Beginners boat

[Kjlineman]

How y’all doing, I’m looking to buy my first airboat and I’m looking for some guidance! I have only been on airboats a couple times on the Kissimmee so I don’t know much. What would be the best boat for a beginner? A step hull? Fiberglass hull? I will be riding Kissimmee mostly and would like a boat that is able to run dry and go to the hangout spots. Any info would be great thanks!


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[kwanjangnihm]

Kjlineman welcome to SA!

Most will ask if you have a budget in mind on how much you want to spend.

Good luck and slide safe!

[Kjlineman]

Budget is around 8k for my first boat!


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[kwanjangnihm]

2nd question is how many riders besides yourself, cooler, dog, etc?

[Kjlineman]

Thanks for the reply bud! Just 1 rider and maybe some hunting dogs. Wanting to do mostly hunting and some joy riding so maybe just a small cooler


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[Sniper]

A small Aircraft powered boat would be good and if your going to want to run dry get as much power as you can afford and most importantly either get trained or get a very experienced operator to show you the ropes, Airboats are a lot different than a regular power boat and you can get hurt or some one else hurt real quick if you don't know what your doing and stay in shallow water while your learning and most of all have fun

[Kjlineman]

Thanks! Where you recon the best place to learn at is?


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[Keeth1123]

I believe step hulls are geared for experienced operators. I would lean towards a standard fiberglass hull with deep sides.

[Rich Andrews]

Guys who run step hulls on the step all day long have my respect

[Kjlineman]

10-4 I figured that about the step hulls just wasn’t sure thank y’all for the info


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[smokster]

get ya a good high sided 13 or 14' fiberglass hull with poly and a gpu. you should be able to find a good one with that budget

[Kjlineman]

Is quick slick or Polly better?


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[ackhack15]

I am a beginner: I found a 13' scoot fiberglass, 2019 seats 3 has a 220 Lincoln or Lyconin engine .3 blade for around 14k. Looking for advise and what question I should ask ?

[Sniper]

If its a Lycoming engine that's as good as they get when it comes to Aircraft engines and polymer is much better than quick slick
if you get a fiberglass boat stay away from areas that have rocks and stumps they don't handle them as well as an Aluminum hull does

[RetiredMutt]

Same boat here to make a pun. Been on a few ABs & painted quite a few rudders over the decades but never stick-shifted. Found some good reading materials that explain general tech & guidelines for handling so I can begin programming my mind before I move on to "muscle memory" which I assume will be on my own craft. Most veteran pilots seem gunshy due to people trying to connive free rides - understandably! Also, if lucky enough to fine a fellow who'll teach me I'll search for one with a thoughtful nature... Too many times pilots seem to be of the "Aw, just got on & do it. You'll learn or sink." variety. Reminds me of my bike teaching back when I wore a uniform. Good thread here guys. Thanks in advance.