which boat?

[morrow21]

Looking at a first boat. We walleye fish in Canada twice a year, but live in SC. Looking for something dependable, easy to trailer and handle. Looking at 16-17ft aluminum with WT windshield. I have found two boats in my price range. what do you guys think?

1995 SYLVAN 16 Pro Select, 1999 Mercury 115ELPT
Additional Equipment:
Depth Finders Bow troller Trailer

or

1998 FISHER 16 Sport avenger, 1998 Fisher with 2003 Mercury 40 h.p. and trailer. Navigation lights, stereo, livewell and fish finder

Sylvan is older and probably about $750-1000 cheaper. Could it be overpowered? also already has trolling motor. Fisher is newer, probably appropriately powered(could stand 20 more horses). Also thinking the fisher is all aluminum? no boards to rot?

Any thoughts?

 

[bonz_d]

Re: which boat?

It's all personal preference and comes down to what suites your needs best. I find there is no perfect fishing boat for all situations, always trading off something.

Personally I think the Sylvan is a better/stronger hull than the Fisher.

 

[SeanT]

Re: which boat?

The Sylvan is cheaper with that much more HP engine? I'm leaning towards the Sylvan too, but I'm skeptical of the price. Find out if there's anything wrong with it.

 

[morrow21]

Re: which boat?

Yeah, I am wondering if there is something wrong with it. Dealer has it in VT and I'm in SC which is no short haul. If it checks out, inlaws in OH could possibly help out with picking up. Biggest concern is max HP for the boat and the weight of the existing 115HP. How could I find out what the max is?

 

[SeanT]

Re: which boat?

I'm sure someone will come along shortly to confirm this, but I believe there should be a rating plate on the transom specifying max HP capacity?

Being a fishing boat, 16' with a 115hp doesn't surprise me at all. (you should see some of the rigs at fishing derbies - they want to run out and back fast...) But check the rating plate if you can, I think it's located at or near the transom. Or maybe the capacity label on the boat says something about it.

 

[morrow21]

Re: which boat?

I came across this formula. LxWx2-90=max HP rating. Not necessarily manufacturer rating. by this formula, 16ftx6.5(6'7")x2-90=118. So 115 might be ok?

 

[roscoe]

Re: which boat?

THe Fisher is probably more suited for your Canada trips, depending where you go.

BUT, I had a boat with that very same Fisher hull, all welded, no external support ribs.

THe hull skin is very light duty. It also handles like crap, slides instead of carving thru turns.

Also, when Brunswick bought out Fisher, I believe they started using some wood again.

The Sylvan is a very stout and capable boat, a little too many ponies for my use but it would be my choice.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: which boat?

Sylvan hands down.