OK I'm a wicked newbie to boating

As much as I love :fishin: from the shore I was thinking of going over to the dark side and get a boat

What would you guys say the min size for a saltwater ship should be.

I saw a 20 ft cuddy cabin in my price range but would this be too small?

I was thinking of picking up some books or looking into classes on boating...

Is there any equipment that is a must? other then a boat and a radio oh and life vest .

Thanks for the help

basic safety/boating class is a good idea.

size, depends on what kind of fishing and where.

will you mostly fish in protected areas or want to venture out a little?
If your think about picking up a book or two, I like Chapmans Piloting
http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Piloting-Seamanship-Small-Handling/dp/0688148921

might help you get a better idea of what you want too.

always take the boat you are thinking about for a sea trial... you want to know is sea worthiness before you drop the cash....and remember, the initial investment is just the beginning of $$$$

Depends where you want to fish. I'm fishing an 18' Sea Hunt CC and fish Narr Bay. I don't have any problem going anywhere I want in the bay and get a ton of large. Bill Nolan fishes out of a 16' Key Largo and has had the same results except he gets real large. What 12,
40s, 3, 50s and a 60+ last year? I can't even tell you how many 30s he and I got.

I have been in 6' seas and as far south at Pt Jude. Now, I wouldn't go to Cutty or The Block but there's no need with the fish we have gotten in the Bay

I assume you will be doing the same type of fishing. bay or near shore.

I think 16' is minimum. 18' is nice. 20' is real nice. 23' is awesome.

Coast guard auxiliary runs a good class.

There are thousands of books on the topic.

besides pfd & vhf, you will need flares, horn, fire extinguisher, etc.

this is the link for the RI course materialsl. http://www.boat-ed.com/ri/course/index.htm

There is a lot more you need to know. Keep asking questions.

Zac

Take a boating safety course before you plunk down your money and also think about where and for what you want to fish. Big differences between bays and nearshore ocean and offshore ocean.

IMO..answering this question is difficult without meeting the person first. I mean some people should never own a boat, its not rocket science as we know but I see it often enough to say some are just clueless, they don't know the first thing about the area they're fishing(rocks, channel, weather ect.) nor electronics. Try and get out there with people who have some time under they're belts and then decide from there what size is good for you. Consider towing, launching, fuel. Smaller is better for handling but your limited as to where you can go and how many you can fish comfortably with. I fish out of a center console great for fishing but you have to like the elements, if your taking the family out not the best choice. Use the search;)

Bishop, I love boats/boating and spend as much time as I can on them, my favorite boat is a friends boat :laugha: , but seriously, if you can hold off, think about spending a year going on a few charters in the area you'll be fishing (worth weight in gold), and renting a boat if you can. OJT is the only way to get a good feel.
if you do buy, the time sure is right, the market is swamped with boats, but with 99% of boats everthing imaginable and more unimaginable will go wrong, could be your truck or the trailer, the launch, electrical, motor, a sandbar you didn't realize was there ect... ect ...

But then there are days when no one or nothing is in sight and you've got a fish on, then it's worth all the pain.

Good Luck,
:pats:

For the where it would prob be mostly around Hampton to plum island Since these are the nearest docks I know of.

I will be taking the coast guard course if I decide to get the boat

I've watched the boats heading out and more then once watched some guy in a brand new boat almost get nailed pulling out of the harbor.

Nothing worse then wrecking a new boat

I must be the luckiest boating guy around. This is my 3rd year with this boat and I had had ZERO problems.
I am very anal about the upkeep and I check and replace anything and everything that can go wrong.
You see years ago, when I was a total fool, I had a boat and I never checked anything. I thought it was like a truck...start it up and go. I broke down all the time.
Now I have a check list. I go through everything before I leave the dock. I have 2 of everything. Depth finders, batteries, fuel/water separators, keys etc. I don't drink anymore and I pay very close attention to my surrounding. I don't believe boating is rocket science. It's just common sense and paying attention to detail.

