"Affordable" Yet Seaworthy Vessels. Sailboats? Tugboats? Large Skiffs?

[Autistic_Deer_Hunter]

Hello all,
Firstly, this may be the wrong place to post this as I am asking about sailboats so pardon me if this question is misplaced. Secondly, I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times before but I wanted to get some fresh opinions.
I am just getting into boating and dont have tons of money at my disposal, though I'm not broke either. I am primarily looking to get out to some of the islands in the Prince William Sound to do some blacktail hunting, as well as perhaps drop a shrimp pot or two and jig for some fish.
From what some folks tell me, you want to have a very large boat to get to any of the good hunting grounds in PWS, which is a little disheartening because I am no rich man and can't afford a big Uniflite, or similar floating RV, let alone some of the newer aluminum boats. I have been looking at boats for a few years now and I do see that sailboats are generally much cheaper, like $15K vs $75K for an older bigger boat. Given my budget, would a sailboat be a decent introductory option? I realize that they are much slower, which is OK for me given the price difference, and there's also some specialty skills required to operate a sailboat. Also, granted they don't have a large cockpit, could a sailboat be outfitted to drop a shrimp pot and fish from?
I've also come across some tugboats that seemed to be a little on the more affordable side but I'm not sure if that's normal or if there's possible underlying issued with such boats.
The other option would be to just build a large Tollman Skiff, which doesn't seem extremely hard to do. I have the book on how to build them and have intermediate woodworking skills. I'm just not sure if it's worth the time and resources if I can get something already made along with a trailer and motor for a similar price
So far I'm leaning towards sailboat. An additional question I have is if I have to bit the bullet and pay to play so I can get a larger boat, what are some good options and what could one expect in terms of payments (everyone's finances vary of course) for a decent newer rig?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[dahlenburg]

You don't mention if you are looking to take a family with you or go with a buddy but one option you may consider as a good introductory boat would be an inflatable such as a zodiac. They are not comfortable by any means, but they are very capable and safe boats to learn with. I ran an 18' inflatable with a 50hp motor and used it for shrimping, hunting and halibut fishing all over PWS. Had it rigged with a pot puller and down riggers even. Now if you are looking to take a family unless they are extremely adventurous that wife will probably not be happy with you. They are tons of fun as long as you dress to stay warm and dry.

Since you mention you don't have much experience, I would probably stay away from a sailboat since there is more of a learning curve there. They are certainly capable of doing everything you want to do including shrimping but, depending on the size you would likely need to buy a slip which is another big expense. Trailering a sailboat is a pain in the ass since you have to drop the mast every time.

Tugboats are likely cheaper again because of the extra cost associated with them such as slip and added cost of fuel to push such a large boat.

 

[Brian M]

If I was just looking to run around PWS and comfort wasn't a huge priority, I'd be looking at an older 18-20' Hewescraft SeaRunner or something similar. Or, preferably but probably more expensive, a similar size CDory. If you look at a 15-20 year old model with a low time engine, you could get a very capable boat for significantly less than what the newer models are running.

 

[Daveinthebush]

I believe the cost associated with a tugboat would be prohibitive. The cost of fuel alone and the slow speed wouldn't help.

As Brian stated above, he gave you a good option. Those entry level boats come up for sale all the time as people upgrade.

 

[bottom_dweller]

Sometimes these types of purchases can end up being a liability rather than an asset. Old wood and steel vessels be tugs, sailboats or others require substantial money and effort to keep floating. If you are single or married with no kids, a live aboard can be very cost effective rent alternative. Moorage is usually considerably less. I would recommend fiberglass as it doesn’t require nearly the upkeep.

 

[AKBC]

An older commercial gillnet boat (bowpicker) would make a seaworthy recreational boat. The fleet has mostly switched to jet propulsion and single diesel inboard/outboard boats are not very desirable anymore for gillnetting. They usually have heat, cook stove, two bunks, and a sink.

 

[NRick]

If you have a typical Monday to Friday job, then a sailboat is not for you. They are slow. In addition, you will need a slip which take a long time to get in Whitter and costs money in any harbor.

Stay a way from boats with wood hulls (they will be cheap). They demand a lot of maintenance and it takes a special person to keep one up.

