Boating and Sailing.pdf - Moja ladja

12
Part 1: Getting Started in Boating
Boat Bytes
According to the National
Marine Manufacturers’
Association (NMMA) statistics,
the most popular boat
sold in the United States is
the outboard-powered rig; over
241,000 were sold in 2000.
Personal watercraft sales have
slowed slightly but still remain
high, with over 92,000 sold in
2000. NMMA estimates there
are more than 16.9 million boats
of all types and ages currently in
use in U.S. waters.
Raised casting decks at the
bow and stern make for easy
fishing in a bass boat. Swivel
seats add comfort as the
angler tries his luck in all
directions. The trolling
motor at the bow provides
silent power while fishing.
(Photo credit: Champion Boats)
Monsters of the Sea: Saltwater Fishing Boats
them to plane up on top of the water much like a slalom
ski, increasing speed and reducing fuel use (but not
reducing it much!). They’re usually equipped with a
silent electric trolling motor at the bow to provide lowspeed
maneuvering as the angler probes cover for his
quarry (see the following photo). Prices range from
$8,000 to $45,000.
Smaller boats, some with squared-off bows known as
“jon boats,” are popular for pursuit of all sorts of finny
critters from catfish to sturgeon. Most of these boats are
lightweight aluminum, which means they can be pushed
with motors from 5 to 40 horses. Overall prices are
affordable, starting as low as $2,500 including a trailer
but without a motor. (The motors are portable and can
be added or removed as needed.)
Coastal fishing boats fall into three general divisions determined by size, seaworthiness,
and price.
Most seaworthy are the biggies designed for fishing well offshore. They range in length
from 22 to 55 feet and are priced anywhere from $25,000 to several million dollars. These
boats have lots of freeboard, lots of beam, and usually twin engines. They can be center