Best All Around Boat For A MI Fisherman??

[MI_STEELHEAD]

I have a friend who is will be buying a new boat very soon. It would really help him out and get some other fisherman’s opinions on boats. I am partial to a certain rig so rightfully, my suggestions get discounted.........oh yeah…and I don't know what I am doing. :-)

Anyways, I thought I'd post to get some suggestions from guys "in the know".

Here are the knowns:
- He is looking for a boat around 18-19ft.
- He'd like a walkthrough window.
- He wants a boat with tall canvas for those unruly MI days.

Those three points are locked down. The rest is up for grabs including aluminum vs fiberglass.

Background Info

- He fishes with buds but he also fishes by himself so it has to be somewhat easy to launch/retrieve for a single person.

- He likes to handline a lot.

- He fishes the D river (close to home) however he makes some salmon trips every year so he needs to be a boat that can handle the big water.

- He also likes to troll on the big water for walleye...I guess this is the same point as above.

- He will be trailering to inland lakes too so it can’t be a monster.

- I don't think cost is the as important as getting the best boat for him. This will be the "retirement boat" so it will be around for a very long time.

- There has to be a color option with Green in it. It’s got to match the rig and other toys. J

- He fishes A LOT.

Given what you know....albeit vague.....what would you suggest? The best all around boat…..if you could only have one? Who do you think makes the best fiberglass boats......aluminum boats? (Someone posted their opinion on all the aluminum boat makers a week or too ago. That would be a good start if I could find it.)

How about the engine? Prob the standard answer eh……J Etec, Honda 4strk, and Yamaha 4strk but not necessarily in that order right?

He is a very good guy. Lend him a hand and provide your opinion.

[warden]

If I ever buy another 18ft boat it will have to be a center council with a leaning post. I travel out to 25 miles in lake erie and 30 mile out in to the gulf of mexico with my 18ft glastron. You need to be able to use your leggs as shock absorbers . A fixed seat kills your back. Also get the largest outboard rated for the boat so you can stay on plane at low speeds crashing into 3 or 4 feet waves. In Flordia everyone has a cc except me.

[slivoskisp]

:dizzy: Lets see how many guys out there have different boats....I can see this thread taking off. Hopefully you get some advice you can sift thru...Anyway, your bud sounds like the decisions I had to make seven years. Let say:

I did not want to spend top dollar
I wanted to eye fish the river (needed a bow mount)
Needed to fish for salmon in Huron (forget it nowadays)

I ended up getting a19' Starcraft Super fisherman. No complaints here

I live in the metro detroit area and was able to get it 3K cheaper by going to Bay City (Stevens Boats)

hope it helps

[eyecatcher]

I would buy either a LUND Alaskan or a Prince craft. My preference would be a 21 ft. they are both Aluminum,
I think the PC is rated for a little more horse power.
Both are very sea worthy with all the bells and whistles. I like a boat that I can wire line from and I think both of these can be set up for that. I would go with all the HP the boat is rated for. Canvas can be made in any configuration for almost any boat.

[Ed Michrina]

Believe it or not the best all around boat I owned was a 20 foot Trophy--Yes by Bayliner. It took rough seas with confidence. I was able to heat it in the cold weather. Wife had a place to Go. Yes I mean a portable head. I was able to river handline and jig with a 8 hp kicker. You could over night with comfort. The boat launched and pulled like a dream with trailer brakes. check them out. If the wife is involved bring her along. she will love it. Did I mention It is a fish magnet. It also cleans up easy and in the 5 years I owned it not a blister or stress crack. I'd look for a 140/ 150 with a 8 hp kicker. PS you'll need trim tabs to make it ride like a big boat or you could weight the front like I did.

