How do Smokercraft's ride/handle? Need advice before buying.

[MNCroc]

I'm seriously considering a new Smokercraft Ultima 172 (17') with a 115 Merc Optimax. Another competing dealer said Ultima's are good boats but known to "porpoise". I noticed a post yesterday in this forum from someone having that problem.

For those of you that own an Ultima or similar 17' Smoker, have you had any problems with porpoising? How does your boat ride under speed? In rough chop? Any concerns?

Also is it reasonable to ask the dealer to go for a ride in the boat before I buy it?

Thanks in advance.

Croc

 

[mdunn]

Re: How do Smokercraft's ride/handle? Need advice before buying.

I have a 172 Stealth (2002) that I bought used last October.
I'm in the Seattle area and fish the Puget Sound.
Until I put Smart Tabs on it porpoised like a s.o.b.
They made all the difference and she rides through a chop real well now.
I have a Yamaha F115 on the back which is the max.
She'll do about 45 and handles great.

 

[NJS0930]

Re: How do Smokercraft's ride/handle? Need advice before buying.

I have an '03 Smoker Craft Osprey 19 DLX. I repowered it last year (2007) with a Honda 150 four stroke. I was not happy with the boat and the repower until I added the Smart Tabs. Totally different boat, no porpoising, planes at 12 mph and runs out smoothly to 45 mph.