Been Living in the Mojave, trying to move to Panhandle need boat advice. - The Hull Truth

LantonBlathor · 05-27-2004, 07:34 PM

I'm moving back to FL and I need some boating advice. I'm looking for something to take out in the gulf, and some lakes, I'd like to fish the flats but still be able to fish some blue water. I don't need to go 100 miles out or anything, just a few miles. I'd also like to entertain friends, maybe pull a tube or knee board. I'm aiming for the 20-24' range.

I was looking at some of the deck boats but was worried about stability in blue water, and draft in shallows. Some of the cc's are looking good but are they good for playing?

I've tried learning from the websites and places like Boattest. But I haven't be able to find real answers.

So any suggestions on manufacturer or type of boat would be greatly appreciated.

jabod · 06-09-2004, 06:06 AM

jabod · 06-09-2004, 06:08 AM

Sorry, but I typed a long reply to your email describing exactly what you are looking for and I think I screwed up and lost it. If you got another email from jabod, it got through. If not, let me know and I'll type it again later.

Sorry,

jabod

MrPat · 06-09-2004, 08:59 AM

Subscribe to http://www.powerboat-reports.com/ They do not take advertizing, so the boat reviews are real! Its well worth the $$$. I have been a subscriber for about 15 years.

Sea_Dad · 06-09-2004, 09:57 AM

Quote:

MrPat - 6/9/2004 7:59 AM

Subscribe to http://www.powerboat-reports.com/ They do not take advertizing, so the boat reviews are real! Its well worth the $$$. I have been a subscriber for about 15 years.

I quit suscribing when they started charging.

pilar · 06-22-2004, 03:07 PM

Look into Camel Boats out of the SW. THey love lots of big water!
Very versatile transportation and for recreation.
Not too good for fishing.

abacodan · 07-08-2004, 09:08 AM

The panhandle is generally blessed with an abundance of inland bays, bayous and generally protected water, although when you leave the passes, from Port St. Joe to Pensacola, you're entering a high energy coastal Gulf area, unlike the Big Bend and points south. There is no ideal compromise boat for this disparity of potential conditions.
My suggestion would simply be to attempt to determine what you will use the boat for 80% of the time, and buy that boat. Forget about a boat that will "do it all". A more successful plan might be to go ahead and buy the inshore boat, deck boat, bay boat, what have you, and plan on meeting up with some folks who do more offshore fishing. Get some experience with them and their boat, and then you'll either be able to develop a potential boat partnership, or at least be able to develop stronger opinions of what you do and don't want in a Gulf boat. There appears to be a wide range of opinions relative to "price" "quality" and "seaworthiness", with all too many people determining that the most bang for the buck is the way to go. You will have to make your own determination on the that compromise, but the Hull Truth is a great place to start studying the various opinions.
Having been here in the Panhandle, and on it's waters all my life, I can tell you that beginning with a dedicated inshore boat is the way to start out. You could spend several years just learning all the fish waters, and knowing which lee shores are best in what wind directions for pulling the kids on skis. Most of the natives and old timers around here are very open and friendly, ask questions when you get here and perhaps join some of the fishing clubs. Only then will you be able to begin making an "informed" decision on which boat will best suit your needs. In the meantime, ask away on this board.