What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

[gnfshn]

I am planning to buy a new fishing boat at the boat show in a couple a weeks and would appriciate some feedback on product.<br />I am looking for a 16'+, Alum. 90+hp,live wells. I would like to stay under 18k USD. [thats about 100k Canadian you know]. I heard sylvan has a package that includes 55ft lb bow mount, full tops,<br />90 hp [2stk] Yammy f/finder for about 20k CAD. Any info on Sylvan or any other mfgs would be appriciated.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

Im sorry, I just dont like Tin boats. Not that they are bad mind you and I Imagine many of them are a great boat, just personal preference.<br /><br />So Im of no help here.<br /><br />So why did I even post? <br /><br />I think someone once called it, "Post Padding"!

 

[roscoe]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

Sylvan boats are ok/decent. They are the slightly cheaper version of the SmokerCraft, same company. I always liked the layout of the Sylvan boats, very practical.<br /><br />Fisher, G3, and Lowe are also worth looking at.<br /><br />Most 16 footers aren't gonna be rated for a 90hp.<br /><br />If you don't like cleaning carpet, consider the textured vinyl that some are offering.<br /><br /> http://www.g3boats.com/ <br /><br />The 167c only takes a 60hp<br />The 165f walk-thru takes up to a 150hp.

 

[KCook]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

In that size Alumacraft, MirroCraft, and Tracker Targa are all good lookers. A 90 does seem a bit much for a 16 footer. If you need the power for skiing, I'd look to at least a 175 size model instead of a 16.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[solidwaste]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

The local dealer around me has a 16 foot G3 going for around 10k us..It has a 50hp yammy..It looks like a real solid boat with all the goodies..I was looking at them myself..

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

There are many advantages to aluminum boats...size to weight ratio being one of them. You can get away with using less horsepower for the same size boat. Also, if you are trailering, the lighter weight means you don't need a 3 ton pickup to haul it around.<br /><br />Around our area here, Princecraft is king probably because of its extensive dealership. With LUND being a close second. Both are great aluminum boat manufacturers.<br /><br /><br />P.S. Our Canadian dollar is catching up quick to yours!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

Stick with the majors like Lund, Alumacraft, Crestliner. These are true fishing machines, hold their resale value better, handle rough water well, and can be outfitted virtually any way you like. You will also spend less than $18K for a very nicely equipped boat.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

Not far from you in BC, is where HarborCraft (aluminum) is made, you might get a better price since they're made in Canada. It's located between Vernon and Armstrong.

 

[Booner]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

I Agree with cobra 3.0 and Upinsmoke:<br /><br />LUND, PRINCECRAFT, CRESTLILER all in the Brunswick family. I own a Lund and have no complaints. Some people like aluminum boats and some don’t. It's personal preference.<br /><br />Good Luck

 

[koolerb]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

Start going out and talking to your local dealers. Don't just talk to the sales person, think of an excuse to go talk to guys in service. While you’re in there you'll get a feeling for the place. Most of the big name brand aluminum fishing boats are pretty solid. Features, layouts, options are pretty similar. Eliminating the dealers you don't want to buy from will help narrow the field. There's allot out there. I lke the aluminum boats, their lighter so their easier on your tow vehicle, you don't need as much engine to make them move. I tow my 17 footer with a minivan, and it will almost do 40 mph with a 60 hp motor. A Tracker Pro Guide V-17SC is $16,895 with a 90 hp Optimax. Good luck!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

I have had both. My current boat is alum having followed a Ranger 17' fisherman which was a real honey (glass). Have been as high as an 18' Mercruiser with metal in a Starcraft. That was a big water boat. Really liked it but was a bear to launch and trailer.....course that has nothing to do with the material.....actually easier than it would be if made of glass due to weight.<br /><br />Metal boats are lighter to trailer so you don't need a lot of hp to roll it and they are easily handled at the launching ramp.<br /><br />Also lighter on the water so they bounce more. <br /><br />Metal is noisier unless you get something like a Bass Boat where they are fully carpeted which are really nice.<br /><br />I currently have a 17' Lake Sport from www.rivertrailinc.com. If you go to their site it's in the circle at the top of the home page. It has a 5' padded bottom and 84" beam. OBC rated for 130 hp. My 90 Merc pushes it at 50 and could go higher if I prop up as I'm running 6250 rpm's and could stand to drop 600. The pad definitely contributes to the speed. So obvioulsy if you go with a non padded hull you won't get the same performance.<br /><br />So 90 on your 16 would be plenty of power. Just be sure it is within the OBC rating for that boat cause the insurance company won't like you!<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

Alumacraft Navigator 175CS with 150 Merc 4S = $18,400.00 at a shop I visited yesterday.

 

[blupitlover]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

I have a idea... Buy my 16" with trolling motor, and 50 hp merc, and performence trailer, ready to fish. I am upgrading. Just a thought, ohh and 5 grand your fishing. Its flawless... If you are interested, let me know.

 

[gnfshn]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

Hey thank you for all of your opinions. I do appriciate them alot. How do you feel about riveted vs welded hulls ? {oh, and Cobra 3.0, I hope your dollar is catching mine....we live in the same country...these yanks are gonna think were slow up here ..lololol } Thanks again and thanks for the offer there Blupitlover I am sure its nice...but I have been waiting to buy a new fishing boat a long time this one has to be new.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

Don't know yet on rivets vs alum. 1st thing I noticed was that the hull was clean; no rivets to cause drag. Welds are excellent. Boat is tight and doesn't wiggle, shake, or rattle.<br /><br />Mark

 

[KCook]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

For a high performance boat I would want welds. But few aluminum boats are run at very high speeds. There are already several threads on this, example - Riveted boat <br /><br />Kelly

 

[roscoe]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

My riveted boat handles better than my welded boat.<br /><br />Probably due to the external ribs on the riveted boat.<br />More precise turns, less slide.

 

[heycods]

Re: What's your suggestion for a new fishing boat?

I love my sea ark , but that is too far away for you. I wouldnt have anything else, they are all aluminum, no plywood decking, Welded so no rivit leaks, And best of all no wood in the transom to rot out (some kind of plastic board, My 17.5 is rated at 90 hp, the new ones are rated at 115.