If you've decided to buy your first fishing boat, then there are a few points you should consider. Don’t rush in and buy the first boat that sails your way. Here is our handy guide to buying a fishing boat.
Your fishing boat
Whether you’re a nervous novice or a seasoned sailor, hopefully you’ve spent enough time in a fishing boat to gain a few ideas about the type of boat that will suit you and your needs. If fishing is a new hobby, it may be wise to consider buying a used boat. This can be an expensive and time consuming pastime, so a used fishing boat is probably a good idea. Obviously, buying a used fishing boat is less expensive than a buying new boat.
You may already have a make and model in mind. Here is our Top 10 fishing boat manufacturers:
- Campion
- Magnum
- Marine Installations
- Hydra Sports
- Mitchel
- Onda Blue
- Gilbert Marine
- Oyster Lange
- O’Sullivan Marine
What size?
What water will you be fishing in? A smaller boat with a small outboard motor would be best for lakes and rivers. Or, if you’re planning on fishing in larger bodies of water, then a larger boat of around 20 feet would suit you better.
Night fishing
If you’re planning to use your fishing boat for ocean cruising or overnight stays, it would be sensible to buy a fishing boat with a hull. Specifically for rough waters, this design rides with the waves and offers a more comfortable ride.
Towing your fishing boat
An important thing to consider when buying a fishing boat is a tow vehicle. Boats and their trailers can easily weigh over 3,000 pounds. So, you need to make sure that the vehicle you use to tow your boat has adequate power.
Aluminium vs fibreglass
Aluminium is cheaper than fibreglass, and more forgiving of knocks and scrapes. However, they are lighter in the wind. A fibreglass boat will set you back a few more pounds, but will easily handle rough water and stronger winds. Fibreglass fishing boats offer a much smoother ride and have the potential to reach higher speeds.
What’s new?
Centre console and walk around boats are a new type of boat to consider. Lots of deck space makes a good platform for fishing. These types of boats come in many sizes and are often large enough to provide two berth accommodation. There are however some disadvantages. The open deck means it is exposed to the elements, and leaves it vulnerable to wear and tare. You’ll also be exposed to bad weather yourself! So invest in some good waterproofs.
If you're planning to buy a used boat, then do your research. There is lots of information available on the internet. It’s also advisable to get an inspection or use a reputable broker.