I'm getting ready to look into a 16'+ flat-bottom sled w/motor. I should be able to spend about 6k. I've never owned a boat before, so I'm soliciting comments and opinions from the peanut gallery.

Your input is appreciated.

Get a prop, fish the salt.

Theres a pretty good looking 16' sled in the classifieds on this board. But there asking a little more than you wanted to spend. $8000

Never owned a boat you say..... have I've got a deal for you!

Seriously, before you buy anything you need to hook up with someone with a lot of experience with boats and boat motors. Someone that will give you an unbiased opinion.

6k should buy you a nice boat with a very reliable motor. Personally, I'd like to see a new or almost new motor on the back of the boat. An older boat with scratches or dings can still be a great fishing boat, but if the motor isn't reliable the thing is useless. Put the bulk of the 6k into the motor!

You should go fishing with as many guys as possible to see what their boats are like.

I agree with ET and Easy Limits.

An older boat with a newer (reliable) engine is much better than the other way around.

As EL said, go out with as many people as possible on as many types of boats as possible. Heck, hang out at the ramp for an afternoon and ask questions. Generally people love talking about their boats. As soon as you start riding around in a other people's boats you start developing opinions.

Thanks for the replies. All your points are well taken, even the one about getting a prop and fishing the salt. That'll require me to address the ministry of finance (wife) upon my golden kneepads. For now, I have been cleared for a river boat. The salt boat will have to come later.

I am also interested in the brand names of the boats and motors. Reliability, quality, and maintenance are something I am interested in.
I don't know that many guys with boats to ride in, and I am pretty much set on getting something I can ride on shallow water in.

I can’t agree more with the advice of talking to as many boat owners as you possibly can, And also with the advice of put the bulk of your cash in the motor. I have a 2002 13' Boston whaler with a merc 40 HP 2 stroke. I love the boat and it works well in a wide variety of situations. You’re welcome to fish with me any time or just come for a ride. I am in Redmond.
My last advice NO boat can do everything!

One question I have for you is why do you want to go with a flat bottom boat?? The
sides are not as deep as a vee or semi-vee bottom boat. I have a 15ft Smoker Craft with a
40hp 2 stroke Yamaha pump and it has been
ervery where!! From the big rivers to the smaller ones without missing a step.I can run in very shallow water also!! Just something to
think about.If you have any questions just ask away!!

Billy Bob-
The decison on getting a new or used boat can depend on a variety of reasons and $$ being probably the #1 factor...
There are some great new boats out there. I bought a new Crestliner and love it- I know that is an entirely different type of boat than what you are looking for but the reasons are very much the same in determining what to do in regards to New vs Used. The biggest problem with a used is finding a darn good one. The best reason for a new one is the warranty that comes along with the boat and more importantly ...the MOTOR!
Good luck!

Mac

BillyBob - I have a friend that bought a flat bottom riverboat and while he fishes the river hard, that and some lakes are all he can cover. The reason is freeboard; most sleds just don't have enough freeboard to keep out some of what Puget Sound can throw at you. That and the flat bottom will beat you up when traveling at speed.

I bought a used 14' Duroboat and 16hp Suzuki many years ago. I keep the engine tuned and it runs great. Still have the boat today but I want to point out that I've taken it on lakes, rivers and yes, even Puget Sound. With the exception of some heavy weather, it's as close to an all around boat as you can find. Now, before anyone goes and says anything, Duroboat isn't the only maker of quality open fishing boats. Alumacraft, Smokercraft, etc. all make excellent boats. My point is that the sled will confine you while a more general-purpose fishing boat will get you and family/friends to more places. Something to consider.

Blue Duck,
Yes them Duroboats are pretty good. I have a 1996 15' with a 1997 25 hp merc and have never had a problem. Use it mostly in the sound but it has been in many lakes and been in some rivers too. I have had it in some pretty rough water and it does real well for a small boat. I just wish they would make there 16'er with a windshield. I would buy one in a second.

Billybob, there is an 18' Alumiweld Flat Bottom w/115hp Merc. tiller at 3 Rivers right now for $6k+. I have no idea what the age is on any part of it, but it might be worth looking at unless someone else here has already nixed it and will comment.

It's good to have friends.
It's better to have freinds with boats!

WATCH OUT FOR NETS!!!!!

Hey GutZ,

So what you're saying is, if I get a boat, I might get some friends too?

SkyWalker- thanks, that sounds like just what the Doctor ordered. I'm going to call them on it.