What size boat is needed

[Circle C]

I am interested in purchasing a boat to hunt out of, but I don't have a clue what size to I might need. For the record, my only experience with boats has been on ski boats, and power boats, I have never owned or operated an aluminum boat, so I know little to nothing about them.

Typical hunt would include 4-5 people, ice chest, and 4-5 bay dogs + 2 catch dogs

Is this enough boat? If not, what would you change.
http://www.southeasttexas.com/classifieds/detail.cfm?id=366703&classified_code=boats_aluminum&zipcode=&distance=0&type=general


Or how about this, can those of you that hunt in a boat tell me what your dream boat is, so that I have a better idea of what to be shopping for. 

Thanks,
Chris

[Circle C]

Is this a better sized boat for what I want to do?

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/828340540.html

[pig snatcher]

Either of those would work.  We hunt out of several boats from a 14ft high tide to a big aluminum boat you can haul a 4-wheeler in.  Ideally I would want a 16ft + boat that is wide and deep w/ plenty of motor on the back.  Keep in mind you will be putting a lot of weight in it.

[Circle C]

pigsnatcher,

    Thanks for the reply.   Your post leaves with with some questions that may seem silly but here they are.

Ideally I would want a 16ft + boat that is wide and deep w/ plenty of motor on the back.  Keep in mind you will be putting a lot of weight in it.

On a 18' boat what is considered wide? is 60" wide, or am I looking for something 72" wide.

Let's assume I find a boat that is 18' x 72" wide, how much motor would you want on it?

I have found some 18' boats with a 75hp Mercury, is that enough motor for the weight I will be running?

Is a welded boat better than a riveted boat?

[pig snatcher]

I would go wider than 60", my 14' high tide is 60" wide and I dont have near enough room in it.  72" would be good.  A 75hp motor would be plenty. Probably could get away w/ smaller if you had too.

I have had 5 big hogs all between 150 and 200lb. two people, 4 baydogs and one bulldog in my 14' X 60" high tide w/ a 40 nissan on the back.  Do that a few times and you will be thinking bigger LOL. 

Go all welded, they are goint to hold up to being beat and banged much better than a rivetted boat.

[Noah]

Welded aluminum, deep and wide.  If you're hunting where the hogs are, I'd imagine you'll be pulling the boat over/through obstacles, so a boat that's light enough to handle is a plus.  To much extra size and motor makes it a real pain to get in and out of rough areas.  It's amazing  how little motor those flat bottom aluminums can get away with.  My buddies got an al. 18' with a 25 Merc and that sucker with carry 4 of us with cooler/ dogs etc. and still ride out!   Many times we've had to portage it across sandbars in order to keep going.  It's also convenient when there's no boat ramp, just pick it up, throw it in and go.

[pig snatcher]

Some pictures of hogs in boats to get an idea of size.  The little brown cammo boat is 14' X60".
The green aluminum boat is 18', dont know how wide.