I'm stuck on a decision on what boat to purchase. I have a great 9.9 2 stroke evinrude (short shaft) (tiller) I traded a guy. I need something thats going to be stable. As myself, my son and his friend are not on the little side. I don't want anything pre-rigged as I would like to put on my own fishfinder and trolling motor. Need recommendations on those items also. Thank you for you help.

FISH ON!!!!!   Have a budget about 5K more or less!!!!

What is your budget?

Paul

You could probably get a nice boat for 5K. I bought my Crestliner Angler 16 Brand new in 2001 for $3900 including a load right trailer. I already had a 25 HP outboard to put on it. It was very stable with the three "big" boys I have had on it.  I would say we were around 700lbs total. The only option I bought was an extra seat.

Here is the current year of the same model. New Angler 16

The only problem I see is your motor. 9.9 HP is not a lot. A short shaft outboard will limit you to the kind of boat you can get. I would recommend you get at least a 16~17' boat with deep hull to carry the weight you want to.

As far as brands goes I think they are all the same wether its tracker, crestliner, lowe or lund. The only problem I had when I shopped for my boat was the tracker sales person claimed he could not sell me a boat without the motor. I was ready to buy one of their pro guide v 16t boats. I was in the show room and had cold hard cash. I said I want this one with out the motor. Where do I back my truck?. He said he could not do it. I explaind I already had a motor and did not want the 9.9 it had on it. He said sorry could not do it. I left went to the crestliner dealer, now I have a nice boat.

Paul