Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire You Need a Boat

Everybody needs a boat at least once in their life. A swimming pool too.

I think I'll make it without a swimming pool.

The greatest day in a former boat owners life is when they finally realize the wisdom of the following advice. " If it floats, flies, or phoques-rent it.". I learned it from P.J. O'Rourke's writings many years ago.

For the rivers 470 Solar Inflatable jet boat 50 hp Tohatsu jet



For salt and lakes 20 ft Kofler Bay Bee twin hondas Kayak rack removable and rod holder tired of losing rods and nets!

some people aren't meant to have boats. we love ours and usually use it a lot. this past year was crazy with the new job and the move but we still managed to make it out a few dozen times and won a tournament to boot. this year we'll be going out almost daily. all depends on where your priorities are. maintenance, shelter and a little TLC will do wonders for your boat and it isn't that hard. most people just don't know or don't care enough to do it.

If you don't start with a junker, keep it stored indoors, and perform basic maintenance, you shouldn't have any more problems than with an automobile.

I can't imagine life without my boat. If I was to sell it, I'd buy the same model and motor...so I won't be selling it at all. I've had it all over the Upper Midwest and moose hunting in Ontario twice. Limits of fish and limits of fun. If I close my eyes and look out the window at the river, I can hear my daughters and their friends screaming from the tubes its pulled.

Mine is a Ranger Reata 1850 with a Yamaha 150.

I listen to people bitching about their boats from time to time and wonder how bad their experiences must be. Mine's been fantastic.

or you could be crazy like me and prefer starting with a junker. I love giving old boats a new lease on life, and often times can make a little walking around money.
But your point is spot on for the majority. get something nice and keep it nice. It's no different than a pickup, a rifle, pair of boots or favorite knife. if it's nice, keep it nice. it's easier to maintain than to resurrect.

Those things certainly create a great deal of “friends”!

Valiant 42

We’ve had boat/boats since we’ve been married 42 years. We have a 22 Sea Boss and a 17 Sea Pro, both CC’s. I crappie fish and run some lines w the 17 and play, cruise, and fish w the 22. It has deep freeboard and the grands are real safe in it. Wife wouldn’t ever dream of driving a minivan...pontoons/tritoons are just not my thing. Besides, all the neighbors have them!
But I do all of my routine maintenance and to date it has been no issue.

I can't count the boats I've owned after being in the marine industry for over 30 years, but this is the only one that makes me happy.

Anyone have experience with a mini pontoon?
Property we bought is next to a high mountain lake and a small pontoon would seem to fit the bill.

Like

Just the ticket for trolling.

Duck hunting canoe is all I have ever had.

A sleeker Wenoah (sp?) would be nice.

When I relax I like to be far from engines and engine noise, personally.

Nice Spear!

I just let folks pay me to drive theirs around. Saves on overhead. 😉

Mirage,
I too was in the biz for about ten years or so. Boss from Cali had a Lavey Craft w 427/blower. I don’t know how fast it was but I’ve never seen it’s equal. That’s a gorgeous boat.

That is a good one! Now, I owned a hang glider for years, no maintenance, no motor to overhaul, that wasn't bad. But the ultralight. Lots of problems, engine maintenance etc. I had it two years and had some great times but when it was destroyed in a tornado, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Worn in 1988 Crestliner Mirage 160 Sportfish. 90HP 3 cylinder Merc poppin' every 120°. Minimal buy in. I don't feel bad when it bumps into the dock. Works great. Alumacraft Ducker for backup.