Boat Questions, Need Advise!

Alright, after fishing for 15 years I am finally getting ready to pull the trigger and buy my first boat. I spent a full day at the Sportsmans show drinking beer and talking to boat guys and gals. I looked primarily at Lund and Crestliner. I think that all I need is a 17 1/2 footer for the type of fishing that I do. I also have an issue with a free spot to store my new toy. With the motor and trailer 17.5 would be the max. I generally fish metro area lakes with occasional trips to the pond and LOTW. I know that all of you guys and gals run differnt brands of boats, but since joining this site I have never been steered wrong on anything by any of you. For that I say thanks. I think you have all made me a better fisherman. What are your thoughts Lund vs. Crestliner, Rivits vs. no rivits etc…. I have also read on this site to never under power your boat. I am thinking at least a 115 horse but would probably put the max HP on when I buy. Another bit of advise I got was to buy a used boat for my first to figure out what I like and don’t like. I am positive I can find a great 1st boat from someone on this site if I wanted too. Finally, who in your opinions is the best dealer in the state to buy a boat from? I have been looking at Crystal Pierze. Thanks in advance for all of the advise I am sure to get, it is all much appreciated. Love2Fish.

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Finally, who in your opinions is the best dealer in the state to buy a boat from?

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LaCannes Marine!

-J.

Thanks Jon- I have heard of them. What is it they do different from every other Tom, Dick, & Harry? Love2Fish.

Are you only fishing with the boat, or will you be doing watersports with it to. I purchased a Crestliner Sportfish 1850 with a 150. I really like the boat for fishing & it works real well when I pull the kids on tubes or skis. It is also nice because it can also be made into a bow rider, the kids love riding up there. Just my thoughts
I did purchase it from Crystal-Priez & I have not had any problems with them.

17.5 would be difficult to put yourself into a 17 1/2 foot boat with max HP. You should also remember that electronics and other stuff would probably add another of couple of thousand dollars plus tax. A more realistic budget would be low 20s. However, if your budget is absolute, then you could either consider used, non-currents, or 16 footers. Once you start hitting the 17 footers, unless you are a speed freak, it is not absolutely necessary to max out the HP. The cost would be exhorbitant.

a boat is a chevy-ford-dodge debate.. lots of good ones out there.. dont overlook alumacraft and other names like smoker craft either.

The best dealer.. I have no idea. I know I have heard plenty of bad about crystal pierz, but I have also heard good.

Buy the boat you will feel most comfortable with.

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Thanks Jon- I have heard of them. What is it they do different from every other Tom, Dick, & Harry? Love2Fish.

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No nonsense customer service. They didn’t try to sell me anything. They answered my questions. They gave me a great deal on trade in. They had my new boat ready to go when they promised it would be done. There were no surprises along the way. I still feel like I got a great boat for a great price!

It’s worth the drive down there for a look. And while you are there, may as well go another 15 minutes down the road to Cabelas!

If you are looking to go tin (Aluminum) I think there are a few boats that are relatively the same, it just comes down to personal preference and how you like your boat laid out. Probably the main 4 I would look at given your size restriction would be Lund, Crestliner, G3 or Alumnacraft. I would look at all 4 and actually sit in them and see what one YOU like best. Like I said there are pretty much the same as far as performance, etc.

A Good Dealer I would say LaCannes also right now. There prices are hard to beat, their service is excellent, they stand behind what they sell and just generally good people down there. If your looking at a G3 I would say Paul Kanz @ Marine Specialties.

Both Marine Specilaties and LaCannes are site sponsors and usually more than willing to help IDA’ers out.

Good luck, if you got any further questions, shoot me a PM.

L2F,

If you are interested in my opinion on a Crestliner 1750 Fishawk, PM me. I’m very happy with the boat for the price it cost me.

You notice he said nothing about the JUNK he has on the Back. .. Kooty are you in a LOVE-HATE relationship with your Blues on the back???? “They love not to run and you hate it.”

Just pokin’ Fun. I know Koots loves his Blues on the Back

I didn’t say anything, cuz I knew if I did you Merc guys would start again.

Seriously, L2F, I’m a yammie fan and will be first to admit I’m biased.

