If a guy wanted to get a new aluminum boat say 12 feet to haul gear and go across the lake and fish. What would be a sturdy brand? And what size motor what I need 10 hp? Any other suggestions I’d love to hear them.
S.

To go across the lake to fish, buy a used boat in good condition. Don't worry too much about brand, but more about condition. 10 hp 4-stroke should be plenty, but it depends on the boat's weight and design. Observe the boat builder's recommendation.

Good advice on a good, older used one. The old ones were made from virgin aluminum and the new ones are made from recycled aluminum. Our Canada camp owner buys every older Lund S16 that he can find because they are way more resistant to damage and leaking. There are lots of upside down old Lund and Alumacraft boats in the cabin lots up north here. Those two brands won’t be the lightest boats out there, but very durable.

How big is the lake? To cross a 100 acre lake is a different thing than crossing a 50,000 acre lake. I don't want to cross large open bodies of water in a 12' boat with a 10 hp motor.

Gregor with the right 4 stroke for the job.

I have an older sears 14 inch v hull aluminum boat with a 9.9 hp mercury 4 stroke. does about 15mph. Even a v-mod jon boat or soething similar seems like it would work for your needs.

This.

I would assume neither does the OP and has asked about a small boat/10hp because that makes sense for the lake he's worried about.

Had excellent luck/experience with Lund and Alumnacrafts - often see similar boats in guide operations in nowhere Canada.

If that's the case, would a nice john boat also suffice? Smaller lake it wouldn't take much.

No disrespect to the OP, but I don't assume much on the Internet or around any body of water. Hang around any lake or river and the things ya see occasionally can be ... interesting to say the least.

The downside of a jon is they beat the hell out of you in any measurable amount of chop. I've got a little 1236 jon. It's a great small river and creek boat, not so great for any lakes much bigger than a highway pond on a day with wind of any significance.

I live on Lake Michigan - I've seen some things that defy belief. I get it.

Agreed.

I'd also stick with lund and a alumacraft, while i'm at it fug the 12' chit and get atleast 14' so if the wind comes up. Sooner or later you'll be in a position that 3 want to go and 12 is 1 man 1 dog boat..
Mb

The Gregor 13'6" is in a class by itself.

I have a Gregor 15’6” that I bought a few years ago. If the 13’6” is cut from the same cloth it’s a great boat, mine is the best boat I’ve ever owned.

I mention the Gregor 13'6" because of personal experience with one and because it seems the ideal size for someone starting out who will surely face some wind waves crossing a lake. High bow, good V, unsinkable, roomy for its size, all welded construction, extremely seaworthy, easily manageable by a lone fisherman.

This is good advice.... Valco is a similar brand worth considering

That one is identical to mine save the length. ^^^ The best $1200 I’ve ever spent on fishing gear.

I’m not positive because I’ve never owned one but weren’t the Valcos riveted?

Good boat you have there. And your fishing pal.
I know the Gregors are all welded.

Haven't heard a word back from the OP. Hope he isn't hung up on the boat ramp.

He solicitated advice and got it. If he don't like it that is his problem. I been buying aluminum boats for awhile ,I could use a 12' and a 18' to round out my collection. Never have seen the Gregors around here I'm in solid Lund and Alumacraft country. Others like Mirrocraft , Starcraft, Sylvan, Lowe, G-3, Northwoods are also noted. Those guys and their comments about rough riding Jon boats are spot on. When I get around to buying a 12' foot v hull it will be cheap priced or I'll walk, like I said their utility is limited. I like canoes to made out of aluminum, Grumman specially a 15' double end, a 17' dbl end, and a sq stern 17'. Also have a 17' Lund dbl end , am looking for a 19' aluminum freighter canoe with the wide square stern for an outboard. Anybody know of a Grumman sport boat or a Lund Snipe for sale I'm all ears ...mb (fug jo bitme isn't talking of banning boats yet)...mb

Yeah, I love my little 1236 jon, but a lake boat it is not. Even just out on a river on a windy enough day you'll get bounced around from that little bit of chop.

No matter what the guy gets, it should definitely be a V for lake use.

Thanks for all the advice, the lakes are fairly bog up here in N Idaho and I don’t have any interest in a Jon boat for a lot of reasons. More or less a deep V with 10 or so horse. Was interested in good brands these days. A lot of good advice here!
S.

Smallfry,, when a guy lives in lake country it is easy to find a used boat. When you don't it's damn tough to come up with a good one at a reasonable price. Good luck boat hunting...mb

Gregor or Klamath, both welded not riveted. 8hp - 9.9hp would be a good fit for a 12' (I'd go bigger). Around here, anything more than 9.9hp requires a boating license.