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Posts: 620
Location: Seymour, WI | I've started the boat shopping process. I'm pretty excited to be upgrading as my current rig is old & small.
I want to try to keep my purchase under $10,000 so I realize I'm talking about a used aluminum boat. I would like a 17' side console. Fishability is the most important feature for me. Top end speed is not important to me as I normally fish inland lakes.
I'd like to hear what your opinions are on the best aluminum muskie boat. Lund, Crestliner, G3, Mirro, Alumacraft. Please post the make, model, engine pairing and what you like and dislike about the boat.
I think this is going to be a fun process. I'll keep you posted with how it turns out.
Thanks,
Grass |
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Posts: 135
| I struggled with the same decision. I bought a new 2000 Lund Rebel 1650SS in 2000. I repowered with a 50 HP E TEC this year. Fishability is excellent. The low sides make it easy to release Muskies and to figure eight. The boat is deep and handles rough water well, not the 4 footers that some talk about, but I feel it would handle them. I think if you found one of these, it would be perfect for you. The major disadvantage, is the lack of a full windshield. Lund is promoting a nice package now, called a REBEL, based on the CLASSIC series. You may want to look at that, it is available with a full windshield, but I think you would loose too much space. For the last eight years, I have launched a minimum of 100 times each year, the boat works! If you fish by yourself or with one other person , fine, three people , look at an Explorer. Good Luck!
John |
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| I would think you could find a 1996-1998 pro v 1775 console...be a very nice rig...if you check some of the other websites classifieds there is one on there that looks very clean, w 125hp merc for 9500 |
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Posts: 10
Location: WI | Crestliner Fish Hawk series. 1650 or 1750. I've got the 1650 with a 40hp and have a buddy with a 1750 with a 90hp.
For muskie fishing I'll take the Crestliners over the Lunds.
I've fished out of a Lund 17' Pro-V and have a ton more room in a 1650 Crestliner. The buddy with the 1750 was taking a look at a Lund Mr. Pike or the 1750. He chose the 1750 for the price and the amount of open space inside the boat. Not a fan of the wide sides on the older lund models, it gets in the way during a figure 8.
Both the 1650 and 1750 models are extremely stable while on the go and while casting. Tons of open space for fighting muskies and to cast with two or three people in the boat. Nice big livewell. 1650 does fine with a 12v trolling motor. The 1750 needs a 24v.
For speed the 1650 and a 40hp is a feels a little slow 25-28mph. I bought it used so can't complain. Good trolling boat.
Good Luck! |
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Posts: 190
| I liked the alumacraft magnum 165. The 165 is important because the 175 had a different layout. The magnum was the first attempt into the musky market in my opinion and was replaced by the navigator. Reason being is that it had a side 54" livewell. I think they were made until 2002 or 03 so you should be in the price range. At the time I could not afford to buy it new so I bought a used alumacraft 185 competitor instead. I liked the 185 but it was more a walleye boat than musky.
cbuf |
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Posts: 177
Location: Cohasset, MN | As was mentioned - pay attention to how well you'll be able to perform your figure 8's. Some boat layouts don't let you get close enough to the side to do a comfortable F8. |
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Posts: 425
Location: Roseau | I went with a Sylvan, 1999 with a 90hp, full windsheild 16 ft. It was under $10,000. I have been in Lunds and Alumacrafts, honestly I cant tell a diffrence in the ride or quality. I run this boat on LOTW and have been in some rough water and it handles it well. So that might be an option also, maybe not one of the big names, you just might be suprised!! Good luck! |
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Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo | I will have to throw in the G3.It's a V172T with 40hp Yam.The boat is very stable,lots of room and tons of storage with two rod boxes,but only up to 7fters.It has vinyl flooring in the bottom.Fuel capacity is like 33gal,but i never fill up.The trailer has the pull out tongue for storage/security.This boat is a little big for the 40,but still tops out at 25mph(one lake with 40hp limit) and i tried the two boat thing.Of course im talking about a '08 model G3,and as far as the older ones,i dont know there set-up.I do know that G3 is pushing more sales than ever and they do have the boat to show for it.I did sell my Lund to get the G3,but sponsorship and having family working there put me in the boat.Good luck on your choice. |
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Posts: 5874
| One of the nicest aluminum boats I fished out of for muskies was the Crestliner CVX-182. Big front AND rear decks. They only mad that boat for a couple years. Landy R has one, and I think Ralph Florio(Where is he, anyway?) had one. I think if you could find one now, it could be around $10K.
