My First Boat

[Dimps]

Guys, I have been reading the posts on this forum for over a year. Your knowledge and helpfulness is great. I would like to ask for some advice now. I am about to purchase my first boat. I have some good feel for the boat, but not sure about the motors. One boat is a 2002 Alumacraft Lunker 165 with a 40 hp Honda. I have no experience with Honda outboards. The other boat is a 1998 Lund Explorer 1600 with a 40 hp Merc. I would appreciate any advice any might share about the boats and/or motors to help me in making my decision. This is a big move for us, so I want to get helpful input in making it. Thanks much.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: My First Boat

The Honda is probably a 4 stroke, the Merc is probably a 2 stroke, but could be a four stroke. If it were me, and I was less knowledgable than I am, I would go with the boat with the Honda. I am a Merc fan to the highest degree, but I feel that a new boater is better served with the ease of use and tremendous reliability of that Honda. Plus, if the Merc is a 2 stroke, then the Honda will get better fuel economy. The Merc, if it is a 2 stroke, will feel like it has more punch to it, but you have to mess with 2 stroke oil and all that. For a new boater, 4 stroke is much easier to deal with. Both boat manufacturers are good, so it will come down to the motor and the features of the boats. Also look at the hull designs. A boat with a more pronounced V shape to the bottom at the rear will give a better ride at the expense of top speed all else equal. Also, it looks like maybe the Alumacraft may be a half foot longer than the Lund based on the model number. A half a foot is a lot on a 16 foot boat. There is a lot to consider, others will post. Good luck...

 

[RatFish]

Re: My First Boat

I have not owned a Honda Outboard but I hear if properly cared for they run and run and run and run some more...

 

[Link]

Re: My First Boat

So far I'm in agreement with JasonJ and RatFish. I don't know much about the honda but have heard good things about them.<br />Another plus on the 2002 is that a few years down the road it should bring a higher price and be easier to trade in or sell.<br /><br />Another thought comes to mind also. Does the Honda still have the orginal warrenty or a extended warrenty? When I upgraded my motor we just transfered the warrenty to me. (5 year)<br /><br />Link

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: My First Boat

The only drawback(If you can even call it that), is that the Honda's are heavier than most other 4-stroke motors of equivilent HP. Other than that, great motors from everything I have seen on this forum....

 

[neumanns]

Re: My First Boat

If money is a consideration and it usally is either boat would be a fine rig for most uses here in minnesota. You say this is a big decision and I would guess there to be a fair amount of difference in the price. If the 1998 is in good shape and the compression etc look good on it, and you are willing to accept that it is a used motor, why not. Just doesnt seem like a fair comparison without consideration of money. If money is not a factor...Of course go honda. Not because it's a honda or four stroke but because it is only 2 yrs old VS 6 yrs old.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: My First Boat

also need to consider who will service the motor.<br />I would have to drive an hour to nearest honda<br />shop.

 

[Dimps]

Re: My First Boat

Guys, your help and advice is much appreciated. The difference in price on the boats is about $1000, with the Alumacraft and Honda being more. They are newer by 4 years. The other boat is a Lund, which I think usually brings a little more money. Thanks for the help! Happy boating.

 

[fullerton]

Re: My First Boat

Hey Guys -<br /><br />Just wanted to put my two cents in..comparing a lunker to an explorer is sorta like comparing a chevy tracker to a Ford Explorer. Different sizes and different weights.<br /><br />The lunker is fine for two maybe three people, but if you plan on getting 4 into this, its gonna be tight. The lund on the other hand is wider..which will provide a much smoother ride is ans is more stable and is more compforable for 3-4 people.<br /><br />Now onto the age. Dry rot...I know of a couple boats..two years old that have severe dry rot from storage. Unless you want to repair the old flooring, ask questions and look each over thoroughly. From what I have heard, I would go w/ the Lund. I just know too many people that bought a lunker or a rebel only to get rid of them a couple years later.<br /><br />Concerning the motors, I wouldn't let that drive what boat you get unless you need the motor to troll down or really plan on using it for hours and hours. The 40 will give the lunker a quicker hole shot than the explorer..regardless if it is a 4 or 2 stroke....BUT IT IS A SMALLER BOAT. The 40 isn't going to dog on the lund either...just isn't going to be as quick.<br /><br />Both are good boats, and in the end its what you are looking for, and how you want to use it.

 

[youngboater]

Re: My First Boat

Go for the Lund. I have a Lund Explorer with a Mercury and it is a very stable boat and very well built. I have owned an Alumacraft 14 footer and it was okay but now the lund 16.5 feet is a big kids boat. My Opinion.

 

[Terry H]

Re: My First Boat

You gave 2 choices and got positives for both...I like them both, but if I were looking at the deal and with both boats being in the same good condition I would have to side with the Alumicraft and Honda...4 years newer, and in my opinion a better overall rig...just a Thought

 

[teamstromer]

Re: My First Boat

dimps, <br />i just purchased an 04 alumacraft navigator 175 cs, i am impressed with the hull design, particularly in heavy water. based on the boat i would purchase it with the honda. i believe now a days, many outboards are competitive in quality. i would also suggest, if you can to upgrade to a higher hp. good luck <br />chris/teamstromer