Boating: Buying A Boat: Selecting
Fishing Boats
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All-Purpose Fishing Boats
For those who fish from a boat for everything that bites,
these are "generalist" craft with space for fishing gear,
several bench seats or a few pedestal chair-back seats, a
simple steering station or steer-by-tiller. They can be aluminum
or fiberglass, are almost always outboard-powered, and are
15 to low-20s ft. long. (Trailerable; 1-5 people)
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Bass Boats
Specialty craft for getting to the bass, fast. Accommodate
larger outboards. Have lots of storage space for rods and
gear. Outfitted with electronics and livewells. Usually feature
a raised-deck casting platform in the bow (and often the stern),
with provision for an electric trolling motor. Most often
fiberglass, but aluminum models are available. Range from
16 to mid-20 ft. (Trailerable; 1-5 people)
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Center-Console Fishing Boats
Allow angling from any place on deck, since the control
station is located in the center. Generally outboard powered,
some have small cabins for the "porta-potty" or to escape
a squall. Depending on size, can be used offshore as well
as near. Length from mid-teens to high-20s. (Trailerable;
1-5 people)
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Flats Boats
Shallow-draft hulls, mostly fiberglass, with tilting outboard
engines. These craft allow angling access to saltwater flats
fish. Each boat features a "poling platform" that allows navigation
and fish spotting. A casting deck gives the angler stable
control. Upper-teens to mid-20s ft. (Trailerable; 1-3 people)
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Offshore Sportfishing Boats
Combine the comforts of motor yachts and the functionality
of large aft cockpits to work trophy fish and bring them aboard.
Classic, durable deep-vee hulls in fiberglass and aluminum,
often with twin inboards, large fuel capacities for long range,
sophisticated electronics, cabin space for crew and guests.
Range from the mid-30s to 50s and 60s. (Not Trailerable; 1-8
people).
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