My favorite aluminum was my 2002 Lund Angler SS. Wide and stable, it had side lockers you could stand on. Back deck was adequate. I never had any complaints. Front deck was big, and lots of storage. Had a 135 Opti on it, and the thing flew. 50+ depending on load. Might be a bit more than 10K now, but the 2000 Mr Pike 17 was the same hull, and those can now be had for a good price. |
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Posts: 48
| I have an 18 ft. Lund Alaskan with a 50 hp Honda pushing it. Lots of room, enough storage and handles rough seas very well. The vinyl floor is a big plus for maintenance. It doesn't have a muskie sized live well, but I don't plan on putting one in there anyways. The 19 gal gas tank lasts a very long time with the 4 stroke and that is a good thing these days. Not a fancy rig, but it is very well built and sometimes simple is better.
The only down side I have found is boat control when it is very windy. Make sure you put plenty of power on the trolling motor to make up for it.
Rocko |
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Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes | We fish out of a 17' Tracker Targa SC 60HP great decks can fish 3. Ride is good takes the heavy water great, so far no issues. |
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Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | I've got a Lund 1775 Pro-V and can say you get used to the wide Gunwales when figure 8'ing. So if thats a style boat you decide you like the rest of the layout/options on dont be scared anyway by the wide gunwales.
That said if I were to buy a new Aluminum boat today I'd be looking hard at the new Tracker Tundra's. The only thing I worry about with them is availability of part/service. Just dont seem to be near as many dealers in this area selling Tracker. |
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Posts: 357
Location: Long Prairie, Minnesota | I bought a 1600 Lund Explorer this past season and absolutely love the boat. I can take it out on big water, fish smaller lakes and with the 90 Opti on the back, pull the kids tubing anytime needed. Fishes three easily enough. Just a good all around boat. |
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Posts: 273
| Its impossible to say what the best boat is. Most boats being built today are quality and it just depends on personal preference. My choice was a Crestliner fishhawk 1750. One reason I like the fishhawk is the big front deck. If I trolled more I would have gone with a lund or Alumacraft. It seems that that style of boat has more room in back and less deck space up front. I also like the smaller gunnel on the fishawk compared to the lund and alumacraft. Seems like less wasted space and easier for fig 8's.
One thing I dislike about my boat is filling the tank. I have a 2 stroke Johnson on back and it is a very thirsty critter. My next motor will definetly be better on fuel.
Jeff |
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Posts: 2024
| Crestliner here (1850 Fishhawk). Huge deck, small gunwhales, relatively low to the water, very stable. Biggest factors for me are front and rear deck space (remove the pedestal seat and you could land a jet on the deck), beam/width, height to water. Small gunwhales are nice, but that may just be me. |
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Posts: 81
Location: Indiana | Take a look at the Ranger Cherokee series, I have a 2000 116 with a 50hp Johnson. Rod locker will fit 8' rods, gunnels are wide enough to mount Scotty's, Boat has a very wide beam for it's length and has live wells in the front and back for suckers. |
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| Fishhawk all the way. Rough as heck in rough water, but awesome to fish out of - wide with lots of deck space. The 1750 is a very versatile boat. |
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Posts: 670
Location: Otsego, MN | Of the aluminums I have fished out of for muskies I would have to say the 1750 or 1850 Fish Hawks are the best. Huge front decks and you can fish 3 people out of both rigs easily. |
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Posts: 65
| I would also agree with the Crestliner Fishhawk. I have an 1850 and relly have no complaints. You would be happy if you go with the Fishhawk. |
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Posts: 1636
| I dont own one myself, but every crestliner I have fished out of is awesome. I wish I would have gotten one, but I went with a better deal. |
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Posts: 119
Location: Waterford & Boulder Junction | In 2001 I bought a Crestliner CVX 182. This was a purpose built aluminum musky boat with an entire boat casting deck, 2 livewells with 1 at least 50" long, and sidewalls about 4" lower than the standard Crestliner Fishhawk series boat.
