Ultimate Utah fishing boat.

[dubob]

I’m currently a bank/floatuber.  I fly fish, spin fish, worm fish. I just love fishing. I am saving for a fishing boat in the next few years. I’m curious what fishermen who have boats think would be a great boat. I want to be able to hit Willard, Mantua, Strawberry, Flaming Gorge. Price is relevant but I can buy used. More interested in length, motor size, brands to get or avoid. Gas trolling motor for trolling and electric bow? Full windshield or not. Bass boats (flat shallow hull) don’t do well when the chop kicks up so they are out. Don’t think I need twin screw 250 hp out boards but how much is enough? I had a 16 foot Crestliner with a 50hp outboard. I loved that boat but it was a little small and slow.  I have an idea what I’d like, but I want to hear what the “pros” think.

I have owned several boats and the one thing I can tell you for sure is this: you WILL want to have the maximum hp motor your boat is designed to handle.  My previous boat was a 16ft, deep-v Tracker with a 75 Merc Optimax outboard that I ran for 11 years.  The MAX hp for that boat was 90 hp.  I was sorry for not getting the 90 hp motor 2 months into ownership of that boat.  My current boat is a ThunderJet 185 Explorer with a 150 Merc 4-stroke which is the MAX hp for that model.  Happy, Happy, Happy with the overall performance.  I run about 3/4 throttle 98% of the time when conditions warrant (no wind).  But having the extra power when NEEDED is very comforting.  And you will just have to trust me on this - there WILL come a time when you NEED it.

In no particular order,

Good Boats: Lund, Crestliner, Tracker, etc.

Better boats: ThunderJet, Duckworth, Hewes, North River, etc.

All can be found used on the Net.  When you have a choice between similar products with different motor sizes that are within your budget limits, I recommend that you prioritize motor size first.  If buying new, the first added item to the boat should be the MAX motor for that hull. Then add the other frills until you hit your budget limit.

Good luck in your search and good fishing after the new ride is a reality.

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I'm sure he'll consider that advice when he fishes in Utah's ocean.

Yes - our 'ocean' can be very treacherous.