For the where it would prob be mostly around Hampton to plum island Since these are the nearest docks I know of.

I will be taking the coast guard course if I decide to get the boat

I've watched the boats heading out and more then once watched some guy in a brand new boat almost get nailed pulling out of the harbor.

Nothing worse then wrecking a new boat

If you're planning on running in/out the mouth of the Merrimack then you'll need something fairly seaworthy, 17 or 18' minimum, the mouth can get pretty rough, especially on the incoming. I would suggest learning how to handle your boat really well before attempting that spot on a rough day, lots of people have gotten into real trouble there when they didn't know what they were doing.

If you're planning on running in/out the mouth of the Merrimack then you'll need something fairly seaworthy, 17 or 18' minimum, the mouth can get pretty rough, especially on the incoming. I would suggest learning how to handle your boat really well before attempting that spot on a rough day, lots of people have gotten into real trouble there when they didn't know what they were doing.

ill echo and stresss that.

that mouth is good for a few a year. my girlfriend didnt believe me until she actually came out and saw how bad it was....regarding the waters, nevermind the 200 yahoos running around

It is not the size of the boat that makes the captain its the captain that makes the boat. Dont EVER believe you are safer in a certain size boat because even a large one can sink or even worse kill you.
Also it is a comfort level and skill thing. You acquire those from time on the water and learning from others that have more skilland/or experience. Some people wont boat in fog and darkness; others will. Skills learned experience gained. Learn to trust your electronics. They dont LIE and will save you if used properly in certain situations.

Test drive the boat in snotty weather so you have some sort of idea of how the boat handles. Run it hard into the wind and waves, quartering seas and following. Slow down to a trolling speed in all sea types. Some boats are great on the troll some suck. That way you really have a true representation of how the hull handles. Get the compression checked by a mechanic. Get the hull surveyed. Bad compression means the engine is $hitty. A rotted transom means big $$$$$ to fix.

Deep v boats wont pound as much as moderate vee boats do. Some roll fast on the drift some bow to and some even drift beam to. Find this out if you plan on drift fishing. CC's are wetter than Pilot house boats but you cant fish the front of pilot house boats as well as you can CC's. Boating is all about trade-offs

If I were you I'd try to get on as many boats as possible to A) see how different ones ride and handle B) gain valuable experience C) learn the do's and don'ts of boating.
If you are going to be fishing and boating the Merrimack find some people who own boats and go with them. Split the gas $$$ with them. Ask questions and observe. Wind opposing either an incoming or outgoing will makes inlets DANGEROUS.

They are EXPENSIVE and time consuming. That being said, I dont have a problem running 60 miles one way in my 21' boat, running in fog and darkness, and fishing solo (I dont recommend but I do a lot).
I trust my boat and know my limitations and the boats limitations and characteristics. Good luck and most importantly Be Safe. Take some boating classes. KR
They are a blast to own.

I will be taking the coast guard course if I decide to get the boat


Take the course now, before you even decide what kind of boat you want. The knowledge you gain will be invaluable in helping you decide which boat to buy.

Bishop,
One thing to think about also is how different boat fishing is from shore fishing. When I bought a boat 4 years ago, it didn't occur to me. I now spend far less time actually fishing and more time captaining the boat. As a Captain you now how so much responsibility, for you, your crew, and others around that fishing often becomes secondary.

Boat fishing requires new gear, tackle, different tactics. Weather conditions now become a bigger factor, from a safety standpoint, as opposed to catching conditions.

All that said, I love my 18' CC for the waters of the South Shore and the Cape as well as the beach.

Good luck!

http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/nh_internet.htm

Good ideas on the boating classes! Also you said Hampton NH. It is mandatory in NH as of Jan 1 2007 to have the boating license.

I agree you should go with someone who knows a harbor. Hampton has lots of rocks and you have to snake your way out. (dont cut the last marker near low tide)

If Hampton is near you, Rye is also a very nice ramp to get straight out to the Isle of Shoals.

