Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

[CATransplant]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

What would be a good price for that one? Should I ask for a lower price without the engine as well? So I can get a 9.9 or something bigger.

Would the Blue Fin be a better boat to get? The guy with the blue fin is asking 1400.00 but I may be able to talk him down as well.

I wonder if boats in AZ are more expensive for some reason.

It could be that there are fewer small aluminum boats in Arizona than in some other places. Here in Minnesota, there's an aluminum boat in about half of the backyards, and most of them haven't been used for years. So...the price of an aluminum boat is pretty low, and you can find one by driving around, then asking people if they'd consider selling it. My next door neighbor just bought a really nice 14' Alumicraft with a trailer that way...for $100. He asked, the guy said $100, so that's what he paid. Lots of stories like that.

Here, the outboard sets the price for such boats. No outboard...cheap. Really nice outboard...expensive. My boat and trailer would probably sell for about $250. But...with the 1992 6hp outboard on it, it would bring closer to $1000. So keep that in mind as you're looking, too.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

That BlueFin looks pretty nice. You wouldn't really miss the 6 inches, in my opinion. The 9.5 outboard...if it runs well, will shove it along nicely, and the trolling motor is a nice plus, as is the Bimini Top, especially in AZ.

I commented on the 9.5hp johnnyrudes in an earlier message. They're good outboards, but a little more difficult to work on when work is needed. However, if it's running great right now, I wouldn't let that stand in my way.

You're most likely right that the seller would come down in price. That's almost always the case.

 

[aaarneson]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

You wouldn't really miss the 6 inches, in my opinion.

Wouldn't that be 12 inches?

Also, would this boat be big enough to take my wife and two kids out for a stroll around the lake? Kids are 4 and 7 years old.

Also he says that it is a 10hp, not a 9.5. Does he mean it is a 9.5hp?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

Just big enough, but with nothing to spare. Those kids are going to grow up, too, so you might want to consider that. Frankly, you won't enjoy a boat with three seats if you have four people on board, and a 13-footer will probably plow water with that load.

That outboard is definitely a 9.5 hp. There's no mistaking the design. Sounds like the guy rounded up the horsepower.

Now that you say you're talking about four people in the boat, even the 14' boat is going to feel crowded, I guarantee. You'll be using up the back seat. The middle seat is wide enough for two, and the fourth person's going to have to sit up on the front seat. It can be wet up there, and it's pretty bumpy, too.

Worse, with just 10 hp, more or less, you aren't going anywhere fast. A 14' boat like that is usually rated for 15 or 20 hp, so you can see that you'll be a bit underpowered.

If I were you, I'd be looking for a 16' aluminum boat with a 25 or 35 hp outboard for your family. It'll be plenty big for when your kids are teenagers (sooner than you think).

A little more spendy, of course, but you'd be surprised what you can find for a decent price. But, if you decide later to get something you can tube behind and do other water sports, you'll be able to sell your first boat easily.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

kids 4 & 7, they will be ready for a tube, in 4-5 years. my sister was water skiing at there age.

 

[KCook]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

I agree with CATransplant. For all practical purposes your boat will be in putt-putt mode. Which may be enough at first, but at the end of the season you will want more boat, at least for the lakes around Phoenix. Move your sights up to a boat with at least 75hp.

If for some reason you must stay in the putt-putt realm, then a bass buggy size pontoon makes more sense.

Kelly

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

I agree with KCook. The lakes around Phoenix are crazy on summer weekends. You will want something that is larger and more horsepower. I would only consider boats the size you are looking at if I intended the boat to be used exclusively on the Rim lakes. If used near Phoenix you will need something larger that can handle the rougher water.

 

[aaarneson]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

Thanks everyone for your responses...I really appreciate it.

I am mainly getting a boat for fishing all the types of lakes in AZ. I am going to be fishing the northen lakes in the summer and maybe the valley lakes in the summer only at night or early mornings. I will also fish in the winter on the local lakes as well.

I just wanted something big enough to take the family out every once in a while.

 

[aaarneson]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/boa/1058692452.html

Found out that this is a Northport boat. Is that related to mirrocraft?

What would be a fair price for this boat? So I can try to talk him down.

I wish the engine was a bit bigger.

 

[KCook]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

Sorry to be such a p***k about this, but these 14 footers are at best 2-man boats, NOT family boats. At least where Phoenix lakes are concerned. Again, your best bet for the bare minimum in a family boat is a bass buggy size pontoon. If that is still too much boat, consider renting a nice boat for family outtings.

Kelly

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

Well, that's a bit extreme. A 14' aluminum boat can handle two adults and two young children with no problem, as long as the operator is sensible. That's especially true of some of the deeper, wider models. I had a 14' Lund with a 72" beam that was rated for a 50hp outboard. I wouldn't hesitate to fish anywhere with that boat, and four would fit in it just fine.

A pontoon is not the answer for most people. It's difficult to trailer and limited in how it can be used.

My recommendation, finally, for this guy is a 16' aluminum v-hull boat with a larger (25+ hp) outboard. That would provide plenty of room and would be plenty safe. It would also retain the easy trailerability and launchability he's looking for.

Had I known there were two adults and two kids involved, I would have recommended that to start with.

There's no single solution for everyone, and there are aluminum boats that are perfect family fishing craft. We're trying to work with the guy on this, not discourage him.

 

[aaarneson]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

Thanks CATransplant

There are not too many 16 footers here locally. Mainly 12 and 14 footers.

The family would most likely only be joining me in the smaller lakes where only small boats are allowed. So I don't think that would be an issue.

Aaron

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking for small fishing boat in AZ.

it is your decision, and your families safety.