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| FSF,
I went through your exact situation the past two years. Researched the crap out of aluminum boats... and ended up going with glass and a 4-stroke.
But, I will pass along what I learned during my research and experiences. Bottom line, had I gone with aluminum my choice would have been the Crestliner Fishawk for value and performance. My dad runs a 1650 with a 90 Honda 4-Stroke... and it is a nice rig... but I feel the shorter hull and WIDE transom makes the boat a little light in the bow... which is a problem when cutting boat wakes, cross cutting larger waves, etc. It also requires you to constantly be trimming the motor to keep your bow under control. Based on that info.... I would NOT shorten your hull just to save a few bucks. The 17 footer with a 115 4-stroke should be perfect. These new wide transom designs make some FAST planing boats that are a real treat to fish from... but I feel they are a rougher ride a little less maneuverable. Based on that experience, if you are trying to get down to the $16K range... I'd give up the 4-stroke and stay with the longer hull.
The lunds are nice too, but unless you find a good deal... will cost you a touch more. They are virtually the same hull (except rivets vs. welded) as the crestliner. After fishing from the Crestliner for a few years, and sitting in dozens and dozens of Lunds on the showroom floor... I feel the Crestliner has the better MUSKY floorplan and layout. Same goes for the Ranger Cherokees. The Alumacraft Tournament series are a little deep and the extremely wide gunnels just are not musky friendly in my opinion. As for Tracker... no comment.
Good Luck! It is a tough decision... but for $18K you can get yourself a VERY nice rig... no matter what brand you end up with. It will come down to the little details that fit YOUR specific needs that will make your final decision. Not something anyone on the message board can help you with. | |
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