19' - 20' CC Used Fishing Boat Advise Wanted

[JRHunt]

This will be my first boat. I will be retiring in two years, don't have any experience in power boats and most of my fishing will be solo. I'm an old pilot and used to sail quite a bit so I'm not concerned with weather, navigation. It's things like trailers, putting it in and out, engines, etc. I do know I need freeboard, a kill switch, and a boarding ladder. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[gf2020]

2 days ago, I would have said look at my boat! However, I just accepted an offer on my McKee Craft 196.

I would check out this boat:

http://reel-time.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54326

It is a very simple, no frills fishing boat that will be economical to operate and easy to use.

There are several local groups that can help you out. I would look in to the Merrimack River chapter of the US Power Squadron:

http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin/fclass.cgi?QMerrimac_River

A few of the chapter officers actually live in Hampstead. You may know Dexter Hyland who runs the State Farm insurance office in town.

[CMP]

Congrats on yer impending retirement! Here's your boat and it's only a couple towns away in Stratham!!!

http://www.reel-time.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55218

CMP

[Ken Buke]

Trailering...Sunday (rain, crappy day) take it to an industrial park and play. Then take it to the ramp and practice.

There are some things more stressfull than the ramp when it is busy, but not much....
Don't try this on Sun afternoon in july, it won't be pleasent...
If you are alone, get some guide posts for the trailer...Makes trailering a snap.

Boating: Color mapping GPS. The first few trips in a new harbor...pricless. You already know not to rely on electronics in salt...

[pelkins]

Few thoughts for you.

1) Dont get a fixer upper boat like I did. You will spend more time fixing than boating. If you buy a two stroke engine, get a recent model year with direct injection. they are much more efficinet than old carbed 2 strokes.

2) Do get a roller trailer. Having used both, I find rolllers are easier when trailering solo.

3)Spend as much as you can on a nice GPS and chip for your area. They are worth there wait in gold when you get stuck in fog etc...unless you have radar which can be tricky on a smaller boat

4) Consider your safety gear carfully. THere are many steps that go well beyond requirements and are not hard to implement. If you search this forum, you will find great info on carrying a ditch bag and backup equipment for instance. thehulltruth dot com is a great web site for all things boating.

5) As stated above, when you get started go at off peak times so you are not rushed at the ramp. Just go slow the first few times, and dont forget the plug! and yes, i have....

Have Fun!

[gf2020]

I have a Paker18 for sale 2004 with Yamaha 115 4 stroke low hours on a EZ-Loader full roller trailer...selling for $18,800.00


That's a good deal right there!