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bscman

Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
21
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Location
N/W Washington
Hi all,
I've spent the last couple hours reviewing your site...Love it! Plenty of good info, and great pictures.

I'm looking to get a second boat--one for smaller lakes/ponds with "carry-in only" launches. I'm a college student, on a tight budget, so I'm looking to keep the TOTAL COST below $500.

I love me 13ft Smokercraft w/ 20hp yamaha when I can use it, but sometimes these more popular lakes are a hassle to launch and use. Also, some of my favorite smaller fishing holes are banning internal combustion engines.

Enough B.S., here is my question!

I found a deal on a 10ft. flat-bottom jon-boat. It's rated to 300lbs capacity.
It looks like it'd be a perfect boat to throw in the bed of the truck.

It comes with oars (aluminum/plastic), a net, 10lb anchor, 1 padded swivel seat, a pair of rodholders, and a few odds and ends. It's an older boat, but does not seep/leak. No damage or repairs, but the paint is old and well worn.
Is $200 worth it?

Second, would this be a bit small/tipsy for 2 persons?
Between my girlfriend and I, we'd be pushing 330lbs...plus another 30-40 for tackle and gear--so we're exceeding what the capacity plate states by 60-70lbs.
We'd be using it for small, fairly shallow area lakes (1 to 5acres in size, 10-25ft deep).

The guy selling it claims he's had 400lbs in it several times, and not worried much about it (he himself weighs 310lbs)...and I should be fine for the type of fishing I'm looking to do...but then again, he's just trying to sell me a boat!

Obviously, the extra weight will have it riding low...but I'm not worried about chop, wake, etc. in these small ponds/lakes.

All input it welcomed (and encouraged!) :D
Thanks!
-Brett
 
Welcome Brett! I wouldn't hesitate to use it on smaller waters, where boat wake isn't going to be an issue. I'd also make an effort to keep weight down to a minimum when it came to gear.

I've seem 10'ers rated from 275-325 pounds. If it's worth it to you to pay $200 for it, then I say it's worth it. You might be able to find one alittle cheaper without the extras you mentioned, unless you needed them as well.

ST
 
I've been watching yard sales, boat shows, newspapers, craigslist, etc....trying to get a grasp on what's available and what I should expect to pay.

Around here it's VERY difficult to find a boat under $350...
Even 15+ year old, repaired/faded/cracked 8ft livingstons are selling for $300 give or take. 12ft. V-hull boats, in need of serious repair, are also selling for $300+...I guess that's just part of the market for my area (Pacific N/W).

Thanks!
 
Agree - offer the $175.00 and keep looking for a 12 foot boat - A little wider and more stable which will add to your fishing fun.

Take a search for the boat caddies that some of the members have made - a set of bike rims and a frame and you can drag that boat anywhere

Welcome to the site - where are you fishing?
 
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