First boat recommendations!

[CoastalPirate]

For about 2 years I've been fishing out of a 10' pelican bass raider in freshwater and now im ready to upgrade to a freshwater/saltwater boat. Do any of y'all have any recommendations for a $5000 budget or less beginner boat. I'm looking to have the money saved up by June. Areas I'm interested in using it would be Ocklochnee river/ bay, Talquin, Alligator harbor, and the St. Marks area. From what I've researched on the site a 14' foot Jon boat seems the way to go but their are also safety concerns. All help and advice is appreciated!!!

[mpa_72001]

With your budget you may wanna look for a good used one or check out mikes marine in panacea u may be able to get a 15 ft g3 for near your your budget with a 25 yamaha.

[slowroller]

I fished all over those places and many more in a 1448 g3 with a 15hp. Good stable boat and cheap to operate and maintain.

[bigphishy]

both of those guys nailed it, right now there are some great deals on the express boats at Jack's Boats and Trailers, Inc. Perry, FL (850) 584-2162. give em' a shout!

[jsy]

I have a G3 1448 with a 25 hp 4 stroke Yamaha and trailer for sale.
You can call me at 926-5876.

[piratediver850]

The jon boat it the way to go. I fish out of an alumacraft 1648 w/ yamaha 25. Can make it all over the flats 3 trips on the 6 gallon tank. Simple setup 12v acc. Only thing i do over is go welded. 3 yrs later and rivots are needing repairs

[CoastalPirate]

JSY ,as of right now I don't have the money at all. That's why I said by June I will have it saved up. Wish I had the money right now! Appreciate the help guys!

[FUTCHCAIRO]

ANOTHER BOAT THAT IS A GREAT BAY, FLATS BOAT IS THE LOWE


















ANOTHER GOOD BAY, FLATS BOAT IS THE LOWE'S 16-18 FT. ALUM. BAY BOAT, THESE ARE GREAT FOR FREASH OR SALT AS LONG AS YOU BACK INTO FRESH WATER AFTER YOU BEEN IN THE SALT. I HAVE A 18 FT. STARCRAFT ALUM. THAT WAS BUILT BY FORD MTR. CO., HAS RIVETS AND 24 INCH GUNNELS OR SIDES, HAVE A 85 H.P. V-4 EVINRUDE WITH ABOUT 5000 HRS ON IT , PUSHES MY STARCRAFT ALONG ABOUT 50 MPH AT 2/3RDS THROTTLE WITH 3 FISHERMEN AND GEAR ON BOARD. THIS STARCRAFT IS A GREAT BOAT, BOAT AND MOTOR ARE 1985 YR. MODELS AND I HAVE NOT HAD A MINUTES TROUBLE OUT OF EITHER.
PA
SEMPER FI

[CoastalPirate]

Thank you Futch! Craigslist is ripe with 14' Jon's however a 17' is more up my alley. I'm looking to have enough space so that 2 people (wife) can fish comfortably. Alum looks like the way to go for a beginner.

[bman]

We fished out of a 14foot john for years.

Welded boats are great but don't overlook the riveted ones.
They may leak a little over time but they are light and a lot less expensive.
Get a $20 bilge pump and go fishing!


Also, I cant say enough about a Carolina Skiff j-16
We had one with a 30hp that ran about 25mph, was stable and got SHALLOW.
Yea you cringe when the fiberglass hits an oyster bar but thats fishing.

[Badbagger]

As noted, look around Craigslist and you WILL find what you are looking for. Broaden your search with searchtempest.com and go say 300 miles outside of Tally give or take. Lot's a decent size boats are always there and deals to be had, just found a great deal on an 18' SeaArk myself on Craiglist. Will take time and effort to search and may well take a good while but DON'T give up!

[FUTCHCAIRO]

YEA, THOSE SEA ARK ARE GREAT BOATS, THE FWC HAS ABOUT A DOZEN OF THEM, SOME UP TO 22 FT. THEY ARE STRONG AND WELL BUILT. ONE OF MY X BOYSCOUTS IS HEAD HONCHO WITH FWC AND HE SWEARS BY THE SEA ARK. YA CAN STAND ON THE TOP OF THE GUNNEL AND SHE DOES NOT GO DOWN OVER AN INCH.
PA
SEMPER FI

[SS-342]

Go to: carolinaskiffowners.com and look over their website.

[Badbagger]

YEA, THOSE SEA ARK ARE GREAT BOATS, THE FWC HAS ABOUT A DOZEN OF THEM, SOME UP TO 22 FT. THEY ARE STRONG AND WELL BUILT. ONE OF MY X BOYSCOUTS IS HEAD HONCHO WITH FWC AND HE SWEARS BY THE SEA ARK. YA CAN STAND ON THE TOP OF THE GUNNEL AND SHE DOES NOT GO DOWN OVER AN INCH.
PA
SEMPER FI

I've got to agree. My 19' G3 is a very well made boat and no complaints. However, looking at them side by side in the yard the SeaArk is a different animal or I should say tank.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

A TANK FOR SURE, THEY ARE RUGGED BOATS.
PA
SEMPER FI