When buying a boat, its 100% true you get what you pay for. What I have found is most aluminum boat companies that build smaller boats, they build ALL their boats to handle small lakes and rivers. That means they are not the best at taking the abuse that the great lakes can dish out. I have even seen more than a couple of the almighty Lund have rivets blow out. I know of one that even sank . If I had to buy a Tin boat for big water it would be a North River. But again, you get what you pay for.

 

Since ive bought my mako ive had several lund owners comment how nice it was and heard a few lund horror stories.

Its up to you what you want to buy. I dont think lund has much over starcraft alumacraft smokercraft lowe ect. They are all pretty thin aluminum and rivets will loosen and have to be rebucked. They will only last as long as you take care of them. Dont fish on rough days and dont ever pound it she'll probably last a lifetime.

On the other hand fish hard and pound it her days are numbered. For me i wanted a better investment that would last me so i bought glass.

IMO stratos has one of the nicest walleye rigs ive seen.

 

They have a pretty good reputation and you're not paying for the name unlike some boats i.e. Lund. I know a guy who had the front end of his Lund just aft of the trolling motor bracket break. Not crack, but break, as in the first 1' of the bow broke off with the trolling motor and was hanging by the trolling motor wiring. This was a new boat. And no, he did not want it fixed under warranty and it ended up being a big mess.

I have to disagree about all small boats being built cheaply. I have a 1994 1472 Sea Nymph and it's a tough SOB. I've trailered (which face it is harder than most of the time on the water) this thing everywhere, beached it, hunted from it, ran into stumps with it, and she doesn't leak a drop. Last year on the late split for ducks we were breaking ever increasing ice with it until it finally stopped about 200 yards shy of where we wanted to be. Knowing the water was only 2-3' deep, we figured we would get out and break the last 200 yards of ice on foot. We ended up leaving the boat where it was and walked ON the ice to the place we hunted as the ice was just under 2" thick and able to hold us.

 

I own an 1987 16 ft Lowe and I hesitate to comment on your situation because mine is MUCH older and I'm sure the quality has improved. My boat has held up pretty good over the years of abuse it's seen and the only problem I have with it is a crack in the return line from the live well. When I pull the plug on the live well, the water drains straight into the hull of the boat instead of the lake. Its a manageable problem, but it still sucks! I would have to do some major work to reach the return line for repair and I'm just not willing to do that. So instead, I mainly use the live well for dry storage. The bilge will kick out some of the water, but not all of it. I'm guessing the previous owner stored it outside during the winter with water in the line causing it to crack.

This info might not be of interest to you, maybe it is. I'm now in the market for something newer and I am not looking for a Lowe to replace it. I'm looking at Lunds, Crestliner, smokercraft, Polar Kraft, Alumicraft, Mako and possibly a Tracker. Good luck!

 

I have to disagree about all small boats being built cheaply. I have a 1994 1472 Sea Nymph and it's a tough SOB. I've trailered (which face it is harder than most of the time on the water) this thing everywhere, beached it, hunted from it, ran into stumps with it, and she doesn't leak a drop. Last year on the late split for ducks we were breaking ever increasing ice with it until it finally stopped about 200 yards shy of where we wanted to be. Knowing the water was only 2-3' deep, we figured we would get out and break the last 200 yards of ice on foot. We ended up leaving the boat where it was and walked ON the ice to the place we hunted as the ice was just under 2" thick and able to hold us.

I do the same thing with my 1974 sears 14 ft duck boat. It just keeps on going. However, taking it out in 6' waves every weekend I know it won't last long.

 

I have a 1996 Lowe 17.5ft and I love it. It's a very tough boat, which I've discovered the hard way. Got caught out in some rough water. I have a 90hp 2 stroke and a 9.9 licker and I often fish with 4 of us on it and she does great. I just wish it had a full windshield as it can be a pretty wet ride in 2ft waves. I can run 12 lines without any problems. PM me if you want to see how I have it set up.


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I do the same thing with my 1974 sears 14 ft duck boat. It just keeps on going. However, taking it out in 6' waves every weekend I know it won't last long.


If I took my 14' out in 6', I bet it would be in better shape than me when / if we both washed up on the beach.....

