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BUYING BETTER BOATS

© Louis Bignami

It's clear that many anglers spend more than they need for boats and aquatic gear. Buying the wrong boat type, "turkey" models in a class, or used junkers wastes far too much money. I learned this the hard way, and learned more than I wanted to know about dry rot when I bought a "bargain" wooden sailboat from a high school classmate and discovered the dubious joys of dry rot, mildewed sails and sprung planks. If smart sailors learn from their mistakes, it's quite certain that the smartest sailors learn from those of others. So here's a start.

I've reviewed boats over three decades for magazines like Lake-Land Boating and Bay & Delta Yachtsman. Hulls in the last test batch ranged from 16-foot open fishing skiffs up to 30-foot power cruisers, and included both fishing boats and exotic designs such as a 23-foot offshore racing boat that hit 70 knots with four aboard through three- to four-foot chop. My own flotilla has run through inflatables, folders, canoes and skiffs now that we've moved away from salt chuck.

To start, realize premium boats cost more than those with similar length, lower quality hulls. However, the difference may shrink if you check the options not included on other craft. Premium boats use an extremely sturdy hull with the best possible combination of materials, then set a price.

Some boat manufacturers aim at a price and then build the biggest hull with minimal quality. Craft in the latter class might suit flat water, or those who only boat a few times a year. But if you fish open ocean, or boom a bass or ski boat at 60 knots two or three times a week, quality costs less per hour because resale values stay high and repair costs remain low.

Boats must, of course, match the intended use. Open offshore fishing skiffs suit those who fish open or rough water and stand and cast out the day. Those who want to laze in comfort enjoy the benefits of cuddy cabins. So hull choice is yours.

One thing seems certain: boaters always lust for more boat than they can afford! How much can you spend for the boat, trailer, motor and options package? Don't compare apples and oranges. Some manufacturers "fill every hole" in the dash; others package hulls, trailers, motors and electronics. Others sell bare hulls and let boaters add what they like.

To start, don't overlook skiffs, inflatables, canoes or kayaks as sheltered water fishing craft. Such small boats may be all you need. However, if you want to fish bays or spend more time afloat in more comfort, look for more boat.

The copyright of the article BUYING BETTER BOATS in Fishing is owned by Louis Bignami. Permission to republish BUYING BETTER BOATS in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.