Similiar boats in the day were the Ranger Cherokee, Alumacraft Phantom, and the Basstracker V18.
Crestliner dropped the CVX series and focused on the Fishhawk series with the Musky Edition only to reintroduce the CMV series which was very similar to the
CVX. For 2008, Crestliner has again dropped that style of boat and only offers the Fishhawk series.
I was looking into replacing my CVX, but I don't think there is an aluminum boat made today that can compare to it. It seems that the aluminum boat manufacturers aren't interested in building a musky only boat.
For $10,000.00, you should be able to buy a used boat mentioned above and if you can't find one, a Crestliner Fishhawk would be my choice.
Landy Roepke
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Posts: 82
Location: Owatonna,MN | I have the Alumicraft Phantom mentioned above and like it alot. But it is a 1995 and I am ready to move to a newer boat. As mentioned no one makes a similar aluminum boat any more. The CMV orCVX would be anice boat to find used or the Ranger Cherokee, which I believe the hulls were made by Crestliner. |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Alumacraft Navigator. Really nice layout for any type of fishing in my opinion. Getting a 17 foot anything with the motor maxed out (usually a 115) might take a little searching. The only problem with the Navigator is the oldest ones are year 2000 models. Might be hard to find one for under 10 grand, especially if has the hp maxed out. Still might find them though. Really, the 16 foot boat has a fair amount of room.
The crestliner looks pretty nice too, and you might be able to find a late 90's 1750 with a 90 or 115 around 10K.
From what I have have seen, the alumacraft and crestliner fishhawk are what I would be looking at. Actually, I am shopping for a used boat - and they are what I am looking at. Alumacraft navigator 1st choice, Fishhhawk 2nd, and not considering much else unless I can find a great deal on a Tuffy deep vee.
curleytail |
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| I'll give another vote for the Alumacraft Navigator. I casually shopped around for a couple years and finally decided on the Navigator 175cs. It was less expensive than the Crestliners and Lunds, could be powered with any motor(I chose Yammie F115), had 2 nice rod lockers(one that fits 8' rods), a huge front casting deck, and Alumacraft has a good reputation for building quality boats. My second choice would have been a 1750 Fishhawk. You could definitely find a used one with a two stroke in your price range. |
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Posts: 275
| Whatever fits your feet and pocketbook.
tom |
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Posts: 291
Location: Minneapolis | I really like my Alumacraft Navigator 165 tiller. I got it used in 2004. It's a 2000 model year with a 2000 50 hp Merc 4-stroke. The entire package, including so-so-at-best electronics, was $7600. At the time I got it, a console model was for sale for about the same price. So you should be able to find one under $10k.
If you could find a Navigator 175, you'd have even more room and more ponies.
I like the narrow gunwales and the top-loading rod lockers. You can stand or sit on the rod lockers, and, most importantly, you can easily set your spare rods on top of them so they're in easy reach while fishing, and they're secure when traveling spot to spot. |
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| I personally have a 1650 Fishhawk with a 90 E-tec and I have been very satisfied. I wanted a boat that was wider and could handle bigger water. I also like the look of an all welded boat with no rivets. Not that a riveted boat looks bad, I just like the seamless look of the Crestliner. If I had to have a second choice, it would be the Navigator. In fiberglass, you can't go wrong with a Ranger or Tuffy, but a used one may be hard to find for what you are able to spend. |
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Posts: 457
| I fished out of a lowe, this past season, and I was REALLY impressed. Fished well, and rode a LOT better than the fishhawk. You can get a new 17'8" for around the 10 mark. Granted it is going to have a 50 on it, but it really was a heck of a boat. I'm really considering going that route, instead of a glass boat, for the next two years. After that, it will definitely be back to the Tuffy for me.