 

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If I took my 14' out in 6', I bet it would be in better shape than me when / if we both washed up on the beach.....

I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many times I have passed a 14' boat out in waves of that size :lol:.

 

On the other hand fish hard and pound it, her days are numbered.

:lol:

 

I have to disagree about all small boats being built cheaply. I have a 1994 1472 Sea Nymph and it's a tough SOB. I've trailered (which face it is harder than most of the time on the water) this thing everywhere, beached it, hunted from it, ran into stumps with it, and she doesn't leak a drop. Last year on the late split for ducks we were breaking ever increasing ice with it until it finally stopped about 200 yards shy of where we wanted to be. Knowing the water was only 2-3' deep, we figured we would get out and break the last 200 yards of ice on foot. We ended up leaving the boat where it was and walked ON the ice to the place we hunted as the ice was just under 2" thick and able to hold us.

It sounds like you pound her hard too FBD !! Thanks for the input guys !!

 

Since ive bought my mako ive had several lund owners comment how nice it was and heard a few lund horror stories.

Its up to you what you want to buy. I dont think lund has much over starcraft alumacraft smokercraft lowe ect. They are all pretty thin aluminum and rivets will loosen and have to be rebucked. They will only last as long as you take care of them. Dont fish on rough days and dont ever pound it she'll probably last a lifetime.

On the other hand fish hard and pound it her days are numbered. For me i wanted a better investment that would last me so i bought glass.

IMO stratos has one of the nicest walleye rigs ive seen.

There is a BIG difference between Lund and Smokercraft. My father-in-Law had a 17' Smokercraft, I had a 17' Lund, both with full windshield's. The Lund was a lot better ride and a lot drier, running side by side he would get back to the dock and everyone in his boat would be wet, everyone in my boat would be totally dry. Plus, the quality of the Lund was a lot better. Wether people want to believe it or not, there is a reason why some boat brand's are cheaper than other's. You do get what you pay for....

 

Im not talking about ride but how well the boat will hold up over time. Many people dont have problems but ive ran into several that have had seams open up on their lund that wasnt even 3 yrs old. Same with starcraft. Yes the rides will differ but an aluminum boat is an aluminum boat. Before you drop cash on one think of what you expect from it.

 

I have a 2006 Lund 1700 fisherman that I bought new. I use it on Sag bay or Lk Mich almost every weekend from mid April thru mid Sept. I don't beat on it but it has been in some big waves more than once. It has 19 leaking rivets and one with cracks around it. It has to be shipped back to the Lund plant for repair. They will pay part of the $3000 to $4000 dollar estimate for repairs. (30% of it) I'M PISSED! I thought I bought quality that would last. Buyer beware. Look over very closely what ever used boat you are going to buy. Most boats will last a lifetime if they only get used a few times a year, but if you're going to use it every week all summer long don't buy a Lund.

 

It is sad what Brunswick does to previously quality companies. They buy em up ride the quality name as far as they can and dump em off. (Any one remember the omc debacle?) My 1993 Lund 1850 is a quality Lund back when they were built shes seen some hard days on Erie and Michigan no leaks, did just replace the floor this year other than that its been the best boat I have owned I will repower it someday since there really isn't a quality new aluminum hull made anymore I will just stick with the old girl


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I have a 2006 Lund 1700 fisherman that I bought new. I use it on Sag bay or Lk Mich almost every weekend from mid April thru mid Sept. I don't beat on it but it has been in some big waves more than once. It has 19 leaking rivets and one with cracks around it. It has to be shipped back to the Lund plant for repair. They will pay part of the $3000 to $4000 dollar estimate for repairs. (30% of it) I'M PISSED! I thought I bought quality that would last. Buyer beware. Look over very closely what ever used boat you are going to buy. Most boats will last a lifetime if they only get used a few times a year, but if you're going to use it every week all summer long don't buy a Lund.

Yep heres a fine example. Not the first. I have a 1970 lund i find hard to part with. The aluminum is so much thicker on that boat probsbly 3-4 times as thick as the new ones.

I really like the looks of the polar krafts myself but for my hard earned cash i had to buy glass.

