Boat preference

I’ve been looking around for a new(used) boat. Right now we are fishing out of and ’88 1650 Smokercraft and its time to upgrade. Looking at spending about $15,000. Like to get 17.5′ to 19′ with 125+hp. Looking for a deep-v aluminum with full or dual windshield. Open to just about anything, but leaning towards lund, crestliner, and G3. I like to go fishing around local lakes in the metro, but an occasional trip to mille lacs and other bigger lakes.

Just curious on everybodies preferences and/or experiences, just to get some more ideas. Also, to G3 owners, what have been your experiences. Just by looking at boats and articles, i’m impressed, but would like some details.

Thanks,

Charlie

P.S. I know i have to choose myself, but just to have some fun….

I have a new Clark but if I had to do it again I would seriously consider the alumacraft MV 1756 AW RR w\spray-in liner 115hp, livewell, and 24vminn-kota troller, but I haven’t driven this boat either so who knows. For the type of windy conditions and river current that I’m in I prefer shorter sides to gain more boat control. But, of coarse, without the deep v this boat might be a back jarring ride in light to moderate chop! I definately will always stay with welded aluminum over rivited. I can’t believe how well the boats hold their value. I would also love to drive the new TRACKER aluminum formed boats. I believe they are the only company with this technology. Fewer welds! shaped and looks like fiberglass and they offer a deep-V 17.5′ all set up for around 15k new.

crosbystick has one for sale all rigged up and ready to go .G3-185v 150 yamaha this boat ride like a dream. I fished with him on mille lacs. we hit some rough water we stayed really dry i could not belive it. his is going for 23,400 u can see pic on this site under boats all set up for fishing . or he will take u for a ride to to see how they ride.in the spring

Yeah, i noticed crosbystick’s boat on the site, but it is a little out of my price range right now, (still in college). But i did talk to a bunch of different reps at the sportsman show, and i was really impressed what G3 had to offer. But i think this spring, might have to do some test driving. Last few times up at mille lacs, i’ve been in a friend’s 1950 Tyee, and that was a dream, but a little expensive and not very useful on the smaller lakes.

More perspective on the G3’s and others would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Charlie

I run a Crestliner 1750 Fishhawk with a 75 horse merc on it…it’s rated for a 115. It’s my second one and I’ve been thrilled with them both. They are wide, spacious and have pretty good storage. It’s a pretty dry ride, too. I’ve had it on Mille Lacs a few times, never in really rough stuff, but enough to know that it handles it pretty well.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Give Ron a call at Smittys Marine in Lake City. 651-345-3990. Tell him your price range and see what he can put you into for the money. They have super prices and people from several states buy from them for their prices. They sell new Lunds and Alumacrafts and always have a good used boat inventory.
Thanks, Bill