Additional things a boat owner needs:
VHF (number 1)
tools
duck tape/electrical tape/wire/nuts bolts
first aid kit
charts (Paper pref laminated)
GPS/fish finder (but know how to use a compass)
sun block (always forget that at home)
dry/warm clothing (always nice at the dock but cooler out on the water)
spare light bulbs (if out at night or chance of fog)
flares
dock lines
fenders (aka bumpers)

AND deep pockets becuase once you start boat fishing, it's totaly addicting and worth every penney.

Most important thing is respect the ocean. If it looks bad, get off the water.
Bad ass Boston Whalers don't sink, but they flip, and the water is cold.

Bishop, I love boats/boating and spend as much time as I can on them, my favorite boat is a friends boat :laugha: , but seriously, if you can hold off, think about spending a year going on a few charters in the area you'll be fishing (worth weight in gold), and renting a boat if you can. OJT is the only way to get a good feel.
if you do buy, the time sure is right, the market is swamped with boats, but with 99% of boats everthing imaginable and more unimaginable will go wrong, could be your truck or the trailer, the launch, electrical, motor, a sandbar you didn't realize was there ect... ect ...

But then there are days when no one or nothing is in sight and you've got a fish on, then it's worth all the pain.

Good Luck,
:pats:

find a mentor

Last year was my first as a boat owner (16' Carolina Skiff) and it was great. learned a lot. I never took a class but my best friend is a Capt and he has showed me ton and let me go through some scenarios on his boat prior to my purchase. I can't wait for the upcoming season because i learned so much last year but you can never learn enough. Never skimp on the safety just to get out faster it will cost you in the long run. I agree with other posts here about getting on charters and other peoples boats before you purchase. And get it surveyed! Good luck!

Not all 16s are the same..Anyway, I absolutley love my boat..awesome on gas! handles rough water good and goes anyplace the big guys do within reason, Since I mostly fish alone, the need for larger just wasnt nessasary...anyway I am very happy with this boat, set up the right way they are awesome fishing machines, I can get into some tight spots where the others cannot go...I also top out at 31mph, which is fast enough for me, 2 gallons of gass and I can fish all day long...There isnt anyplace in the bay I cannot go to fish..It took me a season or two to customize it the way I wanted but now its just awesome...Anyway, you cant go wrong with these key largo boats..I baught mine at G&S Marine on the cape...great guys..I added the leaning post with cooler underneath, I have a 26 gallon livewell, that holds all the bunker I need for a days fishing, Duel batts...etc..Its much cheaper to slip costing me under a $1000 a year..I have saved a ton over what it used to cost me to drive to south county...the boat is that good on fuel..

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&/Baysept25-2007016.jpg

Not all 16s are the same..Anyway, I absolutley love my boat..awesome on gas! handles rough water good and goes anyplace the big guys do within reason, Since I mostly fish alone, the need for larger just wasnt nessasary...anyway I am very happy with this boat, set up the right way they are awesome fishing machines, I can get into some tight spots where the others cannot go...I also top out at 31mph, which is fast enough for me, 2 gallons of gass and I can fish all day long...There isnt anyplace in the bay I cannot go to fish..It took me a season or two to customize it the way I wanted but now its just awesome...Anyway, you cant go wrong with these key largo boats..I baught mine at G&S Marine on the cape...great guys..I added the leaning post with cooler underneath, I have a 26 gallon livewell, that holds all the bunker I need for a days fishing, Duel batts...etc..Its much cheaper to slip costing me under a $1000 a year..I have saved a ton over what it used to cost me to drive to south county...the boat is that good on fuel..

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&/Baysept25-2007016.jpg

I agree. I had the 17 and found it to be very comfortable, stable, and roomy. Great on fuel too. I had a 75hp merc on it.Also had a t-top with all the electronics inside it. Its a little bumpy on anything over 3' but superb in light seas. This is an old pic from'99. If I get another boat, I won't hesitate to get another Key Largo, just a little bigger though.
G and S marine is :btu: great guys.

