Posted 11/7/2014 12:56 AM (#738793) Subject: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 123
Who makes the best brand of aluminum boats and why? I like the Crestliner Fish Hawk 1850 and I'm in love with the Lund Predator 2010 but can't really find any for sale. I'm open to other brands too like Alumacraft. I heard Crestliners dont perform well in the wind because they sit higher in the water. Also what are your takes on welds vs rivets?
Posted 11/7/2014 9:33 AM (#738818 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN
I fish out of an alumacraft 165 classic. It's on the smaller side for Muskie boats and I wouldn't bring it on big water but for the lakes I fish it works great. The only complaint I have about it is that it's pretty much a kite, but it's my understanding that all aluminum boats are pretty much kites. I had asked what one could do to make their boat act less like a kite and I was told to buy a glass boat.
Posted 11/7/2014 11:20 AM (#738840 - in reply to #738793) Subject: RE: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 258
Location: Mayville, WI
All brands make a good boat and difference between welded & rivet is personal preference - look for one that fits your need and a layout you like. When looking, I thought Lund was a bit overpriced, though very nice, downfall being that they didn't make a deck that was the same level around the entire boat and they don't make the Predator anymore. A great layout was the Crestliner CMV - wish they still made those, overall Crestliners do sit a bit higher in the water
If I were looking now:
Alumacraft - Competitor
Lund - Pro Guide (come in tillers only)
Crestliner - Pro Tiller or Fish Hawk (Raptor nice, but sides are higher than the Fish Hawk)
Currently, I run an Alumacraft Navigator & next boat will likely be another Alumacraft Tiller - the Competitor 185 is a nice ride - very happy with my purchase.
Posted 11/7/2014 11:41 AM (#738842 - in reply to #738840) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota
I had a Crestliner 1850 CMV with a 150 Yamaha great boat. Big decks. I up graded to a skeeter mx. For fishing I liked the CMV for ride I like my skeeter
Posted 11/7/2014 11:47 AM (#738844 - in reply to #738793) Subject: RE: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River
I've fished out of just about every aluminum boat made including several different sized Lunds, Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk, Starcraft, Alumacraft, Smokercraft, Tracker etc. This was on Lake St. Clair. I loved the ride in the Alumacraft by far compared to all the others.
Posted 11/7/2014 12:37 PM (#738852 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 620
Location: Seymour, WI
I fish out of an 03 Crestliner Fishhawk. I love the way it fishes.
I think the Alumacraft Navigator is the best aluminum musky boat made right now, the decks and storage are really laid out well.
Posted 11/7/2014 4:48 PM (#738884 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 146
Location: Alsip, IL
I run a bass boat, but my dad has an 18 foot smoker craft milentia. It's a nice boat. Handles big water but can still get up river quite a ways into fairly skinny water. Only thing I'd recommend is more trolling motor than you'd ever think you'd need. On a windy day his 12volt system is just about dead by 2 pm. He's got a 115 yamaha 4 stroke and tops out around 44. Maybe 42 with 2 people and a livewell full of suckers.
Posted 11/7/2014 6:04 PM (#738892 - in reply to #738886) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota
Lake assault are built like tanks. I looked at them back in 04 . The only thing I did not like was the welds. As a welder that is the first thing i look at no matter what I buy. There a solid boat I just didn't like the welds. Looked like some one fresh out of school was doing there welding.
Posted 11/7/2014 9:05 PM (#738932 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 153
im surprised no one mentioned G3 their really nice boat or even polar craft both are nice bots and are priced pretty fair if your worried about the size of deck you cold do what im going to do with my 18 foot tuffy renegade and that is make carpeted deck extension or have a just encase deck extension box made most boat company's make a great product the only aluminum boat I have personally ridden in and hated was a mirro craft. tracker even makes a nice boat be smart shop around and good luck
Posted 11/7/2014 10:37 PM (#738945 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 106
The best boats are made by Skeeter, Ranger, Yarcraft...,
Oh, you said aluminum,
Seriously, there is no best brand because it depends on how an where you fish.
My brother owns a 2001 1850 fish hawk, and it's a really good boat, and just as solid as new.
I had a 1990 1700 Pro V that was also a good solid boat.
Posted 11/7/2014 11:07 PM (#738949 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 123
It's so tough since there are good boats in every brand. I want something that can handle big water and small water. What has the biggest casting decks? The Alumacraft 185 Competitor 185 looks like a really nice boat but it doesn't have a very big casting deck and I cant find the prices of them online. I think they are about the same as a Fish Hawk What is the difference between a Fish Hawk and a CMV? Why did Lund get rid of the Predator?
