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Fishing Boats
Fishing boats enjoy a good market in America and other parts of the world. As several surveys show, fishing ranks as one of the top ten recreational activities in America and it continues to grow its following among adults and children alike.
For sure, it is much more fun to go fishing on a boat than simply dangling your bait hook on the sides of a river or lake. To many folks, boat fishing provides not only relaxation and adventure but also allows them to spend quality time together with families and friends.
There are a variety of fishing boats to suit various types of fishing activities. Whether you are fishing for recreation or a serious angler seeking to win the next fish tournament, there is always the right fishing boat for you.
Designs of fishing boats vary depending on the types of water where they are used. There are boats meant for the shallow waters of inland lakes and there are boats designed for deep seas and great lakes. Features that you could usually expect from fishing boats include stowage and holders for fishing poles, bait, tackle, and tacks that are designed to hold live fish. Fishing boats would also feature an open platform to allow anglers to fight the fish on all sides of the boat.
Generally, fishing boats may be classified into the following categories:
All-Purpose Fishing Boats
As the name suggests, these boats are for those who want everything in their fishing vessel. All-purpose fishing boats provide space for fishing gear, several bench seats or a few pedestal chair-back seats, a simple steering station or steer-by-tiller. They can be aluminum, fiberglass or an inflatable, are almost always outboard-powered. They measure about 15 to low-20s fett long.
Bass Boats
Equipped with larger outboards, bass boats are specialty crafts for bass fishing. These boats offer lots of storage space for rods and gear and are outfitted with electronics and livewells. Bass boats usually come with raised-deck casting platform in the bow (and often the stern), with provision for an electric trolling motor. Measuring from 16 to mid-20 feet, bass boats are often made of fiberglass, but aluminum models are also available.
Center-Console Fishing Boats
With the control station located in the center of the boat, these boats allow angling from any place on deck. With lengths ranging from mid-teens to high twenties, center consoles may be used offshore as well as near the shore.
Flats Boats
Made mostly of fiberglass and featuring shallow-draft hulls and tilting outboard engines, these craft allow angling access to saltwater flats fish. Each boat features a "poling platform" that allows navigation and fish spotting. A casting deck gives the angler stable control.
Offshore Sportfishing Boats
These craft are ideal for getting trophy fish. They combine the comforts of motor yachts and the functionality of large aft cockpits. Featuring classic, durable deep-vee hulls in fiberglass and aluminum, they often come with twin inboards, large fuel capacities for long range, sophisticated electronics, cabin space for crew and guests. The size ranges from the mid-30s to 50s and 60s.
Fish and skis
Interior layouts of these craft allow boaters to enjoy the two most popular on-water activities. Have enough power, usually outboard, to pull a skier or two, and to get to the fishing spot in short order. Storage allows taking skis and tackle. Three or four can ride and fish in lengths from teens to upper 20s. (Trailerable; 1-5 people).
Aside from the boat types, fishing boats may also be classified according to the materials used. In earlier times, fishing boats were mostly made of wood but today's modern fishing boats are either made of fiberglass or aluminum. Each material would have their own advantages and disadvantages and it is really up to the users what type of boat best works for his preferences and requirements.
Generally speaking, aluminum boats are preferred for use in most manmade lakes because they are more rugged than fiberglass and can withstand pressure for underwater trees or other debris. Fiberglass fishing boats are used mostly in large lakes and other open boats. These boats can usually double as ski boats and may even have sleeping quarters.
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Center console fishing boats
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Center console fishing boats are probably one of the more versatile types of fishing boats around. Center consoles enable anglers to move around freely around the boat since the boat's control system is located at the center. There is definitely much room for angling from all sides of a center console fishing boat.
As one great fan of center consoles had said, this type of boat offers a lot of benefits as a fishing boat. For one, it is very practical as it gives the fisherman the entire boat to fish around and for casting lures. Fishermen know that they only have a few seconds to get in a good position in order to pelt out their lure as the fish approaches the surface of the water. Working around objects inside the boat could definitely spoil a perfect cast.
Compared to other boat types, center console boats are more ideal for casting, trolling, or drifting live bait. Anglers can move safely and much more conveniently as they do their fishing. When there is a big catch, the anglers do not have to contend with a side console getting in the way.
Center console boats usually come with vee hulls that can take different kinds of water conditions. They also feature aerated baitwells but storage room and comfortable seating may be a bit of a challenge with center consoles. Newer models, however, have managed to increase the storage capacity of center console boats.
Over all, center consoles make good companions for fishing offshore as well as near.
Because the boats are versatile and quite affordable, center console fishing boats have become very popular among boaters. Center console boats are usually equipped with outboard engines and come in mid-teens to low 30s. Most models are trailerable and can accommodate one to six people.
