Posts: 7038
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Some great suggestions above! Not a boat that's been recommended that won't to one degree or another satisfy what you're looking for. BUT, being in love with my boat as I am, I thought I'd chime in with some feelings of my own.
Tuffy 1760 GC, single console, 150 Opti + 9.9 kicker. Single axel trailer, easily pulled with my V-8 4Runner. With this rig/truck I can put in at the easiest to use corp of engineers launches on Lake Michigan to all but the crappiest wilderness launches you'll find in N.WI. The engine pushes her at up to 51.5mph with a stainless steel prop (one guy, 1/4 tank of gas) and cruises well at 35mph. I have a 75lb wireless Motor Guide (24v system) that gets a full day and a half of battery under normal conditions (big wind you can get a day without noticeable drop). The kicker runs like a champ and will go all day without a burp in running, sips gas with the ONLY draw back being that it takes a bit of finesse to get started.
For fishability I seriously am yet to find something in the same (new) price range that is this size yet fishes this big and this well. I can fish 3 big guys comfortably (space to cast, very little if any listing even with all three on the same side standing) either trolling or casting. I've casted very safely in up to 2-3'ers on Eagle Lake and trolled safely in 4-5'ers on Lake Michigan while chasing salmons. I've been caught out in 5-7' waves on Lake Michigan and though fishing wasn't too comfortable, getting in to the harbor was never in doubt. I'll admit I haven't fished Mille Lacs in 4-6's while casting, and I wouldnt recommend it in this boat, but there aren't many boats (though I am sure they exist) that I know of that are under 20' or more that are too safe in those conditions.
For casting the lack of a gunnel cap puts you right next to the water, while not being over-elevated and away from the surface. Meaning with a longer rod, you don't need to bend over too much in a figure-8. Releases are easily done from any point on the boat. The back deck extension makes it such that the guy in the back has more than enough room to walk around.
There are 12 rod tubes, 2 of which will hold an 8'6", the other ten will take up to 8' rods. I carry up to 6 plano boxes, 2 sets of rain gear, two tool bags, 3 life preservers and all necessary safety gear, a paddle, a mini-lakewood and some miscellaneous gearish stuff....all stowed while I cast.
I'm attaching a few pics, but I'm sure you can find some others on Tuffy's website.
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 Tommie Fish I.jpg (66KB - 175 downloads)
Tuffy2.JPG (160KB - 177 downloads)
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