Fishing Boat Information for the First time Buyer.
What is a fishing boat?
A fishing boat is a vessel or ship used to catch fish in the sea, or on a lake or a river and often has a well to keep the fish alive for as long as possible. Fishing boats are designed with open cockpits in the back of the boat to maximize the deck space needed for fishing. As a result, there is less seating and smaller accommodations on a fishing boat than there are on a cruising boat. Like cruising boats, larger fishing boats also provide cabins for overnighting and extended fishing trips. Any boat can be used to fish, but we specialize in recreational game fishing boats that are powered by clean and efficient Suzuki outboard motors. Fishing is one of the most popular sports hobbies around the world. While you can get some great fishing in along the edges of lakes or banks of rivers, or walk out a close to shore, a fishing boat is what you really need to get access to fishing on demand, when you want it. Fishing boats come in many shapes and sizes. You can get a small used utility boat with no outboard motor for 2-3 hundred dollars, or a top of the line big water fishing boat equipped with downriggers for approximately 30-35k. Most people start with a small utility boat with an outboard for lake and river fishing - you'll need a trailer as well to haul your boat in and out of the water. The fishing boats will range in size from 12 feet to 24 feet and come in a number of configurations. Here at Marsh's Marina, we focus on the recreational fishing market carrying two of the most popular brands in Ontario. We carry Smoker Craft fishing boats and Starcraft fishing boats. The fishing boats available at Marsh's are generally packaged with a trailer and the Suzuki four stoke outboard motor. This means that you can get the best possible deal on your new fishing boat.
What makes a Good Fishing Boat?
A good aluminum flat bottom Jon boat is a great place to start. With seating from 1-6 people, 6 people fishing from one boat might be a little tight...or really tight! To me, that's a lot of people in a small boat fishing. Be sure to get a good wide one, the wider the better. That makes it more stable. 4 people can fish in a 14ft, any more I would recommend at least a 16ft. Some Jon boats have short sides they are for ponds, rivers and or flat water (water that doen't get rough or big waves), be sure to get one with deep sides, they are for Lakes & Reservoirs. (there are people with large boats that kick up large wakes and could swamp you, so be careful) I started out with a 14ft Smoker Craft fishing boat, then went up to an 18ft Smoker Craft fishing boat, through several boats. Now I am back to a 14ft Starcraft deep V fishing boat. I would rather have it for myself. Even on the 18ft more than 2 people fishing at the same time seemed to be crowded. I would prefer a rivited over welded, if buying aused rivieted, welded or any used fishing boat be sure to put it on the water for a few minutes to see if it leaks. I hope this helps. Have fun fishing, I DO!
What type of Fishing boat do I need?
Your first step is to determine the type of boat that will suit your needs, and that is based on how you plan to use the boat. There are three main boating activities: cruising, fishing, and watersports. While some boats can be used for all of these activities, we carry a full range of new and used styles for you to choose from.
Utility Boats
Jon Boats
Tiller Fishing Boats
Side Cosnole Fishing Boats
Dual Console Fishing Boats
Fish and Ski Boats
Big Water, Full Windsheild Fishing Boats
Utility Boats
Jon Boats
Tiller Fishing Boats
Side Cosnole Fishing Boats
Dual Console Fishing Boats
Fish and Ski Boats
Big Water, Full Windsheild Fishing Boats
What is a big water fishing boat?
The BIG WATER fishing boats exist for the thrill of pursuing fish that are sometimes large enough to have an angler for dinner! Designed to make fishing as convenient as possible these versatile boats are often equipped with a variety of fishing focused features. Large and sturdy, these boats can use different types of engines (outboard, inboard or sterndrive), are built for the long haul and they have the capacity to stay on the water for days. These agile BIG WATER Fishing boats are designed for high performance angling to make finding, hooking and landing fish as easy as possible, while still being versatile enough to enjoy cruising, offshore boating and spending time with family and friends.
What is a Fish and Ski Boat?
The Fish and Ski style craft allows boaters to enjoy the two most popular on-water activities; fishing and skiing. This family fishing and recreational boat has enough power to pull a skier or two, and to get to the fishing spot in short order. The Fish and Ski boat includes all the comforts sportboat owners want such as spacious seating and a sunpad. But, stowed away are the features it takes to pursue fish with a fury. A livewell replaces a storage compartment and usually the sunpad area converts to a fishing platform with swivel seats. These family fishing boats even have a stowaway trolling motor to silently stalk the fish.
What is a utility fishing Boat?
Aluminum Utility Fishing Boats or Car top utility fishing boats are small lightweight and, durable trailer boats made of aluminum are most often used for freshwater fishing. Generally very simple and small craft, measuring 12-14" and featuring riveted or welded aluminum hulls and bench seating, they can be operated in fish-friendly places - shallow water, coves, inlets - not many other boats can reach. Powered primarily by outboard engines, this type of boat offers both tiller and remote steering options.
Aluminum Utility fishing boats are built for many activities, such as freshwater and salt-water fishing, these family fishing boats are capable of pursuing many species, including bass. They tend to have higher freeboard than bass boats because they spend more time in rough water.
Aluminum Utility fishing boats are built for many activities, such as freshwater and salt-water fishing, these family fishing boats are capable of pursuing many species, including bass. They tend to have higher freeboard than bass boats because they spend more time in rough water.
What is a Jon boat?
A Jon Boat is a multi-purpose camping, freshwater fishing and hunting craft, typically aluminum and powered by a small to moderate sized outboard motors. These aluminum flat-bottomed boats are for hardcore anglers and come equipped with bench seats and a simple, flat transom onto which may be clamped a tiller-steered outboard.Some jon boat may be customized with added fishing features like trolling motors, fish finders, driver consoles and sometime a few luxuries like carpeted floors. They are easy to maintain, inexpensive and nearly indestructible.
What is a good Brand of Fishing Boat?
Here at Marsh's Marina, we carry 4 main brands of new fishing boats: Smoker Craft fishing Boats, Starcraft Fishing Boats, Alumacraft Fishing Boats and KingFisher Fishing Boats. We also carry a full assortment of other used brands from time to time such as: Legend fishing boats, Alumacraft fishing boats, G3 fishing boats, Lund fishing boats, Princecraft fishing boats, Crestliner fishing boats, Sylvan fishing boats and Tracker fishing boats to name a few. These brands are all great now a days and you have to figure out what is important to you...ride and handling, size and shape and of coarse cost. With so many brands, models and costs it's easy to lose sight of what's important.