B.HINES
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Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
I'm considering buying a Sears Gamefisher Semi-Vee 12 foot alluminum boat, its 4 feet wide and has a compacity of 325 lbs. I was wondering if anyone could give me their input on the decision. My usage would include fishing some of the small bays and ponds around PI and Erie. Thanks!
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psu_fish
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 13:09:17
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how many people will fish with you?
Smallest I would go is 14ft. I have Alumacraft Semi-V 14ft that can take 3 people, gear and 9.9 outboard.
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B.HINES
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 13:11:24
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RIZ
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 13:20:02
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326 lb capacity is pretty low. that include people weight, motor, takle, beer, bait bucket, etc. unless both of you weigh 125lbs, you'll be over the limit. even if you aren't, i would not want to be on the bay when the wind kicks up. waves will be over your gunnel. don't go cheap, go safe.
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B.HINES
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 13:26:15
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The wieght capacity with gear is actually 445.
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Fisherlady2
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 13:35:26
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Gotta agree with RIZ and PSU... we have a 14ft aluminum semi-v which thankfully is an antique so it has high sides but I wouldn't want to be in anything smaller if waves were kicking up on either the bay or even Pymy or any other inland lake, so days of use may be more restricted. If you are intending to run a trolling motor you will also have additional weight with batteries. It adds up fast and even if it doesn't swamp you, it won't handle very well at all and you will probably end up being frustrated with the limitations. Unless you are looking at that particular boat because it is a tremendous deal, or you are very tight on space and this is all you can store then I would bump up to a 14 also. Probably would give you more motor capacity (if you want to go up to a 20 hp), will definitely increase your storage and room and will probably provide you a drier/safer ride on windy days. Good luck on your search, with whichever you choose! 
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eyesandgillz
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 15:04:37
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What's your budget and do you want to car top and carry or get something with a trailer and tow it? Are you planning on putting a gas motor on it or will you go with oars/electric?
If you can swing $900 to $1300 dollars, there are plenty of 14' semi-V aluminums on trailers with 9.9 or 15's for sale in PA, OH and western NY. Many will have swivel seats and will be outfitted halfway decent. If you want to car top, I'd probably go with a 15' or 17' skanoe and put a small gas outboard or 50# electric on the back and get yourself an outrigger. It will be pretty stable and slightly more mobile than a 12' semi-v.
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**commander** 
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 16:48:30
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ok for the lagoons and back bays if you launch at the lagoon area. bad news in the bay. just sayin'
"I'm sick of all the fairytale stories of how this is destiny and how the saints have rebuilt new orleans.Sorry but you can write the script anyway you want but the actors(sean payton and crew)do not have the talent to step on the stage."---Logan Wade
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sidescan
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 16:49:56
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I had an aluminum 14' deep semi-v model with a 8hp Mariner that served me well until it got crowded with gear requiring an upgrade to a 16' aluminum Sylvan that I still use today...and it is crowded now also. SIZE MATTERS significantly in boats even a mere two feet: for safety, comfort and versatility.
Trailering the bigger boat is not much more difficult.
The increased cost of the 14' is a great value all things considered.
The comfort will increase immensely when moving around or just standing up. The gear will store more easily.
The difference between choosing a 3 1/2hp rototiller and a 5hp rototiller may only cause you to work the garden's soil longer and sacrafice some depth. The smaller boat can cost your lives and leave your loved ones to forever morn your loss.
Boaters nearly always get larger boats as time goes by. Save yourself one upgrade and get the 14' now.
Good luck with your purchase.
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Erie Mako
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 17:28:43
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Do you happen to be near Kittanning?
I was travelling Rt422 today and saw a 16 footer sitting along the highway with a $900 sign hanging on it.
It was sitting on a trailer with what looked like a 9.9 Johnson hanging on it...looked to be about 1970's vintage...
On the internet, EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion!
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ready2fish
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/12 19:03:46
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Sound advice so far and to add what has been already said, go with the largest boat you can afford. You will find that you'll be happier, more comfortable, and safer, with a larger boat. A 12 footer runs out of room really quick. I've owned 6 boats ranging from 12 to 18 feet and the larger ones are by far much more of a pleasure. Examine your needs and include what you might do in the future. Shop around, there are alot of boats for sale out there.
Kistler Custom Rods Pro Staff GAMMA Fishing Lines Pro Staff
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B.HINES
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/13 13:34:22
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Thanks to everyone for the help! Im gunna continue to shop around and hopefully find myself a good one!
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chrishinesg
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/13 18:06:31
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good idea...we'ed be too heavy with the low capacity...especially when we put 30lb of fish in there
It's not how deep you fish...It's how you wiggle your worm.
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Bogeyjoker
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/14 11:20:01
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ORIGINAL: chrishinesg
...especially when we put 30lb of fish in there
That's the spirit!!!
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chrishinesg
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/14 21:35:54
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thatll always be the plan...have eenough room for a pile
It's not how deep you fish...It's how you wiggle your worm.
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Mr.Slickfish
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/14 23:30:49
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I bought a canoe with double the weight capacity...just something to think about. Gear plus 1 duud would b it for u...maybe even over "it" if your fat....just sayin' 
I don't always snag fish, but when I do... I choose Little Cleos I'm the best looking smartest snagging poacher alive...
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chrishinesg
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RE: Opinion Needed: Fishing Boat
2011/04/15 12:42:17
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just read message mr slick and forwarded to the nephew...thanks for lookin out...if you ever need anything shoot me a line
It's not how deep you fish...It's how you wiggle your worm.
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