I want to take trip down the Erie canal, at least parts of it. While lots of ideas have been kicked around, I keep ending up at a Tinny. Dollar for dollar they are tough to beat.
I don't fish much, and when I do it is from a kayak so this boat will not be used for that purpose (for now). A friend of the family runs a boat repair place. He literally has a pile of old aluminum boats. Should I grab a V-hull or Jon? The boat will probably be 12-ish feet as that's what fits on my trailer.
The speed limit on the canal is 10mph in the area I am considering. Will a 5hp motor get me moving that fast or should I bite the bullet and step up to a 10hp? Plans are for 2 6 gallon fuel tanks if that makes a difference.
Ideally, I will add a small center console. A place to sit and drive comfortably, and hopefully keep the boat nicely balanced. A small bimini top will be used to keep the sun at bay. I have an older, but well functioning trolling motor I would take along, with a new battery. For electronics, a handheld GPS and VHF will probably be necessary. Hopefully the outboard has a means to provide a bit of charging current available. Would a bilge pump be a good idea? I'd probably run it manually to control the use of power.
Not taking much stuff other than some lightweight camping gear, a camera and a cooler of food.
I'm open to suggestions as this is just getting off the ground. Thanks in advance!!
I don't fish much, and when I do it is from a kayak so this boat will not be used for that purpose (for now). A friend of the family runs a boat repair place. He literally has a pile of old aluminum boats. Should I grab a V-hull or Jon? The boat will probably be 12-ish feet as that's what fits on my trailer.
The speed limit on the canal is 10mph in the area I am considering. Will a 5hp motor get me moving that fast or should I bite the bullet and step up to a 10hp? Plans are for 2 6 gallon fuel tanks if that makes a difference.
Ideally, I will add a small center console. A place to sit and drive comfortably, and hopefully keep the boat nicely balanced. A small bimini top will be used to keep the sun at bay. I have an older, but well functioning trolling motor I would take along, with a new battery. For electronics, a handheld GPS and VHF will probably be necessary. Hopefully the outboard has a means to provide a bit of charging current available. Would a bilge pump be a good idea? I'd probably run it manually to control the use of power.
Not taking much stuff other than some lightweight camping gear, a camera and a cooler of food.
I'm open to suggestions as this is just getting off the ground. Thanks in advance!!