Like the Reaper said though, keep safety foremost. One of the reasons I got out of boat fishing is because of safety. I really liked night fishing in it, but had a lot of close calls. Its really easy to get into a lot of trouble quickly out there. Maybe spend some time in a buddy's boat before going it on your own.

Nice pic on the beach Mike.
How many over 35 in the shot on the left?

I agree. I had the 17 and found it to be very comfortable, stable, and roomy. Great on fuel too. I had a 75hp merc on it.Also had a t-top with all the electronics inside it. Its a little bumpy on anything over 3' but superb in light seas. This is an old pic from'99. If I get another boat, I won't hesitate to get another Key Largo, just a little bigger though.
G and S marine is :btu: great guys.

Like the Reaper said though, keep safety foremost. One of the reasons I got out of boat fishing is because of safety. I really liked night fishing in it, but had a lot of close calls. Its really easy to get into a lot of trouble quickly out there. Maybe spend some time in a buddy's boat before going it on your own.


Ya I almost wanted the 17 but the differemce was only 5inches! And the price difference was a couple thousand?? anyway I went the other way...The point is for the average bass fisherman, bigger isnt always better and doesnt help land larger fish, its all whats comfortable for the fisherman and also in my case what was economical..As for close calls, I stick in the bay and have learned it well, I dont take stupid chances and do 90% of my fishing now in daylight..I will never give up my boat! I love it so much, best thing I ever did was buy a boat!

Best thing you ever did >was meet me ><><:walk:

Ya I almost wanted the 17 but the differemce was only 5inches! And the price difference was a couple thousand?? anyway I went the other way...The point is for the average bass fisherman, bigger isnt always better and doesnt help land larger fish, its all whats comfortable for the fisherman and also in my case what was economical..As for close calls, I stick in the bay and have learned it well, I dont take stupid chances and do 90% of my fishing now in daylight..I will never give up my boat! I love it so much, best thing I ever did was buy a boat!

I almost got the 16, but was looking to accomodate two people. With either case, those boats are great. Mine was 13K fully rigged back in 1998. Wish I kept it, but the boat sat in my back yard all of 2000, so I got rid of it.

I almost got the 16, but was looking to accomodate two people. With either case, those boats are great. Mine was 13K fully rigged back in 1998. Wish I kept it, but the boat sat in my back yard all of 2000, so I got rid of it.

There great boats for the money mike, thats for sure...I honestly think there is no equel in the value department...They are very well built, sure there are not many bells and whistles but who wants that? 13k is an awesome price even for 1998! Anyway, I love mine and when its time to move up, It wil definatly be the same brand..I went to all the boat shows before I made my purchase and just could not find anything even close for the value....I looked at the Maritime but was shocked at the price! you get nothing with those! way over priced and such a flat pounding hull...I paid 13k for mine in 2006 with a 4 stroke motor and it came with GPS/FINDER...compass, gauges, built in fuel tanks, plenty of storage , trailer etc....ready to fish!

who did your T-top? I want one!

You get what you pay for.10g's is a lot for some 20 cuts the class in half and above that the number gets smaller. staying under 20g's...plan on staying in calm waters or spending a lot more maintain your toy.
I disagree Bill, bigger is often times better. Big fish are opportune feeders,, more active in rougher conditions. Bigger is also safer, never mind the 'where's' a bigger boat can put you. Its impossible to say what size is going to suit him...I know fisherman that are not serious, don't fish that often and they run from buzzards bay to the backside of Nantucket to fish mostly chopper blues. There are different kinds of fisherman like there are boats.

