New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

[davidjohnson]

This is my first post. I looking at purchasing a new small aluminum V-hull and would like to get opinions on recommended boat and motor combinantions. The boat will be used primarily in fresh water for fishing in small-medium size lakes/rivers. I am not interested in something thats real fast but rather in something that will plane with two people, will idle/troll without a problem and is light. I believe I have settled on a 14foot but would consider a 16 footer if you gouys think it would be better. So far I have looked at the Lund WC 14' and like it. What are your opinions about it and what motors would work well on it. Also, the other Lund, which is considerably lighter is the 14' A. Does anybody have that model and care to comment on it?

What other brand V-hulls are out there that I should look at? Also, on the Lund should I get the short transom or long? I have read on this board that some of you do not care for the long foot motors. Can you expand on why?

As for the engine, I was thinking in the 15-25 horse range. Which motor(s )do you reccommend?

Lots of questions, but I apprciate your time and opinions

David

 

[CATransplant]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

Either one of those 14' Lund models will do just what you want to do. The 14A would be less expensive, and the 15hp it's rated for would plane two folks and their gear very nicely. With a trailer, it'd also be an easier tow.

The larger 14WC is a very nice boat, as well, but, it does need the 25hp it's rated for to move out. A little heavier, as well, but more capable in big water or windy conditions.

You really can't go wrong with a Lund aluminum boat. There are others that are equally good, of course, but Lunds are terrific fishing boats in that lightweight class. I doubt you'd be disappointed with either one.

You can tow either one with just about anything that has a hitch. They're both lightweight packages.

The WC version has a really nice layout of the seats. The rear one has an offset that will make running the tiller a heckuva lot easier. The DLX model in the 14' length has an even more open layout and has a livewell and storage along the side, with an open floor plan. The simpler A version has the typical three seats across the boat. That's fine, but it's a little less flexible for some folks. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to fish from the rear seat in my little 12' Starcraft, but it still works out OK.

Don't worry about long shaft vs. short shaft. Get whatever fits the boat you decide on. There's no real difference, in terms of reliability or maintenance. The WCs require the long shaft, while the A uses a short shaft.

 

[dave11]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

I have a little larger aluminum boat. For what you want to do, the 14 will probably be fine. I don't have a Lund, but they are great boats. You will probably be really happy with either one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

i personally would go 16, this gives you the option for a third person, 3 in a 14 is a real PITA. i have a 14' glass boat, wish it was 16, as there is always some one else who wants to go.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

I am still in love with my Appleby 14' after 44 years. I usually have a ancient 7 1/2hp Scott Atwater on it and it will plane with just me and my gear. The newest thing ever on it was a 15 horse Johnson and it planed well with two of us and gear. The bare boat weighs 150 pounds. She still looks almost new and I have taken her to New Orleans and back a couple of times (900 miles one way). For years I did not have a trailer, but just upended it on roof racks on whatever vehicle I had. I made a trailer for it sixteen years ago. The whole rig just tops 540 pounds, trailer, trolling motor, battery, lights, engine, fuel, oars and tackle box.

There are several "also ran's" out there that make a good entry level aluminum boat. I think you will be very happy with the Lund as I have only heard praise about them from my fishing buddies.

TD is correct that for three fishing it not only gets crowded while casting, getting on plane requires more horsepower and in such a lightweight boat it usually requires a bigger boat. I have taken two with me a number of times though. I just kept it below planing speeds and went to close fishing grounds. At the end of the day we didn't care that the boat was undersized. Good friends and good fishing just does that for a man.

You may fall in love with your new boat and keep it the whole time while going though other temptresses. It will be a good investment. My dad bought mine for $150 back then and spent $125 on the outboard in 1960. I think the dollars per hour was worth the money don't you?

Now you have me thinking that since the bad weather is over for a few days, that maybe I need to take her out again tonight and see if I can catch a bass or two.

 

[SNye45]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

Look at the Smokercraft Lodge series.

I had 6 happy years with a 16ft side console with a Mercury 25hp 4 stroke. With 2 people it gets up on plane easily, it is great in lakes, and I even took it on the Columbia River many times with no problems. It is light (540 Ibs) and so trailers very easily

 

[davidjohnson]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

thanks everyone for your responses

 

[LORDY611]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

I'll chime in because I have a 16' Lund with a 40HP, and I have a 14' Gamefisher (Sea Nymph I believe) with a 9.9HP. For the money, the 14+9.9 goes like the wind. I taught my 3 kids to ski behind that boat. You can lift and carry it (separately from the motor), but the 16' must be trailered. Sure the 16 has more room, and it is more stable, but after 15 years with the 14' I have never regretted buying that rig. The Lund is an heirloom that is a serious boat while the 14' is an aluminum rowboat. I love em both for different reasons, and for the same reason: they are good at getting me to the fish! I guess it comes down to what your real needs are.

 

[mtduckhunter]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

where are you from david?

 

[davidjohnson]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

Texas

 

[dave11]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

Get one of the Lunds. It is a boat you will use for decades. A quality boat that is inexpensive to run with two people as you stated. You can throw it in the back of your truck and go anywhere. You won't need a ramp to launch it. You will not be able to do that with the 16. You will have to buy a trailer for the 16. When you want a bigger boat, buy it. Don't sell the 14. Believe me, you will never out grow the 14 or regret buying it.

 

[sprouticus]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

I've bought my 14' sea nymph before I bought my first car. it came with a 20 lb's thrust electric motor, but I have since powered it with a 6hp johnson, then a 30 lb's thurst electric, and now a 9.5 evinrude that I just picked up. I'm hoping to finally be able to plane the thing. I bought a "big" boat" (16 footer with a 90 hp) 3 years ago, and my friends have asked me to seel them the little nymph, but I will never get rid of it. It was probably 30 years old when I bought it, but I'm sure it will outlive me.......not much to go wrong on that thing.

 

[dave11]

Re: New Aluminum Boat Opinions Needed

Look at the thread "Little gash in my alum 14 ft" in this forum. There is no reason to ever get rid of a little boat like that.