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Aluminum fishing boats
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Aluminum fishing boats offer good value for money. Compared to their fiberglass counterparts, aluminum fishing boats are arguably stronger and weigh less. Because they are lighter, they only require smaller motors giving boat owners more savings on fuel costs.
Although buying an aluminum boat may initially seem more expensive, it yields greater return on investment because it is expected to last longer and its resale value is much higher than other recreational boats. Owners of aluminum fishing boats also have less worry when it comes to repairs and maintenance as well as leaks, corrosions and rots in their boats.
The marine industry has been using aluminum as a material for building boats for over a hundred years. This is largely due to its light weight and ease of fabrication as well as resistance to corrosion and fatigue. For the past several decades, however, the dominance of aluminum as a preferred boat building material has been challenged. With the advent of new technology and boat builders seeking to cut production cost, there has been stronger leaning for the use of fiberglass as the major material for making boats. Fiberglass boats can be made from standardized molds that considerably bring down construction time and labor.
Despite the good points of fiberglass boats, aluminum boats are seeking to once again regain their hold in the boating industry. Makers of aluminum boats are also taking advantage of developments in technology that improve the process of cutting and welding aluminum, thus competing with the cost advantage that fiberglass boats provide.
As a fishing boat, aluminum boats are very easy to handle even by one fisherman. With its high strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum fishing boats can easily be transported and put on a trailer. Upgrading and putting enhancements are likewise easy tasks on aluminum boats. For instance, a professional welder can switch motors or add other features to an aluminum boat.
Solid construction is the key factor to the durability of aluminum boats. Unlike in earlier times when parts are riveted together, the pieces of molded metal are welded along their seams allowing the joints to hold together better. In case of dents and other damages, it is very easy to repair aluminum fishing boats. Slight damages can simply be hammered out while punctures can be welded with a new patch. Aluminum is also highly recyclable.
Debunking the myths on aluminum boats
The Aluminum Association, debunks the following myths on aluminum boats and offers compelling reasons why aluminum boats make good water crafts:
· They're cold and damp: False! Hulls and decks are easily insulated to ensure dry cabins.
· They're noisy: False! A well-built aluminum vessel with proper soundproofing is often quieter than an equivalent fiberglass boat -- as low as 70 decibels in the main cabin of a motorized yacht at cruising speed.
· Aluminum cannot be painted: False! With careful preparation and the application of proper primers and undercoats, aluminum holds paint very well.
· Hull fittings are difficult to install: False! Bait tank pumps and depth finders can be installed by simply drilling and tapping into the hull with a stainless steel fastener.
· Aluminum is easily corroded: False! Today's marine-grade aluminum is highly corrosion-resistant. Some surface oxidization can occur, but this in no way affects the strength or integrity of the aluminum.
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Jon boats
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When you think of fishing, Jon boats could not be far behind. Typically small and lightweight, these vessels have long been used for fishing and as utility boats. Alternatively, Jon boats are also good for multipurpose camping and even hunting.
Aside from its reliability and versatility as a fishing boat, Jon boats are also very affordable and easy to maintain. This is probably one of the reasons why jons enjoy a loyal following among anglers. It is no secret that the cost of owning and operating a small boat such as a jon is much more economical than buying a bigger fishing boat.
Jon boats are typically made of aluminum and powered by a small outboard engine. One to five people can usually fit in a Jon boat.
Since it is a preferred fishing craft, Jon boats would usually feature stowage and holders for fishing poles, bait, tackle, and tanks that can hold live fish. They have an open platform that provides anglers much space when dealing with their big catch of fish.
Older models of Jon boats typically had low sidewalls. This had been a cause of concern among Jon boat owners since it poses risks on the security and safety of the people riding the boat, particularly when negotiating with a big game. Fortunately, Jon boats manufacturers are listening to these concerns and have adapted their designs to feature taller sidewalls and wider freeboard.
Another thing that has endeared Jon boats among its owners is its simplicity. Without much of the frills as other high-end recreational boats, Jon boats can easily be trailered at the back of a truck. Yet at the same time, these boats are so well-designed for safe fishing. Rugged yet safe, jon boats can talk you to places where bigger boat owners would not dare to go for fear of ruining their gelcoat.
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Lund Boats
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Lund Boats by the Lund Boat Company has been in the boating industry for nearly six decades. The first aluminum duck boat that G. Howard Lund built in 1948 has after many years propelled to growth one of the leading manufacturers of aluminum boats in the United States. The company took another major milestone last year as it joined marine powerhouse Brunswick Corporation.
