I’m considering selling my 2014 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 to buy a mid-2000s fiberglass boat. I’m looking at Ranger, Yar-Craft, and Warrior boats that are around 17-18 feet long. I like fishing big water and I think a fiberglass boat would be better. But I’m a little nervous moving from a boat that is 5 years old to something that is closer to 12-15 years old. I’d appreciate any thoughts you have.
The ride will be much smoother and dryer than the wetliner. The motor would be a possible issue if it wasn’t properly maintained. That is the biggest unknown. Just make sure that anything you look at doesn’t have a wood floor, or stringers. The older yarcrafts had a wood floor. A friend had one and the floor started to rot around the 10 year mark.
I’m considering selling my 2014 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 to buy a mid-2000s fiberglass boat. I’m looking at Ranger, Yar-Craft, and Warrior boats that are around 17-18 feet long. I like fishing big water and I think a fiberglass boat would be better. But I’m a little nervous moving from a boat that is 5 years old to something that is closer to 12-15 years old. I’d appreciate any thoughts you have.
I did exactly that and couldn’t be happier. The sooner you can get rid of that rotting pos the better. I got lucky and got a good motor. A few minor issues but overall the motor was solid. I’ve made nearly 10 trips out to Isle Royale with my current boat. Never would’ve attempted most of those trips with the wetliner.
I went from a 10 year old (2004) fish hawk to a 12 year old (2002) center console. Ironically my center console is also a fish hawk model.
I’ll never own a cheap aluminum boat ever again.
Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. Assuming there is no wood used in the floor or stringers, is there any reason to think that a well maintained fiberglass boat couldn’t last another 15 years?
There is very likely wood used as support but as long as you make an effort to keep it dry inside, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.
Park it inside or cover it. My boat has never been stored inside and I don’t see any issues with it.
A lot of glass boats were designed to withstand sitting outdoors year round. Mine, being a CC, was expected to sit out in the FL sun it’s whole life.
When I said above I’d never own a cheap aluminum boat I would definitely consider a quality custom made boat. There’s quite a few companies out there making some tanks that will last 30+ years.
Gonna be tough to find in the Midwest, especially in a dual console windshield boat that most guys here seem locked into, but if I was looking for a dependable older glass boat I’d be looking at Boston whaler. I know they made the dauntless in a DC version around that length.
Gonna be tough to find in the Midwest, especially in a dual console windshield boat that most guys here seem locked into, but if I was looking for a dependable older glass boat I’d be looking at Boston whaler. I know they made the dauntless in a DC version around that length.
Agree on the hard to find. A lot of cool fiberglass boats down in the Keys.
The biggest thing will be the outboard.
A lot of early-mid 2000’s were 2 strokes. Nothing wrong with two stroke (I run one), but it could possibly be a change from your current rig.
What’s your budget?
What’s your motor preference?
What layout? Full windshield? Tiller? Bubbles? Side console? Center console?
Avoid the bad hull years on the ranger 620. I believe 07 and 08. I had one, worse boat ever. I sold after a month
I would agree with the main issue being the motor. I’d have that check out by a mechanic before buying. Other than that I have a 2004 Warrior that is going strong and will for a lot longer. I can’t speak to the other brands, but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy and older Warrior for one second!
My budget is about $15,000. I would prefer a Yamaha or Honda motor, but I don’t have a strong preference. The only layout I’m not interested in would be a tiller.
I did see a 2006 Yar-Craft posted on this site. Any thoughts on something like that? It does have a two stroke. I haven’t owned a two stroke motor before, but I don’t think that’s a deal killer.
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