Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Storage:
Yes. The storage in all the Esox Deep V models are fiberglass lockers that are glassed to the liner before the liner is glassed into the boat. In other words, imagine ALL the storage, including the rod locker, built and installed like livewells with no plumbing.
Net Room:
If you have three seats, you can extend a net and set it on the inside on the floor. The 4th seat will get in the way.
Deck Space:
Either you have large dry storage, lots of floor space, and a 8'6" rod locker ( top row in the rack), OR you have a short deck. There are a couple models out there that are 17'6" and have just a 6.5 or 6.75' rodlocker because the front deck is shorter. Tough to have the best of both worlds, because a large side tank on both sides eats the floor space up as it did in the pre-2005 1760 Esox Deep V model and invites less than dry storage problems as well. The front deck will easily and comfortably fish two.
Splashwell:
Yes, the splashwell and rear livewell area are exactly level, so one can use that entire surface. Tuffy actually traction coats that area, covering up polyflake in the process. Not as prettty as if we left the polyflake surface, but you'd otherwise slip on the smooth mold surface rendering that area useless for anything but keeping water out of the boat.
Top speed with a 150 4 stroke, Opti or E Tech:
Jack plate the rig with a 6" set back, prop it right, and with two anglers and a full load you will run mid 50's and near 60 with empty livewell and 18 gallons of gas, our dealers know how to rig a 1760 C to be a rocket. Full load means all gear, full gas tank, and a full livewell. Place the engine one hole up on the standard 25" transom, and you will run about 50 to 52.
Beam:
There are many boats out there that fish muskies very well. Hull design and beam are a function of at rest stability and ride. Too wide, and the ride is very rough and wet in big water. Not wide enough and interior room and stability are effected. Take your hand and slap the water palm flat, then slap the water with the edge. Which hits you harder? Also, wetted surface has alot to do with speed, the less wetted surface trimmed out and wide open, the faster the boat because there is less drag. Tuffy design engineers work to get a near perfect balance and have done a pretty good job of it, IMHO. The 1760 GT/GC has an 84" beam.
Aluminum models by Lund, Lowe, Crestliner, Alumacraft and newcomer to the big freshwater tournament boat, Polar Kraft, come to mind as nice muskie rigs. Ranger, Triton, Yar Craft, Warrior, and a number of others build very nice Walleye boats that adapt well to the muskie angler. Look at them all, compare features, benefits, and pricing, and make an informed decision based upon what it is you are trying to accomplish with the purchase. All are nice boats! |
