I use a 14 Lund on the sound, just stick around the West Seattle area. Launch off the beach. I totally agree that you get beat up in the chop.

If I were going to buy one I'd be looking at 16 feet, and I've been eying the Smoker Craft Lodge Pro. I like the open floor, raised bow, and tiller.

I had been eyeing a Alumaweld 16' tiller boat that was for sale a few months back. Sweet boat.

Thanks to all for the input.
Definitely want a tiller as I want to maximize fishing space.
SF

SF -
As a retirement present to myself I bought a Lund Alaskan - 16 foot.

While more money than some may want to spend I love it. I equipped it with a bow mounted electric (80 pound thrust rip tide with auto pilot). Being able to use the electric to slow down the drift , ease along a shore line or rip is awesome. I went with the side console over the tiller and feel that allows more space for fly fishing for two anglers - one in the bow and the other in the stern - anglers well separated with plenty of space. Have successfully thrown flies for coho, cutthroat and lings. Also equipped it with downriggers for trolling for salmon and kokanee (again the electric really shines here) and also mooch and jig from it as well catch a crab or two.

A lot of boat for the money that not only is a stable fishing platform when couple with a 4 stroke I get 6 to 7 mph gallons, can lot and launch easily by self. Am able to tow it with a Ford ranger that gets 14.5 mpg while towing. In the last decade have fished it a lot - more than 700 days on the water and it doesn't leak a drop.

I looked at a lot of boats before buying it and would not change a thing. Mine came with a live well and it is nice addition.

As always boats are a compromise but I think you could do a lot worst than the route I went down. I was looking for something for Puget Sound, Willapa Bay, Columbia river and larger lakes

Curt

But a bitch to weld!

I would really recommend going with a 16' over a 13-15. The difference is pretty sizable and you really aren't going to gain much weight. I had a 16' starcraft that served very well for the needs you described and had plenty of room for 3 guys.

It doesn't matter what size boat you say you're looking for, someone is always gonna say to go bigger. Looking for a 16' boat? Someone will say get a 17-18'. Looking for an 18'? Someone will say to go 20'. A bigger boat also means a bigger outboard, which is a big chunk of the cost.
I'm also in the market for a 14-15 footer. The dimensions of my garage say that size + trailer is what I should get. Lots of junk out there on the used market and good deals go quick. Some guys selling need to look at the prices of new boats before listing their POS. Throwing a couple of life jackets and rod holders into the deal doesn't make your boat and rusted out trailer worth the price of a new one.

True, there are some real POS used boats and trailers out there.
After looking at a 13' boat recently, that length isn't going to cut it.
When I pull the trigger, it will be 15-16'.
SF

I think you should put a 50 horse outboard on your float tube. HAHA