Advice about my next Boat

[SeaCrow]

My next boat is liable to be my last, with that being said, I would like any opinions and experiences you have. All I know for sure is it's gonna be a fishing boat(freshwater only, bass and crappie) My budget is $30,000. I really need help because there's alot of choices each with their pros and cons. Which options are the best? I've looked at Ranger, Crestliner, Vexus and Tracker. Those are the ones that have services close to me. Should I have one set up with 24 volt trolling motor? Max hp? Thank you for your help.

 

[Texasmark]

I just bought a used 2002 Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk with a 115 Merc. I fish large Texas lakes and wind and waves are always with you. This boat is perfect for me fishing alone or just joy riding. The Crestliner www site has sales brochures for most of the years dating back to their first ones. Might give them a look, not necessarily what I have but they are upper cut boats and are built accordingly.

 

[SeaCrow]

Thank you for your opinion..can't believe nobody has an opinion...rude people..

 

[Texasmark]

I gave you excellent directions. You my be surprised in what the Crestliner has to offer and you need no further inputs from others. Your Crestliner dealer can talk to you, give you a test drive, understand your aspirations, cuss and discuss the merits of them, point you in the right direction. Then if you aren't happy go to other local dealers.

When nobody answers usually it's because they can't help you. The other thing is everybody has their opinion as to what would work for you but the variables are endless with what information you have supplied.

 

[SeaCrow]

I apologize for the remark. I'm just not used to people being so quiet.

 

[southkogs]

My experience over the years: if I was buying a boat strictly for fishing on inland lakes and rivers, it'd be a toss between a pontoon or a open rowboat/tiller steer outboard.

 

[wahlejim]

You are venturing into the whole chevy vs ford vs ram vs toyota vs nissan territory. I am sure with all of your research into boats, you know the possibilities are endless. There are variables that will help us give better advise.

- Towing or mooring? What is your tow vehicle?
- What is your mechanical experience?
- Do you prefer Fiberglass or Aluminum?
- Will it only be fishing or will there be family outings?
- Any Water Sports?
- New or Used?
- What is the support network like around your area for the brand of boats you are looking at?

Bottom line, you know more about you than we do, and you can't even make a choice. How are we supposed to make it for you? I am a firm believer with all boats that I have looked at that you get what you pay for in one way or another. For example, compare 2 new $30k fishing boats. One with a 150hp Merc and one with a 90hp Merc. I would expect the one with 150 to have less accessories and the trim and finish may not be as nice, but you will have more power.

There are dozens of forums specific to each brand of boat with enthusiasts for each brand available online. Without more specific questions, there is really nothing to answer here.

 

[Starcraft5834]

First boat was about 7 years ago.. bought a 15 ft trihull with a 50 hp merc. had it long enough to realize it wasnt big enough to handle the NYS Finger Lakes, then bought a 20 ft cuddy with 3.0 mercruiser, had that for 5 years, then realized it was not big enough to take out more than a few people and not be cramped. this year, bought a new Starcraft 20 ft toon- EX-R. with 115 merc....tons of power and room... also put a little 2.5 merc kicker on it to get us on local lakes with hp restrictions. the toon can do anything a V hull can do with a lot more room... my 2c, we exclusively trailer it too, also bought a galvanized tandom with breaks... capacity is more than double the weight Im towing...i dont want any issues.... this will be the last boat for us... to each his own... the toon is most versatile boat weve had.. with a lot more room...now 6-8 adults and 2 dogs can be a fun experience, you cant do that with V hulls unless you have a really big one...we love it... it's lighter than the old heavy cuddy too

 

[roscoe]

My next boat is liable to be my last, with that being said, I would like any opinions and experiences you have. All I know for sure is it's gonna be a fishing boat(freshwater only, bass and crappie) My budget is $30,000. I really need help because there's alot of choices each with their pros and cons.


Which options are the best?
Pneumatic seat.
12" sonar with side view.
Pop up cleats.
Blu

Should I have one set up with 24 volt trolling motor?
No.

Max hp?
Yes.


Thank you for your help.

​​​​​​​And Ranger.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I apologize for the remark. I'm just not used to people being so quiet.

this aint face-tube. we have jobs and a life.