Boat owners

The best boat I ever had, when calculating fun vs. trouble/expense, was a 16' fiberglass open skiff with a 25 hp. Johnson. Got it in 1969 and fished rivers, lakes, bays and near Perdido pass until I practically wore the gel coat off the bottom from water friction. Since then, I've owned two 40' sportsfishermen (chartering) and a couple of Boston Whalers---had great times with all of them, but that little skiff was the best.

I am now the proud owner of a 12' aluminum Jon boat that leaks around the rivets, but that's OK because it never leaves the little fish pond.

B.O.A.T. = Break Out Another Thousand. New trolling motor batteries-$250.00. New trailer tires-$300.00-$600.00. New power trim-$750.00. New prop-$350. Replace trolling motor cable-$120.00. Trolling motor shaft-$150.00. Trolloing motor prop-$35.00. Trolling motor dies next month, new trolling motor-$700.00. New Steering cable-$400.00. Replace water pump impeller-$100.00. Boat trailer bunk boards-$300.00. Lost transom saver at the ramp-$50.00. Bilge pump died-$150.00(we can get to it in about 3 months). New GPS sonar and Navionics card-$1000.00. Lower unit-left arm. Power head-right arm and a leg.

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Originally Posted by Haywire

I am now the proud owner of a 12' aluminum Jon boat that leaks around the rivets, but that's OK because it never leaves the little fish pond.

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With help and 2 - 4lb hammers you can tighten those leaky rivets up

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Originally Posted by ironman172

With help and 2 - 4lb hammers you can tighten those leaky rivets up

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It's OK because I have a scoop made out of a gallon clorox jug, and who wants to steal a leaky boat?

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Originally Posted by Haywire

It's OK because I have a scoop made out of a gallon clorox jug, and who wants to steal a leaky boat?

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All boats have leaking problems!
If you are not careful, they will drain your bank account.

I have owned 6 boats over the years from a 19 ft cape horn to a 26 world cat. By far my favorite boat is my current 26 ft high sided Imemsa panga. It is powered with a 75 hp Yamaha 4 stroke (yes 75 hp!). I bought it used and rigged myself. I take it out the lagoon pass in less than 2 ft of water with no problem. The boat runs 28 knots, cruises nicely at 18-20 knots. Super boat! Snapper fishing uses only 5-7 gallons of gas! Secret to these boats is to keep them light and don't over power. They aren't made to run 50 knots!