Beginners Guide to Select the Right Jet Boat for Fishing

Here are some boat terms used often

Starboard – the right-hand side of the boat when you look at it from the back.
Port – the left-hand side of a boat when you look at it from back to front.
Astern – When the boat moves backward.
Underway – When the boat starts moving.
Aft – If you move from the front of the boat to the back, it is called aft.
Stern – The back of a boat.
Bow – The front of a boat.
Hull – The body of the boat is called the hull. The deck, sides, and bottom are all part of the hull. However, the hull does not include the engine, mast, and other fittings like that.

What Should Be the Size of the Boat?

Before you choose the size of your boat are; What will you use the boat for, and how many people should be on that boat.

For;
Watersports – 16 – 25 feet
Cruising – 21 – 30 feet
Inshore fishing – 16 – 20 feet
Offshore fishing – 30 feet and up

If you are considering going deep into the sea or in the ocean, it is best to get a boat that is more than 30 feet. This is because these boats can be very useful in the unpredictable currents and waters of the ocean. When you go to buy a boat, just tell the dealer what you plan to do with your boat, and they will help you make a good choice.

Used vs. new boats

Buying used boats can be a great way to save money on the purchase of your boat. You can buy a great boat and spend a minimal amount of money on the boat. Make sure that the boat is in good condition because you do not want to be cheated in this area. There are some areas that you should look into when you are buying used boats. These areas are

Electrical systems
Leaks
Rot
Engine
Stringer separation

Buying a used boat might be a little different from a car. A car’s resale value might be dictated by the miles it has travelled, but a boat’s value is found by looking at the hours it has travelled. You can use the hours to find out about service times and other important details about the boat. A gasoline-powered boat has to be changed every 1500 hour range. A diesel engine can last longer by up to 5000-hour range.

Types of boats

Bass boats –

These boats are made specifically for fishing bass fish. This boat is also designed for catching panfish other than bass fish that all live in freshwater. There is a trolling motor in these boats, and this can allow you to cruise at a very slow pace. There are swivel chairs in the boat, and this enables you to fish from any direction. These boats also have bins for storage, and you can store rods. Bait and there are also live wells that you can keep your fish in so they can stay alive while you fish for more fish. These boats can be made out of fiberglass or aluminum.

Bowrider –

These boats have an open bow, and they are well known for that. The seating area on these boats is in the back, but there is also some more seating in the front. If there are 6 to 10 passengers, then they can run very smoothly. If you plan to go swimming or do any watersports, then the area at the back will be very good for you because you can enter from the deck back on the boat.

Center console –

This type of boat is named center console because the cockpit of the boat is in the middle of the boat. There is no cabin in these boats. These boats are great for fishing, and everyone can use them. If you plan to fish in offshore waters, these boats are a much better choice. There are rod holders, fish lockers, and a lot of their equipment that is very useful for fishing.

Cuddy cabin –

The boats can do everything that you want them to do. It is an all-in-one boat. You can do watersports, sail, cruise, or fish in these types of boats. These boats have a close bow, and if you have a family, this can be useful because they can get a good place to be in the shade and eat and drink in it. You can also use the closed deck as a place to store goods, have food, or rest.

Cruiser –

As the name says, these boats are made for cruising in the open waters. These boats will usually have a lot of accommodations. These boats can be found with a dining area, kitchen, bathroom, etc. Cruisers are not as big as yachts, so it is easier to manage, but it is not as small as boats so these boats so well even no choppy waters.

Yacht –

These are very fancy boats, and they are reused for entertainment. Yachts are great for families are groups of people going out on holidays. However, yachts might not be the best option for fishing as they are more suited towards leisure. They are usually 36 feet, and they have about two diesel engines that power the boat.