The ideal river boat set up

[DawsonRH]

I am looking to get a boat to fish rivers here in East Texas. We have some shoal areas that are maybe 6" deep from time to time. I was wandering if a 20' semi v, aluminum, tunnel hull, 94" beam, w/ hydraulic jackplate would be able to move under power in such conditions? Please share thoughts on whether you think it would work or what you would do different

 

[QC]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

If you can get her to float, you can move her with an OB tilted up above the "keel" . . . I am not conviced you can float anything significant in 6" though. 10" maybe and I am still very concerned . . .

 

[shankle]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

These are exactly the conditions aluminum jet sleds are designed for. Check out Northwest Jet, Weldcraft, etc. They're pricey, but they'll go as shallow as you dare.

 

[TexMojo]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

I can do 6", this is not a good pic but this is my customweld cobra 20 foot with american turbine jet. 6 inches is about as low as I will go and its a pucker factor on these rivers up here from time to time. LOL

 

[5150abf]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

I have a stretch of river here just like that, I love to fish it but after going through 3 lower units I had to move to a different part of the river farther away.

I would definately go with a jet drive if you are going to do it, if the boat is floating you are good to go.

 

[DawsonRH]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

Let me clarify some, I am not intending on trying to run fast through the shallow spots, and I don't always fish rivers. As long as I can move through these spots at idle speed I am fine, most of them aren't more than a few hundred yards if that. I have began to consider purchasing a jet mod for the outboard that I could take on or off as desired, thoughts on that idea?

 

[QC]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

If you only want to idle, then OBs can be tilted above keel height and make headway.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

What part of East Texas? Thats where i'm at & thats A LOT of boat for the rivers around here in the dry summer months

 

[DawsonRH]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

I am in Tyler. I am familiar with the sabine river, I know this would not work in some areas of the sabine during the dry weather. I probably wouldn't even fool with the hawkins ramp in dry weather.

 

[vegasphotoman]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

pull your motor up outta the water when you go over big shoals and start the little baby trolling motor!
alot cheaper then ruining a big motor outdrive etc...prob find a used motor 10 horse for cheap locally too

could work out well and be fast easy fix to your problem

CHEERS!

 

[robert graham]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

Express boats makes some nice aluminum tunnel hulls in the 16', 18', 20' range with a 40, 65 or 90HP 4 stroke Yamaha jet drive lower ends. I run a 1999 Express 1872 MV hull with 90HP Yamaha 2 stroke and love the durability and utility of it. Darn near can't tear it up. Those tunnel hulls with the jet drives are a real trick but you do give up about 20% in efficiency/fuel economy. Also check out the Sea Ark boats which are built some heavier, up to 24' in jon boats! Good Luck!

 

[walt-oxie1]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

Have you a mullet boat built. My 24 foot will float (and run) in 6 inches of water with net, fish, coolers, etc.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

Have you a mullet boat built. My 24 foot will float (and run) in 6 inches of water with net, fish, coolers, etc.

Never heard of one so of course i Googled it
Very interesting

 

[walt-oxie1]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

Never heard of one so of course i Googled it
Very interesting

They are great all around boats. I run nets, clam, run trawls, etc with mine. It will hold about 7,000 pounds on deck and still plane with a 90 Yamaha. I use it alot during spot season out in the ocean. The only drawbacks is you have to keep weight on the back so it will steer/handle right, it will not fit under all bridges because of the tower.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: The ideal river boat set up

I boat in central and west louisiana, so I encounter some of the same shallows you do. I use a Carolina Skiff and get around real good. It only draws 6" or less of water. I can tilt the outboard up for short runs or pole thru short runs also. Look for a real shallow drafting boat. I would not mess with a jet drive around here unless I was planning on traveling for decent distances in super shallow water.