hookem19 Posted December 25, 2005 Share Posted December 25, 2005 So here's my dilemma... I am dead set on getting a small cheap boat to fish out of for the spring and summer, but i leave for college next fall and the boat will just sit. I mentioned this to my dad and he asked if it's possible to instead of buying a boat for say 1000$ is it legitimate to ask to rent it for 6-7 months or so? have you ever heard of anyone allowing their boat to be rented? Hookem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDbasser Posted December 26, 2005 Share Posted December 26, 2005 I wouldn't even think of loaning my boat for a day let alone renting it for several months. I think you would be better off trying to find a real good deal on a used boat and fish it until you get ready to go away to college, then try to resale it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcipinkie Posted December 26, 2005 Share Posted December 26, 2005 I sincerely doubt you could find anyone that didn't know you, or know your family, to rent you a boat at kind of reasonable price. There are just too many bad things that can happen to a boat, certainly with an inexperienced operator. My tournament partner uses my little boat as if it were his own. He has a key to the lock, and just comes and gets it when he wants it, but he is extremely knowledgeable about boats. I surely wouldn't rent it to anyone I wouldn't give it to, rent free. I agree with DDB. You probably should try to find a little boat to buy. Unfortunately, fishing is not a cheap hobby, and the more serious you get about it, the more it costs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted December 26, 2005 Share Posted December 26, 2005 Find you an old 14' jon and a small 70's - 80's model 9.9 - 15 HP motor (Merc or OMC, none of these off brand things). You should be able to get a boat, motor and trailer for less than $1,000. Have the motor checked out by a qualified mechanic and have it winterize and prep'd for storage when you head off to school. Park the trailer in the back yard out of the way, flip the jon upside down on it and you will have it for many years to come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madhouse27 Posted December 26, 2005 Share Posted December 26, 2005 I'd vote for buying what you can afford and offer your dad the use of it for leaving it in his yard while you're away. If you are returning home at the end of the school year it would be a good feeling knowing that your boat is sitting there ready for action. Who knows, maybe your father might throw a few bucks in on the deal knowing that he'd have access to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Upnorth Posted December 26, 2005 Share Posted December 26, 2005 For $1,000, you could set up a used jon boat pretty well. That is what I used all through college. Graduate, then worry about getting into a bass boat. I don't know anyone that would rent out their pride and joy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User J._Bricker Posted December 30, 2005 Super User Share Posted December 30, 2005 Depending on where you live and what you may have to share the water with, I suggest looking at a float tube or one of the inflatable cat types which you might be able to attach a trolling motor. Relatively inexpensive, easy to transport and launched anywhere, a float tube was my first "boat". Until you are able to get what you reallty want, at least you'll be on the water. And IMO, you'll become a better fisherman because you'll have to fish the fish that are there and not blast off to the next honey hole. As for renting a boat, the only way you can do this is at a public lake at $50 for 4 hours. Anyway, good luck in college and fishing. Who knows, maybe there will be a bass club on campus and the problem will be solve. JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User flechero Posted December 30, 2005 Super User Share Posted December 30, 2005 Hookem, If you decide it makes sense for you to buy something, I may be able to help you out. I have a 15' w/ 9.9 merc that will be for sale in about a week. See my post in the flea market section: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1135834956 If you decide it is something you might like, I live in Belton, just about an hour north of you. -keith Both boat and trailer have current plate/stickers & registration. Another thought, when you go to college, I bet you can find a place to keep it in the town you will be in. I had several friends who after the first semester found a place to keep them. Some of the apartments will let you park small boat in the back of the lot. All you'll need is a motor lock (which I think I still have for that boat) and small length of chain and a padlock to keep it from getting stolen. Your gear will be inside your house/apt so there really isn't any reason to worry about leaving the boat parked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NBR Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 You will spend more on renting than to buy a used boat. Buy the boat, winterize the motor and boat before you go to school and it will be ready for you when school is out in the summer. Winterizing the motor is easy and depending on the boat just flip it over on its trailer and secure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hookem19 Posted January 7, 2006 Author Share Posted January 7, 2006 Thanks fellas i'm talking to forum member Flechero right now and hopefully he can help me get my first bass boat. I just get giddy thinking about it. HOOKEM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishn bear Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 Good luck with the boat! I may self am a college student and 3 years ago had the same problem you have. I got a small 12' aluminum v-hull boat and an 8hp motor and still fish out of it today. You can take your boat with you to college! After my first semester at college I had a friend how lived near campus a let me store my boat there for free. Greatest thing I could have done. Having the boat there and being able to get out on the water when i had a spare min help me greatly in getting through college. Good luck with the boat and with college! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hookem19 Posted January 12, 2006 Author Share Posted January 12, 2006 Thanks fishn bear. I think i actually found a boat through this website. it's an aluminum boat and i think i'm going to buy it on friday. I'm so excited. well thanks again. Hookem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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