Searching for a new boat….

I’ve been looking at used boats for many months online and I’ve only recently got my finances to the point where Im ready to pull the trigger. Kind of bummin now as there isnt much at all to choose from in the class of boat I want.

Looking for 2002 or later, 18′ Lund Tyee, Lund Fisherman or Alumacraft Trophy. Minimum 150 hp.I currently have a 16′ Crestliner with a 45hp motor so this is a big upgrade for me and considerable jing. I have a place on Winnie so I fish big water and I want comfort for my 3 kids (and wife)when its a bit choppy out, as well as the ability for some water sports.

Most all the boats I have seen online come with either a 4 stroke Yamaha, or 2 stroke Optimax. I’ve seen many O’ forum debating 4 stroke vs 2 stroke, but would like some feedback that may be more specific to the size/type of boat and motor Im looking at.

Some specific questions or considerations:
– Is 150 sufficient for this size boat? Am I going to be happy with 4 adults in the boat with power and speed? Im incliend to think yes as many of these came with 115hp.
– What about dependability/reliability of these motors in particular? In the end, I dont have much preference either way, Im mostly concerned with reliability. I’d like to think that a motor less than 9 years old should generally be good to go.
– The kind of $ Im planning to spend, I wont buy anything without a test run. What should I look for in terms of performance?
– I want a kicker. What should I expect to pay if I add one after the fact? Dans southside gave me a rough estimate of $4500 for motor and console rigging.

Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Finally – Does anyone have something similar for sale?

Thanks,
Freedom

I know the larger two strokes go through a lot of expensive oil. I’ve been dreaming of a boat like that myself for quite a while. Those are all nice rigs you are looking at. I would try and get one with max horses for the rig. I’d also look for used ones away from big water. A boat that old fished in Lake Michigan might have had the crud beaten out of it in 4 footers. Just a thought. I’d get a kicker for sure if you want to do any trolling with that sized boat.

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I’ve been looking at used boats for many months online and I’ve only recently got my finances to the point where Im ready to pull the trigger. Kind of bummin now as there isnt much at all to choose from in the class of boat I want.

Looking for 2002 or later, 18′ Lund Tyee, Lund Fisherman or Alumacraft Trophy. Minimum 150 hp.I currently have a 16′ Crestliner with a 45hp motor so this is a big upgrade for me and considerable jing. I have a place on Winnie so I fish big water and I want comfort for my 3 kids (and wife)when its a bit choppy out, as well as the ability for some water sports.

Most all the boats I have seen online come with either a 4 stroke Yamaha, or 2 stroke Optimax. I’ve seen many O’ forum debating 4 stroke vs 2 stroke, but would like some feedback that may be more specific to the size/type of boat and motor Im looking at.

Some specific questions or considerations:
– Is 150 sufficient for this size boat? Am I going to be happy with 4 adults in the boat with power and speed? Im incliend to think yes as many of these came with 115hp.
– What about dependability/reliability of these motors in particular? In the end, I dont have much preference either way, Im mostly concerned with reliability. I’d like to think that a motor less than 9 years old should generally be good to go.
– The kind of $ Im planning to spend, I wont buy anything without a test run. What should I look for in terms of performance?
– I want a kicker. What should I expect to pay if I add one after the fact? Dans southside gave me a rough estimate of $4500 for motor and console rigging.

Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Finally – Does anyone have something similar for sale?

Thanks,
Freedom

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Congrats on getting to this point in the buying process! To me if you are spending that kind of money I want a printout of the motor. It will tell you how it’s been used or abused. If you find someone who refuses to let you have a printout walk away. BTW, you should expect to pay for this. Next test drive the boat. If it pops on plane then it will most like;ly handle a large load. If it’s doggy with you and the seller it will be a real dog with a load. Assuming everything runs out OK. Give it a good visual inspection. Laying on the ground and checking the bottom of the hull tells quite abit about it’s use. Check the carpets, look in the compartments. Ask questions that require a straight answer. “When was the last time you changed the oil?” That is more direct then “does it get regular service?” ‘Did you bend the shaft when you took that chunk out of the prop?” Better then ” wow, see you got bit by a rock.”

Really, mechanically these motors are good these days. Do some good due diligence when testing it out. Owning a boat is a hoot, but it’s also expensive if you get one that has been abused.

I’m a believer in 4 strokes. But don’t be scared by a Optimax.

BTW, I expect photo’s of the new boat when you get it!!

I have pretty much the same needs and I went with the crestliner sportfish and 4 stroke yamaha a couple years ago. Here’s some advice I’ll offer:

2 stroke vs 4 – as someone else said the oil consumption is a factor, my dad has a 225 etec and he burns a lot of $40 a gallon oil. As far as gas my yamaha 115 burns half the gas that my Merc 90 2 stroke did. My vote is 4 stroke.

Rod storage – don’t over look it and not all rod lockers are built equal, it’s easy to comprimise and tell yourself “ah it has a rod locker so that is good enough”.

Seating – the convertable bow and rear deck seating is really nice for when you want to take a 2nd family with. A boat that doesn’t have these will probably only be rated for 4 passangers, where as one that does will be 6 or 8.

Good luck and let us know what you get.

I have an 1850 Tyee Magnum (2006) with a 200HP and 8HP (both Yamaha 4strokes). I would suggest that you go with 4stroke motors (love my Yamaha’s). I get around 50mph in your region. I will be in the Bemidji area for Take a Kid fishing on the 15th of June. Will be in the area from the 12th through the 17th. Give me a call and you can take it for a spin….I have all the goodies on it. Staying at the Bemidji State Park. It will probably be for sale after my Lake Michigan Salmon trip the second week of July.
best fishes – jim 308-249-3444

guthook – Sent you a PM. Very kind of you to offer and definately interested.

Thanks all for feedback, very helpful!

Just found a good web site for reference – comparing 2 models.

http://www.propnsail.com/new_vehicle_compare.asp?sid=02799951X5K20K2011J8I28I16JPMQ6075R0&veh1=24908&veh2=24870&go=Go

Opened up the pocket book and scored a 2010 Tyee GL w 150 Verado. Where can one find sport trak accesories online?