The Right Boat for Big Water

Hi All! Wanted some input before I go buzzing in boat dealers. Whats you guys opinion on a good boat, maximum maybe only 3, mostly 2 people, not a boat thats big or too big, but big enough to handle big waters such as the great MilleLacs. Will be a first time buyer, but I don’t want to spend too much either. But priorty is a good boat to hang in big and small waters that can occupy 2 people for the regular outings (all game fish). I kind of prefer console over tiller, but what do i know. Dug around online, just too many to filter out, mod v’s, bass boats, deep v’s…ugh. Help much appreciated with your experiences. Looking for something that will do the trick but not go overboard on the price…something that you would say is do-able!

Angler007 what type of price range are you looking to stay within? Also, you may want to look at used boats. This may give you a bigger bang for the buck.

This is a nice rig for the $$$$.

Warrior

What is the primary species you will be fishing and what is the primary bodies of water you will be on?

My opinion on the best multi-species rig to cover all waters, would be Lip Ripper’s (Rob Stenger) Crestliner 182. He has that rig fully turn key. Can handle big water, can travel in skinny water, easy to fish walleyes, bass, and muskies out of. Not too big, not too small. Has an OPTI for fuel efficiency, plus kicker.

I didn’t know Rob still had his, another great deal !!!

Crestliner

I was in your position a few years ago; wanted a decent sized boat for Mille (considered my home water) but did not want to break the bank and I am honestly cheap and don’t like to give up more then I have to.

Some things to consider:
*Tiller boats are a little less expensive

*In most cases you will not need a kicker with a tiller boat = less $$$ spent

*Ask dealers about non-current inventory or picture boats = less $$$ spent

*Stick with a Deep-V for the big water like Mille Lacs

*Don’t go cheap on the trailer as you will pay for it in the long run. Be sure the trailer capacity suites the boat, motor, batteries, fuel, and all other equipment. Boats dealers need to be competitive to stay in business and to do so they will/can skimp on the trailer. This is a HUGE area to be concerned about

*If the trailer is equipped with Carlisle(sp?) tires, replace these as soon as you can. I have had a bad experience with these as well as other members

*I love my Yamaha 4-stroke. I’m not trying to start a debate over what is better all are good motors. I’m just stating that I’d buy one again since it has never let me down after 4 seasons and it’s done everything I’ve asked from it

I decided I wanted an Alumacraft 175 T-Pro tiller as I would consider it a multi species boat and I basically fish for anything with fins and gills and seemed to fill my needs. It has plenty of room for me and my buddy with his coffin of a tackle box and case of beer. It’s not too large to handle alone at the boat ramp and I can also back troll 3 footers on Mille with the Yammie all day.

I called most dealers in the state looking for non-current inventory to save a few bucks and found my boat at Bristow’s in St. Cloud. It was a boat that was mostly rigged and was used for 2003 catalog (picture boat). All I had to add was the graph and GPS as it came with the charger, wave wackers, trolling motor, batteries (3), and it came on an Eagle trailer. I spent about $2200 less than a current model with out the accessories.

Hope this helps. Shoot me a PM if you have more questions.

Gosh only if price was not an issue. I’ve have been looking at used boats also, but too many out there. Not sure what to look for. Any info to look forward to if I am looking at a used boat? What lenth/type of boat would work for bigger waters. What size motor? Which brand of boats have you guys used that has proven an thumbs up in your recommendation. I’ve done Tonka a lot with a 14 and 16 footer(under powered with a 35hp) and I know how that is when you get next them big waves/big wind drafts. Something that can deal with that, or make it ok out on Mille Lacs. Went out with a 14ft 25hp half a day, it was pretty hard to get back. Lot of used boats are also within the 10-16k range which is not too far from a new one. As for fish, everything from panfish to bass, northerns and walleye. Any direction I should look for with either new or used boat?

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Lot of used boats are also within the 10-16k range which is not too far from a new one

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Keep in mind that when you see the price for a new boat that in most cases it does not include the price of accessories such as graphs, batteries, trolling motors, splash guard, and so on.

My boat is listed at 17’11” and has a 96″ beam. I have a 80 hp engine.

