Downsizing.....

[Fishstick]

After owning several boats from bass boats, runabouts, cuddy cabins, ski boats etc. I've reached a point where I'm considering downsizing. My fishing habits are typically quick trips to the lake, halibut fishing in morro bay, trolling for cuda, bonita out front in santa barbara but mostly fly fishing bass/trout on the local lake that I live 10 minutes from. I'm considering downsizing from the big tri-hull to something lightweight and efficient in the range of a 16/18ft aluminum skiff that I can tuck away in the garage and eliminate storage fees as well. I have a 5hp honda kicker that I would likely mount as a trolling and backup motor and was wondering what would be a decent size kicker to power a 16/18ft skiff? I'm not interested in ripping across the water, but want something with enough power to get me back to the marina when the winds pick-up yet light enough that I can take on and off with ease.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Downsizing.....

A 20 horse is fairly light but would give you plenty of power to get where ever you wanted to go, much bigger than that and I tink the weight would be too much.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Downsizing.....

the 5hp honda would be great if you went aluminum. may weak side for a glass boat, but would get you there, or keep you headed into the wind until help could get to you.

 

[crb478]

Re: Downsizing.....

Fishstick, you didn't mention how old you are, but I know many people that as the got into their 50's and 60's they down sized their boats, many times significantly. One man went from a 36 or so foot Grady to a 16 foot Parker. He says he now fishes at least four times as much as he did before since it takes so much less effort to get the boat ready. It is much easier to handle and tow a smaller boat. They load easier and are more managable in a current. The down size is room on board and handling bigger seas. Most people I know just pick their days or stay close to shore.

The boat that I have now is a fiberglass 17'6" Center Console. It is about the right size for me since I can walk around the boat or sit comfortably. If my father-in-law had not pointed out to me how many people downsize their boats I would have probably bought a 25 - 27 foot center console. I would have probably downsized in time.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Downsizing.....

I think everyone should have a little tinny with a small outboard. So easy to use, can be used on almost any lake. I use mine 3-4 times a week during the warm months. Its nothing fancy and Chicks dont seem do think its cool, but I love it.

 

[KCook]

Re: Downsizing.....

In the 17' size and under the poly boats by Triumph also start to make more sense.

Kelly

 

[Fishstick]

Re: Downsizing.....

Thanks guys....yea, I'm nearing the 50 mark and kinda figured something easier to manage would get used more often. I had also considered a CC whaler, but geeze $$$$$. I stopped by the local lake yesterday and chatted with the marina manager The rental boats they have are 17.5 ft running 9.9 hp merc kickers but he highly recommended a 15 to 20 hp as an ideal engine for the kicker. They keep the 9hp because they don't want new boaters going to fast on the rentals. I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks

 

[pcrussell50]

Re: Downsizing.....

Thanks guys....yea, I'm nearing the 50 mark and kinda figured something easier to manage would get used more often. I had also considered a CC whaler, but geeze $$$$$. I stopped by the local lake yesterday and chatted with the marina manager The rental boats they have are 17.5 ft running 9.9 hp merc kickers but he highly recommended a 15 to 20 hp as an ideal engine for the kicker. They keep the 9hp because they don't want new boaters going to fast on the rentals. I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks

'stick,

you mentioned santa barbara. that's where i live. is your local lake, cachuma? or do you live somewhere else? i have a little glass runabout that i love. 13.5'. planes with a 9.9 with only me in it. normally run a 35 on it.

-peter