Best Fish N Ski Boat

[pete44]

Hello...Just wanted feedback on the best quality fish n ski boat (outboard)..I am looking for a late '90's to early 2000's years thats not hard on the bank account....Thanks,Pete

 

[jevery]

Re: Best Fish N Ski Boat

Ranger is a high quality manufacturer that produces the Reata series, which they call the "Fish and Play" line. Leans more toward the fishing side, but are quality, family friendly fishing boats from 18 to 21 ft.

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: Best Fish N Ski Boat

Lowe, Smokercraft all make good fish and ski's.. Be careful what you get though.
Most ski pylons the little ones, have warnings that say they are only good for actyually waterskiing and not wakeboarding or tubing.... Something to think about.. I found out all this after shopping for and F&S...

Good luck

T

.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Best Fish N Ski Boat

1st you need to decide if you want outboard or I/O. how many people to be aboard. where you are going to be boating. then look at the boats. actually there are many. but the main concern is the maintanance of boat and mount. there is a lot of unmaintained junk out there, that can be restored. and then there is the cream of the crop, that the motor has been well care for, boat washed down after every trip, covered and stored inside.

 

[pete44]

Re: Best Fish N Ski Boat

Thanks for the replies...I have an '87 17' SeaRay that has been broke 2 years in a row.(out of 5 years)...It is an I/O bowrider...I will probably fix it and keep it...(seals and neutral cutoff switch)...BUT..was wondering if an outboard would be a better route to go..(maintenence wise....Thanks,Pete

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Best Fish N Ski Boat

outboards are far less maintenance. 1st is winterization, OB, just lower the foot to normal operating position, water self drains. you can use it in the winter. you can stand on the ground and work on it. instead of being a contortionist to change plugs. no bellows or exhaust manifolds to worry about. this is just a start. i have 3 OB's and a 5.7 Volvo. i do not work on the Volvo.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Best Fish N Ski Boat

Check out Crestliner at their site Crestliner.com or go to the Iboats and look at the boats for sale. I have a 1980 21 foot Crestliner and love it. Use it inland and in the ocean and it does not leak a drop. No stringers to rot and for a trailer boat should last as long as you do.

 

[angler53]

Re: Best Fish N Ski Boat

I have the Ranger Reata and I love this boat. Although, it will most likely never pull a ski. I bought the boat for the room and the possibility of fishing both salt and fresh water. This hull is rated for 175 hp but I think its a little under powered with the Yamaha F150 four stroke I'm running. With two people, full fuel and gear I get 50 mph gps. I'm told the 175 hp does about the same. You can't go wrong with a ranger boat but they are expensive.

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Best Fish N Ski Boat

Caravelle makes a very nice one- solid boat company wood free