Edited by Whoolligan 2/21/2008 1:55 AM
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Location: Windy City | I have a Crestliner Fishhawk 1850 and like it for all of the above mentioned reasons s/a low to water, huge casting deck, wide beam and the welded look. However my only complaint is the way it responds to rough water. Your rocking around out there a mite more than I've seen in some other alumnums and especially glass. Overall pretty solid boat however. Just my opinion however. |
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Posts: 1455
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | yup
Edited by Cowboyhannah 2/24/2008 8:58 PM
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Posts: 271
Location: davis,IL | I have a 1750 Fishawk and have never had a problem in rough water, any boat gets a little wet riding in 3+ footers and a good cross wind. I've had mine in 4+ footers, a little wet, but rides and handles consideribly better than my fathers sylvan.
Edited by muskydope 2/22/2008 10:19 PM
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Posts: 457
| Cowboyhannah - 2/22/2008 9:41 PM
Pal of mine bought a 1750 Fishhawk...I was FLOORED at the amount of water that comes over the side of the bow when running in moderate chop....I'm talking LITERALLY GALLONS of water each time we hit a wave....had to duck down onto the floor and he twice needed to pull off the throttle b/c he wears glasses and couldn't see....two times out that happened...anybody else with that model experience that?
Every time I've fished out of a buddies FH on a reservoir here, it has been that way. Though, to me, that isn't as bad as the ride itself with the boat. The hull just isn't built to what I would want. I'm not going to knnock on the boat really hard, though. It's a reasonable rig at a reasonable price, and being able to look beyond the little things is sort of essential.
Again, however, for the same (or less) money I would really encourage a guy to look at the lowe boats. Some of the newer models that I've seen, even fished out of that 178 that made me smile ear to ear when I heard the price, I was really impressed. THe thing that sold me on the Lowe over the FH, was the ride alone. It was MUCH smoother, and more comfortable, in rough water than the FH. Like I said, I'm really considering it for a couple years until some student loans are paid, and keeping it, and getting another Tuffy. |
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Posts: 97
| I run a Ranger Cherokee 237, and the fishabilty is great. You do get a litlle wet on bigger water, but it has served me well. |
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Posts: 109
Location: Spencer, Wisconsin | I purchased a G3 last summer (V170) and love the boat. In the past I fished out of a Crestliner, Princecraft, and a couple other aluminum boats, bottom line they all have their great points but the reason I settled on the G3 is the storage space, working space and mostly the design and comfort. I scored on a mega discount when I bought it in 2007 since it is a new-2006 model.
So shop, shop, shop and i'm sure there are several good used boats out there! |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Being an alumacraft man, I will put my vote on that line....
If you are looking to stay under 10K, I would definitely take a hard look at the Alumacraft Navigator Classic, or the Lunker 165 CS. My previous boat was the Lunker and it did very well. Maxed it out with a 50 hp motor and it could go through anything. The Navigator classic is a bit wider (I believe an 80 inch or so beam, and will take up to a 75hp motor. Layout is very similar to the Navigator 165 (the new 2005 model that was on the showfloors in late 2004. ) Front Livewell, dual rod lockers that should take up to a 7'-6" rod length. and if you want narrow gunnels, this is it...you can mount rod holders on the side and they are never in the way. you can get right next to the gunnel in the stern and it is extremely comfortable to fish from.
If you spend some time looking for the Navigator classis (or the original navigator) you'd have a really nice rig for easilly under 10 grand.
Steve |
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Location: Hartford Wi | Love My lowe ..More room than anyone can ever need all deck , wide and stable great mid size boat.. |
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Posts: 620
Location: Seymour, WI | Here's an update to my muskie boat shopping.
I've been spending alot of time crusing the internet boat classified ads, visiting the local boat dealers, and I made it to a couple of the local boat shows. I've been learning quite a bit about both boats and motors.
There's definately more to learn than I thought there would be. I really think there are quite few aluminum boats that would make for a great muskie fishing layout.
Here's a list of eight different boats that are all very similar in their layout, storage, livewell space, seat configuration, rod locker space and horse power ratings.
