BOAT UPGRADE

[01SENDERO]

I currenty own a 01 Lund Sendero 16.5 ft fishing boat. I want to upgrade to a 18ft boat. I attended the local boat show on the weekend and I was impressed with the Alumacraft. I was originally going to purchase a Lund Fisherman 1800. I was turned off by the dealer because I want to put a E-Tec 150 or 175 on the back Even though I bought the boat I have now from them. I was told by the dealer that their would a 7% upcharge to rig a new lund with an Evinrude. I think this is because they are owned by Mercury. I approached the Alumacraft dealer and their boats seem to be well built. I want a few opinions on their quality and hull design. I would also like to get a couple of opinions on the resale values of each brand.

 

[koolerb]

Re: BOAT UPGRADE

I've been looking at boats also. I started at Lund and Alumacraft. Then checked out a bunch of other manufacturers, seriously considered a few. Now I've come full circle back to Lund and Alumacraft. Of the two, I think Lund would be considered the premium boat, and you'll pay more for it. Either way you go you'll get a good boat. I have yet to find a negative word about either posted anywhere.<br /><br />Funny, I want an Optimax, and the Lund Explorer I stopped in to look at was rigged with an Etec.

 

[01SENDERO]

Re: BOAT UPGRADE

I would stay away from manufacturers who weld the hulls of their boats together. They can crack or cave-in by hitting big waves or foreign objects in the water. (I've seen it) Alumacraft are new to the market here in Alberta Canada and I am just not sure on the quality and resale value. I really like the Lund's but; if I can spend the same money and bigger and nicer Alumacraft then why not. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: BOAT UPGRADE

My fishing buddy has a '02 Lund Explorer and I have a an '04 Alumacraft Navigator. Both boats are layed out almost identically. Neither of us has had a problem. They provide a smooth, dry ride and hold their resale value well. We spend a lot of time on big water.<br /><br />Sendero -- Alumacraft has been building boats for years. They are well known and respected.

 

[koolerb]

Re: BOAT UPGRADE

Upinsmoke - Those are the two I’ve been considering. Glad to hear you and your buddy are having good luck with them. The Alumacraft dealer just put a Dominator 175 on the lot. (Drive past the place everyday on the way to work) The Dominator's got a nice rod locker, front and center in the casting deck. I'll probably stop to take a look one of these days.

 

[Silver/Fish]

Re: BOAT UPGRADE

Wow...Driving past the boat dealership everyday from work! That's got to be tough to resist and not pulling in and looking. <br /><br />Seriously though, My family has owned both Lunds and Alumacraft over the years..Put in alot of hours fishing lakes in Northern Minnesota with very few problems...Best of Luck! Jon

 

[koolerb]

Re: BOAT UPGRADE

One route to work takes me past he Alumacraft dealer; the other one takes me past the Lund dealer.