New Boat

Ok guys, I’m in the market for a new boat. So far I’ve been unimpressed with the new Lunds basically becasue I see very few upgrades and improvements in the new boats compared to my mid-90’s Lund. I’m not willing to pay 30k for the same boat.

I looked at the Crestliner’s the other day. I liked what I saw regarding the construction, interior layout, options, etc. However I can’t seem to find any reviews anywhere on-line of the brand. Nothing of much substance anyhow, good or bad.

So, to all the guys that own one or have fished out of one. What are your thoughts on the brand. I’m looking at a 2008 or 2009 in a 1850 Raptor trolling edition, a 192 Tournament series, or the 1900 Super Hawk series. I’m curious about ride in rough conditions, how rough, do you stay dry, handling, etc. Any boat will handle a calm water day well.

What about Alumacraft in comparison to the Crestliner as well. I have yet to look at them.

Currently Lund is 2nd, and I think Alumacraft will out do Lund also.

Have you considered a Skeeter I think (this is just my own opinion) that in comparison Lund, Alumacraft and Crustliner are all on the same page. Other than name and layout the boats all rank about the same for handling rough waters. When it’s choppy unless you have a full windshield you will get wet and even the full windshields dont always keep you dry. Of the 3 on a Alumacraft you will essentially be getting a lund for alot less $$$$$ and Crestliner not a bad boat for the $$$

Illinois Craigslist is a great place if you are looking for purchasing a used rig.

And don’t overlook G3….very nice aluminum boats.

I’m avoiding glass for price reasons. It’s an easy 5-7k for the same boat in glass. Spending 30k+ is bad enough. I can’t stomach breaking the 40K+. That and glass is about 200-400 pounds heavier depending on the comparison models.

I will be getting a full windshield in whatever boat I get (fiance’s request). There is no doubt glass is a smoother ride in rough water. I would love glass, but I can’t swallow the extra cost and cost of gas used to drag the weight around.

G3 is based off the Lund model. I wasn’t impressed when I looked at them either. Seems to be a Lund in G3 stickers.

the BEST aluminum boats i have ever seen are Lake Assult made in Elk River,MN check them out on line. If i dont go glass for m next boat it will be a LA. Many models and can fit anything you desire or dream of.
http://www.lakeassault.com/

Ruger —

I have fished out of the crestliner 192 Tournament series with dual counsel’s. It was fairly rough but not too bad, less the 2.5ft waves. The ride was relatively dry but still wet, but that’s what rain gear is for anyway. It was very fishable I compare the layout similar to the Pro-V layout, this one also had a tiller kicker on the back with plenty of room. I would however, really like to test drive or ride in a SuperHawk as that looks like a great boat.

Alumnacraft makes a nice boat as well and I have fished out of the navigator series. Wetter ride then Crestliner or Lund but still very good fishablility and able to handle rough water (3ft waves).

The biggest thing I have found besides some layout things are the finished look.

I’ve been doing A LOT of dreaming lately also. I’ve looked high and low at used boats. My requirements, full windshield & 19 foot long. A four stroke big motor is a bonus. Keep in mind, I’m looking used, so I have to be flexible on many of my “wants”.

To get into a boat under $35k, for new, you definitely have to consider one of the non-Lund aluminum brands. To hit this price point for a used glass boat, you’ll have to be 3+ years old…Same for Lund for that matter. Or finding a severely underpowered boat will also save some bucks of course. There are many 2006 boats out there in this price range, be sure they have warranty left if you go this route.

Crestliner vs. Alumacraft. Well, from my perspective they are very similar products. However, I’m sure the fans of either would argue violently against me. A plus for lumy is the ease of getting any motor you want. Not that you can’t with C-liner, but they really like to push the Merc motor. And it may or may not cost more for rigging??(apparently this is a secret no dealers ever want the consumer to know) Merc is also one of the more expensive options on the market. The non-rod storage in the raptor vs the tourney 185 appears to be better, well more of it. Otherwise, these two products appear to be very similar to me.