1. Crestliner Fishhawk 1750,
2. Alumacraft Navigator 175
3. G3 172
4. Lund Explorer 1700
5. Sylvan Explorer 1700
6. Fisher 17 Pro Avenger
7. Lowe FM 175
8. Tracker Targa 175.
The two motors that I think would best power one of these rigs would be either an Evinrude E-tec or Mercury Optimax in 90- 115 Horsepower.
Now it's just a matter of finding the right combination of boat, motor, trailer and price.
Grass,
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Posts: 332
Location: Michigan | Another one for your list. Mirrocraft 1751 Aggressor.
I have run a Lowe for the last 5 years and it's been a good rig but i'm looking hard at this Mirrocraft for my next boat. http://www.mirrocraft.com/boats/prolevel/aggressor.php
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| I fish out of a 2003 1675 Lund Explorer with a 90 Yamaha 4 stroke console. It's a super boat, next one for me will be same hull, only tiller model on the 90. I think I'd look really hard at Crestliner on the next go round too. Really sharp rigs that ride and hold up well. I'm in no hurry to get out of my package now, it's plenty of boat for me on Georgian Bay, French Rivers, Nipissing. When it's rough enough for me, it's usually plenty rough enough for the guys a few feet longer or shorter. Rough water's rough water, all depends on the pounding you want to put on your body and your rig. I wish my boat had bigger livewells and lids to match. I hate having a big livewell with a lid half its size. All I want it for is to hang baits and lug minnows around for walleyes in May. There are lots of good options today, and I can tell you as most guys would, new rigs are HOT lucky their first few years, they really are. Nothing better than good fishin in the new ride, it always seems to go that way the first couple seasons. First two esox in my Lund were 48" muskie on Nip and a 43" pike on Georgian Bay. Good luck in your search. |
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Posts: 72
| We have a Smoker Craft 168 Pro Mag. |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I take it you decided to spend a bit more than your allotted $10K? All of the boats you mention are in the upper teens to low 20s with the two motors you have picked out.
Steve |
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| 2005 starcraft c star 166 wih a a sixty horse or larger. I have one with a 60 Merc 4 stroke and love it!  I believe the hull is very similar if not the same as the Crestliner. 32 gallon fuel tank, I can easily get an eight foot rod in the rod locker, need to try a 8'6", don't think I can do that without bending it some though. And she handles rough water pretty well. This will fall around your 10K budget used. This boat is rated to 125, which I believe would be a CRAZY ride, but it is what it is, mine will do about 34 on the GPS the way it is with two guys 3 tackle boxes a big Kahuna and all the other crap we throw in there.  Also for double duty it has little jump seats in the rear casting deck that work great for the kids when it is family time. How many of these other boats have that rod storage, fuel tank, price etc.? Maybe if I can find some good pics on this computer of the boat I'll post them. Only complaint I have is the nose runs a little higher than I had hoped, good trolling motor makes up for that though. Good luck, and don't worry you'll love whatever you buy as long as the motor runs good. |
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| http://www.starcraftmarine.com/index.php?page=seriesdetails&hullid=...
Since most of you have never looked at a starcraft. One weakness is they don't have the warranty of some of the other larger manufacturers. |
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| I've ownwd a 1750 and now a 1850 fishhawk. They are laid out very well for what I like to do, but the 12degree deadrise is the compromise in why they are a little rougher in big waves. Most of the other boats mentioned here have a deeper or steeper deadrise which cuts through waves a little better.
I know of a well cared for 1750 with a 75 merc. It's a 98 and the price is 8500.00
It's in Minot ND at a local dealer. I actually was going to buy it but decided to go up to a 1850 for the next one. |
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Posts: 190
| Well.... Mine.
Alumacraft navigator 175 cs.
graph on front graph on back x15 on dash 8' rod lockers on right 7.5 on the left. Nice casting decks front nd back.