Love2Fish-

I have the same boat as Kooty (1750 fishhawk) but with a Johnson 115 4/s (really a suzuki motor) on the back. There are some things I really like about my boat. There are some things I wish were different after running it hard for ~ 3 years now (mostly storage issues and those $@^%#^@#$ square drive screws). Having said that, both have been very reliable, and the 1750 provides a relatively smooth, safe ride even in big water. Have fun with your decision. If I were in the market for a boat, I wouldn’t overlook the G3s. From what I’ve seen, they have a very effective layout.

are they selling lund/crestliners with outboards other than Mercs? My dad and I both have alumacraft with suzuki/johnson outboards and I don’t have any complaints. We got them at Moorehead Marine and thought they did a good job. My dad has an 04 navigator 175 with a 115 johnson 4 strk. very nice rig, great ride for rough water, but we’ve never tried skiing or tubing behind it. gets about 43 mph (gps) with 2 people and empty livewell. I have an 01 or 02 navigator 165 with a 70 suzuki 4 strk efi. nice rig, and does everything I need it to do. I can get 34 (gps) with 2 people and empty livewell. I really like the layout of these boats, but it’s all depends on what YOU like.

I also have the Fishawk 1750. I am also relatively happy with it. The price is th biggest seller. The best value for ther buck. I use mine for mostly fishing and aabout 10% of the time for wakeboarding and tubing. I have a 125 merc so it pulls really nice and has a very smooth ride. I can actually hit about 50 mph when I’m alone in the boat (gps speed). I would try to get a better sonar unit for it though. The one that you might get in the package is pretty inferior.

I purchased it from Crystal-Pierz marine and had a very good experience. It all depends on the sales man (or woman) … Good luck with your first NEW boat…

BG makes a great point. If at all possible, DON’T BUY A PACKAGE BOAT. You’ll end up with a crappy locator and an underpowered trolling motor. If you can, talk the dealer into a boat/motor/trailer deal only, or if you want the dealer to do the rigging, make sure you get the proper trolling motor and a GOOD locator/GPS that you’ll be happy with.

Love2Fish, I got my lund pro v from Crystal Pierze a couple of years ago. I got a great price and got them to upgrade the trolling motor to a 24 volt. I just wish I knew to change out the fish locater too. They were easy to deal with and they gave me all the time I needed to “talk” to the wife.

My two cents would be stay away from Warners Dock in New Richmond WI.

I agree boats are pretty much the same , so sit in them and see what you like. I have a Lund and love it. Moter wise i am sold on the new E-Tec`s, mine runs great..

Ironhead

Smittys Marine in Lake City, Mn. sells Lund and Alumacraft boats and has E-Tec and Johnson motors so you can get a boat there without a Merc on the back. Great prices. Ask for Ron or Ken 651-345-3990.
Thanks, Bill

Post a brand here and I’m sure someone with one will give ya a ride. It’s a great way to check out boats without any pressure from salespeople.

If you are looking for a dealer give Frankies a shout they are now selling the alum Triton’s and also have used boats. Their number is (651) 257-6334

BTW, max the motor!!!!!

Good luck and enjoy the search.

give G-3 alook you will be surpised.Yammy gits my vote!! good luck any ?s shoot me PM

Also, if you plan do some quite a bit of rigging yourself, then I would recommend Lund based on my personal experience. I think one thing that Lund has done well is to allow people to more easily run wires or cables from one part of the boat to another thru strategically placed tubes, inspection hatches, and boards.

If you are in the southern metro, I can get you in my G3 XT185, or if you are north, look up Crosby Stick! These are excellent boats with bulletproof Yamaha engines.

Yep, I’m with the G3. I was going to buy a 1700 Fisherman and after looking at all the features, G3 was a better bang for the buck. Also, I think that since Lund got sold to Brunswick, they are cutting corners a little. I’m not sure, but I think Lund and for sure Crestilner quit using treated plywood for their floors. They all have good hulls. Give the FIRM up in Aitkin a try on a G3. Tell them that Kevin and Steve told you to call them. 218-927-6395. There have been many good remarks about Marine Specialties as well.

whats wrong with haveing a merc on the back