Need help choosing a boat

[emumikey]

So I have been using a 14 foot rowboat with an outboard for the past few years. My family has decided its time to upgrade. Things I am most interested in are the livewell, seats, trolling motor, and fishfinder. I know most all boats can handle this so thats where it gets difficult. I am looking for an aluminum boat that can haul up to three people and fish comfortably. I originally looked at the trackers 16-17 ft range mod-v boats, but they seem small and have a low weight capacity. I am not sure how stable they would be. I also looked at the deep v boats but I wonder if they are overkill.

I fish exclusively on a 750 acre inland lake, lots of bays, low traffic, max depth is 30 ft. So big water is not an issue. Mostly target bass and pike, split between casting and trolling. I need the boat to be fairly maneuverable because I am getting into some tight areas.

I am not looking for a specific make and model (though that would help). I would like to draw on your previous knowledge for guidance on a recommended length, hull type, and horsepower. Any other advice you can offer I am sure I would find priceless.

Thanks!

[ready2fish]

i have a 16ft boat thats aluminum (sea nymph) and i find it really difficult to handle in windy conditions while trolling. I have all the things in my boat you mentioned and if i was to go shopping for a new boat i would be really focused on how well it handles in wind and waves.

[sfw1960]

big than stay home - with 3 people , how do you name the price of your safety?


I suggest a Starcraft FishMaster 196 (http://www.starcraftmarine.com/Showroom/Model.aspx?TypeId=15&SeriesId=130&ModelId=969&Type=Aluminum&Series=Fishmaster&Model=196) with at least 130HP MerC...and if you don't like it - you can just give it to me!!

:lol:

Seriously - a deep V is more stable than one of the shallow boats. I have a small 16' Starcraft deep V & am wishing for something juicier - just no dinero`.
:sad:

A 16-17' deep V with 50-90HP would probably work well.

[UltimateOutdoorsman]

Pick up a Lund! Explorer or a Rebel.

[FIJI]

I have the Starcraft FishMaster 196 w/ 125 Merc 2+2

VERY deep sides. Handles the big lakes well, dry and secure

[tinmarine]

I have the Starcraft FishMaster 196 w/ 125 Merc 2+2

VERY deep sides. Handles the big lakes well, dry and secure

:yeahthat:

My dad has the same boat and motor. Great boat for fishing and we have 3 guys often and there is plenty of room and lots of storage.

[Kenifish2]

I have a Lowe 165 Fishing machine, good all around size, can easily hold 3 adults and is fairly easy to load by yourself, you can pick up this style of boat readily on craigslist without breaking the piggy bank.

[waterfoul]

I have a Lowe 165 Fishing machine, good all around size, can easily hold 3 adults and is fairly easy to load by yourself, you can pick up this style of boat readily on craigslist without breaking the piggy bank.


This sonds like the boat for you.

[sfw1960]

I have the Starcraft FishMaster 196 w/ 125 Merc 2+2

VERY deep sides. Handles the big lakes well, dry and secure
And I fished out of it one rainy , windy night using "Timmy 2 Beers guide service".

:lol:

Impressed for LIFE.
Damn nice boat Mike & I will always want one!!
:fish2:

[chamookman]

Take a look thru Lunds complete line - they will have a boat that will fit Your needs (and wallet) to a tee. C-man

[KI Jim]

There are many to choose from-and a lot of very good choices. I am partial to Lunds-I own a 14 foot a-14 w/a 15 hp Yamaha and also a 185 Tyee with a 125 Merc. Both boats perform absolutely outstanding and I couldn't be more pleased with them. Lund has a wide product line and even though they are a little more $, they are well worth it. Lund isn't the only good boat out there, I also like the Crestliners and Alumacraft lines.

Jim

[emumikey]

Sounds like a lotta votes for Lowe and Lund. I will look into those. The starcraft 196 looks really nice, but is probably overkill for what I will be doing. Thanks for all the help guys.

Not much support for the Tracker line, any particular reason?

Thanks!

