I just bought this boat Friday. I'll be taking it out on the bay for fluke fishing and crabbing, and on lakes for bass and trout fishing. I went with the 9.9 HP because many NJ lakes have a 10HP limit. I ruled out a steering console because I use it on the local lake frequently and gas motors are not allowed on the boat at all, not even up, so I have to be able to remove the motor easily.
I ruled out anything larger than 16 ft because I couldn't fit it and my car in the driveway otherwise.
It replaces this boat, which is now on my lawn with a for sale sign. It had the same uses, but the new boat is wider and has a lot more freeboard. This one got a little hairy in the waves on the bay. And I didn't like having to climb over the seats to get to the front of the boat.
There are many things to consider
1. Storage room
2. planned uses
3. budget
4. trailering capacity of your car
5. type of water. Waves? Strong currents?
6. Power restrictions on local waterways
7. Will you want to use it where gas motors are not allowed?
8. How many people will you carry?
9 Will you use it alone from time to time, or will you always have help?
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