Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

[cdaggett11]

Hi Everybody,

Just bought my first boat yesterday, and was wondering what kind of thoughts people had on how I will fare with it. I bought a 1979 Sears Aluminum. I think it's a Gamefisher, and it's got a V-Hull. Not too wide....which actually scares me a little. Going to run an early 90's 15HP Johnson that appears to be in good shape and was just serviced. Minn Kota foot pedal 35 lb. thrust trolling motor on the front. Live well, bilge pump, so-so fishfinder, and 2 seats. It was built up with plywood so it has compartments for everything and looks to be in good shape.

My question is how people think this will suit me as a first timer. Anything I should watch out for? Troubles w/ the engine? Getting going? Speed? Control? I'm only looking to fish some small spots in NJ......hopefully w/ more experienced friends first, and solo as I get used to it. If anyone has any advices, tips, etc......I'd love to hear. One last thing is that I paid about $950 for it. Seemed like a good deal. Am I nuts? Thanks!!!

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

Welcome to Iboats ..... not a bad deal ..... if you look after your motor, mix the fuel right and flush it after use in salt water and just take care of it and follow the rules and regulations on the water you should be fine and get the hang of things quick .... happy boating .... enjoy it ...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

welcome to i boats. just sold a 14' Lonestar with a 55 15hp rude. to fish solo i had to put remote controls and ezyguide stick steering at the middle seat. or could have been put at the front seat, but mine was manual start, and could be reached from middle. would run 18-20 with 2 200lbs, around 25+ with just me. your 15 is a little more powerful. if tiller control, be careful on the first time opening it up. the bow may want to stand straight up, if solo. here's a pic

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/tashasdaddy/MVC-905S-1.jpg

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

Dude. That wasn't a bad deal. You lucky bastard.8) You shouldn't have much trouble with the Johnson. Johnnyrudes are probably the best small engines made. Tashasdaddy has a good point on the speed and control. You might just be okay. You said you have a casting deck and trolling motor up front. I also assume your livewell is up there. If you put your battery up there and fill the livewell you should have enough bow weight to be fine.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

Being a newbie here is your first and most important consideration and the second.

1. Watch the weather and know when to seek shelter or come in. Weather can form and be on you in a heartbeat. Don't wait till it formed and is on you to come in. Watch for it and come in when it looks like it is forming.

2. Wear your life preserver.



Price is nice, gamefisher and Johnny have been around for a long time, 15 hp on a 14' alum is a nice package.

Might take a boating class to inform you about things you need to know in operating a boat; especially when others (boats and people) are present. I understand you can get them on www and some are free.

Have fun.

Mark

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

I agree , get a boater safety coarse. And, get a manual, and read it. It is actually easy to do simple repairs on these. Just have to have the manual. Replace the water pump impellar. You wouldn't want to ruin an engine because you didn't change an $8 part.

 

[4Winns2]

Re: Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

Hi Everybody,

Just bought my first boat yesterday, and was wondering what kind of thoughts people had on how I will fare with it. I bought a 1979 Sears Aluminum. I think it's a Gamefisher, and it's got a V-Hull. Not too wide....which actually scares me a little. Going to run an early 90's 15HP Johnson that appears to be in good shape and was just serviced. Minn Kota foot pedal 35 lb. thrust trolling motor on the front. Live well, bilge pump, so-so fishfinder, and 2 seats. It was built up with plywood so it has compartments for everything and looks to be in good shape.

My question is how people think this will suit me as a first timer. Anything I should watch out for? Troubles w/ the engine? Getting going? Speed? Control? I'm only looking to fish some small spots in NJ......hopefully w/ more experienced friends first, and solo as I get used to it. If anyone has any advices, tips, etc......I'd love to hear. One last thing is that I paid about $950 for it. Seemed like a good deal. Am I nuts? Thanks!!!

Congrats on your new(er) boat! I'd say you got a pretty good deal $$ wise.

I've been boating since I was knee high to a condom so I'm sure that I'm overlooking a lot of what would concern a new boater such as yourself. The one thing I will tell though is be balanced and yourself secure (have your non-tiller hand hanging on tightly to the side of the boat) when you floor that 15hp. On 14ft with the kind of weight you're talking about, she'll get up real fast and plane.

I have a 13foot with a 99' 15hp Johnson that I bought new. When I slam her, she gives me a mini-g force out of the hole. Great little engine after 7 years now. I have a lot of Johnson/Evinrude products and I'm a fan. Best of boating to you and enjoy. If you get hooked on this pastime, sex may become secondary in your priorities list.

 

[LORDY611]

Re: Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

I have the same boat with a 9.9 Johnson. I love it on the lake with smaller waves. PLENTY of power, but my boat is empty with 4 seats. With all your wood and equip the 15 should be great. But those boats have short freeboard, so there is not much to keep you in when pounding thru the chop. Be careful, know what you are doing. You may be required by law to get a safety course under your belt before hitting the water.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

EXCELLENT DEAL! Ya done good, and will love it! I have a 15 Johnson...super motors.. 8)

 

[Boatist]

Re: Need Opinions on a 14 ft. Sears V-Hull w/ a 15 HP Johnson

Welcome to the board. I also have a 1967 14 foot Klamath with a 1975 15HP Johnson. Mine is a little under powered for 2 big guys with all the fishing gear and big ice chest. Your motor actually has more power than mine and they maid many inprovements over the years.

Since your new just a couple of basic you should know.

Never start the motor without water going to the water pump. On land use muffs. In the water as long as the motor is down should be good.

When alone move at much weight forward as possible. Gas can as far foward as hose allows, Ice chest, Tackle box. Idea is to keep that light bow down on the water. Also move the tilt pin foward one knotch so prop is closer to the hull.

As other said a boating class is well worth the the time and money. Coast Guard Aux "Boating skills and SeamanShip class" is usually free but you have to buy the book. I took the whole family first time and have taken it 3 times. Also have taken the US Power Squadrons class twice. Both cources are very good if you get the longer class 13 weeks. They both cover all the rules and regulation. All the saftey gear. Very basic navigation, what the buoys mean. What sound signals mean. Each also has a basic weather course and a trouble shooting course.

In a Small boat I suggest a Paddle, a Anchor with at least 150 feet of anchore Line. Of course Life jacket for each plus a throwable.

Make sure the plug is in and carry a spare.

Have fun and take it easy at first.