[MI_STEELHEAD]

:dizzy: Lets see how many guys out there have different boats....I can see this thread taking off. Hopefully you get some advice you can sift thru...Anyway, your bud sounds like the decisions I had to make seven years. Let say:

I did not want to spend top dollar
I wanted to eye fish the river (needed a bow mount)
Needed to fish for salmon in Huron (forget it nowadays)

I ended up getting a19' Starcraft Super fisherman. No complaints here

I live in the metro detroit area and was able to get it 3K cheaper by going to Bay City (Stevens Boats)

hope it helps

I think we saw one of those by Mud Island this weekend. Super high sides....big window. Nice looking boat. The shaft on the trolling motor looked to be about 6 ft long..ha ha. It was grey I think. Def a possibly....going on the list.

[MI_STEELHEAD]

Warden,

I have always wanted a CC to tear around in. Almost bought a Boston Whaler on several occasions. He really likes the full windshield though.

Ed,

Your not the only one who had a good experience with it. I actually usually only hear good things about the Trophy from ex owners. I think the new ones are made in the same plant as sea ray. The alleged fiberglass issues are prob gone.

Eye,

I like the Alaskan……got to go to the 20ft to get the windshield but it doesn’t have as many extra to cause the extra weight. It’s green too! Why Princecraft? Brunswick makes them right?

Thanks to all that has replied so far.

My first suggestion was a Lund 1900 Pro V IFS IPS with Yama’s. Biased though…that’s the my next rig but until I can get down to a 2 boat fleet (gotta have a boat for the winter steel)…..I not buying anything. With the Sea Ray crusier (I’m still single), Hyde (Winter boat), and Lund (Fishing boat) I always have something to fix or update. I kinda wish I only had one boat with as little crap on it as possible…..less to break. Ah….did I just go full circle……maybe I should get an Alaskan???

[ahartz]

I have an 18 foot lund alaskan. 1997, with the low sides in the back. I bought it used from a layout guy near toledo. What a great boat it has been, jigging the river all spring, 3 guys comfortably, 4 if everyone is careful..in the fall I put a custom made boat blind on it for waterfowling. Light it trailers easy, the new ones are the whip!!...never had a leak etc...on mine.....andy

[Carpmaster]

The 620 Fisherman by Ranger will do everything mentioned.....20' long but not hard to manage at all, 225 Merc Optimax, Yamaha, E-Tec whichever, they come with the kicker plus a heck of a accessory pkg if you buy it from Cabelas....Couple friends have them and they are perfect for DR, Bassin, and the big lake....my 2 cents. I wouldnt buy a Lund based on price and how they ride..

[Brian S]

Try one of these . . .

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCN2529.JPG

Starcraft Fishmaster

[SabikiRig]

What is his budget for this boat?

[KI Jim]

1-Lund Tyee 185-(I just bought one and am amazed how good a boat it is)
2-Lund 1800 Fisherman (Almost as good as the Tyee-uses the past model tyee hull and has less bells an whistles-still an outstanding boat)
3-Grady White Tournament. Foot per foot the best riding boat on the water. Excellent quality. Roomy. $$$$$$$. Tough to find a good used one as they seldom come up for sale used in the Midwest. Have to go to East coast or Florida to buy and therefore you are buying a saltwater boat.
4- Key west 186 DC. Great value, great layout. Can be had new with a 150 4 stroke & trailer for around $26k.
5-Scout 202 Dorado. Great ride, a little pricey.

Jim

[salmonslammer]

Very nice boat Brian!!!!

I would say an 18' Lund or startcraft would fit the bill.

I had a 16' crestliner runabout....Great fishing boat, but a little small if you are trying to fit 3 people in it....Or you run into 4'er's out on erie.

I just bought an 18' CC trophy..Hopefully I'll finish getting the prep done today so I can let you know if it catches fish!!!:fish:

[MUSHY1]

Im with you Warden, there is no better boat for "FISHING" then a Center Consol.......Period.......I also been looking for the Perfect fishing boat for years and came to one conclusion, that there is not one perfect boat so you have to have 2......One for Rivers and small lakes (I have a 18' Blue Fin Center) and looking for an older Sportcraft or Mako or Whaler in a 23 or 25 WalkAround....Just got dont gutting the 18 bluefin, not it is ready for years of thrashing.....

