Boat size

[Chris__20]

I'm looking at a 2002 javelin thats 17.5 ft. long with a 115 yamaha. I have a budget and this is in my range and i was just wondering if 17.5 would be too small. It will mainly be used for bass fishing but i just wanted to get some input, thanks.

 

[Bprice]

I have a 2000 17 ' 4" Stratos, and the size works nicely. If its in your budget I say go for it. I normally fish alone, but when i have a partner there isn't many issues. I also am light on tackle though.

 

[jeff5074]

If it fits your budget go for it . I have a 15-6 and that is to small lol . I will upgrade next year

 

[tie1on]

Its not the size that matters, its how you use it! emoPoke

 

[bowtech06]

Chris

sent you a p.m. May have my javelin renegade 20 up for sale soon.

 

[Chris__20]

Thanks guys for the input

 

[beetlespin]

Size matters...

 

[wrechin2]

If you can fish out of it comfortable and you can afford it. It would be great. Most of the time a larger boat is easier to fish out of. But a 17' is better than no boat. Just my thoughts....

 

[BustinBass197]

Save money and go bigger. As you get more serious you will wish you had gone up a size or two.

 

[Chris__20]

Yeah well this is my first boat and I want to make the right choice

 

[Bprice]

I know most say bigger is better. I am young, and I decided to buy a small more managable boat that I could afford. Instead of going into mountains of debt. It lets me fish more that way to. Ultimately do what is right for you.

 

[Carl Guffey]

<font size="2">I am with BPrice on this one. Get what you can afford, not what you can pay for. I fished for years out of 16 and 17 footers, winning quite a few tournaments. The ease of launching and maneuverability around docks and in shallow water make the smaller boats a great asset. Something you will come to appreciate as your boating skills progress.</font>

 

[ChooChooSnakeMan]

My .02cents is this ------- First get what your budget will comfortably allow. Remember that boats are like everything else ---- they usually end up costing more than you planned so if you spend right up to your limit for the purchase then you have no reserve for the unexpected! Second - it is hard to enjoy anything when you are under great financial stress so again get something affordable. Third is the fact that if you are new to boating you are going to make some mistakes along the way. I started with a 17'8" fish and ski with a 115 Merc on it and used the boat for 16 years. It was used when I got it and my family and I made a lot of great memories in that boat. It was a great boat, but it already had some scrapes and scratches so my goof ups didn't hurt so bad. Also a little smaller boat is easier to handle. Most people when they first start out don't need a 70 mph rocket to pilot down the lake. A 17' bass hull with a 115 will run plenty fast enough but not so fast to get you into as much trouble as a 200+ H.P. rig can.

Whatever you end up with, you'll love it. There is nothing like the freedom of having your own fishing boat.

Good Luck!

 

[Guest]

Chris, I've got a littl 15 ft 6 inch trihull bass boat that isn't the prettiest, and doesn't go the fastest. Like everyone says, it teaches you to fish the area your in, and makes you better. Me and my firends go out in the boat and the two of us don't get in each others way at all. My other suggestion is to save enough for any unexpected repairs, which are common. I would up buying a boat, had a good running engine and then went out. Had to rebuild it. By not spending as much as a I could, I had enough to rebuild and get bck out on the water

 

[THutch]

In my opinion, the length isn't as important as the beam. I fish out of a 17'6" that is narrow. I'm fine with the length but would like a wider platform. I think you are looking at a fine 1st boat. If it is not brand new, make sure a good mech goes over it well.

 

[Gator]

I've got a 17.5 ft fiberglass bass boat and it's the largest I've had and I've been using it for over 20 years. No problem for one or two to bass fish but anymore folks and you have a crowd. I agree with most of the guys here and buy what is in the budget. Boats tend to cost more to operate that we think and if this is your first one you're probably doing the right thing with a 17.5 footer. Good luck.

 

[Chris__20]

thanks.

 

[Chris__20]

btt

 

[digitalcb]

I would add a caution about stability and safety.

My 17 aluminum boat moves a lot when I walk around. I weight 190 pounds and have to be careful walking around.

250 pounds and clumsy requires a different boat than 160 pounds and agile.

 

[outcaster]

rsimms and I both guide out of 17ft boats and will do just fine for you I believe. My next boat will be a center console something like cheez has.