I’m considering a boat for salmon fishing out in Puget Sound. I’m thinking something inexpensive, probably aluminum. I would like something that would hold either myself and a friend or myself and my 2 kids. Question: what is the minimum size boat and motor that you would feel good about going out in regarding safety. I don’t plan on going out in particularly rough water but for instance I’ve seen a lot of fairly “small” boats launch at Mukilteo in search of salmon. Thanks for your comments. Don't want to spend a lot of money but also don't want to be a statistic from getting swamped by a ferry wake!

Old Chum-

For the number of people you are asking about, I would stick with a 16' boat or larger.

I used my 16' Gregor out in the sound in under some pretty nasty conditions and never felt unsafe. In a 14' or smaller boat I might have been a bit puckered.

All depends on the type of boat too. A 16' boat with low freeboard would probably feel less-safe than a 14'er with higher board.

Definately go with an all-welded boat. I have heard from too many people that say their riveted boats leak.

I agree with sky-guy. A 16 footer will probably serve you best.

As a kid I fished with my dad off West Point and Elliot Bay in a 14 ft Aluminum boat. These are a little more protected waters than off Possession. A 16 should give you a little more security and flexibilty.

Keep your eyes open for good deals. Lots of boats tis size move around especially after salmon season and it starts turning cold.

Actually what you should do is buy Sky-Guys Arima! Then he can get the bigger one he wants

For the salt in the size boat you are talking about I would seriously look at the smaller Arima. I spent an evening on the water with Sky-Guy in his Arima and they are great little boats with a surpsising amount of room. Plus they are noted for how seaworthy they are.

I do agree that if you go aluminum you should look for a boat with a very good history. A riveted boat can work well for years but if it is abused it will most certainly have the possibility of leaking.

For 4 people I would say that 16' is about as small as you would want to go. Shoot, I have a 19' Sled and it's not big enough!

You should buy my 18.5 campion with 115h.p. suzuki with a 8h.p. honda four stroke.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

As far as safety of the boat I also think it has alot to do with ones captaining skills also, i myself have a tendency to get a little more nervous then some others might in my 16ft bayliner, but I am also new at this. Whatever boat you get just take your time to learn it.

I also agree with Sky-guy.

I have 14' livingston V-hull runabout. I love it. Very once a while I feel a little nervous but overall I am having great time. I am thinking about upgrading my boat, if you are interested in mine let me know.

Sky-Guy, are you thinking about upgrading yours? Then let me know how much you are asking your arima.

It isn't just the size that matters. The hull design is very important in regard to how it handles the rougher water. Generally speaking, if the water is rough, you have the chance for water to come over the bow. Width of the boat also matters. You can't necessarily avoid another boat going by you leaving a huge wake while you are fishing. You need to understand the scenarios before you get into them!

I suggest you need some test rides in moderate chop without your family. Find out what you're willing to deal with before you buy the boat. Leave some room for error.

My 20 ft boat seems small when the wind/tide picks up, but when it is flat, you could be out in PS in a dinghy.

Good luck and have fun looking.

Thanks for the input. My only first-hand experience was about 10 years ago running around out in the sound around Friday Harbor in my father-in-law's 13' Boston Whaler. I only went out in reasonable weather and never felt at risk. I got bumped around a lot but I can live with that. Also, thanks for the offers and I'll keep you in mind as my slush fund begins to build.