Which fishing boat should I get?

[Tmitchel_5188]

I have a 1992 24' Thompson Fisherman non-hard top. I'd like to get a little newer boat. I fish in the Great Lakes for walleye and salmon so I need a good boat for mounting downriggers and rod holders. I like the Thompson, I'd get another, but I'd like to consider other brands. I saw a picture of a 25' sea ray express cruiser and it looked like it had a similar layout as my thompson.<br /><br />The boat has to be trailerable, no aft cabin (sits too high off the water), and have ample room topside for fihing.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Which fishing boat should I get?

Check out the classic Boston Whaler Outrages from the 80s, Mitch. From 18' to 25'.<br /><br />Great fishing boats, but not cheap.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[Jason Adam]

Re: Which fishing boat should I get?

An 80's BW is not a "newer boat"(curently has a 92).<br /><br />I fish Lake Michigan or Huron every weekend for Salmon. I picked up a 99' 26' Striper Walkaround Cuddy with a 5.0 VP Duoprop last year at the end of the year. I put over 200 hours and 2K lbs of Salmon in it this year, and couldnt be happier with the boat. <br /><br />If your looking at an I/O, The VP duoprop is the setup. EVERYONE I took out that was considering a new boat decided that was the powerplant to get. <br /><br />If you need more info, let me know..

 

[JB]

Re: Which fishing boat should I get?

Jason, you must not be familiar with Boston Whalers.<br /><br />A mid 80s Outrage 18 is a far better boat than most under 30' "new" boats of most makes.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Which fishing boat should I get?

Jason must have never drove in a classic whaler.<br /><br />A 1967 Boston Whaler Nauset is a better boat then some that sit in showroom's today.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Which fishing boat should I get?

mitch- take the advise with a grain of salt. i wouldn't buy a 20 year old 26' fishing boat, regardless of who made it. my uncle has two 20 yeard old 14' whalers, with old rudes on them, and they are fine for their purpose- cruising to the tiki bar in the river. as for advise on which boat- there are a hundred brands out there. not sure if i'd go to a searay, don't picture them as really a fishing machine. i'd check out a 24-28' walkaround. lots of brands out there. good luck-

 

[wuzafed]

Re: Which fishing boat should I get?

I'm with the Whaler Guys.<br /> I've owned whalers for the past 15 yrs or so and would put my old whaler (currently have a 1983 model) up against any out there! Not sure what the current Whalers' styles are,but if you can find one that fits your needs, you won't go wrong!! The only "second" in my books is the Grady White. I know they have a 25'walk around cuddy and have plenty of fishing room in the stern. They will make you proud too! (but not as proud as the Whaler!!)

 

[sony bob]

Re: Which fishing boat should I get?

Although very rare in these parts, Black Fin is a very good boat. Fished with a great guy out of Bowle's Harbor in Mi. on a 25 footer that would handle rough stuff better than any 30 footer I've been on. You can get them in Florida.<br />Bob

 

[Jason Adam]

Re: Which fishing boat should I get?

I am very familiar with Boston Whalers, I was simply stating that the guy has a 92 and wants a newer boat, which a mid 80's is not. He didnt ask which older fishing boat is a good boat. Older Whalers(if you like the "whaler whomp") and Blackfins are great boats, but obvistly not what this guy was asking for.

 

[sfels]

Re: Which fishing boat should I get?

Which boat is right is a very personal (and emotional) decision. That having been said, for the money I'd go for a Trophy 2359. The Trophy is a great boat and the newer 2359 is loaded with features. The Alaska bulkhead would be perfect on the any of the Great Lakes, it's easily trailered, and I hear they may be offering a turbo diesel option in 2004.