Posted 11/8/2014 7:30 AM (#738960 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
^couldnt tell ya if their stronger but welds wont loosen up and leak when driving down that remote "chatter"road to the launch year after year. Some people prefer welded, others prefer a bucket of rivets. can you tell which i prefer? I suppose boats that are welded could crack welds but my boat has a lifetime warranty on the welds.
Posted 11/8/2014 8:30 AM (#738964 - in reply to #738951) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 106
muskyfishing89 - 11/7/2014 11:50 PM
Are welds gonna be stronger then rivets?
No, in fact properly done rivets are stronger than welds.
That said, don't buy based on rivets vs welded, quality is the key. Good riveted boats, like Lund, rarely have rivet problems, and good welded boats, like Crestliner, rarely have weld problems.
Posted 11/8/2014 10:25 AM (#738979 - in reply to #738964) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota
It's been a few years 15 to 20. But some older boats the rivets would loosen up . And I had my line cut by the rivets. That back when i fished walleyes so line was thinner. I don't know if that is still a problem or not. My CMV was a Welded Boat now i have glass. There are allot of great aluminum boats out there. Find one with a lay out that fits the way you fish
Posted 11/8/2014 10:41 AM (#738981 - in reply to #738979) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 11
Ranger618 has it right when he says there are a lot of good choices now. The Ranger vs1780 and 1680 deep-v boats are worth looking at as well. Their web site does a good job with a walk-thru of each boat.
Posted 11/9/2014 9:19 AM (#739144 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 358
I can't say they are the best or better than another, however G3 has expanded their lineup of boats and the one I have, I'm happy with and will probally buy what I call a boat for the lakes, a Deep-V. It also helps I have a G3 dealership who I'm good friends with the owners and they treat me fantastic and are honest.
Posted 11/9/2014 9:51 AM (#739149 - in reply to #738960) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Location: Eastern Ontario
mnmusky - 11/8/2014 8:30 AM
^couldnt tell ya if their stronger but welds wont loosen up and leak when driving down that remote "chatter"road to the launch year after year. Some people prefer welded, others prefer a bucket of rivets. can you tell which i prefer? I suppose boats that are welded could crack welds but my boat has a lifetime warranty on the welds.
It's not normally the welds that crack but the metal near them. Some are better than some others which have had problems.
No manufacturer has never had an issue with some boats that's why thy have a warranty. The dealership you deal with can be more important to you.
Posted 11/9/2014 9:57 AM (#739151 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 558
I have a 2011 Alumacraft navigator 175, I think that it is set up well for a musky fisherman. Big casting decks and the deck goes all around the boat. I can fish 3 guys and 3 to 5 monster lakewood boxes in the boat comfortably. 1 guy on back deck a 2 on the front deck. I can get on big water if I want to, I have had it on milliacs, leech, and red lake for walleye opener. Very wide and stable boat, i like that alot. Alumacraft boats come with a lifetime hull and floor also. All boats are tough to control in a stiff wind, you just need to equip the boat with a high powered trolling motor to help with that. I like this boat for any types or styles of fishing. The new models that are like the navigator is the competitor. Have fun shopping.
Posted 11/9/2014 10:25 AM (#739154 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 270
Location: SE WISCONSIN
I have a 2014 Lund 1875 Impact sport and I love it my last boat was a smaller glass bass boat and when the water was rough we got wet in the bass boat.Now to the Impact same rough water not a drop of water on us the front deck is plenty big for me. I have the flip up rear seats so when there down it makes for a nice size casting deck for co angler.and the Impact does blow around alittle more than a glass boat because it sits higher and has a full windshield.but like someone said earlier put a nice big trolling motor on it and you should be fine.
Posted 11/9/2014 12:34 PM (#739169 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 791
Location: WI
I run a alumacraft tourney pro 175 CS. My next boat will probably be a 185. Good ride for a alum boat probably due to the 2xb hull which is double thick and absorbs waves better than a lot of other hulls. Like said above get a powerful trolling motor and your all good. My boat casts well and trolls well. To me versatility is key
Posted 12/25/2014 9:26 AM (#745336 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 397
I have a 2005 165 navigator, it has a ton of space to cast and storage. The 175 model is very roomy. My friend just got a 1775 lund impact. it fished three of us on LOTW very nicely.
Posted 12/25/2014 9:57 AM (#745341 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 16
We currently have a Lund Rebel 1650 XL tiller in camo and would definitely go with Lund again. Rodlockers and front/rear deck are the same height for laying long rods and gear on. We had a Crestliner prior and have spent a lot of time in an Alumnacraft.
Posted 12/25/2014 4:02 PM (#745374 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 1000
In theory, welds are better. With that said, most of the riveted boats out there are extremely good. I run a fish hawk 1850 DC because I want the massive casting deck. My buddy prefers the Alumacrafts because he's more trolling oriented.
The Predator is one of the best aluminum casting rigs I've ever fished. The problem? The price. They will be a hot item in a few years as depreciation does its work.
