Boat Fever???

[TScottO]

What kind of boats do you all prefer for running lines. I’ve been in the mood real bad to buy a boat. I’m leaning towards a 15/48 Duracraft with a 25hp 4stroke Yamaha. I really prefer a flat front John type boat but I may be willing to give their “sov” model a try.

What’s yall’s favorite rig and why?

Take Care,
Scott

[John]

Sounds like you've got the right idea to me. I would go with the modified Vee.

[hillbill]

let us know how yu like that 4 stroke motor if you get it. im curious how they work out as far as power and reliability.

[TScottO]

I guess I’ll postpone buying a boat right this minute. I drove an hour and a half Friday to my closest Duracraft dealer. The boat and trailer, tax and all, was $3223.00. They guy would not come off the price even five bucks so I left. On the phone they said they would work on the price. I get there and they don’t budge one red cent. Three hours of drive time and two hours worth the looking and trying to buy a boat just to learn they lied to me to get me up there. Oh well, after I cool off I start looking again.

Any of you had this problem?

Take Care,
Scott

[hillbill]

oh i can beat that story, i was trying to buy a boat motor (50hp merc) from bass pro and was trying to get them to install it free instead of chargeing me for it. they wouldnt so i went to a dealer who would and purchased it. well 2 months later they had same motor hanging on the wall on closeout for bout 1800$ less than they were asking me.jeez what a bunch of boobs :shock:

[John]

TScottO, that really doesn't sound like a bad deal for a 1548 with a 25 horse four stroke and a trailer.

I paid about 1900 for a four stroke mercury about three years ago, and around 1400 for a 1448 Lowe. I didn't buy a trailer cause I already had one.

I wouldn't take less than 3000 for that boat, motor and trailer with a trolling motor on the nose now.

Maybe you should look for a used rig.

[outdoorman]

John, I don't think he was getting a motor for that price of $3000. Make no mistake about it Duracraft is the way to go if you get a jonboat.
I bought my Duracraft 1548 brand new from a Tenn dealership in 1996 and paid about 1700 just for the boat with live well and 3 deluxe seats.
Then I bought a trailer and a year old like-new 25hp Mercury outboard.  Unfortunately, I have'nt had it in the water as much as I like to.
Only 2-3x  each year so boat and motor's still like new. (To boot, I came across this kayak that I use in streams and small rivers) I do the basic annual maintenance and keep Duracraft covered. Been telling wife for 3 years about selling it but need to get off my rump and list it in boat trader.

[lmc]

Hi, i have a 14' xpress john boat and a 15 hp yamaha four stroke, let me tell you that i bought one of the first yamaha's that came out in four stroke and the first one burt up on me, and the second one i still have but i hate, they were both hard to get started and if you started then stopped it for a long time you had the same trouble again, take it from me go with a two stroke, as for the boat i love it, i would buy another in a heartbeat hope this helps.

[RF]

I had a 1448 Lowe (made sometime in the early 70s I think) with a 25 Johnson for many years. Eventually replaced the Johnson with a Nissan 25. Served me well for everything from running lines to bass fishing.  Built in livewell in the middle bench seat was a little small for the catfishing I eventually got into.

Now I'm running an 18' welded Voyager with that same 25 Nissan.  Wide open with no seats except the little front deck and the bench in the back.  Much better running lines without having bench seats to stumble around in the dark.  And the 18' boat performs better than the 14 did with the same motor, despite being a little heavier.

Still, that Lowe 1448 "Big Jon" was some boat.  Riveted construction, but would be bone dry even after spending an entire weekend in the water.  The Voyager probably isn't constructed half as well.

Anyone looking for a good used boat would do well to snatch one up if it comes along, and the size is right for you.  My son inherited mine, and I think it will probably still be out on a lake long after I'm gone.

[Questor]

It's so hard to say without knowing what you plan to do with it, and where. There are boats, motors, and trailers for most any conceivable niche, so your best bet is probably to look at rigs that others with your niche are using, then look at similar things with perhaps some improvements.

[suthincomfort]

14 foot al john boat (flat bottomed) with 10 hp motor is plenty on smaller rivers tom

[Duane]

I dont chase the bigguns I perfer to use light gear on channels and blues my best this year was a 12 lb blue on a abu 4600 spolled with 8 lb test on a medium to light action rod