[Al Jr]

I am looking for my first small boat on a very limited budget. My question is would a 14' aluminum V hull or flat bottom, with approximatly a 9.9hp motor work in the inlet and back bay? I know it's not too big, but could I fish 3 people on one?

 

[paul708]

16 ft semi v may be better 2 maybe 3 on a 16ft gives you some room

[ 04-17-2006, 02:42 PM: Message edited by: paul708 ]

 

[Fly Ty R]

Not a smart idea to fish an inlet with only a 9.9 HP engine. 14ft is kinda small too, especially loeaded with 3 people. My C'skiff is only 14ft, and it's got a 20HP Merc, but I still don't take it out in the inlets. It's just too dangerous. 14's are good little boats for the quiet backwaters, though. There are plenty of fish back there for the taking. Let the bigger boats have their fun in the inlets!

 

[Al Jr]

Thanks for the quick replies. I would like the option of taking the boat in the bay if possible, even though the back bay will probibly be better. If I got a 16' Aluminum V-hull with like a 40hp motor would I be able to get by in the bay?

 

[freaky One]

You would still have to pick your days in a 16 footer.The bay has that short chop that can beat the sh!t out of you. There are certainly spots in the bay you can go but the difference from the channel to bug light can be dramatic. Also depends ot your experience.Three guys be pushing it too...

 

[sebastian]

If by bay, you mean the Delaware Bay, then I would say no. My experience with the Delaware Bay is, in some regards, to treat it like the ocean. Conditions change very fast, and you can be in 5' seas before you know it. Having said that, I've seen very small boats in the inlets, bay, and rips, and I wonder about those people....

A small 14' boat would be appropriate for back bay fishing for 2 people when boat traffic is light (weekday or night fishing). Like Fly Tyer said, there are plenty of nice fish to be had in the back if you fish at the right times.

 

[Al Jr]

Sorry I was thinking absecon inlet when I said bay, sorry. I would only consider it on weekdays with 1-2 goot waves or 2-3s.

 

[BayRat]

You can pick up a 17-19 foot bowrider in the $1000 range if you look around. Much more forgiving for a first boat and can fish 3 easy.

 

[Kyle]

i fished TI for 2 years in a 14ft flat bottom with a 9.9 usually with 2 ppl with no problems just gotta pick your days wisely

 

[design]

before getting any boat I grew up fishing the little wooden retal boats with the 9.9 and the sail (cabin)

they couldn't have been any bigger than 16' and got caught in many a storms out in the great bay, we'd beach it. Inlet, call me chicken s#$t, nope.

 

[Al Jr]

Kyle, I'm sorry if this is dumb, but what is TI? Is a flat bottom more stable or less stable?

 

[Fly Ty R]

TI = Townsends Inlet (between Sea Isle and Avalon).

A flat bottom is more stable, but much less forgiving when it comes to chop. You get pounded, and a lot wetter, with flat bottoms. You also tend to slide around turns if you go too fast, as there is no hull cutting into the water.

But you can also get in some seriously skinny water, too, which is the most important trade off.

Speaking of inlets, Absecon Inlet is probably the nicest inlet in SJ when it comes to small boats (Cold Spring (Cape May) would be the other one). There is a lot of traffic, but it's an improved inlet, so the water is much calmer overall. Nothing like Corsons, Great Egg, or Hereford. You can get away with a 14' boat out there in Absecon, but still with a 9.9 engine, you're risking it.

BTW, 2-3ft waves in a 14ft can get scary fast. You shouldn't really push it over 1 ft'ers. I know that sounds tiny, but in reality Absecon Bay doesn't get that whitecapped unless it's super windy out, and you wouldn't be fishing then anyway in your small boat (hopefully). If it looks like conditions are going to turn ugly really quickly, get out of there.

[ 04-17-2006, 04:42 PM: Message edited by: Fly Ty R ]

 

[mole]

Al,
Check out
Lowe line of boats They have some wide stable jon boats. If you plan to take three at times you are going to need at least a 15hp. I have a 25 on mine. She will plain with three big guys in her. When I am by myself at 1/4 trottle she flies and runs on fumes. I only use this boat in the ICW, sounds and creeks behind Avalon. During the summer weekends the ICW is sloppy with the constant wakes of the big power boats. I am sure it is that way up and down the coast. Above all stay the hell out of inlets with any small boat you buy. I can tell by the questions you are asking that you are not an experienced boater. Take your time and pick the brains of the guys on this board and you will be fine. Everyone has to start somewhere. Good luck.
Mole

 

[Al Jr]

SO... Kinda what im mainly getting from this is if I get a 16ft V-hull with a ~40hp motor I would be great for back bay area, and could get by on the absecon inlet on very nice days. This would be exactly what I was looking for. Ideally for 2 people, but I could do 3 if it is nice and calm. Sound about right?

Also just to add if I get one of thoes could I use it in lakes also with a electric motor or is a 16' V too big for most SJ lakes?

Thanks again,
Al

 

[rustyreel]

Al, I usually go out of Motts Creek to Great Bay,When I get to the bay and observe white capped waves, the best thing to do is turn around and enjoy some crabbing or creek fishing. You are the Capt. of your fate.