Posts: 2686
Location: Hayward, WI | I have always owned Tiller boats too and don't see that changing for me, so I understanding holding out for one. Good plan I think.
I think any of the boats you listed would work great for you. I went to LOTW last year in a 2000 Alumacraft 165 Tiller with 50 hp Merc. We got around just fine. One day the winds came up while we were out and it was a slow ride back to camp but we made it. It wasn't the most comfortable ride but I wan't terribly worried. Any of the 17' boats you are looking at will do better than my 165 did.
This year I have a Tuffy 1760 GT. Awesome boat. We had several windy days on LOTW this year and it handled it very well. It's much better at both running the waves, as well as sitting down at rest and being more stable, with less bouncing and pitching than my aluminum boat did.
If you can find one in your price range, the 1760 is a GREAT boat. I echo the others, that the new layout is really nice, but some guys like the old layout too. I would say the old layout is a little more similar to what the Esox Mags are with the wide side tank layout. I believe the actual hull is pretty much the same design, though it does use wood where the 2005 and later is all composite and has nothing to rot. Never seen a 1700 - don't know how much room they have. Would be less room than the aluminum options that you are considering.
You might look hard and find a good, older layout 1760 around your price range. If not, I think the Alumacraft or Crestliner would serve you well too. I'd also look into some of the 17' Lund options. The Pro V, Explorer, and Pro Angler are a few that come to mind that might fit your price range and fishing style.
One thing I do like in a boat is somewhat of a shelf that runs front to back to set rods down on when going from spot to spot, or just to keep extras. I don't think a Pro V has that, and some of the Alumacrafts don't either. Might not be a big issue for you, as I know several serious musky guys that don't have this sort of layout. |