Posted 12/26/2014 9:07 PM (#745446 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 427
Location: Planet Meltdown
I guess if I didn't have first hand experience working on aircraft fuselages and I was dumb enough to compare a boat to an airplane, I'd stay far away from a welded boat. Happy fishhawk owner here who almost bought a Lund.
Posted 12/27/2014 3:14 AM (#745453 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 111
I don't think it is dumb to consider different techniques of Alum. construction. And welding does change the molecular structure of the base metal near the weld do to heat. And that's were they the have problem's. Revit's do not change the base metal. You end up with what you started with no surprise's. And I do have first hand experience working on aircraft. You WILL have a lot of respect for rivet's in my field. Bag it Buy Glass !! Wait to Heavy !! I'll Stop
Posted 12/27/2014 3:59 AM (#745454 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 427
Location: Planet Meltdown
Oh I don't think it's dumb to consider diffrent aluminum construction either and I hope I didn't come off that way. Everybody has diffrent needs and accomplishments in a boat I just think it's silly when people say "you should buy a riveted boat because that's what airplanes use." Pretty sure my next boat is going to be glass as I see myself fishing big water more down the road.
Posted 12/27/2014 1:53 PM (#745479 - in reply to #745374) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 100
tolle141 - 12/25/2014 4:02 PM
CMV - that's a sick boat.
Yeah, it is - works great for me in NW WI. and in Canada.
Even better, I bought it used last spring with about 3 1/2 hours on the motor, virtually spotless and unused since it was new (it's a 2005). The carpet inside the storage compartments was spotless, even the bilge was clean enough to eat out of (there's a couple of pictures in the link below).
While I was updating it to modern electronics (Humminbird Side Imaging, 360° and a 101 Terrova with iLink) I found all the chips, shavings, carpet trimming etc. that fall into the keel of a hull when they build it - and even they were all clean.
Posted 12/27/2014 2:15 PM (#745482 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 111
You can teach a robot to weld. Rivet ? Those jet boats out west Columbia/Snake river those boats Hand made and are hand welded . Like Shelby's on Axemen tuff boat. Production Boats/ Robot Welding ? Not tuff as you think. Ever fly into Canada. All or most of the Guide/Rental boats are what. Rivet's Why because they like replacing boats ? You can rivet out in the bush. Heli-Arch weld alum. Not so much.
Posted 12/27/2014 4:11 PM (#745485 - in reply to #745482) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota
Ya I loved my CMV lots of storage . The only thing I did not like was the rod storage. I started fishing longer rods and had no where to put them. The fishing was great big decks that was great. Seats were a little low and I only had one bubble so passenger got the full wind in the fall that was no fun for them. I did have some of the welds Crack on the transom dropped it off in little falls Mn had it back in 2 weeks never had any more problems with it.
Posted 12/28/2014 9:01 AM (#745538 - in reply to #738793) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 68
2005 Alumacraft navigator 165, fishes 2 people great but have had 3 fish out of . Next one will be the Alumacraft competitor 175 just for more room. Most of the time on the water is just me and the wife so rooms not that big a deal, but when we take it up north more room for gear would be nice. And I upgraded to a terrova 101 with Ipilot got a hell of a deal on it so figured why not, just had to find a place to put 4th battery.
Posted 12/28/2014 11:04 PM (#745667 - in reply to #745485) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 100
muskyhunter47 - 12/27/2014 4:11 PM
Ya I loved my CMV lots of storage . The only thing I did not like was the rod storage. I started fishing longer rods and had no where to put them. The fishing was great big decks that was great. Seats were a little low and I only had one bubble so passenger got the full wind in the fall that was no fun for them. I did have some of the welds Crack on the transom dropped it off in little falls Mn had it back in 2 weeks never had any more problems with it.
If I'm by myself (and I often am) I store the long rods on that slanted area to the left of the passenger seat, tilting back. This works great, even with 9 ft. fly rods, which I use a fair amount.
I can fit 7 1/2 footers in the rod locker, If I plan what I'm doing a little.
The single bubble would have been a problem - you probably saw in my pics that the previous owner has removed the port side console...After looking at the pictures and talking to him I was probably still going to buy the boat, and I mentioned to him that I'd have to try to get another console from Crestliner...he said "Oh, I've got the other one in the garage, I've never used it."
Posted 12/29/2014 9:18 AM (#745692 - in reply to #745667) Subject: Re: Aluminum Boats
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota
That's where i stored mine Put a hipper setter in the mix and have him break one of your custom rods . That's when I decided to find a better boat I liked my CMV very much it was the first boat I bought. All ways used my dad's up till then. But I really like my skeeter mx 1825 don't plan on another boat for 15 years right before my retirement then I'll look at getting a new one
Aluminum Boats
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