Choosing a Boat

[submoa]

Lots of questions. I have an 18.5' walk through windshield with an open bow. It's used pretty much solely as a fishing boat. I like the full windshield as the mornings in UT are cold, your passengers as well as yourself will appreciate the ability to have the wind blocked when you're moving. It does take up some critical fishing space but the trade off is well worth it in my opinion. I have a 115 2 stroke primary and a 5 hp 2 stroke kicker. I would make the kicker a 9.9 4 stroke (just a safety precaution, would get me in if my primary died even in the wind, four stroke because it would be nice not to hear that kicker running like I do) and get as big a primary motor as the boat you buy will allow. If a wind storm comes up you want to be able to get off before you're riding 3 footers in to the launch. I would look at a lot of boats before you buy. Mine is a 96 Starcraft deep V. I fish primarily the Gorge and the wind can be on you before you know it, I've been in some rough water and feel pretty safe in it. I am not a risk taker however, if it's not good weather I'll roll the ATV's out instead of the boat.

Six passengers is a lot of people on a fishing boat, mine is only rated for five people total.
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