I did mention that I have a soft spot in my heart and spine from my time operating Montauks in the Salish Sea.
Saltwater small boat choices.
- Thread starter adamcu280
- Start date
Paige
Wishing I was fishing the Sauk
I recently went through this myself, was looking at 17' Montauks, and bunch of other center consoles. as well as aluminum boats like Alumaweld Strykers.
I was looking for a boat primarily for fishing gear that I could also fly fish from. Having been in my friends 18' Stryker at Sekui and Neah Bay I wanted a bit more boat, and wanted some weather protection, mainly from the sun, I hat that damn thing lol!
I ended up with a 2019 20' Stryker that looked brand new, not perfect but will do what I need. I will try and get some type of leaning bar I can mount in the bow for fly fishing and the back has enough space, will just have to watch out for the rocket launcher.
I was looking for a boat primarily for fishing gear that I could also fly fish from. Having been in my friends 18' Stryker at Sekui and Neah Bay I wanted a bit more boat, and wanted some weather protection, mainly from the sun, I hat that damn thing lol!
I ended up with a 2019 20' Stryker that looked brand new, not perfect but will do what I need. I will try and get some type of leaning bar I can mount in the bow for fly fishing and the back has enough space, will just have to watch out for the rocket launcher.
The batteries are mounted as well as this box that doesn't seem to do much taking up a ton of deck space.
back in the day made some runs in a 16' Zodiac on mid coast Cali surf/dive trips, and whereas it was excellent for exiting and water boarding, it sure bounced and had little wind protection...that center console RIB, however, looks way nice...and not inexpensive.
Every boat is a compromise, open dance floor vs wind protection, sea cleave of a narrower V hull vs a bouncier wider light V, function vs comfort.
If a wide open dance floor is the priority, a beamy V hull aluminum like a 16' Alumaweld Super Vee is a strong contender. A tiller layout will always provide more room than a CC.
Unless parking is an issue, however, a bit bigger boat should certainly be considered...three guys whipping fly rods in a 16' boat in the salt pretty much exemplifies the truism that boats shrink immediately after launching...
Chris Bellows
Steelhead
I've owned both an 18' Bayrunner and a 16' Arima. Both were great but for the fishing I did (Neah Bay) I would take the drier and softer ride of the Arima anyday. Unless it's super flat, casting from the bow is pretty much impossible and you can easily fish two from the rear with one person casting backwards. For a pure Puget Sound boat I'd probably choose the Bayrunner out of the two.
Thanks for all the thoughts and ideas everyone. We'll see if I end up doing anything or just spitballing more and more. No cost for that. 
Parking/storage is a factor, as is my tow vehicle (Toyota Sienna w/ tow package), and cost. I'm honestly not even sure where I'd put anything on a trailer. I don't have a garage, and my driveway is constantly bombarded by needles and branches in the winter. But that sort of impracticality won't stop me for ever.
Having something small but Neah Bay-worthy would definitely be cool. The superior bluewater/offshore capability of RIBs compared to similar aluminum or fiberglass boats is definitely a factor. The last time I was running a whale research RIB out of Sekiu was during halibut season. We'd get looks of amazement from the tough grizzled fisher folks in their 32' Duckworths and so forth when they asked us where we'd been. "You went out to Swiftsure today... in that?!" "Yep. Twice!"
Parking/storage is a factor, as is my tow vehicle (Toyota Sienna w/ tow package), and cost. I'm honestly not even sure where I'd put anything on a trailer. I don't have a garage, and my driveway is constantly bombarded by needles and branches in the winter. But that sort of impracticality won't stop me for ever.
Having something small but Neah Bay-worthy would definitely be cool. The superior bluewater/offshore capability of RIBs compared to similar aluminum or fiberglass boats is definitely a factor. The last time I was running a whale research RIB out of Sekiu was during halibut season. We'd get looks of amazement from the tough grizzled fisher folks in their 32' Duckworths and so forth when they asked us where we'd been. "You went out to Swiftsure today... in that?!" "Yep. Twice!"
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Hold out until you find what you want . I love my 17 foot Montauk for P.S. I am far from experienced so cannot comment on the other options you are looking at. The Whaler is great for South Sound SRC and north sound salmon though. I myself have not ventured north of Whidbey in mine but assume a more experienced operator would not have issues under the right conditions. My boat has a 115 on it and does not feel under powered. One piece of advice Iβd give is get something that has or you can add a bow mount trolling motor to. Complete game changer. Iβve used my boat more since January than I did the first three seasons I owned it due to that upgrade.
