Lund vs. Alumacraft vs. Crestliner

Hello –

I know this is like a Ford, Chevy, Dodge debate but I am wondering what people’s opinion are for these brands of boats. I am more looking along the lines of Rebels/Explorers, Fishhawks, and Navigators. Although I am not looking to buy for a couple of years when my kids are older, I just wanted to get some opinions of what people like/dislike about there current boats. Do you like your Mercury Motors that you have to get on the Lund? That is my main reason I wouldn’t buy a Lund is because I am not a huge Mercury fan. Anyways, thought it would be a fun thread to to hear people’s likes and dislikes. Thanks.

Chad

I own an Alumacraft. My dad owns a Lund. I have heard nothing bad about Crestliner. I think they all make good boats. You just have to find the one that has all the specific features and layout that you are looking for.

If you are choosing between those particular MODEL boats in each category… I’d choose the Crestliner Fishhawk as I love fishing out of them… IF however you decided to throw the Lund Pro V’s in there… I’d shoot for the Lund I’d say it also depends on what type of fishing you do the most as well..

all boats have likes and dislikes. my fishin buds have four different boats, i put all the likes from each one in a hat and pulled out an alumacraft navigater 175 sport. Threw on a 115 Etec ,never been happier. It’s just that everyone’s likes and dislikes are different.

I like my navigator the open design makes the boat feel huge. I too 2nd the jump up to a tournament pro or a pro v. The extra storage in the wide sides is nice. Plus a stero. I think they ride a little better too with the extra weight. I run a yamaha tiller and have nothing but good luck with it. VTS is great I dont know if you can get it on the steer versions. Either way all 3 beat fishing from shore.

I’ve never owned a Lund or Alumacraft, so I can’t vouch for them. I’ve been running a Fishhawk 1850 for three years now and love it. Very comfortable boat. My vote is for Crestliner.

Glass?

I run the navigator 175 sport with a 150 e-tec. I refused to buy any boat that forced me to go with a merc as I had nothing but trouble with my previous one. I know all manufacturers make a lemon now and then, but I just didn’t want another merc. I looked at lots of different boats and the layout of the navigator best fit what I was looking for. I’ve had it just under 2 years and have been extremely happy with it so far. All three brands you listed make quality boats.

The most important thing is to find a dealer you like, that you feel comfortable working with. A good dealer will increase your satisfaction with any boat you buy.

Didnt you just buy a boat 1-2 months ago?

Just say no to rivets

Crestliner all the way

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I own an Alumacraft.You just have to find the one that has all the specific features and layout that you are looking for.

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Ditto that!

Lund = Mercury, yes. But my Mercury 4 stroke 115 is really a Yamaha with Mercury tags on it. My buddy has a Lund with a Suzuki on it. Both are fine motors.

Let your needs determine which boat is best for you, then find that model with the engine you like best. A motor can be replaced, but the hull, storage and features of your boat are forever.

I have owned Alumacrafts and Lunds and have friends with Crestliners. ALL are quality options that will not disappoint. I recommend that you start test driving models now and set your heart on what fits you best.

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Lund = Mercury, yes. But my Mercury 4 stroke 115 is really a Yamaha with Mercury tags on it. My buddy has a Lund with a Suzuki on it. Both are fine motors.

Let your needs determine which boat is best for you, then find that model with the engine you like best. A motor can be replaced, but the hull, storage and features of your boat are forever.

I have owned Alumacrafts and Lunds and have friends with Crestliners. ALL are quality options that will not disappoint. I recommend that you start test driving models now and set your heart on what fits you best.

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X2 It wasn’t the name on the side that sold me on my Crestliner. It was sitting in many (I mean MANY) boats and seeing what I liked and disliked. Fish with everyone you can and see how things are stored and accessible. See how the “flow” of the boats interior is. Are people tripping over each other and gear to get from one spot in the boat to another? Make a list of wants and needs. Prioritize that list. I’ve had both a Lund and a Crestliner. Both hulls were more than adequate and construction was good. It was the storage and flow that made up my mind.

nothing wrong with any of them. I like all the room in my Fishhawk seems like the have more space than the others and a center rod locker

One thing that my buddy with a crestliner complaines about is that the hull design dosent leave a lot of boat in the water so its hard to control in windy conditions. I would think you would get a little more top end then though. I dont own one and have never tried to control one in the wind. But its funny to fish near him and watch! I thought also that if you went to a dealership that sold other motors you could get what you want on a Lund. You just wont get some of the discounts they offer with the merc.

I’ve owned Lund and Alumacraft boats and liked them both. I now run an Alumacraft Navigator 175 tiller and love it, but that’s me.

Listen to the folks here, sit in a A LOT of boat and decide what you like best and what you feel you can’t live without for your fishing style and your family needs. Compare your wants/needs list and it will narrow the model selection for you across the lines and choose from there.

Good luck.
Dave

Alumacraft = Motor choice vs. Merc

Alumacraft = 20 hull warranty vs. 3 yr hull warranty

Alumacraft = Minnesota family owned vs. not

Alumacraft = Base coat clear coat vs. waxing the boat

Alumacraft = Pressure treated wood vs. not

Alumacraft = drier ride

Alumacraft = more boat for the money!

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Didnt you just buy a boat 1-2 months ago?

