Need help on selecting boat for BASS and BAY

[markd514]

I like bass and freshwater fishing in the area lakes of northeastern US and Canada, BUT I also love running the bay.

My bass boat is WAY too shallow for the bay, not too mention would look like an idiot out there in the bay...lol

I did not win the lottery, so I want to keep cost reasonable. I don't care about top speed, so that is not a concern. I would rather have a quick planning boat that has a smooth ride, and handles well (no porposing). 150 to 200hp would be good too.

I need to be able to fish from the front with a trolling motor, and it would be nice to be able to have a rear deck as well.

Used would be awesome. I see there are many new boats like skeeter that have boats like this but they are WAAAAAY overpriced IMHO.

Length about 19 to 22 foot. I want to keep it towable.

[roadkill636]

Ummmmmm therez about 129,306,485 to choose from for sale

[markd514]

Ummmmmm therez about 129,306,485 to choose from for sale

Thanks!
Now I can remove the post! lol

[roadkill636]

I being silly. Just literally thousands of boats that fit that discription. Kinda like asking for a 4 door car.

It all boils down to what you want to spend and whats avIlable in your area at the time for sale. Unless you have a boat costom made like i did. The one in my avatar i had made just for me with options that i wanted and others that i deleted.

[markd514]

I cant find anything that fits the bill that is not RIDICULOUSLY priced. Like 50k or more for a 19 foot boat is plain assinine.

[transomstand]

I don't care about top speed, so that is not a concern.

I knew there was something about this post I didn't like

Sounds like ya just need pretty much a center console, but I only know about boats and pancakes where top speed is a concern.

[markd514]

No. It has to be shallow like a flats boat and take a trolling motor and be able to stand fore and aft deck like bass boat.

[hometown45]

Look at an older Ranger 620VS.

[roadkill636]

I cant think of the member here that has that lime green flats with the gray decking and super sweet mota.... sombody will post a pic of it

[roadkill636]

Something like this?

[Varmint]

Do what i did, i decided i wanted a 21' with a pad and low profile deck, center console,i fish great lakes, and my 21' bassboat just was too rough, my p boat has short draft, and i fish alot of inland lakes too, i'm now getting rid of my bassboat, and keeping this one. Once i found a nice dry hull, i stripped it, shaved the handrails, had the Merc rebuilt fresh, ordered a new 36 volt MG xi5, all new rigging, and put her back together,

[thill]

A Parker 21SE with a 150 on the back only drafts 10". Very popular in this area, near the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac river, and many, many lakes and rivers.

I don't recommend a T- top. They interfere with casting, and when it's windy, they cause problems drifting and when using the troller. A good quality bimini top is better. Out of the way until needed.

I ended up with a 22 Offshore Bay. 10" draft, but a better ride than the Parker, and less HP to push. Mine does 38 with a little 115 Evinrude on the back. I LOVE this boat, and everyone always wants to use mine, rather than theirs, because of the intelligent layout. But these are rare boats. I have the only one I have ever seen. But there are others similar. Will post more later.

-TH

[thill]

Actually, my hull looks similar to the Paramount above, but it is white.

Wait... actually it doesn't. Mine has a deeper entry and much more flare. That is part of why it rides so soft and dry.

For what it's worth, a late 80's Mako 20 makes a very good all-around boat for lakes and bay.

I built one a few years back for resale, but fished out of it for most of the fall season because it was bottom painted, and I could leave it in a slip. It had a 2001 Yamaha 90 on the back, and that was a great little rig! I was actually sad when it sold to the first guy to look at it. He still calls on occasion to tell me he still loves it.

After that, several guys I've fished with have gotten Mako 20's, and I've noticed there aren't too many cheap ones on Craig's list anymore. I guess the secret is out.

-TH

[Varmint]

well,the t top doesn't affect the paramount at all,it still runs mid 60's,and the 105lb xi 5 motorguide,holds it on anchor lock in 30 mph winds,I have fished bass tournaments in it,and it floats in 10-12" of water no problems,the stepped pad,puts it on plane instantly,with 2 men and gear,I'll never go back to a conventional bass boat,the ability to run rough water on lake ontario is the best tradeoff. I put my 15hp merc pro kicker on it this year and I really like it for trolling all day.

[thill]

Wow, mid 60's is nice! And so is that boat.

I'm surprised your T- top doesn't slow you at all. That's a winner!

-TH