Mushy

[double trouble]

you guys hit it. i am not sure the starcraft will fit on some inland lakes , but both it and the lund are fine machines. we fish out of a 20 foot trophy and i'm a bit unsure about loading with one person ,depending on the tow vehicle,trailer, and the ramp.as far as the boat goes ,its fantastic. tell your friend that a roller trailer and power wench make a huge difference . pay the extra money for a shorelander roller trailer.also have him carry an extendable latch hook for getting the bow eye connected.it beats getting wet and having the boat blown all over on a windy day.i could drive my old boat right up on the trailer . rollers are wonderful.

i wouldn't take a ranger on a bet. they are an inland boat. wet ride and very little protection from the wind.
now a seaswirl striper on the other hand or a proline cuddy.those are seaworthy fishing machines at reasonable prices.have him also check out alumacraft (green), and crestliner. either one is built well.

[Carpmaster]

you guys hit it. i am not sure the starcraft will fit on some inland lakes , but both it and the lund are fine machines. we fish out of a 20 foot trophy and i'm a bit unsure about loading with one person ,depending on the tow vehicle,trailer, and the ramp.as far as the boat goes ,its fantastic. tell your friend that a roller trailer and power wench make a huge difference . pay the extra money for a shorelander roller trailer.also have him carry an extendable latch hook for getting the bow eye connected.it beats getting wet and having the boat blown all over on a windy day.i could drive my old boat right up on the trailer . rollers are wonderful.

i wouldn't take a ranger on a bet. they are an inland boat. wet ride and very little protection from the wind.
now a seaswirl striper on the other hand or a proline cuddy.those are seaworthy fishing machines at reasonable prices.have him also check out alumacraft (green), and crestliner. either one is built well.


As Far as the Ranger comment, i dont know what model you rode in but the fisherman series handle rough seas better than some larger boats and you are at a better fishing elevation, plus they are versatile as far as inland to big lake.....my 2 cents and I have been in a lot of boats...

[SabikiRig]

Carp,

The 620 is a very nice boat and heard the ride is second to none.

For the big water give me a Self-Bailing Center Console or Walkaround any day of the week.

[Rifleman99]

I'm sorta in the same boat (no pun intended :p ), or will be here in the next few years. I will be looking to get a good "all around" first boat, so probably used. Primarily, I love to fish the DR for the eyes in the spring, some inland lakes in the heart of summer, and would like to be able to go on the big lakes for salmon when they move in close. The catch is in order to get the budget approval from the "boss" :chillin: , it would probably have to be a "fish and ski" model (something with a little room to layout in the front and maybe a bench seat in the back). I know I want a walkthrough window type, but something that has a bow mount trolling motor to jig for eyes on the DR. I have seen some "fish and ski" boats around but I’m not sure if they can take the great lakes, even close to shore. That being said, is there a boat out there that would suit these needs, and also be able to fit into the "first boat/young couple budget"? Thanks in advance

[PIKERPETE]

I looked at the center console. Fished with Brotherinlaw in Cape cod and last week with uncle in Georgia. I however prefer my Lund 18' Fisherman 150 yama w/ kicker motor and canvas top set. Glad I did not go Center console. Tough to fish around that console. Good Luck, you sure have a lot of choices and great advice.

[Brian S]

Rifleman, sounds like a 17 ft'er is for you.

Try this: http://www.starcraftmarine.com/showroom/boat.php?series=25

[Rifleman99]

Well I guess that covers just about everything there:) , now I will just have to find a used one when the time comes:lol: . Also, I have seen a lot of "bass like" fish and ski boats. Would something like that be able to tolerate the great lakes?
Also sorry for the two posts in a row, i'm not sure why it did that:confused:

[1fife]

I love my yarcraft 1895-heard they are coming out with a bigger model(20 foot this year)

i can fish
erie-the river(jigging)-st clair(trolling)-huron(slamon with riggers)-and inland lakes
handles good in big waves-and trailers well

