Small 12' Sea Nymph fishing boat? Need advice.

[Oldgreybear]

Why not consider a small pontoon boat instead of a jon boat. Ours was easy to move and very stable for fishing. My 16 foot aluminum jon boat is real easy to sink-from either end + it is tippy side to side the 8 foot pontoon not so much!

 

[Oldgreybear]

Here is a web site with some pontoons and pricing

 

[Oldgreybear]

Mini Bass Boats (When you get old you become forgetful and don't post web sites the first two times!)

 

[studor]

Length is not the only issue when it comes to boats and a few other things in life
I have a 15ft 6" jon boat with a ten horsepower mud motor that you can stand on the corner of and shoot from without fear of going for a swim. The 12 foot Thornes v hull I mentioned in a previous post is also pretty stable. On the other hand I have been in fourteen footers that I would only stand cautiously in and others that I would go out in some pretty rough conditions in. The other tradeoff then becomes weight and portability. Based on your stated requirement so far I would look for a 14ft, 9.9 engine and seats with a back (I have never found an aluminum boat in that class with bench seats that you could remain comfortable in for long periods while fishing.) If buying new, go to a boat show -- the deals there are always better than on a walk in -- JMHO

 

[MossRoad]

Why not consider a small pontoon boat instead of a jon boat. Ours was easy to move and very stable for fishing. My 16 foot aluminum jon boat is real easy to sink-from either end + it is tippy side to side the 8 foot pontoon not so much!

He didn't say it was a john boat. He said it was a V bottom boat. As for stability and john boats, I have one that is only about 32" wide. SCARY boat to sit in. Very tippy. On the other hand, we had one when I was a kid that was much wider. An adult could stand on the side rail and not even come close to tipping it over. Each boat and design is unique.

 

[STUMP52]

Look at the Stealth 1200 or 2000. Both are 12' long and weigh 100 lbs. I have a 1200 that I use to duck hunt out of. You have to really want to flip this boat before it will turn over. They are rated for 3 hp outboard. Most of the time I use a kayak paddle but do have it licensed and have put a trolling motor on it. I have a small trailer for it or just haul it in the back of my truck. I love the boat and I've had it in some pretty good chop.

Here's the picture that sold me on em.

And yep, I've done that several times in mine.

 

[mostly_gas]

As others have said, it is about total weight and weight distribution and not just about length. Take the boat out if you are worried about how tipsy it is and pay attention to the capacity placard! I have fly fished out of a ten foot canoe so it is personal taste as long as the boat has the capacity

 

[border]

Bought last year this sun dolphin for lake

plastic (or pvc not sure), but very strong, dropped from trail 1st day when I bough My advice is to stay away from aluminium. It is ok for larger boats, but I had bad experience with previous 2 alu boats (both used only on lakes) so now I am considering just other materials pvc,etc.Just my 2 cents.

 

[foggy1111]

There are 12' boats and then there are 12' boats. Check the weight ratings.

Many years ago I owned a 12' Deep V Lund boat that I could take on any water....with myself and 2 freinds. I took that boat everywhere when fishing and duck hunting. First I had a couple of different 5 hp motors on it....and later had a 15 Johnson....which would fly. I even pulled my wife on water skis with it. :laughing:

Some small 12 footers are dangerous tho.....and I have seen a few light brands with very little freeboard. I stood on shore and watched a VERY huge guy and two friends take water over the gunnels one day in a small 12'.....and they swamped their craft. A couple of other folks saved those guys. :confused2:

The Sea Nymph does not have a very deep hull IMO. Check the ratings and decide how much wieght you and those you are taking on board. Leave a margin of safety. :thumbsup:

 

[tractchores]

Old thread, but ive got a 12' porta bote (foldable plastic boat) with a 6hp motor. Im a big guy and its plenty stable, i can stand in it without any worries. I wouldnt take it in big waves or anything, but its great as a dinghy for our big boat and will actually plane with that little motor. A flat bottom would be more stable and as long as there is good freeboard and you dont overload it you should be able to do a lot with it.