A Zodiac would likely be the least expensive option if you are tough. Riding out in the open exposed to the weather in PWS can be uncomfortable at times. Otherwise, Brian M has good suggestions.

Less expensive boats are older boats and you need to know how to fix stuff. We bought an old Bayliner for $14K. We put at least another $14K into it before we felt it was seaworthy and reliable enough for PWS. That was doing all our own work and just buying parts and safety gear.

Good luck on your search.

 

[kwackkillncrew]

a larger outfitted zodiak would be a great way to start if a used 18'-20' hewes or raider is out of the price range. You might not be able to get out to the "better" islands for hunting but if you get a few good days in a row you should be able to get to the closer islands. Lots of fishing and shrimping could be done out of a zodiak out of whittier as well.

 

[Autistic_Deer_Hunter]

Very good points and much appreciated. I will likely be doing solo trips or maybe one or two other friends. I do have a 12 foot zodiac with a little 5HP on it, I take it around Passage Canal on very nice days and jig for rockfish and the like, as long as I stay within eyesight of Whittier.
So yeah, now I'm leaning toward a larger zodiac.
Can I ask what model you had/have that comes in 18 foot? I saw Saturn makes some 18 footers but I wasn't sure if they're a decent brand or not.
Also, how far would you say you could go in one? I realize weather is a major factor, as is time and the ability hunker down for days if need be. That's fine.

You don't mention if you are looking to take a family with you or go with a buddy but one option you may consider as a good introductory boat would be an inflatable such as a zodiac. They are not comfortable by any means, but they are very capable and safe boats to learn with. I ran an 18' inflatable with a 50hp motor and used it for shrimping, hunting and halibut fishing all over PWS. Had it rigged with a pot puller and down riggers even. Now if you are looking to take a family unless they are extremely adventurous that wife will probably not be happy with you. They are tons of fun as long as you dress to stay warm and dry.

Since you mention you don't have much experience, I would probably stay away from a sailboat since there is more of a learning curve there. They are certainly capable of doing everything you want to do including shrimping but, depending on the size you would likely need to buy a slip which is another big expense. Trailering a sailboat is a pain in the ass since you have to drop the mast every time.

Tugboats are likely cheaper again because of the extra cost associated with them such as slip and added cost of fuel to push such a large boat.

 

[Autistic_Deer_Hunter]

An older commercial gillnet boat (bowpicker) would make a seaworthy recreational boat. The fleet has mostly switched to jet propulsion and single diesel inboard/outboard boats are not very desirable anymore for gillnetting. They usually have heat, cook stove, two bunks, and a sink.

Very interesting. Those are probably very roomy too.

 

[Autistic_Deer_Hunter]

a larger outfitted zodiak would be a great way to start if a used 18'-20' hewes or raider is out of the price range. You might not be able to get out to the "better" islands for hunting but if you get a few good days in a row you should be able to get to the closer islands. Lots of fishing and shrimping could be done out of a zodiak out of whittier as well.

Well here's the deal, I work 7-12s so I have a week on and week off at a time. So if I'm trying to do an early season deer hunt if I take one week off I'll really have three weeks off, so time in certain situations isn't an option. I am a hardy person and I can deal with crap weather and time out in the wilderness, so I can deal with having to wait out some bad weather. So a zodiak is totally an option in those regards.
Say I have a large zodiac with a larger motor like a 40HP, do you think leaving out of Passage Canal, hitting the Culross Passage and shooting across to Knight would be an option given weather and time? Especially if its in August?

 

[Autistic_Deer_Hunter]

a larger outfitted zodiak would be a great way to start if a used 18'-20' hewes or raider is out of the price range. You might not be able to get out to the "better" islands for hunting but if you get a few good days in a row you should be able to get to the closer islands. Lots of fishing and shrimping could be done out of a zodiak out of whittier as well.

Speaking of shrimping off a zodiac from Whittier, I currently have a 12 foot zodiac, do you think pulling a pot from that on a solo trip is feasible? And how far away from Whittier does one need to be for shrimp? I was catching rockfish on the other side of the canal across from Whittier and it looked like it make be worth dropping a pot there due to the quick drop off.

