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I'm looking to buy a newer, larger bass boat to fish Kentucky Lake with. I currently have a small 17'6 fiberglass boat that is like a bobber bouncing around on that lake with any wind. What is the min. size fiberglass boat you would recommend to feel safe on KY lake during most weather? If it's 15 mph wind, then obviously I wouldn't be out on it.
I would recommend at least a 19.5 ft boat. I ran a 19ft 10" Ranger out there for 16 years and the only time I was concerned about getting in safely was when I got caught out in 40 plus mph straight line wind coming up from the south as I exited Blood River heading to Paris. My friend and I made it in safely without even getting wet, but it was a ride I just as soon not repeat.
The bottom line is, the longer the boat and heavier the boat, the better fishing platform when the wind gets up if you are on the main lake. Same if you get caught out in very rough water. Of course who is driving makes a big difference too. No one is born knowing how to handle a boat in rough water...that comes from experience. No matter what boat you get, take the time to get to know how to handle that particular boat in rough water and don't push the envelope past the boat's capabilities.
I run a 22'4" Ranger out there now and it is a Cadillac ride in comparison to my old 19' 10" when it gets rough, but they all have their limitations and they all take a beating after a certain point.
I sooooo need a new boat.
Try Ky lake in a Tin Can :) :) . There have been many a times that I'd call friends to find out if they were out "fishin" and I'd get called a crazy bleep bleep. :) :)
When I'm down there and I'm fishing, if the wind is so bad I cannot get out where I want to, I go somewhere else, and try to target specific creeks, etc, etc. This has definitely made it tough, especially when the fish are on the ledges and I cannot even get out to them, but in other cases, it has made me really focus on spots in creeks.
I've found some really cool spots in spots, and those have been stellar at times.
I have a buddy , and he's here sometimes that is selling a boat.......
02 Triton TR20 w/ 225 Yamaha VMax OX66. New lower unit and water pump 3/16, trailer serviced 1/16. Humminbird 998, 859. Many interior bluewater LED's. Everybody local knows the boat and how it runs. If you or someone you know
I think he posts here as fishin is life........
Later,
Geo
[QUOTE=Dave Stewart;557214]I would recommend at least a 19.5 ft boat. I ran a 19ft 10" Ranger out there for 16 years and the only time I was concerned about getting in safely was when I got caught out in 40 plus mph straight line wind coming up from the south as I exited Blood River heading to Paris. My friend and I made it in safely without even getting wet, but it was a ride I just as soon not repeat.
The bottom line is, the longer the boat and heavier the boat, the better fishing platform when the wind gets up if you are on the main lake. Same if you get caught out in very rough water. Of course who is driving makes a big difference too. No one is born knowing how to handle a boat in rough water...that comes from experience. No matter what boat you get, take the time to get to know how to handle that particular boat in rough water and don't push the envelope past the boat's capabilities.
I run a 22'4" Ranger out there now and it is a Cadillac ride in comparison to my old 19' 10" when it gets rough, but they all have their limitations and they all take a beating after a certain point.[/QUOTE]
Tks Dave for the input, I appreciate it.
20-21ft is ideal. The difference in the ride out there in my 19 foot nitro and my buddies 21 foot ranger is crazy. Rangers are known to be some of the best rides on the water when it gets rough. May not get up into the super high speeds that the others will but they will cut a wave so smoothly. If it were my choice and I had the money that's what I'd be looking to get.