Deep aluminum boat?

[Kymasabe]

I'm looking for a 12-16 foot aluminum boat. Nothing fancy, just a basic three bench seat v-hull aluminum beater with a tiller motor.
Problem is...most of the 12 and 14 footers I'm looking at barely sit more than 10 inches above the water. I recently looked at a nice old SmokerCraft 14 footer that was MUCH deeper than most of the other aluminum boats I've seen and was wondering of anyone else made deep aluminum v-hull boats?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

Richline was a brand that comes to mind. They are probably no longer in business but they built a deep boat. My brother had one and it was a great rig. Might still be some used ones around.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

Find an old crestliner. I have a 14 foot falcon that will cut through the wakes and big river waves like the TIME BANDIT......rated to carry almost 1000 lbs.Im no expert but I think the deep Vs are about the safest boats you can have.I saw several on craigslist(charlotte nc ) today that may be what you are looking for.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

You might look at Klamath boats one of the very best out west.
All welded and good rides for small boats.

http://www.klamathboats.com/util.html

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

Starcraft and Mirrocraft are the first two that come to mind. I had a Mirrocraft Lake Fisherman 16' that was pretty deep, about 18' freeboard with three big guys and a load of bait and tackle. I also had an older Stacraft Seafarer in a 16' that was pretty deep, even deeper than the Mirrocraft and a lot more stable.
http://www.fiberglassics.com/starcraft/starcraftb67029.jpg

Most all brands sold or still sell a three seat, deeper model but in later years the trend seems to be more towards an open boat with pedestal seats in the 16' and larger open hull boats.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

I don't think they are sold new in the US any more, but Quintrex sold great aluminum boats of that size. They are wide, deep and give a very smooth ride for their size due to the design of their v-hull. Their are used boats available.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

If I remember correctly the Sylvan boats are deep also.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

These are what's most common around here:
http://www.loweboats.com/Page.aspx/pageId/810/pmId/111585/Lowe-Sea-Nymph-Utility-V-Series-1667T.aspx

Very deep, very rugged.

The problem seams to be though that no one wants a plain boat without steering so they don't stock many.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

Lund used to sell a 14' aluminum boat with a 72" beam and very deep in design. It was rated for 50hp, and that's a tiller boat. I think that was back in the 70s.

I had one here, but didn't have an outboard suitable for it, so I sold it to some random guy. Made a little money on the deal. I sorta wish I had it back, though.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

I can't figure why they stopped making that type of boat, all of the newer boats are even a bit lower than those older models.
Just about every fisherman you talk too wants one but no one makes or stocks them. 16' is even harder to find. For some reason there's an abundance of 12' boats of all types.

 

[199675hpforce]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

I think the boat i have is the ultimate for money starcraft 170 fishmaster 30 inches atleast deep inside and quite good for waves. Good luck finding one though lol another option lund 1700 fisherman. I have a 1996 fishmaster with 75hp force mercury i love the boat engine works good other than not enough power for me 13k

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=3806999&cat=147&lpid=2

 

[Splat]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

Look into a older Grumman like a 1995 GV1666. Standard fishing rear tiller model but they are a true Deep V and Very well adept for going out on like Lake Erie. We normally run in 2-4footers with no problems.

Here's a pic of mine.
Hope this helps,
Bill

 

[Blue Mesa]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

I love the look of that boat, and what a great # OH****BS - nice!

I don't know much, but I'll second the old Crestliner post. I recently acquired an '81 Commander (the plate is pretty shot but I'm fairly sure it says "Commander"). Seems to cut the waves pretty well.

 

[mopar_nocar]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

DuraCraft makes a few that might suit your needs. I have a MUCH older one that is nice.

http://www.duracraftmarine.com/

sb

 

[Lightspeed41]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

Hi all; Mirrocraft 14' 'Deep Fisherman' (deep V hull) are the ones I cut my teeth on when fishing out of the 'Old Cut Marina' at Long Point on Lake Erie. That was quite a number of years ago and they still have the same ugly green deep V boats renting now (30+ years later). Says a lot for durability and longevity. Very stable and dry even in rough water.
MirroCraft still markets this model in 14' & 16' but they don't seem to be the 'battleship build' of the earlier ones. Looks like they went lighter in construction (a 25hp max on their 16 footer? - used to be 35 on the 14'). I own a smaller version, a MirroCraft 14' 'Resort' model of approximately 1969 vintage that takes a 25, built like a tank and light enough to get into small northern lakes with limited access. Handles big water almost equally well. It has been nothing but good.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

Not many of the newer aluminum boats are built like those older boats. It's mainly why I've stayed with my older boats. I'd love to find a 16' Grumman like posted above myself. My 14 1/2' is nice, and is super deep too, the model is a 14 SSF. Its built like a tank and can carry over 1000 lbs and is rated to 25 hp.
I'd love to find an open boat to take a 50 hp long shaft motor, something that can get there in a hurry and not break in two.

 

[199675hpforce]

Re: Deep aluminum boat?

Ha i have 1996 Starcraft fishmaster comes with viynl flooring and its deep 17fter,windsheild sick and in good boat. Very underrated! Not many boats i would trade for except new lund fisherman or crestliner superhawk, fishrite 17fter