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Posts: 15
| Hey all, with the recent innovations in big tillers I'm considering purchasing a Yar-Craft 1785BT. I'd mostly throw on a 75hp Mercury with the big tiller handle which has power steering and rpm control on it. Does anyone have any experience with this rig? It seems like it would be a good one man boat and not really hold me back from fishing big water on occasion. It would also fit in the garage nicely. I'd be interested to know if it would troll below 2mph going forward and what the top speed may be? Any information good or bad would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Mike
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Posts: 386
| The 1785BT is an awesome 17.5 ft boat that fishes extremely well for it's size. I've never owned one but have fished from one on several occasions in 2014 on Mille Lacs. I don't believe they have changed anything in/about this boat for quite some time. The few issues I have with them are the electronics locker will not hold larger units like the Helix 12 or Lowrance HDS 12 and the storage compartments are the older designed lips than can allow water in, not very often but they don't seal like the new 2095 BTX does. If you feel that power steering is necessary you will need an extra battery for the power steering pump so assuming you're going to rig with a 24 volt system you're up to 4 batteries now. I would highly suggest looking at the UFLEX steering system for a 75HP Mercury. You will likely get close to 2.0 MPH flat calm water but not much under, if at all. But if you put an 80 Vanatge on the back I simply use that in reverse if I want to slow down anymore than normal idle speed. Top end will likely be in the 35-38 MPH range lightly loaded depending on props. They are really nice boats but come with a pretty hefty price tag for a 17 ft boat. In all honesty, if I was in the market for that size tiller boat, I would get a Backtroller Avid and not think twice about it. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. |
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Posts: 140
Location: Scandia MN | I have an older 1785 side console and having looked at the specs it appears to be the same hull - Said hull has survived situations way beyond anything any sane person would consider - Safest driest ride you'll ever find in a boat this size - There seems to be some magic in the design - I can tickle 40 mph with my 90 four stroke with the right prop so a 75 should get it done well enough - |
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Posts: 15
| Thanks for the info! It's appreciated.
-Mike
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Posts: 243
Location: South Central Wisconsin | I have had many boats in my life. I've had tin, console and tiller, glass, console and tiller, Ranger 1860 for the glass console. But I will honestly tell you that the 1785BT I owned, was hands down the best boat I have ever owned. The ride, amazing! Dryness, awesome for a tiller, rough water, I'm talking honest 4 footers, never a doubt... The one I owned was a musky edition. It was much like the tuffy GT series where it didn't have the gunnel cap. If they ever make that boat again, I'll have one. The 75 pushes it well. Mid 30's. No need for power steering, just hydrolic assist. |
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