buyer's GUIDE A plain-English walk-through of how to choose a fishing boat that fits your water, your style, and your budget.
We've been doing this since 1959 — and we love helping new buyers.
If you're staring at boat listings and feeling overwhelmed, take a breath. Most of our happiest customers came in not knowing exactly what they needed. By the time they leave, they do — and they have the right boat to prove it.
This guide walks through the same conversation we'd have at the lot: how you'll use the boat, where you'll fish, what type fits, what size makes sense, and how we customize it for you.
WHAT WILL YOU USE YOUR BOAT FOR?
The single most important question. Different fishing styles need different boats — and a multi-purpose family boat is a different animal entirely.
Bass
Fast, low-profile boats with elevated casting decks, big livewells, and plenty of rod storage. Vexus, Skeeter, Phoenix and Caymas are our go-to brands.
Walleye
Built for big water and rough conditions. Deep-V hulls, kicker-motor mounts, and full enclosures. Vexus and Crestliner shine here. Other great options include the Skeeter WXR & Vexus DVX series.
Salmon & Steelhead
River-focused aluminum boats with shallow drafts and serious power. River Hawk and Crestliner are purpose-built for Northwest river fishing.
Family & Watersports
Open layouts, comfortable seating, and the power to pull tubes or boards. Many of our buyers want a boat that fishes Saturday and tubes Sunday.
Multi-Species / Fish & Ski
The "do-it-all" boat. Fish bass in the morning, walleye in the afternoon, and pull the kids on a tube on the way home.
Tournament Ready
Top-tier electronics, dual livewells, max horsepower. Built to win — and we rig them to your circuit's specs.
Where You Fish Matters
Where you fish matters more than people realize. The Columbia is fast, deep, and rough. The Snake is technical. Local lakes are calmer. And the boat that's perfect for one is wrong for another.
Tell us what water you fish — or want to fish — and we'll narrow the list down. Our staff fishes the same rivers and lakes our customers do, so the recommendations come from real experience, not a product brochure.
ALUMINUM OR FIBERGLASS?
There's no wrong answer — but there is a right answer for you.
Aluminum
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Lighter — easier to tow, launch, and trailer
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More forgiving in shallow water and around rocks
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Generally lower entry price
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Great for rivers and varied conditions
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Brands we carry: Vexus, Crestliner, River Hawk
Fiberglass
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Smoother ride in big water and chop
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Faster top-end speed for the same horsepower
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More tournament-style features and finishes
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Better resale value at the high end
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Brands we carry: Vexus, Skeeter, Phoenix, Caymas
How Big Should Your Boat Be?
Our honest advice: buy bigger than you think you want. Almost every customer who buys a smaller boat ends up trading up within two years. The right answer depends on your water and how many people you'll typically take out — but we'll help you avoid the most common mistakes.
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Solo / 2-person: 17-19 ft works for most lakes
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Family or 3-4 anglers: 19-21 ft is the sweet spot
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Big Water / Columbia / Snake: 19-22 ft minimum
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Tournament use: usually 20+ ft
How We Customize Your Boat
Every boat we sell is rigged before it leaves the lot. You tell us how you fish — we'll set it up to match.
Conversation
We talk through your fishing style, your target species, and how you use your boat so we can build the right setup.
Selection
We pull boats from stock that fit. If we don't have exactly what you need, we'll locate it or order it.
Rigging
Electronics, trolling motor, livewells, rod holders — our techs install and test everything before delivery.
Hand-Off
Before you take it home, we walk you through every feature so you're confident on the water from day one.
Your Next Boat Is Waiting
Whether you know exactly what you want or you're just starting to explore, we're here to help. Come visit us, browse online, or give us a call — no pressure, just honest advice from people who love being on the water.