Boat upgrade: what would you do?

Well, I finally convinced my wife that it is time to upgrade from our smallish Lund to a more substantial rig, one that can serve both of our interests (fishing for me, lounging and skiing for her). With our first child due in September, this is my last chance to stock up on toys for myself.

So, I turn to you guys: if you had 15K – 18K to work with, and you had to find a rig that could handle some waves, fish at least 3 people comfortably, and had enough horses to pull a skier without looking ridiculous, what boat(s) would you consider? My starting points are boats like a Lund Explorer 1800 or a Crestliner Fishhawk 1750. We’re headed to the outdoors show this weekend in Mpls, and I’m looking forward to lots of browsing fun! Thanks gang.

I fish out of a 16ft. 6” Lund Mr. Pike 16 with a 90 hp Johnson motor and a 6hp Johnson kicker and love the boat. Has the IPS haul, 2 livewells, 2 rod lockers, front trolling motor and electronics. Smittys Marine in Lake City Mn. 651-345-3990 Ken has really given good deals to everyone my son Nate and I have sent to him. Tell him we sent you and see what he will give you for a prices on any Lund or Alumacraft boat.

Thanks, Bill

Brooktrout,

I think your headed down the correct path. Check out those boats at the show this weekend. Maybe make a lists of must haves, wants, would be nice before you go?? I personally sided with the Fishawk, but it fit my needs best. Lund or Crestliner are both awesome boats. Have fun shopping!!!

I will be running the 1800SS with a 150 Suzuki this year. Crystal Peirz Marine has one heck of a deal going on right now. They have a limited number of these boats left with a 25 inch transom. They are also throwing in a sony CD,snap out carpet,snap cover,pro -v seats with air rides and a galvanized trailer. All for $16,900.

Maybe for your wifes sake, think about the depth inside the boat along with the width. Your wife and passengers should comfortable in that 18ft. Lund. I went with a 1775 ProV and most of my friends/passengers do not like the seating profile. Meaning the seating in not deep in the boat you sit up high on the sides, it can get scarry for people in big water. Either boat you mentioned should work out for the two of you.

My best friend came into this delemma a couple of years back. He had a new one coming (first child), plus he fishes muskies and walleyes on big water.

He ended up with a Ranger “Cherokee”. The model is a 228. He has a 125 merc that pushes it in the mid 40 range. It is 18 feet, plus plenty wide. It is also very deep. He has the wrap around windshield.

Also, 2 live wells, bait well, VERY LARGE back deck for me to run around. He purchased this demo (show demo) at the Sports Show in 98 for $16,000 (boat, motor, trailer, rigged).

Another point is that the decks are aluminum, not wood.

It is a great family rig that is very comfortable and he is very happy with it.

Note that he dropped his Pro-V 1800 for this. He says the 1800 had some nicer options as for storage, but for all around family and fishing usage, he plans on keeping it.

I would check it out…….

Wissota Marina has some sweet deals on 3 different Fish Hawk 1750s. It is nice having your dealer close by. I will PM some details.

I bought a Lund Explorer last year and I really love it. You might consider a passenger side console to keep the wind/bugs away from your wife while cruising. My father has owned Lund all of his life and I will do the same.

Good luck and have fun shopping for a new rig.

I have a Lund 1700 Pro Sport with a 115 and 8 kicker. Does everything you mention. Nice all around boat. Six seasons and I still love it. Good for fishing and good for boating. Message me if you have questions.

I have a 2001 Alumacraft Magnum175 with a 90 Merc 4 stroke. I have never fished out of a better boat except for an 18 foot Warrior. Give the magnum a look and compare for yourself. I got mine at S&M Salvage and Marine in Oronoco. They are great people and the service is instant.

I have a 1850 Crestliner Sportfish w/115 Johnson 4 Stroke. It’s the best all around I’ve ever had.