I dont know Tony, I do know that I have had lots of large the past two years in relatively calm waters...fish to 60lbs...At anyrate, I can handle some good chop in my boat, I know where I have been and the conditions I have fished in, I have not had any problems, and very rarely have to stay in the dock, No its not as good as a 20footer, and there is no way I am going to argue that point...thats just stupid...but for what I do and the success I have had all I can say is they can have the gas guzzelrs and the extra expense that goes with it...You are right you get what you pay for, and key largo delivers. they are well made hulls and can take a pounding...they just sell them at resonable prices...Its refreshing for a change to not get ripped off paying for a "name" that is no better..Like I said, I can fish anyplace I want in Narragansett Bay and its a big area, I can't go out in 4 footers but most other guys wont either because there is no need to to get beat upo like that to catch fish..I may have missed 7 or 8 days last season where I couldent go out, small price to pay...Anyway to each his own...My boat is and was affordable, economical, and has seen many a 40pound fish come over the side all for half the price of a few feet larger!

I know alot of people with more expensive rigs who sit at the dock because they cant afford the fuel to fish all day, they are also beholding to having to have a person split the expense for fuel to fish, I am free to fish alone because its very affordable..The screw on the back of my boat sips gas, Like Charlie soars told me at the boat show this year, "billy you can fish all day for $6 dollars" "Its worth the trade off $....Everything has trade offs, I would love a pretty 21 foot CC With all the bells but I simply cant afford it at this point in my life, and what good would it do me if it cost me $80 dollars everytime out?? The way I fish, it would break me fast! I fish just about 7 days a week in the spring..

Eventually I will move up in size but for now, I love this boat and whats its done for me..

Your argument is a good one, but economically it didnt work for me...One thing is for sure, its not the boat that catches the fish..

Billy,
hope you are feeling better.

It all comes down to what you want to do with it an where. Your boat, and Pauls, is IDEAL for where and when you guys fish, but too small for where I like to fish... If the bait changes distribution in the bay, and stays outside, you guys will feel more undersized :D

If you wanted to fish Brenton reef daily, it would be undersized by 4 feet IMHO. You also have to think about flexibility; If you are locked in to 2 days a week you can go out, bigger gives you more options those days if the weather is bad. When I had a free dock, I had my 13ft whaler in the water, and you're right I could fish the bay almost every day, but could I always go where I wanted? not even close.

I know when I upgrade someday it will be as big as I can afford to run!

With the exception of more storage I enjoy my maritime 2090. I routinely run over to Cuttyhunk or to Newport from Westport . I also have fished around MVY including Wasque during the Derby.

The 2090D has higher gunnels. I also am adding a casting brace on the front bow so my less nimble footed friends can fishing more comfortably.

THe 90 hp Johnson ELP is a great motor

I do know that I have had lots of large the past two years in relatively calm waters...fish to 60lbs

Yes, you have said that many times. It is not the boat, we all agree. There is many more obvious factors of why you've had the success you have.


Its refreshing for a change to not get ripped off paying for a "name" that is no better..

Your points are all valid, they make a lot of sen$e. As you mentioned the trade off is well worth it but I disagree with you as far as the "name" goes. I used to think like that too until I experienced quality made boats. For example, the seacrafts and contenders of the world.
A couple years ago I had the opportunity to fish out of the contender a couple times, the rest of that year I contemplated a way to get one, there was nothing wrong with my seaswirl but it doesn't hold a candle next to a contender, I dreamed for a little while. The handling was totally different, it was like comparing a sports car to family car. The hull responds under speed and steady chop cutting into the 1th wave as just well as the 5th. I had the chance to have the wheel most of the time and had to be told more then once to give her more, that's what those boats are made to do..run and gun. I know a few seacraft gurus that swear the same, these guys make their living on the water. A lot can be said about big 'name' boats beside getting what you pay for.

There great boats for the money mike, thats for sure...I honestly think there is no equel in the value department...They are very well built, sure there are not many bells and whistles but who wants that? 13k is an awesome price even for 1998! Anyway, I love mine and when its time to move up, It wil definatly be the same brand..I went to all the boat shows before I made my purchase and just could not find anything even close for the value....I looked at the Maritime but was shocked at the price! you get nothing with those! way over priced and such a flat pounding hull...I paid 13k for mine in 2006 with a 4 stroke motor and it came with GPS/FINDER...compass, gauges, built in fuel tanks, plenty of storage , trailer etc....ready to fish!

who did your T-top? I want one!

