Crestliner 1600 Fish Hawk vs. Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS

J

JenHans

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My father is on the verge of buying a new fishing boat and is debating between the Crestliner 1600 Fish Hawk and the Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS. We live in the midwest (Wisconsin)and and usually fish in relatively small lakes for bass, walleye and perch. I was unable to find a good website that reviews both boats. Any suggestions or opinions on which is better for a boat that is going to serve half the time as a family of 5 cruiser (possibly pulling a skiier or tuber) and the other half as a recreational fishing boat?
 
Boatist

Boatist

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Silvertip

Silvertip

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Re: Crestliner 1600 Fish Hawk vs. Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS

And Crestliner has had weld problems! In my view the Navigator is a better boat. I had to make the same choice four years ago when I bought my Navigator. The rivets vs weld issue is a really a non-issue. If welding was better, airplanes would be welded, not riveted. If you are a fisherman, the Navigator is a much better fishing platform.
 
N

Northern Nomad

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Re: Crestliner 1600 Fish Hawk vs. Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS

They're both quality boats, however for a family of five to cruise the lake you're probably not going to have enough room in the Crestliner. I'm not sure about the layout of the Alumacraft. I have a 1750 Fishhawk and that boat is tight with my wife and three girls in it.

If it's primarily a fishing boat I would physically look at both boats and see what layout is most appealing to you as far as lockers, storage, and fishability. The Fishhawks have a huge bow deck but you sacrifice room in the back, particulary for passenger comfort and room. The Fishhawks are also a wet ride when you run in a chop. My boat spends a lot of time on Green Bay and Lake MI and has performed well in some very large seas. It's very stable to fish from and other than a little splashing here and there, I've been very happy with it.

But, like I said, not much room. For a few bucks more I would upgrade to a larger size, in fact, I wish I would have opted for the 1850 when I bought mine.

Hope this helps.
 
Boatist

Boatist

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Re: Crestliner 1600 Fish Hawk vs. Alumacraft Navigator 165 CS

Forgot to welcome your to the board in the first post so WELCOME.

I agree with Nomad 5 is quite a lot on a small boat. As you go up in length the boats also get wider and more stable. Of course they also weigh more so use more fule on land and water. If this is your first boat keep in mind that most people's second boat is bigger. Crestliner has changed quite a lot since they were bought out years back. I had my 1980 since brand new and like it as much today as the day I bought it. I used my boat in the Pacific Ocean in Seas up to 9 foot every 6 seconds and in inland lakes and rivers.

The Hull still has a lifetime warranty. On my boat I really only found one problem. That problem was all the screws are stainless steel but on the bolts inside the nuts on the back side were just galvanized. Some of them showed some rust. After about 5 years I was at the boat show and the factory rep was there so I went to him and suggested it would have been nice if they used all stainless steel. He went in the back and brought out a note book and said put your name and address down and that you need the back side nuts and I will send you some. To my supprise He sent me two boxes of 100 each Stainless steel Nylon Lock nuts.

The paint on the sunny side also is getting soft, as when I wax it I get a lot of blue on the wax rag. The Shaddy side is still perfect. Of course it now 28 years old,
 
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