VMS - 1/14/2015 11:52 AM

Hiya,

Being you are asking only about NEW boats, I would highly suggest looking into Alumacraft, Lund, or Crestliner.

All three manufacturers are going to have models that fit your price range...it is just a matter of putting them together. I believe both Lund and Crestliner will come with a prerig package to include mercury if memory serves me correctly. Alumacraft, being an independent company can put any motor on you wish.

Crestliner: Fishhawk series (guessing with 4 stroke technology a 1600 series will be ballpark)

Lund: Rebel Series (1650 Rebel?)

Alumacraft (Navigator Series 165)

Being an alumacraft owner myself for 15 years, I'm a bit partial to them, but I think there is an outside chance on a console 165 navigator with a 90hp yamaha under a decent trailer you might be able to swing a $17k boat before taxes.. Those 4 stroke motors add a bit of expense, but...if you are not getting it with electronics or a bow mount, you are saving a bit of cash there as well.


Now..some parts you get to decide...console or tiller. Tiller will get you a bigger boat, but less HP. More floor space as well.

I believe any of the 4 stroke motors out there will do you well. All have their positives and negatives, but if you can pull it off, max out the rig with the Highest engine displacement motor you can get for the model boat you choose. Larger displacement, means more low-end power when you need it. Weight should not be considered for the motor as more rear weight is actually a GOOD thing as it help when trimming the boat for optimum performance.

Oh...lastly...the trailer. If you trailer a lot or plan on any bigger trips where you have to pack the boat with gear for the trip, upgrading the trailer is always a solid bet.

Many of the package rigs you will see out there will have smaller HP motors and lighter trailers to get to a selling point. I would suggest having them build the rig if you can. Get what you want on it for your needs...

Steve