The Boat debate

[Gordo]

Hey All,

With Bacon landing his new boat (Congrats big guy!) I was wondering if my fellow hawk talkers could provide me feedback, comments, or opinions on some boats I've been looking at. For the last 6 months I've been looking for a new boat with the following options:

Full wind shield, mooring cover, full standup top, 50 - 75 - 4 stroke, fish finder, trolling motor, good storage, 3 or 4 seats, EZ swing trailer.

I've looked at the following boats from various dealers around the Ottawa Valley:

Legend
Princecraft
Misty River
Lund
Tracker
Sylvan
Smokercraft

Help me sort through all the info I've received with some real feedback. What should I buy, what is the best bang for my buck, etc. I hate to spend my sons college fund on the wrong boat

Thanks

Gordo

[BASSSTALKER]

SMOKERCRAFT are reasonably well priced and have/come with all the things that you mentioned. I think they only have one or two models with full windshields thought. LUND also has a nice package as well as does P-craft. Good luck with the search


BASSSTALKER

[JP]

Lowe makes a great boat and they are well priced. I have a Lowe Bass boat, but they also make 14-20ft in all different types. Have a look.
JP
www.loweboats.com

[Muskiemagnet]

Princecraft, hands down the best bang for your buck.

[topraider]

I also recommend the princecraft.

You may save money buying your options as a package, but you'll comprimise. I bet you won't get the depthfinder and trolling motor you really want.

[PrincePro]

From my handle you tell which model I went for. I have a 4 year old PrincePro 166 with full screen, 50 hp 4 Stroke, fish finder, etc... Great boat, works well for fishing and family fun. I got mine from John's Marina and have had great service and follow on support since the purchase. My wife had me strip out the two seats on the passenger side and make it a fold down bench. Works well for taking a nap. I also put on a swim ladder for the kids and a Bimini top for hot days on the water with the family. My only regret is not getting a bigger engine to start with. Currently I'm looking to get an upgrade to a 75 or 90. Best of luck in your search.

[starrman]

Hey Gordo

I have been quite pleased with my Tracker boat. What sold me was the width. It works very well in big water.


starrman

[DonD]

I also have a Tracker, my second one since 97...first was a 16' deep V, and now I moved up to the Tournament Pro V-18. No problems whats so ever.

Ya know there is a lot of people who don't like trackers on this web site, but I don't know why...maybe it's because the shocks aren't up to par and you get a rougher ride in the water, or the brakes..

Good Luck in choosing your new boat..

[Seaweed]

Hi

Having just gone through the whole finding a boat thing myself this year I have added a link with a nice boat from a site I found very informative and helpful while I was making a decision on what to buy. I took my time and I would suggest you do the same... that way you get a sweet deal and you make an informed decision.

Good luck on the fishing for a boat expedition.

http://www2.boats.com/listing/boat_deta ... rclnk_name

[spinner]

This is not a personal choice but just another boat that
you could add to the list.

Crestliner

[Fishhawk]

So assuming you are not looking for a fibreglass bass boat...

If a nice wide, safe boat with a super strong hull is important to you, many of the forementioned boats can be eliminated. The strength of the aluminum alloy used by Pricecraft in their hulls is surpassed by no other manufacturer. And the strength of the aluminum is important when you pound the waves on the Ottawa River in the spring time and fall. THe strength means the aluminum doesn't bend as much on wave impact which in turn relieves stress on the rivets. And if you compare the riveting on Princecraft to the rivets on other boats, you will find that P-Craft staggers them to increase the number of rivets that keep a seam together. Less stress plus more rivets means your hull is still in great shape years down the road. There are only a few manufacturers that match the rivet and the aluminum...and they ain't Canadian.

Talk with Bobber if you would like to learn what he thinks about Legend vs Princecraft.

When it comes to comparing Legends/Smokercrafts with Princecrafts, the saying is true...ya get what ya pay for.

That said, I don't know many Legend/Smokercraft Owners who are unhappy with their boats.

I do know several happy Legend and Smokercraft owners who wish they had a Princecraft.

[fisher]

Bought my Crestliner this year w/90hp4stk Yamaha,I am very pleased with it handels rough water and smooth ride.The best welded aluminum boat money can buy in my opinion. and its not a whole lot more costly if you compare apples to apples(trust me I did a lot of compareing for 2 years) my buddy has an Alumacraft 1750 Trophy,rivited but very well built boat. double hull,full windshield and very wide.I don't think its any lesser boat compare to the all famous LUND for a lot less money.
good luck with your final purchase.

[Fishhawk]

Bought my Crestliner this year w/90hp4stk Yamaha,I am very pleased with it handels rough water and smooth ride.The best welded aluminum boat money can buy in my opinion. and its not a whole lot more costly if you compare apples to apples(trust me I did a lot of compareing for 2 years) my buddy has an Alumacraft 1750 Trophy,rivited but very well built boat. double hull,full windshield and very wide.I don't think its any lesser boat compare to the all famous LUND for a lot less money.
good luck with your final purchase.

I have to admit a sweet spot in my heart for the Crestliner Fishhawk. 17.5 feet I believe?