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Posts: 294
Location: Bloomer, Wi | I have a 2003 G3 180 hp powered by a 115hp yamaha, so far it has been a great boat. Lots of room(single console), lots of storage, wide beam, handles water nicely. The 115 shoots it outta the water extermely quick, 50 mph top end. Side walls are very low (never hit them with the rod when using jerkbaits or anything). Basically Im very impressed and would recommend this boat to anyone. |
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| I have a navagater now but had a 16ft 95 Dominator before good boat low side's.Realy easy to control if you fish small to mid size lake's.Had 70 johny on it good speed, large side live well at lest long. |
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Posts: 357
Location: Long Prairie, Minnesota | One other thing to make a note of is to try and get the boat with the max HP hanging on it. Whatever it is rated for, try to get as close to max as possible. |
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Posts: 8781
| Much less crispy than your last boat, with the added benefit of aluminum being sightly more resistant to flame than fiberglass. |
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Posts: 618
Location: Bloomington, MN | If you are looking for fishability, a tiller is the route to go. I've had a Princecraft Holiday DLX for the last 12 years and actually still like it! I've upgraded the boat over the years, but have had no problems with its performance or durability. I can put it in and take it out on very shallow ramps by myself due to a roller trailer, and fish Mille Lacs in some heavy stuff. I will not run the entire lake when the weather is bad, but with the use of a transom trolling motor, splash guards, and a wind sock, allows me to fish a spot relatively effectively. Having a limited income or what we want to spend does hinder what we want, but I do fish a few bodies of water where a big heavy console (esp. by my waderless self) would be impossible/embarassing. The Holiday is 16' 2" with an 82" beam. It is a light boat, so a 40hp 4 stroke moves it fine, and doesn't eat up as many dead dina$aurs! You will take a beating as in all smaller aluminum boats, but I'm sure there are folks that get sore in their 20' glass as well (not as bad in the back of the boat!...partner needs a helper monkey, and you may limp like Festus...but hey...you still have your Princecraft hat unlike Mr. Ranger pants!). I did put in a raised deck (the newer ones come with it, but are not as raised as I did "mistake"-tough on fig 8's) a bow mount trolling motor with the electronics, but I'm still too lazy to move to the front when I'm by myself, and prefer the transom low to the water, tight to the rail, Figure 8 spot! Remember the cost of the happy "well...I need this" add-ons, you only need a livewell if you fish transport tournaments, and dock rash is what all good muskie boats proudly display without their owner's lack of sleep! Dress up a hull that will work for you. Good luck, and post a pic of the new "Lungecraft"!
Edited by Clark A 4/14/2008 9:53 PM
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| Im looking at a 1999 1650 Fishawk with a 90 Honda 4-stroke. I've read that even 1750's may have a problem with weight distribution at the stern with the big four stroke. Any comments? |
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Posts: 348
| heres my river jet 1760 90/65 80lb minnkota auto pilot boat tops out at 35mph an runs 5 inches of water.
http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx201/LEHIGHMUSKIES/002-3.jpg
http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx201/LEHIGHMUSKIES/003-1.jpg
http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx201/LEHIGHMUSKIES/005.jpg
http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx201/LEHIGHMUSKIES/007-2.jpg
Edited by lehighmuskies 7/18/2010 11:29 AM
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Posts: 388
| 1750 Fishhawk SC is what I have and it works extremely well. Lots of storage. Front deck is 7' long and rear deck is layed out really well for the guy fishing in the back. Wish it had a dual rod locker as it gets a bit crowded with two guys fishing multiple rods. A tiller would be killer for fishability.
My Hawk is a 2004 model and they updated the 1750 since then. They still sell my boat layout as the 1700 model but the front deck is shorter than it was previously.
Some of my other favorites include the Lund Angler (no longer manufactured), Alumicraft Navigator (1650 & 1750), the new Lund Predator, and Crestliner 1850 & 1650 Fishhawks. |
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Posts: 485
Location: On my favorite lake! | Alumacraft Dominator or Navigator is what I suggest. Very wide and stable boat. |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | I don't have the ability to get a boat as of yet... but I have to say, I added all of these to a word document that I can go back and reference later on.
Very helpful thread, indeed! |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | I had an '05 Fish Hawk 1750 with an Optimax 115. Great boat. Tons of room. I agree with everything that one last cast has said, as well as others here about the Fish Hawk 1750.
