08-15-2007, 03:51 PM
I agree with addicted2fishin, but I want to point out a few things. Yes, it is true that being in the middle of Strawberry in a 14' boat in a storm is a bad idea. In my 24' boat it is no big deal, but in the little 14' boat it really is a big deal.
HOWEVER, the other beauty of the 14' boat is the ability to launch anywhere on the lake. If I'm fishing MudCreek, I launch at MudCreek. If I'm fishing the Ladders or the Knolls, I launch at the Ladders. By launching near the proximity of where you plan on fishing, you are never far from the launch site and you can always get back and have time to get back if the weather turns.
That is one of the beauties of the 14' boat...ability to launch anywhere!
If I motor across the lake in my boat, I am fully prepared to beach it on any shore if needed and hitchhike to the marina to get my truck!
Again, you need to weigh out the pro's and con's. Actually, with a nice deep 14' boat, like the one I have, and a nice motor, it can get scary out there, but I've never felt threatened.
I mentioned before that my boat is a "wet" ride. The chines are designed more for efficiency and speed, but it produces a LOT of spray. If it is windy outside, you will be wet by the time you get where you are going. I also always take my raingear with me for that very reason! My old Appleby, although not as fast, was a MUCH drier ride.
Hope this helps.
Randy
[signature]
HOWEVER, the other beauty of the 14' boat is the ability to launch anywhere on the lake. If I'm fishing MudCreek, I launch at MudCreek. If I'm fishing the Ladders or the Knolls, I launch at the Ladders. By launching near the proximity of where you plan on fishing, you are never far from the launch site and you can always get back and have time to get back if the weather turns.
That is one of the beauties of the 14' boat...ability to launch anywhere!
If I motor across the lake in my boat, I am fully prepared to beach it on any shore if needed and hitchhike to the marina to get my truck!
Again, you need to weigh out the pro's and con's. Actually, with a nice deep 14' boat, like the one I have, and a nice motor, it can get scary out there, but I've never felt threatened.
I mentioned before that my boat is a "wet" ride. The chines are designed more for efficiency and speed, but it produces a LOT of spray. If it is windy outside, you will be wet by the time you get where you are going. I also always take my raingear with me for that very reason! My old Appleby, although not as fast, was a MUCH drier ride.
Hope this helps.
Randy
[signature]
I used to N.ot have E.nough T.ime O.ff to go fishing. Then I retired. Now I have less time than I had before. Sheesh.