Best Fishing Boat?

[wippb]

I just got back from the boat show. WOW It's enought make your head spin. I got a chance to see all the boats that you guys talk about in here. The Boston Whalers, Crownline's, Bayliners etc. etc. I was wondering about how some of you thought about the "Lund", "Tracker", "Starcraft" type of boats out there. What in your opinion is the best boat in this class of "fishin" type boats.<br /><br />Just wonderin

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Best Fishing Boat?

Tough question wipper. I prefer welded hulls over riveted ones. I own a Lowe now, and I know they (Bombadier) stand behind them. I previously owned a 1993 Sea Nymph (now discontinued). I had a rivet corrosion problem, and Lowe shipped the boat to their factory (for free), looked it over, determined it could not be safely repaired, and allowed me everything that I paid for the boat new in 1993 as a trade for a 2000 Lowe (went from riveted to welded hull this time).<br /><br />They have earned my loyalty.<br /><br />Having said that, the other reputable brands would probably do the same thing. In your case, I would find the one that had the most features you liked and go for it.

 

[DJ]

Re: Best Fishing Boat?

Wipper,<br /><br />Boy did you ever open up a can of worms.<br /><br />Just like Sea Dawg, I had nothing but great experience from my Lowe. I've also owned other like Whaler. Alot depends on your type of fishing.<br /><br />I'm now addicted to center consoles. Once you've had one they are hard to beat. Great to stand up and drive, lots of room to move around, good balance, good visibilty. About the only thing SOME lack are storage space.<br /><br />If you're looking at aluminum-Starcraft and Lund are first rate along with Lowe.<br /><br />You pretty much get what you pay for. Maybe most important-get an engine that is close to or at the boats rating. Don't believe what the salespeople tell you, go for more ponies.

 

[wippb]

Re: Best Fishing Boat?

Thanks for the reply guys. This can of open worms is exactly what I wanted. I see lots of threads that refer to the other boats I mentioned above but not much on these type of boats. I love the debates here and find the education they give is priceless for me and others I'm sure. I bought a 1990 Tracker this summer complete with a 60 Evinrude. The boat has run great but I wish I had found this web site before I bought because now as I have learned Tracker does not have such a great reputation for service. That even presented itself today while at the boat show. I went to the Tracker booth and asked if someone could help me with the transom problem I'm having with the boat and even the factory reps did not seem to want to help, only to say "where is that other guy I'm sure he can help." I told the guy I don't want Tracker to pay for the fix because it was a used boat, I just wanted some answers and maybe some direction as to how I can fix it. If Tracker had done that or did for me what Lowe has done for you I'm sure I would be telling you all how great they were just as you are telling me about the service that you have received from Lowe. I think that forums like this that help to educate the "common guy" from experiences such as we have read on this forum are our best defence against companies who don't want to stand behind their products. Tell everyone you know who loves boating about this site and maybe through word of mouth and education we can maybe make a change out there. Do you think that Suzuki has heard of "iboats" yet? Keep up the good work guys, it is VERY appreciated.