Hello.

In search of a bass boat with wife capped budget of 6k.  Really want to learn to fish the Delta.

 

Any advice on what to look for in a boat or must have features for this water?

 

This is my first boat, so new to everything.

 

Thanks

Also wanted to mention that I am considering an older Skeeter.  One is s little over 15 ft.  Is this too small for the Delta?

 

In advance, thanks for your thoughts.

I had a Skeeter SD 80 with a 70 Yamaha on it that I liked a lot. Would run right at 50 with two people.  Fished all up and down the St John's with it.  I probably would not reccomend it for a big water boat. How rough does it get on the Delta?

It does get rough, but I would avoid questionable weather given my inexperience.

The Coast Guard requirements take care of what you have to have.  I would also recommend a depth finder and a hand held spot light.  If you’re going to fish by yourself get an auto inflate life vest that floats you face up, and hook the kill lanyard to it before you start the engine. Tie down straps for the rear when trailering, and some way to keep the motor off the hydraulics when trailering.

Skeeters older then the early 90's could have glassed over wood transum and stringers subject to dry rot. The Delta is a big area that is mostly river width, some large open water areas that get very windy with big white caps. You need a reliable boat with good GPS, average running speed is usually around 35 mph to be safe on a narrow rivers or sloughs, open water you can run faster if it isn't too rough. Remember this is a tidal influenced waterway, the depth changes hourly.

I would book a guide trip with "Cooch", he has a wealth of delta knowledge and will give you honest advice.

Tom

You'd be fine with as "little" as a 16-17ft aluminum as long as you're not having to make long runs in the main channel. That was my first boat and it had a 40 horse that did just fine as long as I stayed away from the big wakes of the yachts cruising the channel off plane. A buddy of mine just bought an '88 Ranger (18 ft or so) this spring for $4k from the original owner. There's obviously some cosmetic wear but it runs great with zero problems after 20 or so trips. You might be pleasantly surprised with some of the deals out there from guys that take care of their stuff and want to upgrade.

Thank you all for the great advice.  I have hired a guide for the Delta and really fell in love.  Such a great body of water for bass.  Will likely do it again soon.

 

My dream boat is a mid 90s Skeeter or 89+ Ranger.  Crossing my fingers to find a deal like NorCalBassin's friend.

 

Think I will hold out until I find one that works.

Again thanks for all of the advice.  And so much for a budget and weight issues.

 

Just agreed to purchase a 1999 Skeeter Z202.  A lot of boat, but I can grow into it.  Arrives in 2 weeks.  Will post pics once it is here.

Congrats and enjoy your new adventures