[Fishous]

Part of it is going to depend on how much you want to spend on it.

Things to consider are:

Seating: With 3 people you may want to consider how the seating can be re-configured, such as with the Lunds.

Gear: How much gear do you have, and does the boat have the storage for it? You might be used to a big single tacklebox, but they won't fit in some boats storage lockers.

Rod Storage: How many rods do you have and where are you going to put them?

Bait well: Do you fish with live bait (minnows)? You might want one with a bait well.

Rod holders: If you fish with more than one rod at a time, where can you put rod holders? Lunds have a track, bass boats have nothing.

Go through your normal day of fishing, and make sure the boat addresses both what you do now, and what you would like to improve upon.

[sfw1960]

Starcraft has a nice 16' deepV Starfire I think....
http://www.starcraftmarine.com/Showroom/Model.aspx?TypeId=15&SeriesId=133&ModelId=979&Type=Aluminum&Series=Starfire&Model=1600%20DC

Tracker doesn't have the best track record I guess..
:16suspect

[fishnpbr]

I have a Lund 1700 Explorer. It is a nice compromise between big and small. Handles most reasonable days on LSC and is great on inland lakes.

[shametamer]

a 750 acre lake? did you ever consider fiberglass? you can get a stratos 176 with a 84 inch beam with trolling motor , graph and 50 hp yammie and trailer for 12 and 1/2(cabelas)...great bass boat, quite stable http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/community/aboutus/retail-detail.jsp?detailedInformationURL=%2Fcabelas%2Fen% 2Fcontent%2Fcommunity%2Faboutus%2Fretail%2Fretail_ stores%2Fboat_info%2Fdun%2Fdun07_21106.jsp

[ready2fish]

now you guys are getting me thinking on a new ride

[fishinmachine2]

I have a Lund 1700 Explorer. It is a nice compromise between big and small. Handles most reasonable days on LSC and is great on inland lakes.


I would look at one of these, I have an 18 explorer but I dont think you need one that big!! The 17 footer has a nice platform up front for going around on the trolling motor casting but yet has some nice room in back if you want to troll!! Get a 4 stroke motor if you can, they troll nice and there great on gas!! Good luck!!

Scott

[Ara]

Smokercraft makes very nice boats also.

[sfw1960]

Smokercraft makes very nice boats also.

YES they are... almost bought one myself when I was searching.....

[fiker]

I have a Tracker Guide V 16 w/ single console.

You can fish any inland lake w/ 3 guys and be totally safe, and not tippy at all. The only thing I've ever seen that I wouldn't do in it, is the really big water like Clair, and Erie. Although I've seen some people do it.

It trailers well, and the fuel consumption is wonderful w/ a 25 on the back.

I put a bow mounted trolling motor on it, w/ two sonar units. She handles the wind about as good as you can w/ an aluminum boat.

Turn the key and go.

[OLDTIMERFISHING]

When choosing a boat remember this -

Ask yourself what you will REALLY do 90% of the time. Picture what you will really do, where, with whom,how you will get both too the water and too the place you fish on the water. Consider your style / type of fishing.. Consider all this your buying plan... then buy a boat that will do it well - period. Do not buy a boat based on what you may do 10-20% of the time - but what you will really do 90% of the time, this way you end up with the right boat and not one you paid too much for, or one you are unhappy with...

Good luck friend... :D

[Fishbum2]

I went to the boat show when I picked out my boat. You could see them all and compare. I went in kinda leaning to a Lund and then left convinced I was right. I got a Lund 1675 Explorer SS with a 50 hp Mercury 4 stroke, Lowrance fish sonar, and Minkota trolling motor.

Excellent boat and motor---never had an issue. Works well on LSC and Detroit river and small lakes.

Watch out for the dealer though. I had some serious issues getting the extra warranty and such offered. Battled the dealer, Mercury and Lund until I got all the freebies promised.

