Posts: 187
Location: West Metro, MN | I was in your position 3 years ago and narrowed it down to a new Alumacraft Edge or Lund Crossover and a used Ranger Reata. For usage I'm about 70% fishing/20% family cruising/5% watersports. Ultimately, I went with the Edge 185 and am very happy with the decision. The Crossover and Edge are basically the same size, but the Edge has a little more room in front of the windshield (which i liked) and the Crossover had more room behind the windshield. The Edge also has wider gunnels (and carpeted), which at first i didn't think i would like (thinking that it might make figure 8 a little harder), however, after 3 years on the water I Love the wider carpeted gunnel. I can get a lot of stuff out of the way (bump board, bumpers, tow ropes, multi-species landing net, etc.). It also is a great stable step into/out of the boat when tied up to a dock for wife/kids/grandparents. I'll also occasionally stand on top of the gunnel to shallow water sight fish various species with the IPilot remote around my neck which is pretty slick. The Edge only has 1 relatively small (18gal) livewell and it's under the back seat, which I was concerned would be an issue, however, it's not been that big of an inconvenience. If I was going to be in a bunch of bass tournaments I would probably be annoyed by it, but for crappies and walleyes a few times a year it's fine.
The 1850 Reata and the 1880 Angler are definitely awesome, but price was a consideration too on that front.
Hopefully that helps, PM me if you have any more questions on the Edge.
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