I’d have to sit in both to get a feel for how they would feel fishable wise for trolling and hucking baits. Big factor for me is also gunwale height. My kids will be going with me, so I need it to be safe. Think about your tackle and what you like to bring on your trips. How will it fit into each boat. Do you like a wide gunwale or narrow? If you can get on the water test drives, how does the boat track in heavy wind when attempting to troll & drift. My old c-liner fishawk was so light it was a lot of work to keep it “online”.

you might be surprised if you are ruling out glass right now – there are many deals available on the market as the sellers need money for various reasons…

I picked up an 06 Ranger tiller in the low 20’s 6 weeks ago… well under book but the seller needed out ASAP! Their issue = my opportunity!!!

Oh I have been and keep looking at Glass for the right price. It’s got to be the right boat as well though. A lot of glass guys seem to be wanting gold of their used boats. A Ranger 619VS or 1860 are always an option as is a Skeeter. However I don’t seem to see any that are reasonably price for a used boat.

If it was up to me, I’d have a 19′-20′ center counsel glass boat. However the fiance wants a walk through counsel for protection from the elements. I understand that, however that adds a pile of cash to the price.

I guarantee you guys. Once I’ve narrowed it down to 3-4 boats. I’ll be test driving each one on bigger piece of water on the crappiest day I can find. I’m not spending that kind of cash without knowing what I’m buying.

Here is a prime example from another site:

o 2004 Ranger 620 T fisherman (Tiller) new in 05

o 2004 yamaha 115 4 stroke w/ merten’s power steering new in 05

o Tandem axle Ranger trail trailer w/ swing hitch & road armor

o Lowrance lcx 110c- 10″ screen

o Minkota 24v Transom Mount-Vantage

o Minkota 24v Bow Mount-Maxum 80

o 3 Trojan Batteries – 2 new in 09

o 3 seats – 1 stand up seat

o All compartments Lighted

o LED Int. Lights for night fishing.

o Walleye Masters splashguards

o Am/Fm/CD/Sat stereo – 4 speakers

o 3 bank charger

o Ranger Cover

o Keel guard

o 2 GPS pucks

o You will not find a better setup 620T

o $28,000/BO – Jason

I would also look at Starcraft/Monark they have come a long way and make some nice boats as well. Most boat campanies were bought and are owned by Genmar or Brunswick. I would at least look at the less known names, they have very similar construction/warranty for less $$. I have a 19′ Monark and it takes big water very well, 4-5′ rollers on DL and stayed dry but those are rough no matter what boat you are in. There are a lot of factors to consider and you need to find the boat that fits you best. Good luck.

Unless you are specifically avoiding a larger boat, I’d also suggest watching for either a lightly used or demo TS202, if you’re looking at Crestliners. Two years ago, I bought a demo TS202 in the low $30k’s w/ very, very low hours. I received the same warranty as I would have on a new non-demo boat.

My boat came rigged w/ a Merc 225 ProXS and 9.9 Prokicker, 101 Maxxum (I picked the trolling motor), 4 seats, butt seat, and the best boat cover I’ve ever seen.

For what it’s worth, I fished out of a TS192 several times before buying my boat and there is no comparison b/t the two in terms of rough water performance. They might look similar (even on paper), but one ride in each and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

I’d gladly provide a test ride if you’re ever in the NW Metro area.

Hey, long as Kooty’s dreaming:

619 Ranger with 225–not to brand loyal, but would take a opti XS that is under warranty.

I’d 2nd Ted’s statement about looking at glass, your right about the prices-many over bluebook. Think many are having buyers remorse with after having a loan for couple years realizing they owe v/s the true value of their rigs.

Boats are a horrible investment, so buy it right the first time, pay the thing off quick as possible and think long term. Buying new has it’s advantages (you are the only guy who ever beat it up), but with all the transferable warrantys out there, a 2 year old rig really is no different than a new rig—other than the other guy took the depreciation hit, not you.

