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Ruby Red Lip
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/2/2008 11:35:45 AM
Posts: 14,
Visits: 37
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| After reading everyone's post I am definitely going to go with a aluminum hull. Makes good sense knowing it will get drug across the bottom. I did a search for Dealers in our area. It seems that we are limited in the Mobile area. I looked at Dealer in Bay Minette who carries Lowes & Sea Arks. I am familiar with Sea Arks, and I know they are well built boats. I don't want a riveted boat, I had one in the past. I was looking for a boat that had a good large deck, with the semi v front. Both brands had some similar designs, but he had one Sea Ark that was all deck. Anotherwords there was not that little step up in the front where it meets the bow. It was DKLD 1548. It was rated up to 40hp. They said a 25 hp would be fine. They were not certain but they thought I could get in the 20's. This was a 2 stroke yamaha 25 hp. I am curious if anyone can confirm or give me an idea of a similar size boat with a 25hp. I had a 40 4stroke on my last aluminum v hull boat, and that motor was a bit more difficult to tilt as opposed to a 25 hp. I also see that a Dealer in P'cola Wills Marine advertises on this board. The next closest Dealer for aluminum boats in my area carries G3. I want to take a look at those as well. Are there any other Dealers in your area that you would recommend? I am guessing I won't see a big difference in any of the brands for a skiff that small.
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Grouper
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 11:56:55 PM
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Just my opinion, but if the budget allows I would go with the 40 horse. Its load carrying ability and speed will be well worth it. I have a 50 hp on a 14 ft boat and with the load I have own it still has problems getting out of the hole. I know a 50 sounds a little extreme for that small of a boat but I also have everything with me except the kitchen sink!!! If something tears up I will be able to fix or replace it with little or no down time while on the water.
"SHARP GIGS AND TIGHT RIGS"
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Snapper
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 9:24:59 AM
Posts: 321,
Visits: 3,917
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| I have had two aluminum duck boats with 25 Merc tillers. One was a Triton 1546, the other a Lakesport 1551. Both did well with only me and my gear aboard, and were sluggish with another person and gear aboard. They both weighed in the 320-350 lb range. I now have an Xpress 1650 Side Console with a 40. This boat weighs about 600 lbs, runs great with just me, but gets a little sluggish with another passenger. I liked the duck boat layout for fishing with the gun box used for permanent dry storage and the recessed front decks. Both had bowmount trolling motors in the high 30 lb thrust range which were very adequate for my use. Dont hesitate to PM me if you have any more questions. I have a lot of experience with the local dealers, and also research and purchase on the internet. I personally found the local dealers to be 10-20% above others within reasonable distance (up to 200 miles).
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Snapper
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 8:36:15 PM
Posts: 368,
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| todd river...call me...i make my living out of an aluminum boat...850-982-7858 tight lines!
capt wes rozier
inshore fishing guide
850-982-7858
http://www.captwesrozier.com
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Snapper
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 5:43:59 PM
Posts: 328,
Visits: 1,551
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Lowes are sold at Emeral Coast marine and the G-3 is sold in Frisco City, the g-3 1756cc or the 1652cc both make very nice floundering setups. Emeral Coast will not sell a boat with out a motor though.
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