Need opinions and advice

[Opie]

I am planning to buy a boat this spring (if all goes well). Being an avid freshwater fisherman, I have a lot to learn about saltwater boats. I would like to get a boat that can be used effectively in both fresh and saltwater. Some of the fiberglass center consoles, especially the ones 20 feet and longer, look like they would be out of place on a Cape Cod Pond. I been considering the Lund or Starcraft for an aluminum boat, or the Logic 17 boat. I would prefer a used boat to save money, as long as its in good shape.

I only plan to fish inshore saltwater, however, a trip to the Vineyard on a nice day would be nice. I will be doing flyfishing, trolling and casting, or whatever else is working.

Any suggestions are greatly appreaciated.

[jeffg]

For all the things that you want to do with your boat, I'd skip the aluminum and go with a fiberglass center console in the 17-18 foot range, shouldn't be out of place on freshwater lakes...not sure about "ponds." There are lots of boats in this range that you could get used for less than $10,000 give or take--in fact someone on this board [Rocky] is selling an 18' Parker, which would be perfect for all the things you mentioned (fly, trolling, easy to trailer and can easily make a trip to the Vineyard). I have the same boat and can definitely reccomend it.

Good luck,

jeff

[Bob Parsons]

I have a 16' Lund side console and use it for ALL the things you mention.

My prime fishing area is Barnstable Harbor. On calmer days I have gone across Cape Cod Bay to Wellfleet. Early and late season (tunoid time) I have fished the south side and have no problems crossing over to the vineyard. You pick your days and if they say sw seabreeze in the afternoon you come back before then.

[J.MacLaughlin]

Opie -

The Boston Boat Show starts this weekend. Round up Aunt Bee, take your list of questions, and kick some gunwales.

Jay MacLaughlin