[russfim]

i have a lund rebel 16 ft w/ 40 hp merc. has all that you want and is super stable. would honestly say that a lund or starcraft would be your best choices. you will not be disappointed in either. great value, too, if you decide to upgrade down the road.

[emumikey]

It looks like its down to a lund, lowe, or starcraft. Thanks for all of the great advice. You guys did a good job getting me thinking about what I am really looking for.

Any thoughts on 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke? Speed is not a major factor, just looking to get up on plane. I will be doing mostly open area trolling too.

All we need to do is sell the Four Winns and we will be shopping. Anyone interested?

Thanks

[mattm]

I just got a 16 ft lowe 165 fm 50 hp 2 stroke and 6hp 4 stroke kicker, handles LSC on most days, When LSC is too rough I fish Cass lk(1,000 + acres) with no troubles. Big enough for decent waves, small enough to fish shallows and launch solo if needed.

I did a lot of searches before my purchase and the only boat I heard people really complain about were Trackers beacuse of the wet ride.

[john warren]

ok so you don;t have a lot of experiance,, cool your in good shape already...
buy a used boat. shoot for 18 to 20 or so foot. you can get fiberglass boats in that range cheaper, but pay a price in tow wieght.
used boats are a buyers market , specialy with the economy.
its ok if you don;t get your ideal boat right now,, since you really don;t know what that is yet.
so find something and go out and fish. in a year or two you will know more about what you really want and at minimal investment.
and you may even find out that cheapo boat was the perfect one for you anyway.

[russfim]

My lund rebel 16 ft w/ 40 merc has fished some pretty big water: houghton lk, gogebic and lake winnibigosis in Minnesota. It carrries 2 big men and an older guy (me) with ease. lots of storage. best livewell I've seen--long and deep on the side with a handy live bait section. has a big rod box, too. Internal lights for night fishing--very functional. built like a rock & solid in rough water. Will agree with everyone who has posted here: lund, starcraft or lowe are your best choices. Bought new last time but if the day comes when it's time to upgrade will definitely consider used. If a boat/motor is 2-6 years old you will save a bundle. If you're buying new get the dealer to throw in some free stuff--PFD's, fishing gear, and extra seat--whatever you can get. Recommend pricing spicers, freeway, dnr-kalamazoo, leader's marine, central motor sports in Mt. Pleasant just to name a few. Shopping around can be the best way to get the best deal. Hope all this helps and guluk. One final comment--just make sure you buy a boat you can get back on the trailer (from the water). Years ago had a 20 ft starcraft that was a little too heavy for me to wrestle onto the trailer alone and my kids were too young to help muscle it on.

[ESOX]

If I fished smaller water loike that, I would have a trailerable pontoon. Loads of room and weight capacity, shallow draft, whats not to like?

[john warren]

inland lake go with a pontoon, you can't get a boat with more usable space on it, and used pontoons are a buyers market.

[emumikey]

We have a 22' Bennington, but its a bear to fish with because:

1 - Lake has small bays and channels that I like to fish, the boat is very difficult to maneuver in these, especially when windy. I have beached or bumped docks while trying to control the boat and land a fish at the same time.

2 - Trolling is difficult lowest idle speed I can get is 1.9 MPH

3 - Sits high off the water, landing a larger fish is difficult

4 - No live well

5 - Always fearful of damaging or making a mess of the upholstery on the boat (its my parent's and they like to keep it mint)

I do fish on the pontoon when I have a group and its nice out. But when I want to get serious I would like to have something more tailored to what I will be doing out there.

Another question, can these 16' Lunds/Lowe/Starcraft accomodate rod holders easily?

[chamookman]

Most Lund models come with the SportTrak system for mounting rod holders/tool caddys/drink holders and such. Making it convienient and NOT having to drill holes all over Your boat to mount accessories. C-man

[sfw1960]

If I fished smaller water loike that, I would have a trailerable pontoon. Loads of room and weight capacity, shallow draft, whats not to like?
The "oldE pHarT " factor???