Good points all! I would also throw in that it should have good storage for rods. Big water can play heck on them.

Good under dash storage for boxes and clothing so they are not under your feet.
For big water, a full windshield is very nice too! A bimini top is nice for those “Not so nice” days”, or if you just want to get out of the sun!

A sturdy high transom is nice for hanging kickers at some point, and knocking down the inevitable waves on big water.

Gosh, I like that ride Tuck

How much are these retailing for?

You can handle Minnesotat big waters with anything but when I think of a big water boat in Minnesota I think of 18 foot minimum and glass over aluminum. I have been on ML, Rainy and a couple other big waters with my 17 foot aluminum in rough water and it was very slow going.

Angler007 I have a Lund 1700 Fisherman for sale. It has a lot of what Chris has chimed in and added. I take it out to Lake Erie so you know it will handle the Pond. Do remember though that there are times no one should be out on the water because of really bad weather conditions. I have it listed in the classifieds. Lund Fisherman 1700

I would honestly go out and check out the showroom at diferent locations to check out as many boat ines and models as possible.

Once you look over many boats from different manufacturers, you can take note of what you want, and what you dont want.. or the boat that fits *you and your needs*.. take notes and from there search outthe classifieds to get the best deal for your dollar on a boat you would be happy with.

Everyone likes somthing just a little bit different. I highly recommend buying used vs new for a 1st boat unless you have a ton of on the water experience. It would be hard to swallow spending $28K on a boat when you would find out it wasnt a good choice for your needs… not to mention the smaller investment on a used boat makes a repair more tolerable to the checkbook when that inevitable *oops* happens.

Lots of guys out there running 18′ class boats with 90 hp+ which seem to be a pretty common, universal boat for the counsel guys. Lots of good boats out there that fit that mold with different options. I think anyone could find one they like with a little searching. At the sam time that class of boat is very common, so lots of used ones on the market.

I dont know what youhave for a tow vehical.. if your not driving a full size truck ideal for pulling a heavy boat.. choose carefully if you dont want to invest in a tow vehical too.

I’m just glad Tuck isnt pushing G3’s very hard……

PM SENT

I have the right boat for you a 22ft starcraft loaded and very safe, fuel saver, its gotta a 125 mariner, very deep safe,new trailer turn key ready 7500 or best offer. call me if interested 319-362-7324 ask for Charlie

Angler007. If you wish to see my boat (the one Gary & Big G were talking about). I have it stored in a heated warehose right now off of 694 & Victoria (near I-35E). I would be glad to show it to you and walk you through things. Even if you don’t buy my boat it will help you know what to look for etc. Give me a shout or PM! I have access to that warehouse 24-7. I went through the same thing you are back when I bought my boat.

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I’m just glad Tuck isnt pushing G3’s very hard……

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Mike, now did I “SAY” anything about G3????

fisher007
Head to the North West Sports show at the end of the month. Get in the boats see what they offer and what looks like it will work for you. You may be able to find a great deal while your there, or it will give you some direction in searching used boats. This show may not have every manufacture there, but it will have the dealer reps and many boats on display. Pick there brains and see what you come up with.

The only suggestion I would make is to look 18ft or longer. I spend alot of time on Tonka and know what you go threw. If you get in to alittle longer boat it will help. Just make sure you get used to the boat and ask for help learning to run a big rig if you need it. We’ve all been there.

Good luck buying a boat is always a blast!

Here is the link to th NWSS for you.

http://www.northwestsportshow.com

Is this big enough

Sweet does that come in a tiller model? Can you troll it down to sub 1 mph?

Lip ripper boat is sweet for the price, buy it and you’re set, You have a boat set-up by a hardcore fisherman

Probably the best thing you can do is make a few friends who fish the type of big water you plan on fishing — this site is a good place to start. Ask to go along with them when they have a spot open. Be considerate and offer to pay your way for gas, bait, etc. Then, you have someone who can answer questions you will have about the exact type of fishing/boating you want to do. Most boat owners will tell you what they like and don’t like about their boats. While you’re out there, take notice of what boats are on the lake.