WANTED - Shallow Draft flats boat 18-23'

Post by **illinoisfisherman** » March 4th, 2007, 11:54 am

When we come down in April, I hope to locate a good deal on a large shallow draft flats boat to bring up here. My dad is 81 and I need something he can move around in a little so he stays comfortable. We go up a shallow river that runs into the Illinois for white bass, walleye and sauger so the boat needs to draw little water. It does not have to be fast. We were looking at some 23' carolina skiffs (probably because they tend to be less expensive) but the ones that were listed on two forums do not look like they are shallow draft.

Thank you for any leads, Ken

Post by **MudDucker** » March 5th, 2007, 12:14 pm

There is no better shallow draft boat than the one I've got for sale on here. 18 foot Gator Trax.

Post by **illinoisfisherman** » March 6th, 2007, 10:41 am

Mudducker, No matter what I do I can not get a picture of that boat from the link. Thank you, Ken

RiverRunner · Post by **RiverRunner** » March 6th, 2007, 12:22 pm

The pics are a little small, but at least you'll get an idea before he e-mails them to you.

http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=1 ... Gator+Trax

Post by **MudDucker** » March 6th, 2007, 2:04 pm

illinoisfisherman wrote:Mudducker, No matter what I do I can not get a picture of that boat from the link. Thank you, Ken

Easiest way is to send me a PM with your email address and I'll send you some pictures.

There are larger pictures in the classified section of the Georgia Waterfowler board at:

http://www.georgiawaterfowler.com/forum ... m.php?f=17

then select the particular message about my boat.

Post by **illinoisfisherman** » March 7th, 2007, 12:46 pm

Mudducker, We finally got to see some pictures. I have only seen one motor like that up here. Do they have reverse?

Post by **MudDucker** » March 7th, 2007, 2:06 pm

illinoisfisherman wrote:Mudducker, We finally got to see some pictures. I have only seen one motor like that up here. Do they have reverse?

No sir, no gears and no reverse. Just has a clutch to give it a neutral and a forward.

Post by AJ » March 8th, 2007, 12:39 am

What do you consider "shallow draft", 6", 12"? Many bay boats draft 12" and would suit your needs well. If you need less than that you might want to consider aluminum.

My $.02

Post by **illinoisfisherman** » March 8th, 2007, 10:12 am

I suppose that a 12" draft would work. I was thinking fiberglass with a wider beam for stability so dad can move around, his legs cramp. My brother poles all over with a 16' Carolina Skiff bow fishing, but it is too small and uncomfortable to take dad fishing in.

Mudducker, I would have to say that boat would not work for me. It is usually only my dad and myself out fishing. He's 81 and I'm pushing 60 and I am by no means of great physical shape. We get in some tight and narrow spots. The lack of reverse could present a problem. Thank you for your response any way. - Ken

Post by AJ » March 8th, 2007, 5:02 pm

What about a small (16') pontoon boat. I fished the flats with an older fellow one time who had one. He had two swivel seats on the bow with a foot controled trolling motor and a large canopy and a 40hp outboard. It was very comfortable and surprisingly manuverable with the large trolling motor ( I think it was a 94 lb ). You could've easily fished five people out of that boat, it must have been 7' wide.

Post by **illinoisfisherman** » March 8th, 2007, 7:52 pm

What kind of water do those pontoon's draw? That may be an answer.

Post by AJ » March 8th, 2007, 10:05 pm

I'm not sure but the one I fished on could not have been more than 10 or 12".

Who on here owns a pontoon? JT are you out there?

Post by **wevans** » March 10th, 2007, 10:58 am

Ours drafted around 10 inches with a decent load on her

this is a sweet setup on this one

http://www.csoutboard.com/G3BOATS/G3%20 ... 20FISH.htm

What a mess · Post by **What a mess** » March 11th, 2007, 2:04 pm

You had said that you would like to buy a boat I have a 2380 carolina skiff center console with a 120 johnson on the back.

She'll do 38 mph and has both front rear casting platforms, a live well 24 volt bow mount hand controlled saltwater trolling motor and is on a trailor that has new lights bearings and springs.

Turn key boat ready to go fishing today needs nothing.

It can get in a puddle or run out a little.

We have caught many trout reds cobia spanish and pink mouth grunts black bass on this boat.

Fish one or two and be lonley or I have fished six.

Four is very comfortable.

I do not need to sell this boat I don't have another one ordered or any of that stuff however I would consider a reasonable offer.

It is what the guides use at Spring Warrior.

Please no low ball goofy offers.

229-563-0604 cell phone

Post by **illinoisfisherman** » March 15th, 2007, 9:28 am

What a Mess , What year is that boat & motor? It sounds just like two that were for sale on the other forum but you have a Johnson. Thank you, Ken

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WANTED - Shallow Draft flats boat 18-23'

WANTED - Shallow Draft flats boat 18-23'

Wanted 23' boat