by Art Young

Created on: June 15, 2011

Most have heard the old adage about the best two days of boat ownership. The punch line is: “the day it’s bought and the day it’s sold.” A boat that’s purchased for fishing is often smaller than one of those giant sailboats or ocean cruising yachts and one would assume that these smaller boats would require fewer maintenance headaches. Before continuing this discussion, this is a good time to remember what the word “assume” makes of “u” and “me.”

Buying a fishing boat can be a beautiful thing. It’s easy to get misty-eyed just thinking about it. Whenever the urge hits and the water calls, the boat owner and a buddy (and maybe a fun-loving, but completely obedient dog) can be heading out to some secret honey hole where the bass are practically jumping into the vessel. There’s no noise except for the tiny splash a lure hitting the water.  There is no other word to describe it, but sweet!

Unfortunately, the reality of boat ownership is very much like automobile ownership. Both are relatively expensive vehicles and each purchase must be planned in order to make the correct decision. Before lapsing into a verse of Grand Funk Railroad’s “I’m Your Captain,” here are some factors to consider before signing on the dotted line.

What Type of Fishing and How Many Will Be Joining the Fun?

One of the first considerations for purchasing a boat has to do with the type of fishing being contemplated. Fishing for large mouth bass on a lake or angling for crappie on a river requires a completely different rig than deep sea fishing for flounder. Understanding the type of fishing for which the boat will be used for will help determine the size, power and equipment that will be needed.

It’s always a good idea to discuss how a prospective purchase that is as expensive as a boat will affect one’s family and their idea of recreation. There is a side-benefit to this family discussion – if they get excited about having a boat and for whatever reason the decision to buy looks really dumb later, it’s possible for the owner to spread the blame around!

There are several questions that are germane to the number of people who might enjoy the boat.  How many people in the family enjoy fishing? Do they require some protection from the elements or are they perfectly happy to sit in an open boat and fish for hours? How many fishing buddies are likely to

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>