Hey all, looking to buy my first boat and need advice. I'm looking for a new boat to finance. Is there such a thing as a new $10,000 or so boat that an inexperienced owner could fish the Columbia, larger rivers and lakes with? Any particular boats or features to look for come to mind?

Thanks for any input ya might have.

Might want to "increase" the $10,000 to about double that......motor alone could be $10,000.

1. Don't under power the boat.

2. Might look at a used boat.....times are tough....might be a few "deals", out there.

3. The more "extra's you want", the higher the price.......windshield, top, good fish/depth finder, anchor system.....I mean the list could just go on and on.

4. 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke motors........both on big motor and "kicker" motor. I have Etech for big motor and Yamaha T8 for small, like both.

I also have a "River Wild"...custom made boat....it was built the way I wanted.....I don't fish the Columbia so a 17', with a 6' bottom was what I had built.

Good luck....

I once read some advice to a potential new boat owner, it went like this;

"Lock yourself in the bathroom all weekend and flush $100.00 bills down the toilet and if you still want to buy a boat on monday morning, well then your ready."

All kidding aside with some guidance there are lots of great used boat bargains out there, but you need to narrow your focus to find it.

Fishy

Parker might have some advice.

Your going to get a truck load of advice but for the 10k figure and the fishing you identified it will be a bit rough to fill. Simply put your in a used market, patience is required, and your going to have track the market and be ready when you spot one. As dealers go 3 Riv is reputable and going South PSU in Portland only does consignments on units in top condition. Here is one they have that is an example:

http://www.psunlimitednw.com/pre_owned_d...amp;veh=2770953

Good luck in the hunt.

You can find something in that price range but I would NOT be looking for NEW boats. Most Credit Unions will finance used boats from a private seller or dealer so don't assume you have to buy new and get the financing from the place that sold you the boat.

You'll quickly realize that all the "little stuff" you'll need for your boat will add up in a hurry. Which is all the more reason to get a "turn key" used boat with everyone already on/in it.

My 2 cents.

Good luck,
AP

With that price point, this is great advise.

Pretty tough for 10K. Probably have to go with an open bare bones boat if you want to buy new. Check out Gregors and Klamaths. They have a higher front for crashing waves if need be. Might have to go with a used motor though......

Here is an example:

http://boats.iboats.com/2010-17-gregor-angler/564871.html

+1 what everybody said. Used kicker motor for trolling, $800-$2K. Downriggers, $1000. Updated 2 battery marine system with switch, $500. VHF and antenna, $200. GPS/ fishfinder, $700. Then you have canvas, bilge pump, anchor systems, 2 stroke oil (if it's a 2 stroke), salt-b-gone, 303 protectant, Coast Guard requirements (flares, horn, etc.), and practical safety stuff like a "ditch bag" with handheld VHF, and so forth, and so on, and on, and on.

The market for used boats can be fierce for one that's a genuine good deal. Do your homework, have your cash in hand, and pull the trigger when you know it's the one. Good luck on joining the circus!

It all depends on how much boat you want. I've been adding to my boat since I got it in 2003 and haven't hit $10k yet, largely because I'm still using the used main outboard. But for less than that I've accumulated a used 50 hp outboard jet, and the rest new: 16' Lund, EZ loader trailer, 4 hp Yami kicker, depth/fish finder, anchor, CR anchor and 200' line, folding seats, Sawyer oars, PFDs, and more. The down side is I can't run in really rough water. The up side is that I don't really enjoy fishing in really rough water where I can barely tie on a new leader or stand up to net a fish.

A $10,000.00 boat ain't gonna get ya on the Bic C and other river's very safely=rough water like said above.Good luck,
SZ

And what Salmog missed, is he can launch it by himself, and off the beach if he chooses. Don't need big, Just pick your days

Yeah, but Sg uses a flasher with his fly rod. And you want to take his advice? .....I mean, Cmon!

Slab, you can put me on "ignore" if my posts are of no use to you. Your post suggests that you wouldn't know what to do with a fly rod if you had one, not that anyone's surprised by that.

This is totally do-able. I picked up a 17' jetcraft with a 65 Horse prop for well under $10k last year from one of the board members. I fish this boat in the Sound, in some rivers, and spent last week at Sekiu in some pretty rough water. You need to be smart about what day to go out in what water, and know what you are capable of handling- that comes with experience.

Go used, and be patient. You can find a boat completely outfitted and if you are mechanical and can handle some tinkering you can get yourself a killer deal.

Quote from an unknown source:
Take some advice from your grandpa - he paid cash for everything - the man was a genious

Kyle, I want my boat back!

Funny! No way my friend, that boat is getting some serious use! My kids love it, and my wife has rekindled her love of fishing.

No, I'm pretty sure any and all good/bad/indifferent advice has already been covered here!

But hey, when he does get a boat, dibs on the seat!

Like everyone said. Used instead of new. Just picked up this gem for $3k. Repowered her with a 50 horsepower yami 4 stroke for 4 k. Tadaaaaaaaaaa!



Pic is before new motor. Need some new electronics and will be golden.

Perfect starter boat! Next year or so you'll say to your sweetie, "ya know honey, we could take a lot more trips together (or camp with the kids, or go see Sea Fair, or have a neighborhood crab feed, etc., etc.) if we got that 20' North River..."