Getting a boat

[flinginpooh]

Well its not super nice but My dad is going to give me a 14 ft alum. I need to redue the seats there weather worn bad. Last time I fished in it I know there was no leaks. You cant stand in it. I was thinking I should get some electronics and down riggers. Im on limited income due to slow season with cable. So Im thinking 300 or less for my fish/depth finder. And then 2 cheap down riggers. I have not owned a boat This will be my first so Ive not really looked at this type of stuff. I will be using the boat in lakes and puget sound salmon fishing. Im just wondering if there is anyone that could recommend any good products in my price range. Fish finder around 300. Down riggers around 100 each. Or if anyone has any for sell at a good price even. I also had a ? about the different types of fish finders. Im not sure what to look for at all. I know there is some members that have alot of expirience with them. Im hoping for a sence of direction.
Thank you.

[G-Man]

Check around the classifieds for used downriggers. There are always a few manual Penns to be had on Craigslist and unlike their electric brethren I've never heard a bad word about them. Spool up any rigger you get with Power Pro or Tuff Line in the 125 to 150lb range and you'll save some more $$ plus you won't have to worry about the charge your weight may be giving off. As for an economical fish finder I can't help you too much there as I've given up on that price range. All I can suggest is to get one with a longest warranty possible and stay away from the Bird! As for features, there was a thread regarding fish finders from a way back that was bumped recently, here is the link: http://www.washingtonlakes.com/forum/ya ... inder.aspx

[bcalvert]

I picked up a Hummingbird dual beam 565 (i think) real similar to http://store.humminbird.com/products/313973/570
I am happy with it, shows good detail for the price. I use it mostly to find structure. Only regret is no GPS.

[BentRod]

Well its not super nice but My dad is going to give me a 14 ft alum. I need to redue the seats there weather worn bad. Last time I fished in it I know there was no leaks. You cant stand in it. I was thinking I should get some electronics and down riggers. Im on limited income due to slow season with cable. So Im thinking 300 or less for my fish/depth finder. And then 2 cheap down riggers. I have not owned a boat This will be my first so Ive not really looked at this type of stuff. I will be using the boat in lakes and puget sound salmon fishing. Im just wondering if there is anyone that could recommend any good products in my price range. Fish finder around 300. Down riggers around 100 each. Or if anyone has any for sell at a good price even. I also had a ? about the different types of fish finders. Im not sure what to look for at all. I know there is some members that have alot of expirience with them. Im hoping for a sence of direction.
Thank you.

Congrats fp, it'll be a good place to get started as far as boating is concerned. I completely agree with G-man on getting the downriggers off craigslist. I've been seeing the Penn fathomaster 600's on there recently for between $100-150 each. Even saw two for $100 this last week. You can also get the Cannon or Scotty lake troll riggers for less than $100, but they are limited to 4# weights, so may not be sufficient to do any salmon trolling (can't say for certain though).
As far as your electronics....you should be able to get a decent FF for $300. If you're going to do any crabbing, then I certainly suggest getting a finder that has GPS or carrying along a handheld GPS to mark where you drop pots. It is amazingly helpful. You think you'll remember where you dropped that pot, then when you get back...."where is it?" It'll save you valuable searching time, especially when there are hundreds of other markers out there with yours. Unless you're doing some serious fishing, I can't say the color screens are worth the necessary cost. Most of the time, you're just looking for depth and structures anyway. Also, if it doesn't already have one and you're planning on using it in the sound, you might think of getting a saltwater electric trolling motor. If it's not rated for saltwater, then it'll get toasted pretty quick.
Hope you enjoy your new project....um, I mean toy.

PS...if it's got the rounded bottom, making it difficult to stand up in it, you can put a piece of plywood in to flatten out the floor, which will increase the stability when standing up astronomically. Casting decks across the forward seats will do the same thing. It's amazing how much more stability you'll notice by this type of addition.

[bionic_one]

I'd recommend the Eagle Cuda. You can get one with GPS for that price range (and color I think) If you want to go cheap, LCD with backlight and no GPS is like 70 or 80 bucks.

For downriggers, check out the Scotty Depthmaster. It's Manual, so you don't have to worry about battery for it or the motor dying, high cost, etc. It's a VERY sturdy design and easy to use. Rig it with braided line like everyone said. You'll experience less blowback and can use a lighter weight if need be. Be careful running two downriggers on such a small boat, they'll be mighty close to eachother and that could make a real mess under your boat. You can get it with a metal clamp style mount if you need to.

[flinginpooh]

I looked into that eagle and it has really good reviews. Im going to keep my eyes open for some good deals for a lil bit. But Im thinking for the price with gps it might be the one. No color though and only up to 600 ft. But really I dont think Ill be fishing more then that.

[Bodofish]

Since you haven't owned a boat before, I would suggest a few things before fish finders and downriggers. You want to go out in the Sound in a 14' boat, OK. The next step is a class at the Coast Guard Aux. for new boat owners. Next would be the bucks for all the safety equipment you are required by law to carrry and then the items you should have. Insurance for the boat and equipment. Wa State boaters safety card. After all that, then think about the gravey for fishing.
Don't become a statistic.

[flinginpooh]

It maybe the first one that will be in my name. But this is the same boat I grew up fishing with. Ive been on the sound countless times on this boat as well as dozens of local lakes. Ive got the safety gear already. My dad is giving me all that too. He just has too many boats and dont wanna deal with this one. He has a 10 ft that was my grandfathers and he likes toting that one around. Then hes got a 24 ft that he can take to the sound or ocean. And another 12 ft fiberglass. Im not sure if hes already got rid of his 18 ft ridell yet. Thank you for you concerns Bodo I do believe in safe boating also, so I agree with you on that. I grew up with this boat and now I get to own it. It is nice to be able to get it even if not the best. I have 5 kids so a boat that Id have to buy just isnt in my budget. So Im really happy about this. I should be picking it up this week and have it ready for fishing within a month or so just in time for some trout fishing.

[Bodofish]

Good show!