Some direction?

[ND Native]

I live in cental North Dakota. I have spent the majority of my life on either Lake Sakakawea or the Missouri River. The fact that I am from this area provides me with a opertunity to fish with my father, which I am very greatful, BUT, I am getting a hankering for a boat of my own. I would like to try some new techniques and locations, but, Dad is the captin of his boat! So, we typicaly fish where, and how he would like. So, to get to the questions, what style boat handles the big water on Sak, and yet can handle the river? I really like what I have heard about fiberglass boats (power, ride, etc), but I am leary about bumping into a sandbar on the river with it. Aluminum boats are great, but they don't seam to handle real well on the big water. Finally, the biggest question, of all! How does a guy afford these nice boats? I am already making the truck payment, I can't imagine making a boat payment that would be more than the truck!:0

[Osprey]

An aluminum boat will handle the rough water just fine. I fish the Great Lakes and surrounding water for 10 months out of the year and have always done it out of and aluminum boat. I'd go with something in the 17'-19'range if your worried about big water. But remember the guy driving was every bit as much if not more to do with the boats sea worthyness as the size of the boat. As far as affording a new one, thats if you don't want to go used. Save up a good down payment and then finance it for the rest of your life...lol. Alot of guys do it.

"Osprey"