Running trotline and boat size/type

[Irishwake1]

I have been crabbing for many year with a trotline on several types of boat. My current boat is a 21 ft mako CC w a 200 hp outboard. Its maneuverable enough for a trotline (although i do need to pull a sea anchor to run slow enough.) I am considering purchasing a 31 ft pursuit with twin outboards.

Has anyone ever run a trotline off a boat of this type/size? is this a practical boat to run a trotline from (with multiple crabbers, driver/dipper)? Thanks for whatever help the group can give.

[POLECAT]

After a few trips you might be sorry you subjected your boat to that kind of abuse.

I agree with Jim about obtaining a different boat to beat around in. Crabbing is not a delicate sport on any boat. The equipment and geat tend to leave permanent scars.

[Scott McGuire]

There is no single perfect boat... You need one for ever purpose. Collect the whole set!

[jacksdad]

No idea on your question Irish but kudos to anyone who's first thought about such a boat is 'wait, can i run a trotline with that thing?'!

I run my line with a 23' cc but would REALLY like a dedicated crabbing boat. That Judge 22' or a home built skiff with sharp bow and at least partial keel to keep her in line when the wind is blowing would be super nice to have.

[tiderunner3150]

There is no single perfect boat... You need one for ever purpose. Collect the whole set!

Not to blow my own horn but I think my boat is close to perfect for a trot line. 17' jet drive with a semi v hull. My slide is located close to the front which allows my netter to be at the front. The net gets to the crab before the boat shadow. I dont have to worry about the line getting in the prop cause its a jet. Like I said close to perfect, control can be an issue with a jet and a relatively flat bottom boat. Once I get the knack of the days conditions im good.

[night nurse]

http://www.tristatemarine.com/15ft15eagle.html

look at this rig from Tri State.
Not to shabby for a weekend rig.

TED

[Scott McGuire]

Not to blow my own horn but I think my boat is close to perfect for a trot line. 17' jet drive with a semi v hull. My slide is located close to the front which allows my netter to be at the front. The net gets to the crab before the boat shadow. I dont have to worry about the line getting in the prop cause its a jet. Like I said close to perfect, control can be an issue with a jet and a relatively flat bottom boat. Once I get the knack of the days conditions im good.

I think you missed my point:

I personally need at least the following three boats:

1) Crabbing Skiff/Skinny water fishing boat/duck hunting boat (these also could be three separate).
2) A nice +20ft Center Console for the open bay.
3) A +30ft twin engine offshore machine.

[jacksdad]

Scott I think you need to take #1 and split it. IMO perfect duck boat is a 12-14' sneak type boat with a small tiller outboard and low profile. Then you've got the perfect crabbing boat which would, again jmo, be something along the lines of an 18-22' cc or side console with some keel and lots of open deck space.

For your second use I'm wondering if you migh split that into a 22, 23' cc for open bay and maybe use the crabbing boat from first option for skinny water flounder fishing and the like. Or maybe you split #2 into two boats as well thus ending up with a total of 5 boats!

[jacksdad]

Hey Irish do a google picture search of 'crabbing skiff' and take a look at some of the cool purpose built stuff out there. Would be sooooo neat to have a dedicated crabbing boat!

[Scott McGuire]

Scott I think you need to take #1 and split it. IMO perfect duck boat is a 12-14' sneak type boat with a small tiller outboard and low profile. Then you've got the perfect crabbing boat which would, again jmo, be something along the lines of an 18-22' cc or side console with some keel and lots of open deck space.

For your second use I'm wondering if you migh split that into a 22, 23' cc for open bay and maybe use the crabbing boat from first option for skinny water flounder fishing and the like. Or maybe you split #2 into two boats as well thus ending up with a total of 5 boats!

All good points...