Looking for a little advice for purchasing a small fishing boat please

[NNN0LHI]

This boat will be for a small 22 acre lake. Its small but we call it a lake because it isn't shaped like a round pond. It has 6 or 7 separate distinct coves. Looks like a small lake. Fishing is excellent.

We have been shore fishing this lake for some years but recently a few people have invited me to go out fishing in their boats. Huge difference. Like a different world being on the water compared to being on shore. So my wife and I have concluded that we need a boat. We need something small as we are only allowed to use an electric trolling motor on this small lake. No gas powered vehicles of any kind are allowed.

We want something extremely safe and hard to turn over as I will have our young grandsons with me a lot. Will also need at least three seats as we have two grandsons. Definitely want seats with a back to them. Also want to be able to cover the boat while docked. Two things I am interested in if available are if there is any kind of coatings that can be applied to the inside of the boat to prevent the sunlight from reflecting up and cooking the occupants. Lot of the boat owners here told me they couldn't even go out much of this year because it was so hot in their boats. Said it was unbearable. Anyone ever heard of any kind of coating that would help that? Was also wondering if there is any type of boats that come with some kind of coating for the bottom of the boat or some aftermarket application to resist the buildup from the green algae type stuff and other gunk? We have a big problem with that here.

Thanks in advance if anyone knows anything about this stuff?

Don

[safeinOhio]

1. The basics.

12 foot aluminum row boat. Most have 3 bench seats and are much more stable than a canoe or jon boat. 12 volt battery and a electric trolling motor. I've picked up those motors at garage sales for $15., the battery I'd get new and make sure it is a "deep cycle" type. You'll need a decent charger for the battery. Some green paint and fine sand mixed will make the bottom on the inside less slippery and less reflective. Most 12 footers don't have a drain plug, so best to turn them upside down when storing on shore so they don't fill up with rain water. Clip on seats with back rest that will fold down will help. If not left in the water, algae won't be a big problem. You can wash it down with soap and water once in while or use a power washer. Floating seat cushions and life vest for the little guys can also be found cheap at garage sales. Any kind of anchor will help as the wind is going to move you around too much to fish a good spot.
Check graigslist on all of the near towns and you should be able to buy about every thing I've mentioned as a package for under $400.

I use Drakes breading mixed with beer for great fried pan fish.
Good luck and be safe.

[NNN0LHI]

2. If the choice were there would you prefer leaving it in the water at a dock or pull it on shore?

I can imagine getting a cover on it on land would be much easier.

Any advice on this?

And thank you for the above basics.

Don

[safeinOhio]

3. On a small 12 footer

I would drag it out of the water and turn it over to prevent it from filling with rain water. Can be very difficult to tip it out if it fills up. Also, I have found it hard to find a cover that won't droop in the middle, meaning it will leak. For short times of a few days, look at the weather reports and if no rain is called for you might leave it in at the dock. Buy a cheap hand bilge pump if you do. A 12 footer is fairly easy to drag up and turn over if it is not full of wate. A 14 or larger, not so much. I have a cover for my 14 footer, but also have a drain plug that I have to use after a big rain. You might find a 12 footer with a drain plug. I once had a bass boat I left at the dock and we had an unexpected 4 inches of rain overnight. It was under water in the morning. The newer aluminum boats are very light. An older one might be much heavier and of a thicker gage aluminum. I had a 12 ft aluminum boat on a trailer and always turned it upside down on the trailer by myself. It is much easier to do on the ground than a trailer. I really don't think you'll have a problem and covers are not cheap or work all that well. You'd still have to lift the boat to secure it with cords or bungies all the way around the bottom of it. If you are going to leave it at one place, a trailer needs to be serviced, bearings and tires. A 12 ft fits nicely in the back of a pick up truck to move only a few times a year. A cheap ratchet strap helps to hold in on the truck.

[flamin lib]

4. Every thing Safe said but think Jon

boats are stable and no more tippy than V-bottom row boats; maybe less so. 12 ft is good for two adults and maybe 2 small children. Check the weight limits and keep in mind that weight shifts from excited kids can be exciting.

Aluminum doesn't grow algae as badly as wood or fiberglass so I wouldn't mind leaving it in the water except for the rain issue- it keeps water in as efficiently as it keeps it out.

Have fun!