Boat Safety Question

[hanahou7]

Yea, most definitely. Safety is #1. I actually changed fishing plans this weekend because San Pablo is expected to have high winds. Thanks for the words of advice Iggy!

[iggybabble]

on a little, lightweight boat like this, dont be afraid to beach it if required to wait out the wind......consider buying a couple dry bags so youve got extra warm, dry clothes. we all love to fish, and most of us dont get enough fishing time, but dont hesitate to either cut a day short, or even cancel at the launch ramp if weather seems really bad. at both Eagle and Berryessa ive had to alter fishing plans when weather has kicked up.......

[dabalone]

So I took the boat to Pardee this past Sunday. No fish to show for 6 hours of fishing, though I didn't see much action from anyone else, and the other boaters were all searching for fish like my Dad and me.

Anyways, the boat handled fine. It was good weather with clear skies and a high speed of maybe 5mph winds, so the waves weren't too big. Wakes from other boats weren't really an issue and we were able to fly pretty quick w/ the 5hp motor.

Overall, it was a good experience. I gained a lot of knowledge about the limitations of my boat, and hopefully I can have fish pictures to share next time! Thank you to everyone who gave their input!

Follow a few basic safety guidelines and get it out and use it, best way by far to learn your boats limitations, one trip is worth a thousand words of advice. Sorry you didn't catch the fish but if a son and his dad gets out fishing together its all good anyway.

[hanahou7]

So I took the boat to Pardee this past Sunday. No fish to show for 6 hours of fishing, though I didn't see much action from anyone else, and the other boaters were all searching for fish like my Dad and me.

Anyways, the boat handled fine. It was good weather with clear skies and a high speed of maybe 5mph winds, so the waves weren't too big. Wakes from other boats weren't really an issue and we were able to fly pretty quick w/ the 5hp motor.

Overall, it was a good experience. I gained a lot of knowledge about the limitations of my boat, and hopefully I can have fish pictures to share next time! Thank you to everyone who gave their input!

[Second Chance]

Sounds like you already got all the good advice. My 2 cents - Sturdiness will not be that big of concern. The wind blowing you all over will be difficult due to the flat bottom. Also the flat bottom makes all waves tiny or huge even bigger. V hull is designed to help the boat steer in the wind and cut through the waves. You'll be fine. Post some pics of your fish.

[hanahou7]

Thanks for all the advice everyone, it's been super helpful.

I am hoping to take it out soon. I have a couple rod holders that should come in tomorrow, so I can mount those and be ready to go!

Good luck to everyone out there.

[FISHERPRICE]

Hi Guys,

This is not technically "trout" related, but I had a question about boat safety and figured you all could be some great help!

I picked up a 12' x 3.5' Jon Boat (flat bottom) back in October and use it for duck hunting in sloughs and at places like Don Edwards and Napa-Sonoma Marshes. It's outfitted with a 5hp 4-stroke and can support 2 guys w/gear.

I was hoping to use it to do some lake fishing with the boat, but I had some concerns about safety. My dad doesn't think it would be sturdy enough, but from my experiences with it this past duck season, I think it could be fine.

What do you guys advise? Do you think it would be safe enough to take to somewhere like Pardee, Amador and Caples? What about bigger lakes, such as New Melones and Berryessa? Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks! Keep your lines tight

I had one about 15 years ago and used it at all lakes in eldorado county. The only one I had problems in was Folsom . Mostly boats scraming buy with large wake and a couple times mixed with the wake and winds. Another words my experiance was the lakes without large amounts of skiers and not as prone to high chop from winds it worked bad ass. Your choice, be safe and catch hella fish.

[tinytrout]

I had a Coleman crawdad 10 foot with 6horse plastic. We fished many mountain lakes. Hell hole, Eagle, Bucks. It was fun but when the wind would come up and the lake would turn into an ocean it would get scary. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am sure we dodged a bullet or two in the time we had it. Just be careful out there.
Tiny

[wearegods1]

I've seen float tubes in the middle of the big water at Berryessa. As long as you are wearing a life jacket, any boat is safe. Just might not be very comfortable. For my 2 cents, get out there and catch some fish!!!!!!!!!! Just check out the regs because still gonna need all the required gear and not much room to put it.

[iggybabble]

just like other lakes and other boats......pick your days, and consider fishing close to a lee shore where you can seek refuge if the wind kicks up too much.