TORG asked this question on 5/19/2000:

I am planning to buy a fishing boat in the near future (small recreational) for lake fishing, since I live nowhere near the ocean. My question is what type of boat would you suggest? Fiberglass, aluminum, etc. It will probably be an older one if that makes any difference. Any suggestions? Thanks

cetaylor gave this response on 5/19/2000:

Purchase of a boat is a highly personal thing. Everything depends on exactly what you want to do with the boat. You say a fishing boat for use on a lake. How big is the lake? Do you fish for bass, walleye, lake trout, catfish or all of the above? Each would ideally require a different type of boat. Would you do any recreational entertaining on the water? Water skiing? All of these things enter into any decision. Given ONLY the information provided, I think that I would assume a small lake, fishing only, and a little of each type of fishing. In that case, I would select a Vee bottom aluminum boat of about 17-18 feet with a 90-115 hp outboard. This type of boat would take rough water well, would have plenty of room, be light enough for a small car to tow, be very stable and allow almost any type of fishing. But this is only my opinion. Please make a list of things that are important to you, put them in order of preference and then select a boat that will do what you want it to do. If not, you will hate the boat and let it sit, rather than make good use of it and enjoy your time in the outdoors.

Charlie.....

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