What model mms did look at? I really don't have a pounding hull with the 2090. th Defiants are overpriced. but you don't see alot on the resale market

who did your T-top? I want one!

I got the ttop through G and S. It was actually the first 17' boat they ever sold with one. There's a local guy that builds them that they use. I used to do a bit of mid day fishing and the ttop was critical from a sun protection standpoint. It also helped the boat drift a little quicker by catching extra wind, which at times contributed to more poundage.

Billy,
hope you are feeling better.

It all comes down to what you want to do with it an where. Your boat, and Pauls, is IDEAL for where and when you guys fish, but too small for where I like to fish... If the bait changes distribution in the bay, and stays outside, you guys will feel more undersized :D

If you wanted to fish Brenton reef daily, it would be undersized by 4 feet IMHO. You also have to think about flexibility; If you are locked in to 2 days a week you can go out, bigger gives you more options those days if the weather is bad. When I had a free dock, I had my 13ft whaler in the water, and you're right I could fish the bay almost every day, but could I always go where I wanted? not even close.

I know when I upgrade someday it will be as big as I can afford to run!


When that day comes that I need to leave the bay Bryan, I will make the change...until then, my range is very good... and again, a 13' foot boat is also alot different than 16'5....Works both ways I guess, someday I will get a larger boat but for now, I am happy and content and have more money in the wallet!Plus I am able to fish the same places I surfed fished (you know where) and the fish were always there, technicaly, thats still the bay, anyway, what ecer you can afford enjoy it, life is to short!

As for the maritimes I looked at, one was the "sweet 16" and the other was the 18...Extreme striped down boats for way to much money in my opinion...I know a few guys who have them here on the bay and all of them have experiance gel coat cracking thats bad..anyway, I just thought they were over priced for what you get..

I am just trying to give the guy a boat to look at that is resonably priced thats all!

I think a major consideration will be gas this coming year. I have a Yami 90 4 stoke and can run back and forth from Warwick Cove to the south end of the Bay 3 times and only will burn 9 or 10 gallons. Gas will be $4 bucks or more per gallon in the Marinas this year. I have a 32 gallon tank and usually stop at a local gas station and fill 2 five gallon cans once a week. This usually fills the boat with a bit left over.
As I pointed out, I can't go to Cutty or the Block and if the bait situation changes in the Bay i might have to go larger to get fish but, for now, I am happy with my 17 1/2 CC Sea Hunt.

Go with the biggest you can afford. 21' with a 4 stroke OB would be perfect. I've been boating now since 1978 and have had several boats from 16'-23'. I now have an 18' CC, It is an OK boat but just too small if you want to take a few guys with you, I went with it because it was what I could afford. Keep economy in mind, it is a huge factor with the $ of fuel now, I made the mistake of going with a 2 stroke(got a great deal on it) but wish I held out for a 4 stroke. Main thing is..Do your research and get what you can afford to run..

I've read this analogy in more than one way and in different subjects, here's 2:

Deer Hunter.... I'm young I just want to kill a deer. Feels good now I want to kill as many as I can. I want a challange, I just want to kill bucks. What I really want is to kill record bucks, the ones that only great hunters kill. Now I'm old, I just want to be in the woods watch the squirels and breath the fresh air.


Fisherman....I just want to be on the bridge and catch fish. Take me to a place where I can catch a big fish. If I only had a boat I could catch more and bigger fish, some go off-shore. Now I'm wise, I just want to be on the bridge and watch kids fish.

just crossed my mind....I remember talkin with John Habs about hunting and he definitely reached the last phase of the hunter.

just crossed my mind....I remember talkin with John Habs about hunting and he definitely reached the last phase of the hunter before he passed.