There was a time when anglers in search of a boat for fishing big water just bought an aluminum boat with a seat cushion, tackle, and an outboard engine. Boy, have times changed. With the advent of competitive fishing and new materials for crafting boats, fishing is a lot more sophisticated. A vital part of that sophistication comes in the form of the boat and motor packages offered by manufacturers.

Anglers are considering big-water boats for fishing on large midwestern rivers. They are especially advisable for larger reservoirs.

The purpose of the big-water boat differs from a bass boat. Bass anglers use the boat as a casting platform and moves their lures with a rod and reel. Big-water fans use boats as a tool to move the bait via trolling or drifting.

Big-water anglers benefit from four-stroke engines. Using large, four-stroke large to backtroll allows better boat control. Four-stroke engines allow versatility. Anglers troll forward and backtroll with ease. Even larger motors perform well, with the quietness of the engine sound as a bonus.

A lack of noise from the four-strokes causes anglers to think that they are going slower than is really the case. They had related noise to speed. Smaller waters and trolling speeds under a mile per hour require a kicker motor. But, on large waters, anglers often troll with the larger motor.

For backtrolling, some anglers prefer a drift bag out from the bow with the large four-stroke engine. It is possible to control the boat completely in waves of three or four feet. Once someone tries a four-stroke, there is no desire to return to a two-stroke.

Four-strokes are more reliable than two-strokes, both in fuel economy and maintenance.

So, what other elements are essential for a good big-water boat? Anglers usually begin with an 18-foot boat and the four-stroke engine. Hold off on a kicker motor until you see how the engine meets your needs.

Rod holders are necessary. A good drift bag and anchor are important to control the movement of the boat. Most packages come with a good trolling motor on the front. This is not a time to fudge on the cost and quality of a trolling motor. Buy the best you can afford. A long shaft on the motor is a good idea in that you can always lift the motor but you cannot add to the shaft.

High-thrust trolling motors provide almost the same amount of boat control as backtrolling with a tiller motor.

A 24-volt electrical system is best for this type of fishing. They cost more but are more reliable.

A fish locator, side scanner and G.P.S. system is important. If you can get a unit incorporating all three, so much the better. It is an investment. Split screen units allow the use of systems simultaneously. These units have all the capabilities for mapping and other features of G.P.S. systems.

Finally, there is safety. Never skimp on the safety equipment, such as flares, life vests, etc. You never know when you will need them. Your life may depend upon it.

A basic big-water fishing boat is a big investment. Take time to make your decision. Do so only after checking out as many makes and models as possible. Boat shows offer an opportunity for comparison of costs and packages before buying.

The efficiency of a boat-motor package depends on several factors. Consider adding aftermarket items to assure proper performance.

Weight makes a boat work harder as it moves through the water. The heavier the boat, the slower it will move. Leave some of your gear at home, or in your tow vehicle. It cuts the weight of the boat/motor package. Plan what you are going to do with the boat. It also keeps storage areas less prone to mold and mildew problems.

Motors, no matter how state of the art, need a tuneup from time to time. This should include examination of the prop. A poorly tuned or damaged prop reduces the engine efficiency.

You lose up to 5 mph in boat speed with a damaged prop. If the boat travels 50 mph with a new prop and only 45 mph with a damaged or out of pitch prop, it is losing 10 percent performance with the same amount of fuel.

Over the course of the boating year, a poorly tuned motor/boat package can prove costly in terms of fuel costs and engine wear.

An oft-missed aspect of boating is cleaning the hull. Scale builds up over the repeated presence in a body of water. It is like a dull knife. It just does not cut through the water as well when dirty. Slime on the hull slows a boat and increases fuel consumption.

Boats with adjustable trim tabs allow them to move through water more efficiently. Also, distribution of weight in the boat affects the performance. A boat in trim uses less fuel. It costs less to use over the course of the season.

Props come in a variety of metals and plastic. Plastic is for temporary use in case of an emergency. Stainless steel delivers the most speed. Thin blades reduce drag. Manufacturers forge them into different configurations to optimize performance. 

Most boat buyers finance their purchase. By knowing a little in advance about financing a boat, it might be possible to save some bucks. It also can result in getting more boat for the money. 

While shopping for a boat that meets your desire, also shop for the interest and payment schedule that meets you needs.

  There are three basic financing situations: through the dealer, your local banker, and a marine finance banker. Each has options that could be helpful. Lenders tend to view new boats as better risks than used ones.

After a season on the water, new boats depreciate an average of approximately 10 percent. Used boats hold steady or even increase in value with a minimum of improvements.

For many buyers, the dealer is the only place they inquire about financing. There is nothing wrong with that as often favorable rates are part of their incentive to get you in a boat through their dealership.

Dealers sometimes get good deals for the buyer through boat builders. The maker of a boat can offer financing as an incentive to sell overstocks or year-end models before a new line comes on the market.

A dealer can also often get financing through local banks or credit unions at favorable rates. They do business with such financial institutions as part of their own financing packages. 

The basic considerations for financing a new boat should concern:  The interest rate, the length of the loan, the amount of monthly payment, whether the loan carries prepayment penalties, and if there any limitations on refinancing. 

Financing a boat purchase is not a simple thing. But it does not have to be a matter of mortgaging your first-born child. Investigate your options and choose one that meets your needs and desires.