Lund started with only three employees in Howard's garage. His first duck boat got the interest of a boat salesman from Inland Marine Corporation who initially placed an order of 50 boats. As they say, the rest is history. From then on, Lund Boat Company has expanded to occupy 29 acres of land for its manufacturing facility and employ more than 500 people.
Being an industry leader has always been the driving force of Lund Boat. It is committed to bring to its growing customers boats that give more pleasure and value for their investment. Lund boats are designed to make boating more enjoyable and fishing more productive.
As a matter of fact, a number of features introduced in the boating industry over the last several decades stemmed from the Lund plant in New York Mills, Minnesota. Despite these achievements, however, Lund is not about to stop innovating and developing new systems and technologies to improve its processes.
Now that it is part of the Brunswick umbrella, Lund expects to do even much better as it can leverage on the great resources and technological advantages of its new parent firm. This only means better boating experience for the boaters.
Brunswick announced the complete acquisition of Lund Boats in April 2004 in line with the company's thrust to strengthen its hold in the aluminum boat market. Together with the $191-million purchase of Lund Boat were two other aluminum boat brands from Genmar Industries, Inc., namely Lowe Boats (15.23) and Crestliner (15.5). The purchase also included Genmar Boats Canada, Inc., which produces the Lund brand in Canada.
Each of these companies produces numerous models of aluminum fishing, pontoon, deck and utility boats ranging from 10 to 25 feet. Combined, these entities had sales of approximately $311 million in the year ended June 30, 2003.
"The goal of the Brunswick Boat Group is to offer our dealers a full line of products in all major powerboat segments," said group President Dustan E. McCoy in a previous statement about the acquisition of the above-mentioned aluminum brands. Prior to the transaction, he added Brunswick had no meaningful participation in the aluminum segment in the United States.
"The addition of these quality brands represents a significant step in our effort to 'fill the white spaces' in our product line-up and to offer dealers a full range of products to meet their customers' particular boating needs. In addition, this acquisition supports our effort to provide consumers with products that benefit from an integrated approach to boat and engine manufacturing, allowing the efficiencies, product planning and integration to deliver a more satisfying boat-owning experience."
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Triton Boats
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Although relatively new in the industry, Triton Boats has emerged to be a leading player in the boat building segment. Triton is the maker of the popular Tournament Bass Boat.
Founded in 1996 by former world powerboat racing champion Earl Bentz, Triton Boats has made its mark in the industry with its innovative engineering design and excellent safety features.
Just four years after it started its business, Triton managed to land the top position as America's No.1 fiberglass fishing boat manufacturer in 2000. That was according to sales figures compiled by the Statistical Surveys, Inc., of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This phenomenal growth speaks of the boat company's commitment to providing only the best quality crafts to their customers.
Today, Triton boats span many segments including bass, saltwater and aluminum. In May 2005, Triton was formally acquired by the Brunswick Boat Group of marine powerhouse Brunswick Corporation. Joining other respectable names in the boating industry, Triton executives said the acquisition was expected to fuel the company to greater and faster growth. The Tennessee-based company now has its disposal the financial and technical backing of Brunswick to take Triton to the next level and beyond.
In its early years, Triton skyrocketed to its leadership position by leveraging on the rich experiences in the marine industry of its management team. Aside from Bentz who has spent more than 30 years of his life in the boat business, Triton is powered by a group of people with many years of experience in designing, manufacturing, and marketing recreational fishing boats.
In 2000, Triton completed its 65,000-square foot expansion of its manufacturing plant locate in Ashland City. The manufacturing facility and administrative offices cover nearly 270,000 square feet, building a full line of fiberglass bass boats and saltwater hulls.
Over the years, Triton has become a household name in the bass boat market, with its high-performance, tournament ready bass boats. Fishermen are said to love Triton's unique hull design, which gives a dry and solid ride no matter what the water conditions are. The fishing professionals also admire the layout and interior design of Triton boats. Triton boats simply allow them to fish.
"We've listened to fishermen," Triton's Earl Bentz, an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, said in one statement. "They want the maximum cubic feet of storage, and easy access to that storage. What's the use of having a big hole, if you've got a downsized lid to get into the storage space? The casting deck space, the tacklebox P.A.L.S. storage system, the heavy-duty livewell systems and ease-of-operation control panel are all input from serious fishing minds."
Triton also employs wood-free construction and all composite hull system for all its boats. With no wood to rot, Triton is able to offer lifetime warranty on its boats.
Aside from its high tech design and engineering, Triton also credits its success to its worldwide dealership network.
For Triton, it is the love and commitment for new ideas, forward thinking, listening to the needs and wants of fishermen, and providing quality product and service – that serve as the company's pillars for staying ahead.
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Fishing Boats 