yet, but thinking about starting the groundwork for a saltwater river/bay boat that I can also take into freshwater lakes. Not looking to go all saltwater yet (i.e. a "big" boat, maybe down the road), but want to start with something that's definitely beefy enough to take around the Navesink river, Shrewsbury river, and Raritan Bay when the weather cooperates.
Realistically, I'll be fishing the rivers mostly for fluke, but would definitely like to take this on freshwater lakes here in NJ and maybe other states (enjoyed fishing in upstate NY for smallies).
I know here in NJ it's electric only on most freshwater lakes/reservoirs, so the prop comes off the gas engine and I'll get an electric trolling motor for it. This may be a factor in weight of the boat and electric motor selection?
I've been renting boats up around Atlantic Highlands and in Belmar over the years and they are fine size wise (listed as 16', but heavy wooden or fiberglass boats)...just painfully slow in AH with the tides there running on an 8-9.9 HP engine. They are heavy boats to push against tides with that little engine. It's workable, but pretty difficult to cover ground effectively...pretty much time the tides and try to use them to my advantage to move around. I'm definitely looking to upgrade and be able to fish on my own time (especially into late afternoons/evenings).
Few things I'm giving consideration:
1) Size wise thinking the 16-18' range...comfortable certainly for 2 and occasionally 3 people. Fine with trailering where I need it.
2) Design wise thinking a deep/wide v-hull with an adequate 4 stroke on the back to give it some speed and let it get on plane (leaning towards Yamaha or Honda). Engine size will likely depend a lot on the actual boat chosen, it's weight, and max HP rating, etc.
3) Build wise welded vs riveted, leaning towards a welded boat given what I've read thus far.
4) Would ideally like a saltwater capable bow mounted trolling motor for steadying and stemming drifts. Given it will be tidal waters/rivers, current can get pretty quick, so not sure what kind of setup would be required to make this happen.
5) Interior wise, given the saltwater usage is it best to go all metal/wood bottom and avoid all carpet? Only reason I'd prefer carpet is just because it's quiet. Sometimes fishing shallows and echoes/sound from metal isn't the best for fishing. Maybe something like a rubber coating or Rhino lining would suffice or be a better option? FWIW I religiously spray down/clean the salt off my gear (rods/reels) and will be doing the same for the boat/trailer each trip if that's a factor in interior selection/material. Just also wondering what the "mold" factor is on carpeted boats given saltwater usage will certain lean towards a heavy dousing of freshwater after the trip.
What boats do some of you guys own, or would you recommend for this purpose?
I'm in no rush to buy, maybe this year, maybe next.
Few brands that I've been checking out (some of which are riveted, not welded design):
* Starcraft
* Lund
* G3
* Duranautic
* Lowe
* Tracker
Any insight would be great, thanks guys!
Realistically, I'll be fishing the rivers mostly for fluke, but would definitely like to take this on freshwater lakes here in NJ and maybe other states (enjoyed fishing in upstate NY for smallies).
I know here in NJ it's electric only on most freshwater lakes/reservoirs, so the prop comes off the gas engine and I'll get an electric trolling motor for it. This may be a factor in weight of the boat and electric motor selection?
I've been renting boats up around Atlantic Highlands and in Belmar over the years and they are fine size wise (listed as 16', but heavy wooden or fiberglass boats)...just painfully slow in AH with the tides there running on an 8-9.9 HP engine. They are heavy boats to push against tides with that little engine. It's workable, but pretty difficult to cover ground effectively...pretty much time the tides and try to use them to my advantage to move around. I'm definitely looking to upgrade and be able to fish on my own time (especially into late afternoons/evenings).
Few things I'm giving consideration:
1) Size wise thinking the 16-18' range...comfortable certainly for 2 and occasionally 3 people. Fine with trailering where I need it.
2) Design wise thinking a deep/wide v-hull with an adequate 4 stroke on the back to give it some speed and let it get on plane (leaning towards Yamaha or Honda). Engine size will likely depend a lot on the actual boat chosen, it's weight, and max HP rating, etc.
3) Build wise welded vs riveted, leaning towards a welded boat given what I've read thus far.
4) Would ideally like a saltwater capable bow mounted trolling motor for steadying and stemming drifts. Given it will be tidal waters/rivers, current can get pretty quick, so not sure what kind of setup would be required to make this happen.
5) Interior wise, given the saltwater usage is it best to go all metal/wood bottom and avoid all carpet? Only reason I'd prefer carpet is just because it's quiet. Sometimes fishing shallows and echoes/sound from metal isn't the best for fishing. Maybe something like a rubber coating or Rhino lining would suffice or be a better option? FWIW I religiously spray down/clean the salt off my gear (rods/reels) and will be doing the same for the boat/trailer each trip if that's a factor in interior selection/material. Just also wondering what the "mold" factor is on carpeted boats given saltwater usage will certain lean towards a heavy dousing of freshwater after the trip.
What boats do some of you guys own, or would you recommend for this purpose?
I'm in no rush to buy, maybe this year, maybe next.
Few brands that I've been checking out (some of which are riveted, not welded design):
* Starcraft
* Lund
* G3
* Duranautic
* Lowe
* Tracker
Any insight would be great, thanks guys!