Everyone is different aluminum boats have their place but no way will i spend $30k on an aluminum boat.

 

Lund's quality has gone way down hill ever since they got bought out. Can't believe people spend 60-70k on a lund pro v 2025, it is insane!!

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Gotta love how people like to tell about the "horror stories" of Lund boats.
When your the lead dog the others are always snapping at your tail.

 

I have a 1990 LOWE SEA NYMPH GLS 179 and wouldnt trade it.Bought it new and its never seen a dealer.Although I do wish it was deeper I fish walleye on the Detroit & St.Clair rivers and Lake St.Clair.I can honestly say I LOVE MY BOAT!

 

I have a 1990 LOWE SEA NYMPH GLS 179 and wouldnt trade it.Bought it new and its never seen a dealer.Although I do wish it was deeper I fish walleye on the Detroit & St.Clair rivers and Lake St.Clair.I can honestly say I LOVE MY BOAT!

I'm sure the boat will last with the type of fishing you do. My main point was using them in the Great Lakes in ROUGH Seas more than a few times. If you stick to calmer water, you will be fine.

 

Gotta love how people like to tell about the "horror stories" of Lund boats.
When your the lead dog the others are always snapping at your tail.

I don't think I would consider Lund at the head of the pack. They are a good boat for smaller water or occasional big water trip. There are quite a few other aluminum boat builders out there making some fine rigs. But as stated, they cost ya. I'm not talking $50-60k..... I'm saying in the area of $120-150k. Crawl around the bilge area of a North River and then a Lund and you will see the difference I am talking about.

 

Gotta love how people like to tell about the "horror stories" of Lund boats.
When your the lead dog the others are always snapping at your tail.

Lund used to be the lead dog years ago, ever since they got bought out, they are over priced and not the quality boats they once were.

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Lund used to be the lead dog years ago, ever since they got bought out, they are over priced and not the quality boats they once were.

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You must be selling a brand other than Lund. Lund has models now that will go head to head price wise with any other brand, they are still they highest rated customer satisfaction aluminum boat and by the way the same company that owns Lund owns Lowe also. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

 

You're right everybody is entitled to their opinion...I am not a boat salesman, never owned a lund...I've had three mirrocrafts for handlining, 4 champions and currently own a basscat. My dad was a river rat out of alter for years before he moved to grayling. He has owned 6 lunds, first five were great boats! his newer one leaks like a sieve and he fishes inland lakes up north...for 70k which is what a loaded 2025 goes for with a 300 fourstroke, I would buy a glass boat...just my opinion!

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I too have a Lowe GLS 179, it's a 1999 and has been put through the roughest lake conditions not just 2 weeks but 20-25 weeks a year. We have fished from the midwest to New York and this boat has seen 3-4 waves several times without a single leak. I can't say the 90 hp Johnson that came with the boat is the best but that's what I have, it has been a bear to start ever since it wasce it new, but runs like champ once it warms up. Looked at new Lunds this week and just shake my head at the prices they are asking, my boat gets to the fishing spots just as well as they do.

 

I have a 17.5 Lowe and have fished the big lake with it for 7 years with no problems. Like any other "small" boat you have to pick your days. The Lowe is a wet ride which is fine when it is 80 out but not so cool when it is 40 out. If you get a Lowe always have raingear on board.

The Lowes lack some of the upgrades you see in other boats, but if you got any handy man skills you can make the boat real nice with a few add ons. I really improved storage with a sawzall and a few slam hatches. I went the Traxstech route and the boat fishes a lot bigger than it is on the troll. 10 lines is no sweat.

A lot of people have mentioned the Lunds. The big difference between the Lund and the Lowe is the Lowe is a welded hull not riveted. Hence, it takes the big wave pounding without the fear of rivets coming loose.

I only have two real complaints about my Lowe. First, is the seats, they are junk the screws come out and the supporting boards in the backs break. I started out with five of the Lowe seats and only have 3 left. I have pieced them together front the remaining scraps. I have bought other seats and they have been a much better deal. The second is that screws from under the console were constantly coming lose. I got under the console with a screw driver and that problem went away.

I live in SW Michigan if you ever want to take a look at my setup. just respond on this thread and I will get you contact info.

Dave