[Jason in Aurora]

I'm looking to buy my first boat and wonder if anyone has any tips for me about how research/ make sure I'm getting a good deal.  It seems like the smaller Aluminum don't always have a lot of specifics in the ads.

 

[iron chef]

you can check Kelly Blue Book Boat on line, but make sure you put the package together, boat, trailer, and outboard, and make sure everything has a vin number on it somewhere so you dont have any other problems down the road

 

[McFish]

Above all else make sure the capacity meets your needs.

 

[Nawanda]

Aurora:

Keep in mind that Colorado is some days very windy. I didn't grasp that when I got my 14' aluminum. I'm sure glad I didn't think about "economy" and buy anything smaller. Some of the reservoirs here will generate 3 foot breakers, and it might have been a flat calm when you set out earlier.

If you power your boat with trolling motor & batteries, you've got a different situation than if you're putting a gas engine on. Which are you going after?

 

[Jason in Aurora]

I figure I will probably use the electric motor most often. I was planing on a 14', but I saw the one here thats 12' for a pretty good price. ($450=boat, trailer, electric trolling motor, 7.5 hp engine,)

 

[NeWcS]

You may also want to look at www.iboats.com, That is where I found my boat.


-Jay

 

[Nawanda]

Okay. Sounds good. Just remember you cannot use a gas engine @ Aurora Res and a few others. Make sure the trailer tires have no weather rot. That might save some bucks.

 

[Guest]

If you can, try to get a 14' at least. I have a 12' thats fully rigged, if you add all your gear and one other person it's about maxed out for weight. When the 2-3 foot waves start it's no longer fun, it's outright scary! I'm upgrading to a 16' as soon as I find one.

 

[Zman]

They are right...I have a 14 Lund Rebel and sometimes I wish it were a 16...but Lunds are pretty deep and do well in waves...my advice is if it doesnt have a trailer with LED lights buy a kit and switch them immediately...my bulbs on my shorelander used to drive me nuts...they would get hot and pop when submerged even though they arent supposed to...nothing worse than fishing all day and leaving the lake late and having to mess with tail lights...

 

[McFish]

Switched to LED and it was the best move ever.

 

[Bronco]

Make sure she floats , take anything used to a nearby lake and run it hard to make sure it does what you are being told.

 

[Nawanda]

zman,

Maybe you could shoot me an e-mail sometime? I've be happy to compare notes with you.

 

[idratherbfishing]

I know what you mean about the lights shattering. I would have to replace a bulb every couple of trips. Rather than spend the money on LEDs I just started to unplugging my lights before backing into the water. Have not replaced a light since. I will wait to replace the lights until the next time I smash a light on a dock.

Dan

 

[Zman]

Some of us still forgot to do that half the time...

 

[idratherbfishing]

Some of us still forgot to do that half the time...

Like I never forget to unplug them! Thats why I keep spare bulbs in the boat!

Dan