Skiing behind a Smokercraft Ultima 172 (fish & ski)?

[MNCroc]

I'm seriously considering a new Smokercraft Ultima 172 (17') with a 115 Merc Optimax. Another competing dealer said Ultima's are good boats but known to "porpoise". I noticed a post yesterday in another forum from someone having that problem.

For those of you that own an Ultima or similar 17' Smoker, have you had any problems with porpoising? How does your boat work for skiing & tubing? Any concerns?

I'm moving from a 16' aluminum fishing boat to a 17' fish and ski...one that our kids can hopefully learn to ski behind.

Also is it reasonable to ask the dealer to go for a ride in the boat before I buy it?

Thanks in advance.

Croc

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Skiing behind a Smokercraft Ultima 172 (fish & ski)?

Without doubt take the boat for a ride for about an hour before making any kind of decision. Suggest having someone tubing for 5 to 10 minutes to test that out as well.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Skiing behind a Smokercraft Ultima 172 (fish & ski)?

would you buy a car with out a test drive? No. if you can't get a test ride, go somewhere else. is this a new or used boat? either way, check everything, if it is not working, it needs to be fixed prior to delivery, or concession on price.

 

[MNCroc]

Re: Skiing behind a Smokercraft Ultima 172 (fish & ski)?

It was down to either the Smokercraft (Ultima 172) or an Alumacraft Trophy 175. I put down a deposit on the Alumacraft. It's a bit bigger and fits our family of 5 a bit better. Both were new.

The Alumacraft comes with a Suzuki 140 HP 4 Stroke. From what I can tell these sound like good motors.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Croc

 

[MNCroc]

New Boat Test Ride

New Boat Test Ride

Okay, so how do I arrange a "test drive" on a new boat? Do I take "delivery" at a lake and test it out then with the salesman present? It's paid for at that point.

The boat's on the showroom floor...not near a lake...and not rigged totally for water yet. This seems common (at least here in Minnesota). I can understand a dealer not wanting the boat to lose that "new boat" look by trailering it and launching it for guys just kicking tires. And clearly they don't want to rig things up until they know exactly what people want on the boat. But I'm clearly serious.

On my used boat I bought 3 years ago, I took a test ride, but ended up having some issues later anyway...with no real way to go back and get "service."

I'm not too worried. I'm very confident the dealer will take care of me, and the boat seems like a real solid choice. I don't expect any surprises (but then, that's why they call them surprises, eh?).

Any advice from those of you who've bought "new" before? Do I need a "test ride" (make sure it's the right boat) or just to "test it out" (to make sure the boat is right)?

Croc