Looking to upgrade

[blufrog1]

Two older men fishing all day in an old 14' sea nymph is getting old. Not enough room, too narrow to have both standing at once, center seat to climb over and tiller steering. Looking for 16-18 feet without center seat, flat floor and side console that won't break the bank. What would you suggest?

 

[LDUBS]

Not sure where you are located or what kind of fishing you do. Casting, bait fishing, trolling, etc.

I would think an open 18' side console without a center bench(es) is probably most common in a Jon boat style. For an 18' with a wide open cockpit, it is likely a windshield/walk-thru style boat.

My previous boat was a 15' Klamath Advantage side console with 74" beam. It had a split center bench so easier to move around. It was very stable and comfortable for two of us, even when we both hooked up. They make (or made) an 18' side console version with a split center bench. I suspect Klamath boats are pretty scarce outside of the west coast.

When I decided to "upgrade" to a larger boat, I got a Gregor18' walk-thru. It works great for my use. Gregor is another west coast brand. Sadly, they are no longer made and used ones are likely limited to the west coast.

Sorry if I'm saying what you already know.

 

[airshot]

Two older men fishing all day in an old 14' sea nymph is getting old. Not enough room, too narrow to have both standing at once, center seat to climb over and tiller steering. Looking for 16-18 feet without center seat, flat floor and side console that won't break the bank. What would you suggest?

Yep....as already stated, what your gonna do with it means everything ! I downgraded after retiring as I fish mostly by myself with an occasional passenger. I found a 16' SC made by Sylvan. Love the layout of this boat, well balanced, plenty of room to move around, as I don't use live wells they make great extra storage. I fish for food and fun, if fun then catch and release, but for food, either in the cooler or back to grow up. My boat is in my signature.

 

[blufrog1]

Not sure where you are located or what kind of fishing you do. Casting, bait fishing, trolling, etc.

I would think an open 18' side console without a center bench(es) is probably most common in a Jon boat style. For an 18' with a wide open cockpit, it is likely a windshield/walk-thru style boat.

My previous boat was a 15' Klamath Advantage side console with 74" beam. It had a split center bench so easier to move around. It was very stable and comfortable for two of us, even when we both hooked up. They make (or made) an 18' side console version with a split center bench. I suspect Klamath boats are pretty scarce outside of the west coast.

When I decided to "upgrade" to a larger boat, I got a Gregor18' walk-thru. It works great for my use. Gregor is another west coast brand. Sadly, they are no longer made and used ones are likely limited to the west coast.

Sorry if I'm saying what you already know.

 

[blufrog1]

We're located in yuma. Most of our fishing is bait fishing for striper on the river, although my wife and I fish some of arizona's lakes for striper, largemouth and crappie. ( Trolling, still and casting) Due to the cluttered nature of the current 14 sea nymph dhe refuses to go with anymore and that is a loss for me. Side console with split seat and flat floor in 16-18 would be perfect. I've been perusing craigslist, boat trader etc for a while now and there aren't many such critters available around Arizona, especially under $7500 ( not looking for new or even young necessarily, just good and reliable) so it looks like a road trip will eventually be necessary. Have family we left behind in WA so pnw would be a likely spot to look I guess. I've been retired nearly 10 years so time isn't a big issue and travel is possible. In summer we live in AZ white mountains so current boat will come up here.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

You should also look on Facebook Marketplace. Many are using that over Craig’s List these days. You can select a range from your location.

 

[OldSailor85]

I have an old 16-foot Lowe Lunker II. Open boat with no benches to step over. Rated for only 50 hp, but the hull weighs less than 600 pounds.

Flat floor, tiller, live wells, rod locker (I don't use the live wells). decent seat mounts.

I learned to fish sitting down unless the gunwales are at my thigh. The flat floor certainly makes moving around a lot easier.

The Lunker III has a side console, elevated decks, and a 70 hp rating.

They are still small and light enough for one person to handle.

 

[blufrog1]

Two older men fishing all day in an old 14' sea nymph is getting old. Not enough room, too narrow to have both standing at once, center seat to climb over and tiller steering. Looking for 16-18 feet without center seat, flat floor and side console that won't break the bank. What would you suggest?

 

[blufrog1]

Found an 85 StarCraft that looks like it will meet our needs. Appreciate all inputs. Now let the fun begin.

 

[LDUBS]

Found an 85 StarCraft that looks like it will meet our needs. Appreciate all inputs. Now let the fun begin.

Nice boat. I think you will find a huge difference compared to your Sea Nymph.

 

[blufrog1]

Nice boat. I think you will find a huge difference compared to your Sea Nymph.

Thanks, I'm really looking forward to getting it on the water

 

[thill]

Very nice! I'm looking for something similar. I hope it's a great boat for you!