No tin boat for me =/

Something always comes up, and the money is never there to get a decent used or new tin boat.
However, I am going to get out on the water - even if it kills me.
My current plan is to buy a 14ft square back canoe, and put a trolling motor on it.
I'm looking at a coleman scanoe made by klindustries.. mostly due to cost factor - about 400 dollars.
I'm looking at a minn kota traxxis 55 transom mount variable trolling motor to power this boat. - another 400 bucks.
I might even add another trolling motor to the front, an endura c2 55 for around 250 - if the traxxis isn't enough to handle wind etc.
I'm not going to be paddling if i can help it, so that is why i'm looking at these motors, also for ease in getting around small lakes.
For each 12 volt motor, what class battery would you guys recommend that would allow me to stay out on the water for about ten hours, fishing, not cruising?
I'm also going to need a decent battery charger, any past user experience with these would be appreciated.
I can imagine i'll need to spend another 500 or so on other items as needed, life vests, paddles, ropes, additional cable, decent seats with back rests, etc..
it could prove to be a long list.
So my post is kinda long.. but i've been waiting a long time to get out there..
Any help with the batteries and charger would ease the pain in searching endlessly for items i'll need.
Thanks,
pem

Read this and it should help you in determining what battery you need based on the TM you decide to go with.

https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=23319

Pem,
I see you're in Minnesota too. What kind/size tin boat did you have in mind? Seems like there's plenty of good deals to be had on craigslist.

You could save yourself some cash by buying a smaller trolling motor. I have the Minnkota Endura 30 on the back of my 14' aluminum boat. Only time I ever had trouble was a day in teh weeds. But it lasted all day. That little 30 doesnt have any trouble pushing my little boat around and should be more than enough to move that canoe.

Given your issues and budget....I'd buy a sit-on-top (SOT) kayak. You can always add a trolling motor if you think you need it. Cheap; flexible ( can even be taken offshore in a good wind/wave situation); I,personally, think a SOT is more stable than a Scanoe IMHO... even though I think Scanoes are fine craft.

Easy to transport and launch.

You've got to decide what is important for you. I thought standing up was very important for me, so I got rid of my Old Town canoe. It was great in many ways. Stable, small, light, easily held my excessive weight.... but not good for my old back.

A kayak can go almost anywhere ( check out the fishing programs on TV) and catch anything. If you don't mind paddling...they can be ALL THAT YOU NEED. A canoe gets blown around by the wind a lot. A kayak is far closer to the water, and a good sit-on-top kayak is stable ...far more stable than almost all canoes.

You can easily make up out-riggers if you think you need them. You will need them far less than on a canoe. I have a set in the shop right now. PVC and a couple of big swim noodles will do it.

Just my humble opinion.

Rich

https://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=174891

Sounds like your budget is fine for a used tin boat off Craig's. I got my setup for way under your budget...boat, trailer, motor, trolling motor, fish finder, anchor, drift sock...pretty much everything. Think about it. Buying new is such an unnecessary waste of cash IMO.

I agree with Jd.
You are talking about 1500 - 2000.
Check Clist.
You will probably be able to find something that suits your needs at a better price.
Does it have to be Brand New?

I know there are atleast 4 on craigslist right now under 450, all you will need is a motor and im sure if you call up some local marinas they might have a few older johnsons laying around they'll sell you dirt cheap just to get rid of them..

jasper60103 said:

Pem,
I see you're in Minnesota too. What kind/size tin boat did you have in mind? Seems like there's plenty of good deals to be had on craigslist.

Click to expand...

Check with some of the local resorts, they are always upgrading and usually sell boats at decent prices. Sure they have seen some use, and maybe even some abuse, but if the resort wants to stay in business they keep up with the maintenance. Some sell after only a couple of seasons. Its one way of writting off what otherwise would be taxable profits/income.

Here are a some that im considering looking at check them out maybe they might be right up your alley

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/boa/2834959581.html

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/boa/2834952802.html

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/2798384540.html

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/2835090967.html

Like others said check Craigslist in your area. I picked up a Sea Nymph 14 recently for $200. I have seen a few around the 5-800 range with trailer and motor. For 1500-2000 your talking a nice setup with everything you need...

BTW I have a Kayak...its a sit in style but is great for fishing. I love the places I can get with it. I actually like fishing out of it better than any bigger boat. However its just me when I fish it. With the kids wanting to go I decided to get my boat to take them more.

Keep looking, talk to people, and ask around. My wifes uncle overheard me talking about boats and it turned out he had an old boat that had been in a shed for 20 years that he had never used. Also, I will tell you what everyone told me, fall is the best time to buy a boat. There were all sorts of boats for sale this past fall.