Aluminum Boat Purchase - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

TAB95 · #1 10-20-2010, 07:55 PM

I am looking to buy an aliminum boat from 14' to 16'. My SUV has a tow limit of 3,500 lbs and I think this is the only option. I plan to launch in mostly freshwater but would make an occasional bay trip in NJ. I am looking at Duranautic, Lund and Tracker. I would mostly use the boat with 2 adults but would like to be able to haul a third. Any experiences with these boats?
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ASIANCOUGAR

Detour66 · #2 10-20-2010, 09:21 PM

I have owned Sea Nymph's and Star Craft aluminum boats ....I would have to say Star Craft's are the better of the two. Of the 3 brands you mentioned I would go with the Lund and buy one with a 20" transom....good luck!

Matt L · #3 10-21-2010, 02:59 PM

I have 14' alumacraft. Love it. Deep V, 20 hp motor with an aftermarket carb. GPS at about 22mph. Not sure what your budget is but the most economical way to do it is probably buy an older boat and get a newer motor. You want no leaks obviously and a newer motor gives less to worry about. You can also redo the electric and floors or whatever else pretty easily. There is a thread on this board with a bunch of folks helping me do it.

2stroke vs 4 stroke - lots of different opinions there. I have a 2 stroke (means adding oil to the gas) supposedly they need more minor repairs, 4 stroke needs fewer but more expensive repairs. 2 stroke may have more power too....not sure

Then there is tiller vs steering wheel. I have a tiller and often wish for a wheel but the tiller does leave less that can go wrong. Basically a motor, fuel line and gas tank.

I would suggest the 16' as that two feet can make a bunch of difference. Also if you are going to use in freshwater, most lakes have a 9.9 hp limit which sux imo. You basically need two motors. I only have the 20hp and am very limited as to where I can go. However when the weather kicks up in SH bay, I can beat feet out of there.

With your tow capacity, you can go a lot bigger though. My 14', motor and gear is probably no more then 800lbs

JohnB · #4 10-22-2010, 02:28 PM

I generally prefer welded over rivoted. May as well go with the 16 for bay fishing.

TAB95 · #5 10-22-2010, 03:18 PM

I am definately going to go welded after some research. Some lakes do limit HP to 9.9 and that is a problem, just trying to get something with the most versability. Thanks for the responses
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WELLBUTRIN SICKNESS

Matt L · #6 10-25-2010, 08:09 PM

You can often find a 9.9 pretty cheap in craigslist. Use as a second motor. They can weight around 100 lbs and can be put on and off pretty easily as needed. Very common motor and often have low use due to use as a kicker only. Tough knowing who to trust since every motor for sale usually says low hours though...lol

fishpro28 · #7 10-28-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAB95

I am definately going to go welded after some research. Some lakes do limit HP to 9.9 and that is a problem, just trying to get something with the most versability. Thanks for the responses

Versatility....you can do what I did. I bought a 17ft Starcraft CC with a 48hp evenrude. When I go to RV or Spruce Run I put my 9.9 Johnson kicker engine on. The 9.9 is a tiller with electric start and uses the same fuel fitting. You could do a duel motors with remote steering and stuff but it can get expensive.