Boat

[white88]

Would a ladder like this work on your boat?

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_11009_-1?kwid=ps_pla

[ceyko]

It would, but I THINK it needs to be a 4 step ladder. I did play with that one in store, and it was very fragile feeling.

[white88]

This looks like a nice one

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Marine-Aluminum-Gunwale-Boarding-Ladder/dp/B00A3ELKB6/ref=sr_1_14?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1363618976&sr=1-14[/ame]

[ceyko]

This looks like a nice one

http://www.amazon.com/Marine-Aluminu...618976&sr=1-14

Appreciate it. Am finding ones with reviews and trying to get them to respond if they've used the various ladders on a similar boat.

[Big A]

You don't want a rope ladder, easier to stow, but they are awkward to climb. The boys may have fun with it for a while, but you or the wife won't like it at all.

As low as your boat sits, I don't think that you'd necessarily need 4 rungs, but it certainly wouldn't hurt if you have room to stow it.

[Big A]

Here's a folder that might work for you, 4 rungs, and easier to stow.

http://www.eternalboating.com/4-step-folding-pontoon-ladder-asc-4

[krazy kris]

I don't go swimming much, but if it's mid summer and I know I'll be jumping in to cool off while I'm fishing. I just take the top section of a swimming pool ladder. It has 3-4 runs on one side and just enough on the other side to hook over the boat and it folds up.

[ceyko]

See that one is nice, but I don't think the mounting system will work. Needs to hook or be tied to a cleat, since I do not have anywhere to mount those mounting cups. Although, the more I read and guesstimate things. I may have to rig something up to hook inside the boat anyway - just to be safe. Am still researching, but eventually will bite the bullet on something and make it work. Just looking for first hand experience mainly from folks, which is easier said than done.

[ceyko]

I don't go swimming much, but if it's mid summer and I know I'll be jumping in to cool off while I'm fishing. I just take the top section of a swimming pool ladder. It has 3-4 runs on one side and just enough on the other side to hook over the boat and it folds up.

Not a bad idea, another option to research at least. Thanks.

[Big A]

This one's not 4 rungs, but a good illustration that you don't necessarily need that many in a shallow draft boat. The one above with mounted cleats would of course be more stable, but something like this will be fine as long as everybody is aware that it can move on them.

http://www.belugamarine.com/Bass-Boat-Ladder-38-554-829-00.htm

[Treybiz]

So I might start another thread but...


Here is my question for the the boat people on here:

-I have a 17' bay/flats boat and a couple 3-seat jet flees.

-All of the above stays at our house on Whitney.

-We have plenty of barn parking so that isn't a concern.

-Main users are myself, my lady, our little boy, my parents every so often, my sisters, and buddies.

I'm over the jetskis after having various different ones for the last 15 or so years but my mom and sisters love them so they have to stay. (Even though they only ride them 2-3 times a year.) The cove at our house is also public and resembles a block party every summer weekend so it can get crowded which makes a maneuverable jet ski nice.

The Fishing Boat Gets Used a lot in the spring and fall, pretty often in the summer, and once a month or so in the winter. Only down side of the boat is it is small and can't really fish more than 2 comfortably. You could probably ski or tube behind it but we never do.


Sooooo....

Option 1:Sell the bay boat and get a bigger one? Big enough to fish a few more comfortably and ski/tube? Something like a 21-22 Center Console with; 200HP outboard, T-Top, Blah, Blah.

Upside is cheaper option because less initial out pocket, less maint. and insurance cost.

Downside is less seating area and obviously not nearly as easy to ski behind. I grew up skiing behind bass boats so I'm not elitist about it but I know how nice direct drive is.

Option 2: Keep the Small Bay boat and get an early 00s Tourney Ski Boat. Mastercraft, Malibu, Natique, etc.

Upside: More room for the whole clan and plenty of power to drag whatever around.

Downside: Money and Space.

So what option would you pick?

[Treybiz]

And before for I get the required boats are dumb and expensive hogwash...

We use our boats almost every weekend all year round and we have done so for the last 20+ years...

[JP135]

I got surprised with a boat for my bday, it is a Glastron fish and Ski, I have had boats before and cant remember spending a ton. Simple to work on and as long as you do the simple maintenance on it you will be fine. LMK if you ever want to go out, I will help in anyway I can.

Caution: Gay rape strategy.

[krazy kris]

Why not a fish/ski? My dual console bass boat has a seat in front of each console but if I decide to keep it I'm going to take them out and extend my deck to the consoles.

[Treybiz]

Why not a fish/ski? My dual console bass boat has a seat in front of each console but if I decide to keep it I'm going to take them out and extend my deck to the consoles.

Well I'm not opposed to one. We had a Stratos 290SF when I was a kid that worked great. My only thought there is that a fish and ski isn't really much of a ski boat. You don't really get alot of added comfort for cruising or skiing and seem to sacrifice some "fishibilty"... I can still ski behind a true bass boat or cetner console and have more fishing space. That and all the newer fish and skis seem to be ugly as sin. I loved the way our stratos looked with the long sleek windshield...