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/medium/1792CopyofBOAT.jpg

gelcoated stripes also come in green(if i didnt buy used-this msu grad would have gone that route)

i have a dual axle trailer-so it handles really well
i have a 15 hp kicker wth a tr-1, so i can fish by myself-reel in fish on windy days and not have a problem. Im a teracher and fish by myslef a lot inthe summer(friends have to work), and never have a problem launching-retrieving or fishing with my boat. The 200 efi main motor runs well.
Lots of good boats he could look at, but i look also on walleye central website and they have all the info he would need for a boat like you mentioned.

heard they are coming out with a bigger model(20 foot this year)

$$ is usually the end factor

i would look into-if $$ no object

yarcraft
ranger(620 or 621)
lund
grady white-if bigger boat

sounds like he may want to go the walleye boat road

[dtg]

About 6 years ago, my bro and I bout a 1986 16' Starcraft w/ 50hp o/b from one of my customers for $4k and I can honestly say, that was a great all around boat. We never knew what the name of the model was, but it was like a walleye boat. The prior owner made a nice platform to mount of acouple of electric downriggers on it and we would troll with 4 rods on the riggers and a dipsey off each side, It was easy for me to load and unload solo and we used it on Lake Michigan for Salmon as well as all the area inland lakes and took it to Canada every year. The most guys we could get on that was 4 adults, comfortably w/ a big *** cooler in the back for the fish.

[jorligan]

I was in the same position and just bought a used Crestliner Sportfish 1850. I had it on Erie with 3 foot waves without any problems and with the Bimini top, I stayed dry. Easy to tow and launch by myself. It has a 115 hp motor with a top speed of around 40 in smooth water, rated to 175 hp. Currently outfitting the boat. Very happy thus far.

There was a 17 foot 2002 Lund fisherman with a 125 hp motor at Harbor Bay marina in Bolles Harbor for 13,900. Looked to be in great shape and overll very nice. It had a walk through windshield. Definitely worth checking out.

Tim

[fishindude644]

They are junk. They dont stand behind their product. heard several bad reports about these boats having major weld breaks and hull cracking from the stress.

[Rifleman99]

I was in the same position and just bought a used Crestliner Sportfish 1850. I had it on Erie with 3 foot waves without any problems and with the Bimini top, I stayed dry. Easy to tow and launch by myself. It has a 115 hp motor with a top speed of around 40 in smooth water, rated to 175 hp. Currently outfitting the boat. Very happy thus far.

There was a 17 foot 2002 Lund fisherman with a 125 hp motor at Harbor Bay marina in Bolles Harbor for 13,900. Looked to be in great shape and overll very nice. It had a walk through windshield. Definitely worth checking out.

Tim

What about getting into inland lakes? We have a cabin on hougton lake (well family does) and I would like to be able to use there as well.

[Brian S]

Rifleman, inland lakes should be no problem at all as long as the launch is half-way decent.

[double trouble]

quote:dont buy a fischer
They are junk. They dont stand behind their product. heard several bad reports about these boats having major weld breaks and hull cracking from the stress.
Reply With Quote

fisher and tracker are made in the same facility.same boat. buyer beware.

i am still not comvinced that ranger boats are made for the great lakes.for $40 grrrr i think you can do a lot better.

its the classic small boat glass v.s. aluminum debate. ride v.s. weight and utility. with gasoline at 3 bucks a gallon , i still vote aluminum. easier to tow, less motor needed,less maintence, easier to sell, less expensive up front.plus when u junk it it is recycleable. how many junk glass boats go to the recycle bin.they just sit at the foot of st. jean.

once you get over 22 foot , glass is best.keep it in a slip and party away.

[jorligan]

No problems at all. Had it on Mullett Lake for a test as well as Long lake which is pretty small. Easy to manuever and trolling was pretty easy with the electric trolling motor on the small lake. The big motor works fine but I kind of get tired of the 2 cycle smell. Planning on getting a 4 stroke kicker motor for use on the big lakes as the trolling motor isn't enough to handle any real chop. If you don't mind the 2 stroke smell, no problems at all.

Tim