looking for input on a new boat

[mikejonestkd]

Good day all,

I have recently retired and am looking to get back on the water for salmon trolling next year. 

I do have a good amount of experience fishing Ontario years ago with my father in a 16.5' long x 72" beam x 20" transom aluminum boat, knowing that we had to very carefully pick and choose the days that we could venture offshore. It was ok, but far from ideal. 

 

Now that i have the time i want to get back out there, but I have one constraint - my tow vehicle is rated for 3500lbs, so larger boats are out of the question. I'd like to max out at about 2800 lbs total weight for boat, trailer, gas and gear.

I am looking at boats like the lund 1800 explorer sport and similar ones from crestliner, lowe, and alumacraft.

I really only need room for 2 or 3 people in the boat.

 

 

So, i have two questions:

1. if i am careful and pick my days to be out on the water, will I be OK in an 18' boat? since i am retired, I am OK with calling a trip off and going later that week if the lake is uncooperative. I only live 15 minutes from sandy creek.

2. what would be a recommendation for a decent boat that may be overlooking in my search? Id rather have a top quality boat that is just right sized with a great layout, than a bigger boat of questionable reliability/ quality

 

 

many thanks

mike

[HB2]

I have an 18 ft Alumacraft Trophy walk thru  and I love it . 

 

115 4 stroke 

8 hp kicker and control king ( makes the boat ) 

 

I have a convertible top with side curtains which saves the day sometimes . 

 

Great in the water on semi rough days . Great on gas . Kicker sips it . 

 

Trailers good . I don't know if it exceeds you weight threshold . 

[LongLine]

Been using an 18 ft'r for years.  Only suggestion I'd make is to make sure you have plenty of depth. I.E. from floor to top of gunnel should go well (way) above your knee. 

[mikejonestkd]

Thanks for the responses!!!

I wish I could tow a larger/ deeper boat like a lund fisherman, smoker craft phantom, or alumacraft trophy but they all are well over my safe towing capacity.

am i foolish to think I could be safe and comfortable in a boat like a 1800 explorer?

 

[Big fat pike]

11 hours ago, mikejonestkd said:

Good day all,

I have recently retired and am looking to get back on the water for salmon trolling next year. 

I do have a good amount of experience fishing Ontario years ago with my father in a 16.5' long x 72" beam x 20" transom aluminum boat, knowing that we had to very carefully pick and choose the days that we could venture offshore. It was ok, but far from ideal. 

 

Now that i have the time i want to get back out there, but I have one constraint - my tow vehicle is rated for 3500lbs, so larger boats are out of the question. I'd like to max out at about 2800 lbs total weight for boat, trailer, gas and gear.

I am looking at boats like the lund 1800 explorer sport and similar ones from crestliner, lowe, and alumacraft.

I really only need room for 2 or 3 people in the boat.

 

 

So, i have two questions:

1. if i am careful and pick my days to be out on the water, will I be OK in an 18' boat? since i am retired, I am OK with calling a trip off and going later that week if the lake is uncooperative. I only live 15 minutes from sandy creek.

2. what would be a recommendation for a decent boat that may be overlooking in my search? Id rather have a top quality boat that is just right sized with a great layout, than a bigger boat of questionable reliability/ quality

 

 

many thanks

mike

Should be just fine in an 18' 
What is the budget before anyone suggests boat recommendations ?

[MCF]

Any of the deep V aluminum products from Lund, Crestliner, Starcraft, Alumacraft etc in the 17-18 range will fit your criteria.  In the past I have owned a 17 and 18 aluminum and had no issues with using them.   Just have to pick your days.