Boating Advice... Considering a boat near the Manatee river? (Ellenton: fit in, how much)

[3nickles]

Just moved down here and reside in Ellenton. I'm considering buying a small outboard boat that I can keep in my garage and launch locally. I found a few boat ramps along the Manatee river west of I-75.

Is the Manatee a good river for casual boating and possibly panfishing in a small open bow with outboard motor? Looking to purchase a Rinker 17QX outboard (mainly because this is one of the few boats I could find that will actually fit in a 1 bay standard garage with trailer).

I also read that there are gators on the banks so I'm thinking watersports like towing skier or tuber wouldn't be a good idea. Then there's the option of just following the river out to the gulf? Not sure how long that would take and how much gas if it would be worthwhile?

Advice opinions greatly appreciated..

[LKJ1988]

It would be fine for a small boat. Plenty of bigger fish to get near the bridges by the gulf and up river smaller fresh water fish. I do all my fishing 40 to 100 miles offshore, but the river has plenty of fish trish to put on the dish. Snatchmagators won't bother you 99% of the time. Smaller outboards are better on gas these days so something under 75hp won't use much gas.

[jambo101]

Some points to ponder regarding boating rules and regulations=https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife...e/for-boaters/
If you just wanted to cruise the river and enjoy the scenery and do some fishing a Jon boat might be more appropriate as the river for the most part is not conducive to high speed or water skiing =
https://www.google.ca/search?q=jon+b...w=1098&bih=507

[dothetwist]

Definitely no tubing....lots of gators in Manatee River. Know someone who is waterfront on Manatee and lost 1 dog to a gator recently.

[3nickles]

Thanks for the advice. Yeah pleasure boating would be fine and I don't think it'd be too far of a trip to get out into the gulf to do some tubing or water skiing?

I'm guessing it might just be better to launch from one of the fishing piers off the 275 Skyway? I'm only about 5 minutes from the Southern entrance to the Skyway. That way I don't have to worry about gators and there's more room to run about in the Bay right?

[KPB]

Originally Posted by 3nickles

Thanks for the advice. Yeah pleasure boating would be fine and I don't think it'd be too far of a trip to get out into the gulf to do some tubing or water skiing?

I'm guessing it might just be better to launch from one of the fishing piers off the 275 Skyway? I'm only about 5 minutes from the Southern entrance to the Skyway. That way I don't have to worry about gators and there's more room to run about in the Bay right?

Consider joining a boat club for maybe a year or two first. They have different type boats to use so you could get familiar with one you like before you buy.

Remember the two best days of a boat owners life are the day he buys it and the day he sells it.

I wouldn't worry about alligators while tubing or skiing at all. I'd be more worried about falling off on top of an oyster bed.