:lol: :lol:

[kroppe]

Another vote for Lund. They are recognized as the leader in aluminum fishing boats. Other boat manufacturers do, however, make good products also.

I bought a used Lund 6 years ago, and it has been a great vessel. 17' 1700 Pro Sport with 90 Honda 4 stroke. Zero complaints about any aspect. It has seating for 6 (if pedestals are added), a livewell and is very stable, and fast. I have used in on Lakes Huron, Erie and St. Clair, as well as in small inland lakes in Michigan and Ontario. Also used it once on Watt's Bar Lake in Tennessee. We are taking it to northern Minnesota this year, to Voyageur's National Park.

What I am trying to say is that a 16-18 foot Lund is a very flexible, quality and comfortable fishing craft.

[wally-eye]

This is all the boat you'd ever need.......brand new left over 2008.

http://www.sportfishermanscenter.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=02287256X3K29K2009J5I18 I51JPMQ2877R0&veh=59653&pov=1130631

[phd265]

I still have no idea out to post new forums, and I dont have a 'post' button. So I found this old thread and in hoping to get some replies. But I have been looking to get a Lund and would like for some input on if this boat. Was wondering what people think I should pay for this boat that is for sale. I would have no idea if Im getting a good deal or not. What would you pay for this boat for a good deal? Specs are as follows, thanks so much guys! Jeff

1999 Lund 1700 Pro Sport
2000 Evinrude 90 hp Evinrude Ficht Ram outboard
2000 Karavan galvanized 2,100 lb. trailer
55 lb. Minnkota Autopilot trolling motor
3 swivel seats
2 large livewells
Garmin fishfinder
Custom travel cover
Bimini cover
Lots of rod storage
28 lb. navy anchor and 200 ft. rope
1 owner boat

What should I pay for this boat for it to be a good choice on my part? Thanks !!!!

[jacktownhooker]

wish i had a lund !.... that is the ultimate !
i have a 93 stratos 16.5 ft 115 hp ... too fast for 750 acres or less and not big enough for three
16 ft sylvan northwoods 40 hp mariner again 2 comfortable and great for medium size lk but i have a custom made enclosed front and plexiglass windshield that i use for full dog house and anchor winch ... and nice days on lk mich - lk erie so waves wont enter front of boat
sounds like a 17-18 ft lund and 90 hp would be close to a do everything boat

[badguychaser]

i have a 16ft lund 50hp tiller 30mph, 17 ft lund explorer ss with the 115 4stroke mercury does 42mph with full load, 20 ft lund explorer sport 200 verado does 50ish. there like a rock never ((knock on wood)) had any of them in for service/repair. i have beat the 17ft explorer to death and it just keeps ticking. i put a jet lower unit on it to use it in the manistee for steelhead/salmon. on plane with three guys it will go through a foot of water without hitting bottom. you can also stand on the rails and it barely leans or rocks from side to side. good luck with your search.

[Flash]

A couple of posters have suggested to consider used. That was the recommendation to me a couple years ago and I am really glad I took it.

As far as size for three, depending on layout (console, walkthru, tiller), I personally think that a 16'er is perfect for 2. For three, I would want more space, at least 18'. I've fished 3 out a 14' tiller and it was crowded with gear, all day cooler, tackle boxes, rods, etc.

My 16' StarCraft is great with just me and the dog. 2 tackle boxes, 7 rods, and enough space to stretch my arms. Had a pontoon before I took up fishing and it was a nice platform. But I like my boat - used - and a great deal.

[ESOX]

This is all the boat you'd ever need.......brand new left over 2008.

http://www.sportfishermanscenter.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=02287256X3K29K2009J5I18 I51JPMQ2877R0&veh=59653&pov=1130631


Avoid a Starcraft like it has the herps. I had a 2000 superfisher 176, just got rid of it. never again. They don't honor the warranty, they build crap that can't handle anything but inland lakes. The hull on mine torqued. popping the bulkhead from the front casting deck through the chine on one side, and dented the chine from the inside out on the other side. It also had a stringer pop. What a piece of crap.