Q: I like the idea of getting a boat and crew that can travel from place to place. What kind of boat, and what size, would make the best traveling fishing platform?

Eugene Smith 
Jeanette, Pennsylvania

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A: First you'll have to answer quite a few questions yourself before anyone can give you a good answer to this question, such as, where are you going to keep the boat? And, where are you planning on taking her?

I know a couple of respectable, honest and knowledgeable yacht (boat) brokers who can help you make the kind of decisions you need to consider. Instead of thinking about an X-foot-long brand A or B boat, you need to make a comprehensive list of things you want to do with it. One huge factor that many people ignore involves where the boat will be used or kept the majority of the time. It's also important to know who provides the best engine, electronics and haul-out service in your home base. How big of a boat can the yard handle?

Other questions you need to ask: What is the maximum number of people you want to host on a day fishing trip? What's the maximum amount of guests that you want to sleep on board? (And keep in mind that you can throw sleeping bags on the salon floor for kids, grandkids or
fishing buddies for a couple of nights.)

How much fuel do you need to carry? The maximum needed for a long trip is not nearly as important as what you'll need 90 percent of the time. (Think bladders or drums for occasional long, open-water crossings.)

And you also need to work out how much money you'd like to spend, as well as a realistic figure on how much the boat is actually going to cost. For some reason, these numbers always seem to drift apart.

Once you answer these questions, it will be much easier to find the ride that best suits your needs.