Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

[Action]

Hey guys, well I need a new 14' widebody aluminum as our cottage is boat access and the tin boat gets a fair bit of use.
Looking to go new, probably pkg it up with a 20hp four stroke merc or yamaha.
Anyone got some ideas or good or bad experiences with any brands?
I have been looking at Sylvan, Princecraft, Legend, Starcraft thus far.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

Any reason you want to go new? For a boat like, probably even more so than any other kind of boat, I would definitely go used. Not much to go wrong with a small tin boat! Heck just last year my uncle acquired an old Sears 14' v-hull tinny (looks like an alumacraft) and that thing is super nice. Deep sides and very solidly built. I guess I can see wanting a new outboard if you're dead set on a 4 stroke. Even then I bet you could do better looking out for a previous year leftover motor not packaged with a boat. If you aren't set on a 4 stroke then of course pretty much any well maintained small horsepower Johnson/Evinrude or Mercury will probably outlive us all.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

I have a 14' Lowe wide body and it is very stable and seaworthy. I had a 25 on it and it was a little too fast for the youngsters who ran it; now have a 15 on it and it's fine. I won't underpower a boat since I use it in bad weather/strong currents. Try to find one. No need to buy new; there are no moving parts!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

Oh and 4 strokes are heavier than 2 strokes; keep that in mind when picking. You don't want to compromise your freeboard too much.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

I have a 2003 14' Starcraft SF-14 and have loved every minute of it. With a 20 hp, it handles well, has plenty of power and I keep dry even in rough water. It has a 67" beam and total capacity of 920 lbs.

From my experience, I can recommend it highly.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

Check out the Scandy White web site or G3 web site for various models. Both are welded aluminum hulls. Decide if a flatbottom or some sort of v-bottom will serve your purpose.

Like other posts said, consider a used vessel. They have no moving parts. Aluminum doesn't rot in the transom or stringers. Fill it with water to check for leaks. You can preview the hull inside and out.

Invest in new motor. Motors have a lot of moving parts. If used, have a reputable mechanic check it out. I've bought used, and my current mechanic never steered me wrong with the two he checked out.

Your selection may be limited to boats sold or made in your neck of the woods. Some makes are more nationwide than others.

 

[BigJ08]

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

The local craigslist should have a large amount of what you're looking for for very cheap like $500-700 where as buying the same thing new could cost thousands.

 

[Action]

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

Thanks for the replies, to answer a few questions:
The four strokes I have been comparing 20hp Merc & Yamaha are only about 5-10 pounds heavier then their two stroke counterparts so the weight isn't really a big deal.
To be honest, there may be more selection in the US, I am finding it is hard to come across a nice one used just because so many people hang on to them. It is a boat I can see hanging around in the family for many years so i am prepeared to spend the extra new. I am looking around 5000 to 6000 cdn new it seems for a four stroke and boat from what i have been researching. That is a lot of money but if i plan on keeping the boat for 20 years it is worth it.
I do like the four stroke idea however the maintenance on a two stroke motor is great, I have a 96 6hp on a 12ft aluminum now and that thing is bullet proof, I feel like that will run for another 15 years.

 

[Action]

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

I have a 2003 14' Starcraft SF-14 and have loved every minute of it. With a 20 hp, it handles well, has plenty of power and I keep dry even in rough water. It has a 67" beam and total capacity of 920 lbs.

From my experience, I can recommend it highly.

Yes I have been highly considering these boats, they have one of the highest aluminum hull thickness out there.

 

[ryanmitton]

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

Hey Action,

Im in North West Ontario and my family has been using Nadens for 20 years. They are simple, zero maintainence, have massive cargo for their size, and are built rugged for use at tourist camps (thats how they got their start in canada was selling to tourist camps).

A bonus is that they are very low cost.

I give them a 5 out of 5 stars.

 

[charkelly]

Re: Need a 14' utility boat? Suggestions?

check out the G3 guide 143t. Perfect for a 20 or 25 hp motor. THe lower angler series has nice aluminum boats too