boating

[pastorbass]

Last spring I bought my very first boat and I learned a lot through the process.
1) Don't be in a hurry! I was - and therefore didn't get the best deal.
2) Have them to start it right there for you - I was looking at a boat at a dealership and they told me it started right up and was just started the day before. So I had them start it - it wouldn't, they had to rebuild the carbs - so I took my business elsewhere since they couldn't be honest. Even though I didn't buy from S.KY Marine, I use their shop. I bough from BG Marine and I don't like their service department.
3)Make sure they take you out on the water before you buy.
4)If you are buying from a dealership, ask around to see what kind of service department they have.
5) Get insurance! Boat damage is expensive - boat insurance is fairly inexpensive. I had mine 3 months, hit a floater on Barren - new lower unit $3000. Covered by insurance minus $500 deductable.
6)If you are not going to tournament fish, you don't really need a 150hp. With gas prices like they are, my 90hp Johnson does the trick. I can't hit 70mph, but it does push me around 53mph which is fine for the weekend non tourney angler

Hope this helps and blessed fishing

[purplenitro]

I got my motor from Southern ky marine but get my service done at Bowling Green Marine due to the bad service I got from them but Jeff is a great guy to have work on your boat it was the ownership I had the problems with so just look around and see who you like and judge for yourself but remember to get someone who you think has the best service dept. because there is nothing worst than having a boat that is always in the shop, a service dept. that is not sure what is wrong with your boat but like I said above Jeff is a great boatman and he knows his stuff just too bad he works over there.

[MrSplitshot]

Bought my first boat from Stokley's Marine in Nicholasville about a year ago....been very happy. I bought aluminum, a Tracker PT175, with a 2-stroke Merc and it does everything I need to do. I'm not really a tournament fisherman and don't have much desire to fly down the lake at 70mph. If I wanted to pleasure boat, I'd buy a runabout or something. This boat will push me and another, loaded, at around 37-38mph...I could stand a little more speed sometimes, but it's all good. For fishing, aluminum works for me and I don't have to worry as much about scratching it or screwing it up. I've had my rig on Dale Hollow in the dead of winter running big rollers across the lake....I've had it on Stoner Creek in 3' of water....and everywhere else in between. Be safe and you're in good shape.

Any mod-v aluminum boat with a nice livewell, some good electronics, and the very best trolling motor and batteries you can afford will take care of you.

I think it has been easier for me to learn and make all the boneheaded mistakes in an aluminum boat that's easy to launch/load and mess with. I'm still learning and getting comfortable, but I love my boat.

In addition to the advice of carrying good insurance, BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE MOTOR. That's where your money is and you'll thank your lucky stars that you have the warranty if the motor has a hiccup.

Splitshot
www.thecreekbank.com

Take a Fish Boating!

[bevo]

>
>Take a Fish Boating!


Thats the best signature line I've seen on here. Nice!

[Devils Horse]

See if you can hook up with experienced boat owners to take you fishing. You'll learn a lot about boating and you'll get to go fishing on top of it. Go with as many people as possible till you're comfortable on your own. Always be sure to help out with gas and expenses.

If you have any interest in competitive fishing join a bass club as a non boater. You'll learn about a lot of different boats, launch and landing techniques, and it's fun.

Finally, I'd recommend you don't borrow money to buy a boat. Get one you can afford be it however humble, and fish out of it till you've saved enough to upgrade if you want. Most of us started out in a jon boat, and there's nothing wrong with 'finishing up' in a jon boat either. Some of the best fishermen you'll find don't race around in fancy boats, they ease around in their un-fancy boats and catch the heck out of fish.

[bevo]

>Some
>of the best fishermen you'll
>find don't race around in
>fancy boats, they ease around
>in their un-fancy boats and
>catch the heck out of
>fish.

Amen! Buy an aluminum boat.