What is the best aluminum boat for use with Saltwater?
I like Lund boats, particularly the Lund Alaskan (probably too big for your purposes, though). The Lund WD14, rated for up to 25hp, looks like a nice boat for easy trailering depending on what sort of salt-water boating you’re planning. I suggest that you not take a 14ft boat farther from shore than I’d be willing to row it (and keep a real pair of oars on board). 14ft is enough for 2 people and gear. On the east coast of the USA, StarCraft are more commonly available than Lund. In my experience, StarCraft do not hold up as well to wear and tear. The Honda 4-strokes are nice, (relatively) clean, quiet engines. For a 14ft aluminum boat, a 9hp would work but a 15 or 20hp should get the boat on plane with a full load. A local boat dealer would be plenty willing to help you with questions about trailering a
I am looking for the same thing after downsizing from a 25′ cruiser. I just want to be able to get on the water. It is still a matter of how you will use the boat and in what kind of water. Here is a discussion on a website which may be of benefit: http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/showthread.php?t=409077 Just like any other thing, especially boats, there are levels of quality and brand recognition. For my needs, the Crestliner Sportsmen 14SS appears to be perfect. It has the higher gunwales needed for bay fishing and is very heavily built. But the used boat market is very good right now if you are a buyer. I should know, just sold my cruiser for one-third of what I had in it. But that’s boating! The four-stroke engines are quieter and more efficient with no smoke. But they generally weigh more, sometimes a lot more. I want to be able to carry a couple of people and a couple of grandkids and feel comfortable that I won’t get swamped by a wake from a bigger boat. The search is the
