"Bubba" wrote in message
...
New to freshwater fishing. Will be doing most around Lake Okeechobee. 2
people most of the time. I want something with a little speed. 30 - 40
mph, would be great. Faster, would be even greater. Willing to spend
$5-7K
on a used boat. What do you guys suggest and why? Size, Aluminum or
glass,
Single or dual console and why? Or am I kidding myself at that price?
TIA

I'm going to go against the grain a little. While dual console boats are
good for all of the reasons mentioned, I don't mind single console boats at
all. They have their benefits as well. The windshield on the second console
does not get in the way when casting. It's easier to walk all the way around
the boat on a single console boat as the rod locker usually extends the
front deck all the way behind the middle of the boat. Most single console
boats I've seen have a hand rail for the passenger to hold on to if they
want. If you get hungry, just open your mouth while at full speed. It works
for whales, why not you. Single console boats tend to cost less. With a
price range of $5k-7k, I think you will have better luck going with a single
console. Sure, I'd recommend a dual console and all the trimmings... it's a
no brainer if money is no object. But in this case, it appears it is. I'd
also really look at aluminum boats. They send to be less expensive and
easier to maintain then fiberglass. Aluminum also has it's draw backs. In
big waves, they can get pounded. Also, the wind tends to push them around
easier as they are much lighter. But their weight also means you get good
speed with a smaller engine. My 17' Bass Tracker with a 60hp engine runs
about 45mph. You can _easily_ find a nice aluminum boat for that range.