So like everybody I'd like to own my own fishing boat someday. I just want some opinions on a good starter boat that is safe. What size and requirements should I look for. Please don't send me links for boat sales...I just want info at this point.
Also I know there are boat safety courses but who offers proper boating instruction. Alot of people (and I've been on their boats, sorry but it's true) just buy a boat, plop it in the water and really have no idea of how to drive it properly or safely.
Like how to use your trim properly, reading winds,waves and landmarks. Proper edicate when fishing around a crowed area, etc.
I try to take note of what's going on when I have the opportunity to fish with someone. I would just like to know your opinions.

Good thought! I boated for years before taking the Coastguard classes... I highly recommend them... highly! Your local Power Squadron would be a very good place to start!!!!!

If you plan to go offshore at least a 20' Walk around or Center console - 22' would be better! Here is a couple of links to point you to:
Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons: http://www.cps-ecp.ca/
Transport Canada: http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/o ... s/menu.htm

The first thing you should decide is where are you going to fish most often.

Are you looking to go offshore? or stay in close. What is the range you are looking for?

Do you want to sleep on the boat? Having a cuddy is great, even if you don't sleep in it, you can't have enough room for storage.

Something else to think about is electronics.

Depending on the budget, a chart plotter is a good idea.

And make sure the boat has a working compass.

KarrieKoho
If you have never owned a boat, there are a ton of things which you will have to learn, one way or another. The Power Squadron course is excellant, however doesn`t teach all the things about boats that you will learn.
It depends on what and where you plan to fish to get aquainted with boat ownership.
I would strongly suggest that you start off in fishing well protected waters, and take extreme care that you avoid windy conditions if at all possible.
I started out with a 14 ft. deep hull aluminum boat and a 15hp. motor. They are a safe reliable boat if used within reasonable conditions, and I caught a ton of fish with it.
You will need a decent depth recorder, all the required safety equipment, and of course an Operators card.
A downrigger or downriggers will be pretty much a must, either manual or electric,
depending on the depth you will be fishing.
Charts are essential, and avoid getting too far from land.
A VHF radio is nice to have, but a cell phone will get you by in most cases.
After you have learned most of the ins and outs of boat handling, launching, docking etc as well as some of the other things which you only learn from experience, then consider up-grading to a larger boat.
You will have decided by then what you want and don`t want.
Lure-washer

thanks alot guys, great info.

great to hear you're looking into getting a boat Karrie. I would suggest starting with a 17 run about. Any smaller and you're pretty restricted and you can get yourself into some scary situations. A 17 footer can get you out of most bad weather, it won't be comfortable but you'll get home safe, a 14 footer I'm not so sure.

Also with the smaller runabouts there is less to go wrong, once you get into bigger boats with more parts you get more things to go wrong.

Just remember no matter what you get, you'll eventually want something bigger and better. Be careful owning a boat is a sickness with no cure!!

B.O.A.T = Bring On Another Thousand.

But worth every penny

Like some others said i would suggest a 17 ft runabout like double eagle/hourston. Its what i have now. Certainly its not an offshore boat and not as comfortable to fish out as some of the nice rigs alot of guys have but its cheap and easy to run. I had a 14.5 ft runabout and the extra 3 feet made a huge difference. Winds can pick up quick and put a 14fter down but the 17 can handle alot more water than most would dare.

what does the "hours" on the outboard mean?