Manta18 - 4/20/2025 4:03 PM

Everyone has great points. I was always a Lund guy. While I was on deployment in Iraq, I ordered a brand new Lund 1675 with a 90hp Optimax and fished the pants off that boat. I had no problems fishing Mille Lacs, Leech, LOTW as well as lakes around home. Big water just meant keeping an eye on the weather so if wind picked up or shifted, time to pop smoke. Got caught on Mille Lacs one time that was a test. Launched at Wealthwood and fished up there, but it was calm so we made the run across the lake to Vineland. Get there and the wind starts blowing about 15 from the NW and anyone who fishes the big pond knows I was going back to the landing in 4 footers. Took my time and was safe. Boat toook it wonderful. Then I fished out a Ranger for my first time and knew I was done with aluminum boats. Much easier to control in the wind, ride a little better because of weight. Took a few years, but I finally found a '98 Ranger 681 with a '04 135 Rude on the back and absolutely love the boat. Have no issue taking it on any big water either, same Lund. Just have to be mindful of weather.