After driving an old, beat-up car for years, I finally made the decision to upgrade my transportation. I had set aside a little money every month to use as a down payment, and I was ready to make a new car my own. I searched loads of car dealerships in my area, but one business stood out to me in particular. The salespeople were kind and not pushy, and they had a reputation for fair deals. I worked with them to find the right car, and the paperwork was a breeze. This blog is all about upgrading your transportation, and why you shouldn't be afraid to take the plunge.
Upgrading My Transportation
Tips For Choosing A New Bay Boat
Lauri Kivela
If you live on the coast where ocean fishing is popular, you may be considering buying a boat. One of the best saltwater boat options is a bay boat, but if you've never bought one before, it's hard to know what you're looking for. As you start visiting local bay boat dealers, it's helpful to at least be familiar with some of the features and fundamentals that will be helpful to you.
Don't Buy Bigger Than You Need
Remember that the size of the boat you buy will affect not only how expensive it is to operate, but also what options you have for where you can operate it. Look to a mid-range boat, around 15 feet, for versatility. That way, you'll be able to fish just offshore with the push pole if you're angling, and you can also comfortably go out far enough to fish for tarpon and similar fish as well.
The mid-range boats are more affordable in fuel as well. And, with a smaller engine, you can also have the option to fish closer to the shore when the tide is out, because you will have a shallow hull in this style of boat. This allows you to fish when you want without stressing about the tide schedule.
Make Sure There Are Plenty Of Stable Casting Decks
Remember that even if you're buying the boat expecting that you'll be the only one who will be taking it out, there's always the chance that you may end up bringing a few friends out with you sometimes. Look for several casting decks on the boat, and ensure that they are all covered with a non-slip tread. That is essential for safety, especially when you're standing out on the open water.
Not only should the casting decks be non-skid, they should also be properly weighted so that the boat doesn't sway when you move on them. Smaller boats like these with flat bottoms can suffer a lot of sway if you're not careful, so whenever possible, test the casting decks out on the water before you commit to a purchase.
Consider The Storage Capacity
Storage is essential on any boat, but it's a special consideration when you're dealing with smaller boats like bay boats. There's less real estate to work with, so you need to be sure that the storage space is optimal. Ideally, there are a few storage features to look for.
First, you should have a locking compartment that's properly sized for fishing gear and supplies. If you don't have somewhere that you can secure your supplies, you'll have to haul them back and forth every time you go out. That's a nuisance nobody wants.
In addition, you need plenty of tank space for fish. Make sure that the storage tanks in the boat are large enough that they'll accommodate anything you might fish for. Otherwise, you'll have a tough time storing some of your catches.
Your storage tanks should also have a sufficient pump system to keep the water circulating and pumping overboard. That ensures that your catch stays alive until you get back to shore. However, try to avoid bilge pumps in the tanks because they're prone to getting clogged up with fish scales and other debris. The last thing you need is a failed pump that results in stagnant water and dead fish.
If you're ready to get out on the water and fish, the right boat makes all the difference. With the information here, you'll be able to pick the boat that will work best for your needs with the capacity that suits your fishing habits. Talk with a local bay boat sales representative for more information today.
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