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Did you get rid of this one already ????

Alumacraft
My 04 175CS has been flawless, roomy and with a merc(yes, a mercury)135 optimax(that year 140 was the max hp), I have hit 50 on the gps and very reliable 47-48 all the time.
I did have the merc(yami)115 four stroke on it-which is a GREAT motor, but was maxed out RPM wise at 40-42 mph. Run anything at full throttle and you are going to gulp the gas bigtime. Now, with the 135, I run the same speed with less RPM’s and sip the gas and use little oil (opti).
Originally, I bought the 115 due to economic reasons of being cheaper and price being more attactive.
Like the others said, sit in a lot of boats. For me, the alumacraft just added up better than the rest for comparible models for same points that others stated earlier.

good luck and have fun!

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Alumacraft = Motor choice vs. Merc

Alumacraft = 20 hull warranty vs. 3 yr hull warranty

Alumacraft = Minnesota family owned vs. not

Alumacraft = Base coat clear coat vs. waxing the boat

Alumacraft = Pressure treated wood vs. not

Alumacraft = drier ride

Alumacraft = more boat for the money!

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Very iffy info IMHO. I have owned Alumacraft and Lunds. I now own a Lund Proguid. My brother owns a Alumacraft Navigator. Both good boats but the Lund fit me better. We can put up posts with pro’s and cons for each.

By the way as one example of your iffy info is, you CAN put a none Merc motor on a Lund. I have done this twice in the past two years.

Get in and crawl around in each boat. Try and find a dealer or individual that will give you a test drive. You may be surprised in handling and smoother dryer rides. Good Luck and have fun in the process.

I just sold my Lund Pro V DLX Tourny and now own a Alumacraft Tourny CS Elite. Love both of them. I can’t see any different between the two other them the Alumacraft will cost you a lot less. Although I feel my Harley Fat Boy is much like the Lund and the Victory is like my Alumacraft. Both are great but to say you own a Harley verses a Victory just makes you feel good inside and empty in the pocket book.

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Alumacraft = Motor choice vs. Merc

Alumacraft = 20 hull warranty vs. 3 yr hull warranty

Alumacraft = Minnesota family owned vs. not

Alumacraft = Base coat clear coat vs. waxing the boat

Alumacraft = Pressure treated wood vs. not

Alumacraft = drier ride

Alumacraft = more boat for the money!

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I wonder if he pulls his Alumacraft with a Ford or Chevy?

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Alumacraft = Motor choice vs. Merc

Alumacraft = 20 hull warranty vs. 3 yr hull warranty

Alumacraft = Minnesota family owned vs. not

Alumacraft = Base coat clear coat vs. waxing the boat

Alumacraft = Pressure treated wood vs. not

Alumacraft = drier ride

Alumacraft = more boat for the money!

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I wonder if he pulls his Alumacraft with a Ford or Chevy?

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Hopefully DODGE….

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Alumacraft = Motor choice vs. Merc

Alumacraft = 20 hull warranty vs. 3 yr hull warranty

Alumacraft = Minnesota family owned vs. not

Alumacraft = Base coat clear coat vs. waxing the boat

Alumacraft = Pressure treated wood vs. not

Alumacraft = drier ride

Alumacraft = more boat for the money!

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I wonder if he pulls his Alumacraft with a Ford or Chevy?

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Hopefully DODGE….

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Good call G. I forgot that brand was out there

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Alumacraft = Motor choice vs. Merc

Alumacraft = 20 hull warranty vs. 3 yr hull warranty

Alumacraft = Minnesota family owned vs. not

Alumacraft = Base coat clear coat vs. waxing the boat

Alumacraft = Pressure treated wood vs. not

Alumacraft = drier ride

Alumacraft = more boat for the money!

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I wonder if he pulls his Alumacraft with a Ford or Chevy?

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Hopefully DODGE….

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I DO!!!

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One thing that my buddy with a crestliner complaines about is that the hull design dosent leave a lot of boat in the water so its hard to control in windy conditions. I would think you would get a little more top end then though.

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Although I’ve only owned my boat a few months, this is my initial impression as well. Not much in the waves, but large wakes. I make sure to hit them as perpendicular as possible. I am thinking about playing with motor height to see if I can remedy some of those concerns.

I do really like the ride, storage, and comfort of the new Crestliner though.

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Didnt you just buy a boat 1-2 months ago?

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Did you get rid of this one already ????

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No. I still have the boat. But, with a little job advancement this year I am saving for a boat to purchase hopefully in 2012. I know the thread is an early start but I just wanted to get people’s ideas, likes, dislikes, and start my search early so I make the right decision.

I had 2 Alumacrafts with Mercurys and both were great boats. Last year when I started to look for my next boat, I really liked the Crestliner but could not get the Yamaha I wanted on it. Ended up with an Alumacraft Tourmanment Pro 185CS with a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke and love it.

I wasn’t aware that you HAD to buy a Mercury motor with a LUND?

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I refused to buy any boat that forced me to go with a merc

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X2 I love Lunds and have owned 3 of them but only bought one of them new and that was the boat only, used the motor and trailer from the previous boat. As much as I love Lunds if I ever bought a new rig Lund would not be on the list if I have to have a Merc on it. Now if it had a Yamaha on it that would be a different story.