 

[dahlenburg]

Very good points and much appreciated. I will likely be doing solo trips or maybe one or two other friends. I do have a 12 foot zodiac with a little 5HP on it, I take it around Passage Canal on very nice days and jig for rockfish and the like, as long as I stay within eyesight of Whittier.
So yeah, now I'm leaning toward a larger zodiac.
Can I ask what model you had/have that comes in 18 foot? I saw Saturn makes some 18 footers but I wasn't sure if they're a decent brand or not.
Also, how far would you say you could go in one? I realize weather is a major factor, as is time and the ability hunker down for days if need be. That's fin

I had an inmar which was technically a 17.5 foot boat with an older 50hp on it. I have had it as far out as knight and lone island before. Long drive if not totally flat but never felt unsafe in it. Inmar are sold in anchorage at alaska raft and kayak. I think when I bought mine a bare raft was about 3500 but sure they have probably gone up since.

I agree though that a used hewes would be a good way to go. Even if you find something with an older motor as long as the hull is sound you can re-power it. The newer mercury motors at bass pro are pretty nice. I know a lot of people swear by Yamaha and look down on mercury but I'm more than happy with mine.

 

[Brian M]

Speaking of shrimping off a zodiac from Whittier, I currently have a 12 foot zodiac, do you think pulling a pot from that on a solo trip is feasible? And how far away from Whittier does one need to be for shrimp? I was catching rockfish on the other side of the canal across from Whittier and it looked like it make be worth dropping a pot there due to the quick drop off.

There is some very good shrimping to be had within sight of Whittier.

And the old gillnetter option is a great suggestion. They're not roomy inside, but the deck space is awesome. And you would be hard pressed to find a more seaworthy boat in crappy weather.

 

[extrema]

Prince William Sound Deer Hunt Oct 7

 

[Autistic_Deer_Hunter]

There is some very good shrimping to be had within sight of Whittier.

And the old gillnetter option is a great suggestion. They're not roomy inside, but the deck space is awesome. And you would be hard pressed to find a more seaworthy boat in crappy weather.

That's very encouraging. Does anyone know what one can expect to pay for a gillnetter?

 

[Autistic_Deer_Hunter]

Prince William Sound Deer Hunt Oct 7

I love this page, I've actually read some of these entries before on here, not sure if I read this same entry here though. Thanks!

 

[Autistic_Deer_Hunter]

I had an inmar which was technically a 17.5 foot boat with an older 50hp on it. I have had it as far out as knight and lone island before. Long drive if not totally flat but never felt unsafe in it. Inmar are sold in anchorage at alaska raft and kayak. I think when I bought mine a bare raft was about 3500 but sure they have probably gone up since.

I agree though that a used hewes would be a good way to go. Even if you find something with an older motor as long as the hull is sound you can re-power it. The newer mercury motors at bass pro are pretty nice. I know a lot of people swear by Yamaha and look down on mercury but I'm more than happy with mine.

Interesting, Hewescraft are pretty much skiffs right?
I wonder what those go for.

 

[kwackkillncrew]

This type of boat would probably be the next step up above a zodiak style boat.

this is on craigslist

19FT HewesCraft SeaRunner 2016 90HP Yamaha - boats - by owner -...

97 Aluminum HewesCraft Searunner 19” ft Ocean Boat 2016 Yamaha F90 90Hp Long Shaft (62 hours) 8Hp Yamaha Kicker electric start Canvas cover is fairly new, ez Loader trailer new bearings, windshield...

anchorage.craigslist.org

Motor is just getting broken in.
little more capable then a zodiak and a heck of alot more comfortable.

I havent shrimped super close to whittier but i know there are lots of shrimp pots on both sides of passage all the way out to port wells.

 

[Brian M]

That's very encouraging. Does anyone know what one can expect to pay for a gillnetter?

Oh...anywhere from 20,000 to a half million, give or take. An old beater bowpicker can be had for a steal, but you'd better have some mechanical skills or a mechanic you trust. But they're definitely seaworthy boats.

That Hewes posted above seems like a great starter boat. 90hp seems a little light, but it will get you where you need to go.