Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

[Tate2]

All,

It is time to upgrade my Discovery Marine Explorer jon boat after 20 years of great service. However after a great amount of research I am at a loss for which boat to go with and I need to order asap.

I want to use the boat for fishing lakes, ponds and rivers around New England. Want something small enough to easily tow, be able to fish the shallows but be fairly comfortable to fish from.

I have narrowed the choice down to a Alumacraft MV1756AW SC, Yamaha F50TLR, Karavan Galvanized trailer, recently noticed a package price for a Pro 175 for approx the same money as the 1756.

So first question is does anyone have any experience and/or opinions for these two boats?

Another option is the Lowe Roughneck R1760 SC. Wondering how this one compares against the Alumacrafts?

I know all the stats by heart so really looking for general info....on construction, comfort, layout, ect.

Thanks in advance

Tate

 

[biglurr54]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

I don?t know much about either one of those boats but if you?re going aluminum I have found that Crestliner is the way to go. They made beautiful welded aluminum boats. No rivets to leak. I bought an older one and completely restored it. It took about 4 weeks but it was completely custom to what I wanted it. It was also way cheaper than a new boat by far. My 17.5 footer weighs 1050lbs with out power so it can be towed very easily. It can handle some big water as well. I?ve gotten into so rough water on Lake Champlain and Buzzards Bay and had no issues. They are really nice boats and you can pick up older ones pretty cheap if you are willing to put the time in to restore it.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

I have fished from hundreds of tin boats and have never seen a huge difference in welded vs riveted as far as durability goes. There are some high dollar river boats that certainly surpass the quality of of others if you are not running whitewater I would stick with any well known boat brand and you'll be good. I always take the whole family when looking at boats. Get everyone in and practice fishing or moving around and see how the setup fits your needs.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

Check out Express and Sea Ark web sites for lots of info on their brands. I run an Express MV jon and have had no problems at all. Good Luck!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

Welcome to iboats.

I am a believer...... ANY brand of a new aluminum boat will be fine. If a company is in business during our present economic times then that is a big plus.

Which one would I purchase? I would purchase the one who has been with a dealership for a long time, established and local. Local being the key. My thought process stems from being able to get warranty work, repairs and engine maintenance done locally.

If you purchase a Princecraft or a War Eagle, Xpress boat, Starcraft or any new aluminum boat(all great boats) and there is no local support .....then you will be in a tough situation if a problem comes up.

I like the Lowe package The alumacraft is nice but the rod storage is not worth giving up that space.

So..... who is the best local dealer

 

[Tate2]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

Good advice ..... thank you all for the quick response! There are Alumacraft and Lowe dealers near by and both seem like excellant places to do business with.

Thanks again!

- Tate2

 

[Tate2]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

I think I am going with the Alumacraft 1756SC, Yamaha powered. Any advice on 50hp or 60hp? ..... engines weigh the same.... not sure on cost diff yet .

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

I run an older 60hp on my 16' tinny. I can get about 32mph. My buddy has a 16' Spectrum that has a 50hp Honda on it and he runs about the same. Big difference is he can carry more fuel and has a lot more accesories on his than my old boat. So I think the 50 is a good option, but if the 60 is close in price I'd do it. The thing is they usually price the next step up in motors close enough that it still is expensive but you convince yourself you might as well spend the extra 5-600 for the bigger one.

Looking online it looks like about a 600 difference. Or split the difference and get the 50 high thrust.

 

[Tate2]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

I run an older 60hp on my 16' tinny. I can get about 32mph. My buddy has a 16' Spectrum that has a 50hp Honda on it and he runs about the same. Big difference is he can carry more fuel and has a lot more accesories on his than my old boat. So I think the 50 is a good option, but if the 60 is close in price I'd do it. The thing is they usually price the next step up in motors close enough that it still is expensive but you convince yourself you might as well spend the extra 5-600 for the bigger one.

Looking online it looks like about a 600 difference. Or split the difference and get the 50 high thrust.

Thanks for the input Lieutenant!

 

[Mr-T]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

I have a 17 ft Lund w/ a 115 hp Yammy and love it. I made sure I got the dual console to keep the misses warm flying across northern MN waters, brrrr! After you buy your boat you may find comfort is big. Check out boat seats with a comfy lumbar. Seems you want a tiller, fine but they are hard to see water while traveling with people in the boat. You can still get a small boat with a console. Rod storage is huge for me since I downrig so make sure rod storage suits you.

 

[Tate2]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

I have a 17 ft Lund w/ a 115 hp Yammy and love it. I made sure I got the dual console to keep the misses warm flying across northern MN waters, brrrr! After you buy your boat you may find comfort is big. Check out boat seats with a comfy lumbar. Seems you want a tiller, fine but they are hard to see water while traveling with people in the boat. You can still get a small boat with a console. Rod storage is huge for me since I downrig so make sure rod storage suits you.