. I love my 17 foot Montauk for P.S. I am far from experienced so cannot comment on the other options you are looking at. The Whaler is great for South Sound SRC and north sound salmon though. I myself have not ventured north of Whidbey in mine but assume a more experienced operator would not have issues under the right conditions. My boat has a 115 on it and does not feel under powered. One piece of advice Iβd give is get something that has or you can add a bow mount trolling motor to. Complete game changer. Iβve used my boat more since January than I did the first three seasons I owned it due to that upgrade.Hold out until you find what you want
Bow mount was a first priority for me. I haven't even put it back in the water since purchase but got this installed. I already have a 55lb Terrova but am worried I may need the 24v Riptide. What bow mount do you have for the Montauk?
Riptide 24v 80 lb.
Paige
Wishing I was fishing the Sauk
I'll be looking at a used Minn kota Rip Tide Terrova 80# 24V for my Stryker on Tuesday, that spot lock and digital control wiΔΊl be priceless!
My last boat I pulled the trigger too soon, 1 reason was to take the old man out 1 last time but didn't really like all aspects of that boat, but was worth it to take dad out 1 last time and limit on Lingcod.
This time a round I was looking for about 1 - 1.25 yrs and looked at several boats, you can always walk away if you dont like the deal!
My last boat I pulled the trigger too soon, 1 reason was to take the old man out 1 last time but didn't really like all aspects of that boat, but was worth it to take dad out 1 last time and limit on Lingcod.
This time a round I was looking for about 1 - 1.25 yrs and looked at several boats, you can always walk away if you dont like the deal!
I
would love to find one of these lightly used
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
Center console with a new Yamaha outboard..that is the one. For me it is all about the motor. That center console is designed to sport fish and that motor should get you at least 3000 hours of carefree boating. And will get a good price when you sell it.
Chris Bellows
Steelhead
Thanks for all the thoughts and ideas everyone. We'll see if I end up doing anything or just spitballing more and more. No cost for that.
Parking/storage is a factor, as is my tow vehicle (Toyota Sienna w/ tow package), and cost. I'm honestly not even sure where I'd put anything on a trailer. I don't have a garage, and my driveway is constantly bombarded by needles and branches in the winter. But that sort of impracticality won't stop me for ever.
Having something small but Neah Bay-worthy would definitely be cool. The superior bluewater/offshore capability of RIBs compared to similar aluminum or fiberglass boats is definitely a factor. The last time I was running a whale research RIB out of Sekiu was during halibut season. We'd get looks of amazement from the tough grizzled fisher folks in their 32' Duckworths and so forth when they asked us where we'd been. "You went out to Swiftsure today... in that?!" "Yep. Twice!"
Arima works for Swiftsure. You'll have to choose better weather days.... but honestly you would anyways for actual fishing out there since it's a rough run in mellow seas.
Whitewater
Just Hatched
Welded aluminum hull is a plus, owned a Bayrunner 16, was fine for the Strait if you watch the WX. Would rather have had an 18' just for family.
My retired commercial fishing neighbor said about my Bayrunner, ' Hell, I'd take that to Victoria." He was salty and grew up,lived on the Strait.
My retired commercial fishing neighbor said about my Bayrunner, ' Hell, I'd take that to Victoria." He was salty and grew up,lived on the Strait.
I actually had an 18' Bayrunner about 5yrs ago. Was a fun little boat. Had been gutted and converted to a tiller prior to me owning it. Wide open layout with removable box seats. Thing punched above its weight class. Took it to Buoy 10 a few times and it went head on in to some legit waves.
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This ticks a lot of boxes, esp as I'm driving up/down to CA a bunch these days. The painted trailer doesn't do much for me but I'm not sure that's a deal-breaker.
sacramento.craigslist.org
16 1/2FT Alumaweld Aluminum Center Console Boat - boats - by owner - marine sale - craigslist
16 1/2FT Alumaweld Aluminum CC Boat. Boat is in excellent condition, runs great, ready for the water, v-deep, built tough. Has lots of goodies, including new Bimini top, two downriggers, rod...
That thing screams βrepower me asap!!β But the hull looks decentβ¦
This thing is interesting and local
bellingham.craigslist.org
This thing is interesting and local
Boston Whaler 16SL - boats - by owner - marine sale - craigslist
1993 BW16SL - twin console V-hull with 2 forward seats, 2 swivel seats, and 2 stern seats; 15'6" LOA, 6'6" beam, 1025 lbs., 24 gal fuel. Pacific galvanized trailer with removable toungue. 2012 -...