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the BEST aluminum boats i have ever seen are Lake Assult made in Elk River,MN check them out on line. If i dont go glass for m next boat it will be a LA. Many models and can fit anything you desire or dream of.

http://www.lakeassault.com/

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Not a fan of the LA boats. If you like that general design but want a boat that don’t look like it came out of a 9th grade welding class, take a look at Hewscraft!

-J.

I was thinking the same thing….. if I am gonna spend $40K, I am gonna look good doing it… well as well as I can look at least…..

big G

Thanks for closing that door.

I know better with you guys around……

big G

Ruger
I hope I can answer many of your questions. I have a 2005 Crestliner Sportfish 1850 with a 150 Yamaha. I have always owned Crestliners and being from LF I was kind of parcel to them.

The boat can seem to handle anything I have thrown at it so far. If the waves are more then 3′ you have to back off of it and take your time as you will with every boat. If you are in the front seat you will stay dry with the exception of a splash over the windsheild. If the wind is blowing hard to the side the back seats will get a splash from time to time.

My one complaint with mine is the compartments should have larger openings and there should be more rod storage but they have fixed all of that in the newer models. The windsheild boats are a little harder to fish out of in most all brands.

With the Raptor you sit back further then the SF that I have so I would think that the ride would be better yet, but you might get more water? I looked at the Raptor and that would be my next boat when the time comes

You will get a ton of responses with your question. If you want to shoot me a PM with your number I can give you a call and answer any other questions you have.

All in all I would give the boat I have a 9 out of 10. Would have been a 10 if the compartments and rod storage was bigger.

Any of you guys know much about a Stratos? Someone recommended that brand. The Excursion model. http://www.stratosboats.com/modelIntro.cfm?mid=5560

Having only climbed around in them, in my opinion, they are an entry level glass boat at best. I have no idea how the hull is for big water. However, I do know if you’ve ever been in a top notch boat, you’ll find lots of areas Stratos cuts corners to be afforable. I’m not impressed with the fit and finish!!!!! What corners did they cut on the hull??

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Having only climbed around in them, in my opinion, they are an entry level glass boat at best. I have no idea how the hull is for big water. However, I do know if you’ve ever been in a top notch boat, you’ll find lots of areas Stratos cuts corners to be afforable. I’m not impressed with the fit and finish!!!!! What corners did they cut on the hull??

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Good points, thanks.

since im a bass guy.. i cant really help you hear!!

Just to throw Lund a bone, I do like my Lund very much. 18′ Explorer. I have ridden in similar 17-18′ Crestliners (Fish Hawks, I believe), and my Lund seems to ride “heavier” than the other boats, which is a good thing. Seems more stable and doesn’t bounce around quite as much. Either are good boats, though, but I do prefer the Lund’s ride for sure.

2 pennies worth…

Mike

Well, I’ve made a decison, got the thumbs up from the fiance, the bank, and got over spending that kind of cash on a toy (lifestyle enhancer). 2009 Crestliner Raptor 1850 TE with a 150hp Mercury Verado. My 997c will be going on the counsel with a 788c at the bow. Minn Kota PD2 on the bow as well. Now the excitement is starting to set in. Here are a couple pics from the dealer. It was a 2009 demo boat, so I got an awesome price on it. Let’s hope it doesn’t take them a month to rig it.

Dad bought a new boat from him last weekend as well, a 2010 Lund Pro Guide 1725. Dad won’t be taking posession until end of Feb. http://www.crestliner.com/raptor-trolling-boat-1850TE/

Niiiiiiiiice!

HRG

SWEET RIDE!

Nice 1 Ruger You realize you just pushed ice-out to mid May…

big G

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Nice 1 Ruger You realize you just pushed ice-out to mid May…

big G

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Thank goodness for trucks and trailers.

Congrats!!!!!

Nice, love my crestliner, have fun!