Thinking about buying a boat

Yeah to fit in the garage with a swing tongue, you'll be looking at 15-17' or so in boat length.  the OB adds about 2 feet and the trailer minimum 1'.  I used to store my 14' alum in my garage and it barely fit, but it didn't have a swing tongue.

My 16' C Dory takes about 22' on my rv pad, but it also doesn't have a swing tongue.  It would never fit in a garage unless it had an extra tall entrance.

I would say like Steve said, your best choice would be a 16-17' center console.  But it might have to angle in a little into the garage. Like otter said there are a few of those out there that are relatively worthy of the ocean, like a montauk, parker, grady CC.  A few alums can handle it as well but they ride a lot rougher in the salt, especially at the smaller size.

As for power, remember a lot of our local lakes are starting to implement requirements for you to have a 4S or newer 2S (CARB requirements), so keep that in mind while shopping.

There is definitely maintenance involved with them, and time is a factor too.  I'm only semi-capable of doing a lot of things on boats, and it takes me a lot longer to do them than a trained boat mechanic.  But I'm also overall limited on the amount of time I have to spend on these things so for example I just dropped my boat off at the mechanic on Tues because by the time I'd fix the things I want done it would probably be mid March, and expect the bill will be something around $1k.

Also, your disability would come into play while boating, and you'd need to train yourself on how to handle it safely if you were to fish alone. 

I have a 16 ft Kingfisher Aluminum boat with a 60 HP Honda. A little on the small side for Bay or Ocean but killer for delta, rivers,  foothill lakes, Pyramid etc.
17 ft Alumawelds can be had in your price range. Look in Oregon and Washington Craigslist for the best deals. Not a big fan of trackers, lowes and that ilk. You want freeboard, wide as possible and for sure 4 stroke IMHO. The top and side curtains on these boats are MONEY in the elements.

I have a 16 foot Riverhawk, like a Northriver. Swing tongue trailer. I like that it has a full canopy for the Wx. I have fished it on the delta in freezing rain and been just fine.

I don't understand? I got a lot of great feedback on that thread and decided to focus on getting healthy first before buying a new kayak.

True, there was great info there. It was funny (maybe just to me) that 12 feet and I think it was 70 pounds was deemed within the (short/light) category. Information and discussion can change initial criteria for sure, let's see where this goes, thanks for posting it!

  Loved the 16' C-Dory...  lightweight, super easy to launch.  Would handle any conditions you were to encounter.   The cabin let's you fish out the back, yet stay shielded from the wind.     That's one I would probably purchase again.

   

Perfect pic for throw back Thursday !

Alex

I am thinking about a boat too. Just left the surgeon's office, major back surgery in 4-6 weeks. Pretty sure my kayaking days are done, or at most very limited. Sucks balls. Now I can be the NCKA OTW mothership, mobile food cart, and beverage distributor!

I enjoy my Klamath 15.5 ft. Eventually will convert to center console. Other than that, it is great for near shore ocean fishing and any lake . 25 hp 4stroke mecr is plenty.

Barely fits in the garage.

Unfortunately not much use this last year.

Alex

I am thinking about a boat too. Just left the surgeon's office, major back surgery in 4-6 weeks. Pretty sure my kayaking days are done, or at most very limited. Sucks balls. Now I can be the NCKA OTW mothership, mobile food cart, and beverage distributor!

Sorry to hear that, Rich.

Thanks for everyone's input, I'll research more into all these suggestions after work.

Whats that phrase again?  Two best days in a boat owners life.... 

Congrats   

Been thinking about them myself as well, since it would be nice to fish with the whole family at once.  Might rent one this summer...

I have a zodiac and love it, my dad has a parker( about 70k over your budget) and it is bullet proof.  I grew up with boats and  personly i like to fish out of a boat a hell of a lot more than a kayak. But the kayak lets you get in  remote or rocky locations. If you get a fiberglass go boston whaler, unmatched quality and resale value. If you go inflatable( proably under your budget but extreamly stable and easy launching at the obvious cost of possibly punching a hole in the boat) go with zodiac or avon.   Always remeber RESALE VALUE

I enjoy my Klamath 15.5 ft. Eventually will convert to center console. Other than that, it is great for near shore ocean fishing and any lake . 25 hp 4stroke mecr is plenty.

Barely fits in the garage.

Unfortunately not much use this last year.

Alex

Exactly what I am looking for. It would even be ok for duck hunting, not ideal, but doable. The only drawback is you have to drive 55...

This one I think is worth looking at

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/boa/5986228169.html

I enjoy my Klamath 15.5 ft. Eventually will convert to center console. Other than that, it is great for near shore ocean fishing and any lake . 25 hp 4stroke mecr is plenty.

Barely fits in the garage.

Unfortunately not much use this last year.

Alex

Exactly what I am looking for. It would even be ok for duck hunting, not ideal, but doable. The only drawback is you have to drive 55...

Supposed to .  I know you would never do over the speed limit. 

Well since you are now the new NCKA caterer. We will have to hook up some time !  We can sell burgers on the water at events for 5 bucks a pop.   

Kaya fishing is over rated . 

Alex