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| A recent trend in fishing boats includes marine craft that can be trailered and used for a variety of fishing applications. Terry Lacoss/special
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Fishing boats and rigging
Early fishing vessels included rafts and dugout canoes constructed from a wooden frame and covered with animal hide or tree bark. The oldest fishing boats were dugout canoes, documented 7,000-9,000 years ago and were cut from logs using stone crafted tools.
A 7,000-year-old seagoing boat made from reeds and tar has been found in Kuwait. These early vessels had limited capability; they could float and move on water, but were not suitable for use for any great distance from the shoreline. They were used mainly for fishing and hunting.
Fishermen at that time were faced with two legitimate factors - inventing and constructing a floating device, later called a fishing boat, and fishing gear that would catch and land game fish.
Fishing boats have been redesigned throughout the history of angling to fit a variety of fishing applications both in fresh and saltwater. Today fishermen have a huge advantage over our forefathers when it comes to catching fish. Not only are modern-day fishing boats much safer, they also have a multitude of accessories that make boating and fishing more productive and fun too.
Winter is growing old and, with the coming of spring and a new fishing season, the urge to purchase a new or used fishing boat excites both new and seasoned fishermen.
Amelia Island's Joe Bruce is not only an expert fisherman, but also has a world of knowledge and experience in boating, particularly when purchasing and rigging fishing boats. Bruce is a two-time Southern Kingfish Association "Angler of the Year," which definitely required fishing from a boat that was both reliable but also rigged properly to catch tournament winning king mackerel. His knowledge on fishing boats can be extremely helpful when purchasing both new and used fishing boats.
"My first thoughts when purchasing either a new or used fishing boat, is top brand boat manufactures," Bruce said. "I would strongly recommend keeping your boat search to major brands of boats that have a history of manufacturing quality fishing boats.
"A sure sign that a used boat has structural problems is signs of stress cracks in the fiberglass, which is also called spider webbing. These small cracks in the fiberglass indicate there is a weak stringer system that allows the boat to flex. A strong stringer system is the key for solid boat construction and is the best selling point for major fishing boat companies."
Bruce has owned a variety of fishing boats, from a 31-foot Fountain power boat to his present fishing boat, a 20-foot Grady White.
"I was really fortunate to find a 20-foot Grady White with a hard top that spent most of its time in dry storage," Bruce said. "The boat was extremely clean and all the electrical connections were in excellent condition and well maintained.
"One thing I definitely look for when purchasing a used boat is a boat that has been well taken care of and clean. I can always tell if the owner took care of the boat by taking off the engine cover and inspecting the connections and cleanliness of the engine."
A rising problem in purchasing used boats in recent years has been gasoline that has ethanol added. The dangers of ethanol-enriched fuels often results in deterioration of rubber, aluminum rusting, fuel system clogging and other varied damage to engine parts and components, including decomposition of fiberglass fuel cells. Older engines and boats are more prone to ethanol alcohol damage.
If you are purchasing a used boat, have a mechanic inspect the fuel system for signs of ethanol damage.
Keys to purchasing a used boat include a solid stringer system, clean electrical connections, a clean boat and motor that is well lubricated. Purchasing a new or used boat that has a reputable name and history for producing well-made boat marine crafts is key to your boating and fishing success.
The Jacksonville Boat Show will showcase many brand name boat manufacturers Jan. 27-29 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Visit wwwboatjax.com.
Story created Jan 26, 2012 - 10:20:50 PST.
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