I had the vinyl flooring package and made a great rear casting deck that fit snuggly into place. The rear deck was pretty narrow ordinarily and the person fishing the back of the boat had to snake around the rear butt seat prior to the deck installation.
I would also add that on windy days you can also throw up a sail and the boat will drift even faster away from your intended fishing spot. That was the only drawback I found with this model. It was all over when it got windy.
One more thing: The boat had only one compartment that could be considered "dry storage." It was my first big boat purchase and I learned from that experience.
Craig
Edited by cjrich 7/19/2010 5:29 AM
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Location: Contrarian Island | I had a Lund Pro V 1775 for a long time and imo if you are looking at aluminum boats imo Lund is the Ranger of aluminum boats...best fit, finish, and resale value imo of any...Alumacraft also makes a nice aluminum.... Lund makes great boats that last and sell fast when it's time to upgrade
Edited by BNelson 7/19/2010 7:59 AM
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Posts: 69
Location: janesville | alumacraft navigator 165 are nice boats. i use my dads all the time its a 2000 165 tiller with a 50 merc four-stroke it gets amazing gas mileage. probably go about 5-10 trips without filling it up depending on where we fish. plenty of room lots of storage. i really like how they redid the new navigators it looks like they have even more storage and sweet lay out. i would rather have the 175 but my dad got the 165. |
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Posts: 272
| I have a Alumacraft TournamentPro 18-footer. Probably pretty easily the most fishable boat I've ever been in, casting or trolling. Both are awesome.
Minus is that the flat aluminum hull design does not make for a dry ride in wind or wind and waves. Which is a constant issue where I fish. But, ya dance with the one that brung ya.
-Eric |
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Posts: 247
Location: Uxbridge Ontario | If you have the cash, bar non, the best Muskie rig out there is the Lund 2010 Predator. One of the largest casting platforms that is nicely elevated, 60" front live well, 50" rear live well, fit with a 225 Opti or ProXS. Or you can get it as a Tiller with a 175hp with hydraulic steer or 115 Tiller without. 90" beam so its still wide enough but very fast. One of the better big water boats that you can easily cast from. My dream boat for sure... Almost bought one earlier in the year.
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/videos/05.01.2009/1486/Lund.Predato... |
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| I Love my Tracker TUNDRA........No problems what so ever!!!! |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | HomeTime - 7/27/2010 8:54 AM
If you have the cash, bar non, the best Muskie rig out there is the Lund 2010 Predator. One of the largest casting platforms that is nicely elevated, 60" front live well, 50" rear live well, fit with a 225 Opti or ProXS. Or you can get it as a Tiller with a 175hp with hydraulic steer or 115 Tiller without. 90" beam so its still wide enough but very fast. One of the better big water boats that you can easily cast from. My dream boat for sure... Almost bought one earlier in the year.
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/videos/05.01.2009/1486/Lund.Predato...
+1
I've never had the pleasure of even seeing one in person much less actually knowing what it's like to fish out of one... but it would be one of my top choices if money were no object. |
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Posts: 189
Location: West Bend, WI | Grass this might be right up your alley, saw this on craigs list.
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/boa/1866509303.html |
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| muskie-addict - 7/19/2010 5:07 PM
I have a Alumacraft TournamentPro 18-footer. Probably pretty easily the most fishable boat I've ever been in, casting or trolling. Both are awesome.
Minus is that the flat aluminum hull design does not make for a dry ride in wind or wind and waves. Which is a constant issue where I fish. But, ya dance with the one that brung ya.
-Eric
Not sure what year you boat is, but I have a 2006 Tournament Sport 185 (18'11") and it is extremely dry. The waves spray straight out to the side and rarely does spray get inside.
For a budget friendly boat, I think the Navigator cannot be beat. I seriously considered a Navigator before getting my Tournament sport. There is a deck around the whole dang boat which makes it awesome to fish out of, plus the huge livewell.
Plus Crestliner doesnt let you choose your motor either so unless you love Mercury, you are SOL. |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Plus Crestliner doesnt let you choose your motor either so unless you love Mercury, you are SOL.
You can easily buy boat and trailer, and put whatever motor you wish on the rig.
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