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First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
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Author:  ehill [ Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:25 pm ]
Post subject:  First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
I've decided I'm going to get/build my first boat

Here is what I'm thinking:
Boat: Basic Jon Boat (aluminum, riveted, probably used)
Length: 12' or 14'
Width: 32" or 36"
Motor: 13hp Predator from Harbor Freight or 16hp Duromax from Maxtools
Drivline: surface drive, longtail or shorttail
Use: Fishing and Duck Hunting (mostly deep water, but occasionally gravel riverbed)
Passengers: 2 adults, chocolate lab & gear. Occasionally 3 adults
Budget: $2,000 (stop laughing)

I'd like to get opinions on which drive type to use based on how the boat will be used. I am planning on building the driveline myself, but have also looked at some of the longtail kits (sps, mud-skipper, etc...). Given the fact that I'm not trying to plow through a bunch of mud, just the occasional low spot in the river which has a gravel bed, how would you build this boat on a budget?

I would love to have a real duck boat (go-devil, mud-buddy, xpress, etc...) with a big v-twin on the back, but at this point, I'd like to cut my teeth on a cheap boat and upgrade in a few years.

Thanks for any advise.
-Erik
Author:  msm8281 [ Fri Mar 14, 2014 9:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
Go 14x36 if that's your only choices
Author:  ehill [ Fri Mar 14, 2014 11:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
36" just seems to be the most common in my neck of the woods. I'd love to go wider, but I don't think I can source anything locally over 36" wide for cheap.
Author:  fowllife08 [ Sat Mar 15, 2014 6:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
Just my opinion, save ur money and get what you really want down the road. 2,000 isnt gonna go as far as you think.
Author:  dillakilla12 [ Sat Mar 15, 2014 6:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
I would get the mud skipper kit from backwater if I were you, save up for a couple more months and get ya a used jon and roll out. Gonna be a little over budget though

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Author:  nasty [ Sat Mar 15, 2014 6:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
Might try to get one of the larger sneak boats that pop up in the classifieds every once in a while they usually sell for around 2k

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Author:  USCG4X4 [ Sat Mar 15, 2014 12:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
Go to a 14 ft minimum. I started with a 12 and quickly went to a 14. I have about 6-7k in mine with a surface drive and a bunch of other goodies. It was a new boat and motor though.


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Author:  flatontheplatte [ Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
Seems doable. I would look for a 16', should be able to find a used one for cheap. I'm sure there are plenty of older GDLT that can be had for a grand or less. Might take a little looking but I bet you can find what you need.
Author:  ehill [ Sun Mar 16, 2014 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
I think I've decided to go with at least a 14' jon boat. Based on my use described in the original post, what type of lower unit should I build, Surface Drive, Longtail, Shorttail?

Thanks,
-E
Author:  mud slinger 69 [ Sun Mar 16, 2014 6:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Boat on a budget - Need advice and recommendations
14-36 with a 16hp longtail for your buget. not going to be a speed boat but beats walking.
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