aluminum fishing boat

[bundy]

I'm looking to buy a 16-17 foot fishing boat with a walk through windshield and Bimini top.Ive looked at Duracraft and Crestliner Superhawk 1700. It's my first boat and I want a 4 stroke EFI motor. No water skiing.Any thoughts on new boats would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JB]

Re: aluminum fishing boat

Hi, Bundy. Lunds are the dominant aluminum boats on LOTW. That lake demands a lot of a boat so all those upper-midwesterners and Canadians must know something. <br /><br />Honda is the dominant engine, but they have been around a while. I also saw some Merc 4S. I love my Suzi 70 4S.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[JasonJ]

Re: aluminum fishing boat

Like J.B. said, Lund is a good boat. I am not sure what kind of water you will be running in, but my lake is huge, and has its own weather patterns. Usually you can see it coming, but when it gets there, you can see 6 ft + swells (been there), so I see a lot of deep V Lunds, Starcrafts, that sort of thing. 4 strokes rock, you can troll all day, burn half the gas of a two stroke at WOT, and they are dependable. The larger horse Hondas (115 and above) are marinized Civic and Accord engines, we all know how reliable those cars are. Wish I had the loot for one, but I'll stick to what I have for now....

 

[corby]

Re: aluminum fishing boat

Hi Bundy, I have a 2000 Crestliner 1750 Sportfish With A 2002 merc 115 4 stroke and am very happy with it. Make sure you find a decent dealer to do business with. Check out their service department too.

 

[bundy]

Re: aluminum fishing boat

Thanks for the replies. My local dealer used to sell Lunds and says they are a good boat but have occasional problems with the rivets and that welded boats are best.

 

[bundy]

Re: aluminum fishing boat

Corby,is there any difference between the 2001 and 2002 Mercury 115 hp 4 stroke? How is the balance of your boat?

 

[corby]

Re: aluminum fishing boat

Bundy, My boat originally had a 130 johnson on, and I hated it. So I just bought the new merc in July. It seems to be a perfect match. I think it planes out better now than it used too. My boat is rated for a 150, so the 115 four stroke not too much weight. I think the difference between 2001/2002 is that the 2002 are fuel injected now and I may be wrong, but I dont think the 2001 were fuel injected.Hope this helps you...good luck.

 

[Jacques321]

Re: aluminum fishing boat

Now that Brunswick marine owns Princecraft Boats you'll start to see more of them in the states next year with merc engines instead of evinrudes and Johnsons. <br />Here in Quebec more people own Princecrafts, not just because there made here but because they're a very good boat. I own one and a lot of my buddies here own them. I recommend them to others all the time. They're solid, well built and they go fast.<br /><br />The only other make I've owned was a starcraft, and I would say they are average aluminum boats compared to Lund and Princecrafts or Crestliners for that matter.<br /><br />Any of the following are a good choice:<br /><br />Princecraft<br />Lund<br />Crestliner<br />Sylvan<br />Legend<br /><br />As far as 4 stroke engines go i'd go with a Yamaha<br />Mercury or <br />Honda<br /><br />They're all good, but mercs are Faster!!<br /><br />JUST KIDDIN!!

 

[Tackle Box]

Re: aluminum fishing boat

Hellow Bundy, I live on the west coast between Oregon and Washington. Idon't know what kind of water you want to run? What i see a lot of around here is Alumaweld. I don't have much information on them but what i can tell you is they are sweet . I have been out with freinds on many differant styles, inboard and out board. There are sleds and v-huals. All the gydes have Alumaweld. For the size you are looking for my buddy has a 19-ft with an inboard V-6 very good with high swells and rapid water. When a Alumaweld gets up on a plain it will draft 3-in of water. I don't know what you are looking to spend but the 19-ft cost him $19.000. another friend has a 22-ft V with a V8 500 something very fast never opened her up all the way doing 60 mil hr. that boat weigh 8000 lb draft 3-in of water I know saw bottom ! It cost him $35.000. These boats have pumps not props the choice for low water. well hope i helped in your search, just something to tink about.