Mr T I am going with a Alumacraft 1756AW mod v, side console, camo, rubber lined .... worked a deal for the Yammy 60 .... the layout seems to have a fairly large storage area for rods and guns. I have not seen one in person so I can only go by photo's. Getting ready to place the order this week. Seems like a lot of doe for a basic tin boat but when compared to other makes the price is in line.

Jeeez a 115 must push the 17 pretty dang good!

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

Well you're not going with a bare-bones tin boat so that's why it costs a lot of money. You're getting a 17ft boat with decks, consoles, storage, etc. You're also buying a brand new 60hp motor. When I read the title of this thread, I figured that you wanted a tin boat with benches. This goes beyond that but it is a very nice boat. I've got a 2009 Alumacraft Navigator and while these boats certainly have differences, I think that you'll be very happy with your purchase as long as the service is good and you negotiated a decent price.

Good luck

 

[mommicked]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

Tate2,Mr t, I think there is some confusion here.i believe Mr t has alum Vhull boat hence the 115hp.Tate2 your describing a shallow v jonboat.both are probly max h.p. engines.probably close in top speed.but the v-hull can go fast more comfortably in chop.Or am i confused?Anyway alumacraft makes nice welded boats.youll love it!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

The 1756 is a wide roomy solid boat.That wide 56" flat bottom will make a stable fishing platform.
But that flat bottom will be a terrible ride in any kind of a sea.Especially on the big rivers
1000 islands for instance.And the NY lakes can be like the ocean.
Check out the Crestliner Sportsman series. room for 4 with the 18.Wide and deeper than the 1756. Even with a 35 they will get up and move pretty good.And ride like a limo compared to the 1756.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

I will add another perspective that I am still undecided on as I have had both. A V-hull does ride better but a flat bottom fishes better. The flats that I have had ride like 1 ton trucks on the water but when you stop to fish they are a dream. V-hull are cadillacs but any movement moves the boat. It's a toss up and preference. I have a v-hull now but I think that really I prefer the flat and can deal with the slower speed for the comfort while fishing.

 

[Tate2]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

Great info and feedback.... thanks for sharing your opinions!

It really is confusing... all the way from the base decision of V hull or modified V through Manufacturers, sizes, models, layouts, options, equipment ect. Still need to decide on Sonar/GPS. I do think the modified v is a good fit for us but we will see after the first time trying to get back in some chop. Then the flip side is when gunkholing around, and hitting the shallows, rivers, remore areas, ect or even trying some bow fishing it will be pretty sweet.

The Lieutenant has experience owning both and sounds like he is on the fence with perhaps a slight lean toward flat so how the heck is a newbie like me suppose to make a decision. My current jon boat is a small 12' with electric motor so that doesn't give me a sense of going at speed and my other boats have always been bigger ski & boarding boats. I am ordering it on Saturday so no turning back and given the cost I am sure I would lose my shirt on a resale so it is a decision that I hope I will be happy with for many many years. I sure have done my research and thought enough about so we will see.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[mommicked]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

The 1756 will make a great small water/river boat for most fishing and great for bowfishing.As said before they are very stable when at rest, dont tip easily unless hit by a wave.you can beach it anywhere and almost pull it out of the water on a flat beach.Ive got an 1860 and I love it.You can take it on big water on nicer days w/o problems. slow down if you approach a wake or waves until you get acustomed to the way it handles or make sure all your gear is secured well!!It wont split the waves like a v hull.it should handle a fair amount of chop,(mine does)but you might get wet from spray.finding the right speed for conditions can keep the ride somewhat comfortable when its rough.oh and if you get a trolling motor use it to point the bow into incoming wakes if your sitting and a boat comes by w a good wake,if it hits broadside it can really rock the boat!

 

[Tate2]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

Thats good to hear Mommicked! Thanks for the input, your 1860 must be sweeeeeet!

 

[mommicked]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

Its a 03 G3sc,I believe the newer Alumacrafts are tougher hulls because the ribs are closer together than my 03.I see G3 has recently changed their rib configuration on the jons.I saw a new Alumacraft recently and it was sweeet also.very similar but the hull was smoother than my G3,The strakes? on my hull are welded on every ft. or so,w small gaps between the hull and stakes, between the welds.the alumacraft has them formed into the hull I believe.Also my floor is riveted to the ribs kinda spongy/noisy in spots,need to replace some rivets.Alumicraft floor i saw was all welded.Ive got a Yamaha 4stroke 90 and it runs about 40mph w a 17" pitch alum 4 blade prop. w two guys and gear.your perf.will probably be similar w the 1756/60 combo. Correction,my keel is welded on,the strakes?are formed in.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Newbie --- looking for advice on buying new tin boat

Whatever you decide to buy, make sure it has a fuel/water separating type canister filter installed on the transom...save yourself a lot of fuel related problems$$$ My boat is an Express 1870MV with 6 degree deadrise at transom, it's rough riding on a chop, but any deadrise is better than no deadrise at all, in my book! Good Luck!