What to Look for in a Great Commercial Fishing Boat
Fishing is a past time activity many Americans enjoy and take part in every summer. These folks are known as hobbyists.
Then there are those who fish for a living and have totally different needs than the part-time fisherman. Because they get out on the water often, knowing what a commercial fishing boat needs is important.
Picking out one of these boats is best viewed as an investment. Since the boat gets used several times a week, it’s important to look for one that will last a long time.
Here are things to be aware of when searching for the right fishing commercial fishing boat.
Aluminum Lasts the Longest
When choosing the materials a commercial fishing boat is made out of, aluminum is the best. That’s because it holds up when in the matter, and doesn’t rust out in a matter of days.
Consider alternatives that are made of cheap or imported steel pieces. While this comes with a lower cost and sounds like you’ll get more out of it, your boat doesn’t stick around for the long haul.
Instead, you’ll shell out money on repairs and replace your boat sooner than expected, all because it wore through quickly. Instead, educate yourself on the benefits of aluminum in boats, and choose one that stands the test of time.
You’ll get the most use out of your boat, and feel confident no matter where you go or how long you spend on the water.
Enough Fuel Capacity
When you’re out in a commercial fishing boat, coming home with a decent haul is the most important thing. That means sometimes traveling farther away than expected if that’s where the fish are.
Depending on what type of waters you’re in and how far away you travel, you want a boat that can go the distance. Make sure your fishing boat has a large gas tank that takes you a far distance without the need for a fill-up.
Think about where you’ll be working on a daily basis and how far you’ll have to travel. Use another boat to get an idea of how far away you’ll venture to find fish if it’s not an ideal catching day.
A little forethought goes a long way in deciding what the bare minimum is to meet your fishing needs.
Depending on your needs, get a boat with a gas tank that helps you make the most of each expedition. Check out what qualities to look for when buying a fishing boat, so you’ll feel prepared and know what to look for.
Find a Commercial Fishing Boat Made With Big Fish Boxes or Tanks
When fishing for commercial purposes, catching the fish and keeping them fresh until you get back to shore are two crucial aspects. For success in your fishing business and safety of the fish, you’ll want tanks or boxes in the tank are large enough to store what you plan to catch.
Consider the amount of fish your fishing business currently brings home. Think how much you’d like to increase that based on the number of people you’ll have working for you.
A commercial fishing boat should have more boxes or tanks than a boat someone uses for fun, simply because this is the main purpose of your vessel. Be aware of the different fishing boats on the market, since some hold more than others.
A Boat That Accommodates the Number of Crew Members You Plan on Having
Again, size is an issue when it comes to picking out the right commercial fishing boat. Think about your plans for your fishing boat business and how many crew members is necessary to have the kind of income you’re looking for.
Do you plan on starting small and growing your fishing business? Will you want a small fleet of fishing boats?
These are questions to consider before making a purchase. You’ll need enough space for all of your crew, supplies, and of course the fish you’re catching.
If you’re just getting into this business, make sure you’re aware of what a commercial fisherman’s job entails. Depending on where you live, there might be times of the year that you won’t be able to work or the fish in demand might not be as plentiful as normal.
Make sure you’re making the right investment based on projected businesses needs and what you want your ideal income as.
Enough Protection from the Sun No Matter Where You Go
Folks who work as commercial fishermen get used to the sun quickly. Even with sunscreen and protective clothing, you’ll still want a boat that offers protection for you and your crew.
Make sure you’re seeking out a commercial fishing boat that offers some kind of canopy or protection. Again, this comes down to the size of your boat and how many people you plan on bringing on board.
Even if you have only part of the boat that has coverage, it’s better than nothing at all. In the event of rain or other inclement weather, it gives everyone a dry place to stay as you head back to shore or tough out a storm.
Check out what to bring to make your fishing trip complete, no matter what the size of your boat is.
The Option of a Raw Water Washdown
Fishing boats get dirty quickly. Between water that splashes onto the boat, fish that get pulled out of the water and are bleeding, and other unintentional messes, it doesn’t take much to dirty up a boat.
That’s why it’s crucial to think about what type of washdown system is installed before making a purchase.
Different washdown systems that are options range from:
- Through-Hull Fitting
- Shared Intakes
- Strainer
- Intake Hose
Like other factors related to your boat, the number of times you take it, the commercial haul you bring back home, and how many people are part of your crew play a role in how dirty the boat gets.
Make sure the washdown something works to your liking and gives you the dependability you’re looking for when you want your boat to look its best. This is the best way to help your commercial fishing boat stay clean and safe.
Plenty of Rod Holders for the Staff On Your Boat
Rod holders provide valuable help when fishermen need to take a break and put their poles somewhere. If you need to readjust, move around, or take a short break, you won’t worry about your fishing pole going anywhere with a rod holder.
Rod holders provide staff with a break in routine and let them move around as needed. If they need to switch to a different area of the boat, they can keep a fishing rod in one area and come back to it later.
Commercial fishing boats should accommodate a variety of places when it comes to resting your fishing pole and finding plentiful bites elsewhere.
This of course is only if you use rods and not fishing nets, if thats the case you need somewhere to store the netting.
Check for Safety
Before purchasing your commercial boat for fishing, consider where it’s coming from. If you’re going to a dealership, these boats will have certification information available for you to see.
Buying from a dealership provides additional protection since dealers must offer information on the boat, and follow up with the customer after it’s been purchased. Dealers are readily available to return to if you believe there is a problem with your boat.
In contrast, private sellers don’t always have the full information available. For individuals who are moving or closing their boat business, it may not be easy to get ahold of them after a sale.
Always exercise caution when purchasing a boat, and make sure you have full information about its age if it’s been involved in any accidents, and when it was last serviced by the previous owner. This helps you understand what you’re dealing with as the new owner, and can prevent problems.
Let Us Help Find You the Perfect Boat
Fishing for profit gives you freedom and flexibility that many other jobs don’t offer. If you’re just getting started, finding the right boat is stressful and even difficult.
We are here to help you find the right commercial fishing boat that has everything you’re looking for to make your business a success. Contact us today, and see how you can start the process today of finding the right boat to meet your needs.