Thinking about going Multi Species Boat

[Bud Kennedy]

Over the years, we have always had a bass boat. Back in the day when we fished competitive events a bass boat was the logical choice.  Now as a senior tournament fishing is long in the past.  We have evolved into more casual fishing styles and many times a simple ride on the water is all we want to do.  Fishing here on the river is not all that good.  The good fishing in our area is in the salt water venues.  My Ranger has only ever seen fresh water and some brackish water here on the River. 

We have been thinking that maybe we should go ahead and get a multi species boat of some kind to replace the Ranger and be more in line with the needs of our area and our desires to perhaps expand into the near shore environment mostly for red fish or perhaps even some trout.  Our thinking lately has been more towards a boat along the lines of a Tracker Pro V 16 Guide series.  Our neighbors at Santee had one and it really worked well for them in their quest for catfish and the desire just to cruise around and just take life a little easier.  Obviously more research will take place before we make a decision about such a change and the supply chain needs to get caught up before anything like this would happen.  One obvious advantage is the tracker would fit into the garage and perhaps make our fishing days easier to accomplish.  We wouild not buy used but would opt for a new boat set up to our needs.  Our favorite so far would be the Pro V 16 WT with some upgrades.  This is just a research effort at this time but could get serious at anytime in the unlikely event that a great deal came along.

Saltwater fishing in our area is very good and it is really making us think outside of the bass boat box and at the same time is a bit more affordable.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Being that I was the owner of a saltwater boat for a while, and have family members and friends who are currently owners of saltwater boats. Keep one thing in mind Bud. The upkeep of a saltwater boat is a lot more labor intensive. Saltwater boats can be a real pita. Please don't misunderstand me. Inshore saltwater fishing is flat out FUN. I enjoy it. But when compared to freshwater boating, your job isn't over when your outing is over. Once you get the boat back to its storage locale, is where the fun really starts. Flushing the outboard, washing the boat from top to bottom, and rinsing the trailer, requires a lot more labor intensive time.

If you skip out on any or all of the steps I listed above, get ready to spend a lot of money and experience a lot of headaches. Being brutally honest here. Instead of buying a multi-species boat in this stage of your life Bud, I would save your money and go out on guided inshore trips every couple of months. That's my humble opinion. Think about it

[Bud Kennedy]

You are correct Lou.  Maintenance requirements for a salt water boat is a lot more intense.  Since most here don't maintain their salt water boats correctly the chances of finding a used boat can be forgotten entirely.  Even here on the river where we have salt water influence I have to perform many of the salt water maintenance requirements on my Ranger.  Another example of getting to good bass water on the lower half of the river requires a trek across Winyah bay in Georgetown.  I guess another way to put it is you can run but you can't hide.  I already have to use Salt a way products just to manage the requirements.  That is exactly why my current trailer is total aluminum with all hardware being stainless steel.  Even then things like brakes and hitch connections require a little extra attention in addition to the Torsion axle system.  I agree it can be a bear.  The other side of the research is finding something that might be a bit more comfortable for those evening cruises on the river.  I am sure I will learn a lot more during the research.  Those redfish are certainly calling my name that is driving these thoughts.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Best of luck on your decision making Bud.

[Donald Garner]

Well buddy, good luck with that decision on getting a Saltwater Boat.  Keep us updated on this process.

[D.W. Verts]

Sounds like a cool thing to do.

Dale

[Dog]

Bud I love my pg v16wt it has been the best decision we made going to a multi species.

 

[Oldfart9999]

Bud, you might want to look at the 17 foot version with a larger motor, it'll handle rough water better. I would have it made as salt proof as possible and with cleaning the trailer don't forget to flush out the tubes.
Rodney

[zippyduck]

Bud,
Talking from experience like Lou, the upkeep is going to be a full time job. Also after being used to a bass boat the fishing is going to feel uncomfortable.
I still have my multi species boat and only use it for trolling now that I have a bass boat. Any casting fishing is done in the bass boat as it is more open.

Like Lou said hire a guide for a few hours and save a bundle.

[Deadeye]

Bud you planning to go every weekend or 2-3 times a year at the most?

If the latter you already know the answer, Hire a Guide.

However if the plan is to only fish salt a few times and to be able to ride on the River more often, then I'd look at something like the Ranger Aluminum V series.

A Member on here had one and I was on it once. It was laid out like a Cruising Boat, but was also set up for fishing. Pedestal Seats in the Driver/Passenger position and in the Rear you had the choice of a Larger Rear Deck OR it flipped up to reveal 2-More Seats for Cruising to make it great for up to 4 people.

His was a 17'8" model and they also made an 18'8" model.  That was a few years back and Models could of certainly changed by now.

[Bud Kennedy]

Deadeye, we are going to think about this long and hard and quite frankly I don't see it happening.  The cost of another boat is a bit out of my lane at this time.  You are correct that a few guide trips to go redfish hunting is in my plans.  I just need more information before doing anything rash so to speak.   I really love my old Ranger and really don't want to get rid of it even though I have a motor issue.  I am convenience that one day I will be able to resolve that particular problem.  Still a lot of research remains and that will be tempered with some deep soul searching.  Us old geezers are very careful with our remaining money and certainly won't create any debt.

[FlatsNBay]

Bud, when I'm thinking of a multi species boat that can be used in saltwater, the boat you mentioned isn't made for saltwater. It's more of a freshwater multi species boat.

My uncle bought a very similar boat for both salt and fresh and the maintenance was overwhelming.

Many guys in Florida that fish fresh and salt opt for a bay boat with a trolling motor. They are shallow draft and have a center console. They are built for salt water so maintenance is much better.

Sent from my moto e5 play using Tapatalk

[Oldfart9999]

Bud, the real problem I have with my boat, an older version of what you're talking about, is that it's a kite in the wind, they sit higher and are lighter, wind of any kind has a way of changing the direction you want the boat to go, keeps you on the TM.
Rodney