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Posts: 33
| If you had 15 -18 grand what boat would you buy? I would like all around fishing fam boat. Primarily muskie but still family oriented? 18 ft. what would be your pic? |
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Posts: 136
Location: Dane Country | There is only two boats for me. Ranger or Tuffy. |
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| Ranger, Lund, Tuffy |
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Posts: 63
| tuffy, lund, ranger. |
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Posts: 791
Location: North Central IL USA | we takin' new boat? I'd go with Alumacraft. |
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Location: Des Moines IA | Ideas .... If it was me. I'd go for the Tuffy ....
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/classifieds/75127/Tuffy.Pro.Series....
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/classifieds/78399/Ranger/
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/classifieds/70574/Ranger.Fisherman.... |
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Posts: 373
Location: Maine Township, MN | I went with a new Alumacraft myself. Once I decide to upgrade, Skeeter gets my vote. |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | For aluminum I think Alumacraft offers great quality vs price. The Navigators are nice boats with dual rod lockers and lots of storage.
I'm tempted to look into fiberglass for my next boat and the Tuffy 1760 T is high on my list. I'm sure Rangers are very nice but not cheap and if buying used they seem to keep a high resale also (good for the owner, bad for the buyer).
For fishing only i love bigger tiller boats. If you'll be pulling many tubers or skiers a console might be a better choice. |
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| Sounds like you want a family boat to tube, cruise, etc in addition to fish. However, if you're a fisherman that casts a lot for muskies, bass, etc I would recommend against a full windshield. It just gets in the way too much. Always stepping around it, cuts off front from back, acts like a sail in windy conditions. A tiller is most wide open, but if you plan family activities you might opt for the side console. I know it can get stormy on any lake and in those conditions a full windshield is nice, but I found when its that rough my family isn't out in the elements anyway. Side console is a good compromise.
As soon as my family was grown and not tubing anymore, I was stuck with an expensive Ranger 18 foot windshield boat that always felt cumbersome. Just not the best platform for the fishing/casting that I do. A tiller or side console is next for me...
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I'd have to disagree on the windshield rigs. I've owned two myself and feel they are no different than a dual console. Everyone says they take up a lot of room. What room is taken up in a windshield rig versus a dual console? I still can't figure this one out myself. At times, yes, the wind can grab them a bit easier but over time you get use to it and learn how to run the boat in higher winds.
I've never seen that much difference to where I've thought why do I own a windshield rig. They obviously aren't for everyone, but until you have experience with one and can make that decision confidently, I would definitely suggest not overlooking one if a windshield rig appeals to you. They really do make a great all around option for fishing and family activities.
Edited by TJ DeVoe 10/24/2012 9:48 AM
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Posts: 1169
Location: New Hope MN | I'd buy Ranger Bay or a 690/692. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | TJ DeVoe - 10/24/2012 9:36 AM
I'd have to disagree on the windshield rigs. I've owned two myself and feel they are no different than a dual console. Everyone says they take up a lot of room. What room is taken up in a windshield rig versus a dual console? I still can't figure this one out myself. At times, yes, the wind can grab them a bit easier but over time you get use to it and learn how to run the boat in higher winds.
I've never seen that much difference to where I've thought why do I own a windshield rig. They obviously aren't for everyone, but until you have experience with one and can make that decision confidently, I would definitely suggest not overlooking one if a windshield rig appeals to you. They really do make a great all around option for fishing and family activities.
this...never owned one but certainly enjoy the ride in those I have fished out of and it doesn't take any more room up then dual consoles.
a windshield in a glass boat won't catch that much more wind...and a windshield in a smaller aluminum boat like a Lund can be a god send in rough water |
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Posts: 167
Location: Ontario | If you want family and fishing, the Crestliner Sportfish has treated me well. I have the 1950 and can fit 9 people in seats or convert everything to "fishing" mode and only have 2 seats with good platforms front and back. It is a full windshield and I have found that with kids, nothing beats it to keep them out of the wind when cruising along. No yelling so everyone can hear either! |
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| My dream boat is a Tuffy 1760 Esox DW with a Yamaha or Honda 90hp 4 stroke.
I don't want to max out the boat and feel a 90hp would be perfect to troll with.
I think it would be perfect for me especially with a 36 volt Ipilot trolling motor.
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Posts: 1416
Location: oconomowoc, wi | ranger reatta |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | my family ... 4 kids enjoy our ranger 690. when the kids were younger i had a bay ranger and we loved that one too. for the number you have i would suggest shopping for a 692 and/or a Champion Fish Hunter. great multi-purpose boats and for that number you are right on the money to get one of these. you'll love it and it won't lose any value. mine has increased in market value since i bought it.
the bayrangers can be a bit inconvenient though because they are tall when on a trailer and tough to fit into a garage as a result. |
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Posts: 1252
Location: Walker, MN | A center counsel bay boat with front and rear casting decks are great for kids and function very well for Muskie fishing.
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Posts: 265
Location: Hudson,WI | I love my Ranger 618VS with the Yamaha F-150. I spent a few K more than the 18, and than with upgrades a few K more, but it was well worth it 
It's a great boat, but some days I wish it had the full windshield. They aren't very stylish, but they sure are functional. |
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Posts: 397
| Navigator, or a lund impact |
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Posts: 121
Location: Plymouth IA | For under 18k there are some nice boats for sale on this site. When my kids were little and would take the nieces and nephews in the boat too I liked my tiller. Could keep an eye on all while running the boat. Now that everyone is older the console is nice. When buying used unless you fix you own motors stay with the brand the mechanic you trust likes. For the boat buying used stay with a brand that has been around and is known for quality.
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Posts: 262
| I read a lot of people talking rangers and for good reason, great boats. I doubt you will find one for 15-18 g's. I had a crestliner fishawk 1850 that I bought for around 14 g's it was a great boat. Fished well. Held the family , pulled a tube. Good all around rig in my opinion. Brother fishes outa one too. |
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Posts: 33
| Thanks for all replies after alot of research I went with a used 1775 impact. Nicely rigged for a little more $$$. |
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Posts: 2097
| I have around 20K tied up when I bought this new with my addons last year.
Center rod holders hold 8'ers. Two side lockers can hold up to 10'ers on each side. 96"beam. I love it so far for myself, wife, and 3 year old.
Edited by cave run legend 3/18/2013 2:51 PM
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Posts: 121
Location: Plymouth IA | Team Jerklip - 3/18/2013 2:35 PM
Thanks for all replies after alot of research I went with a used 1775 impact. Nicely rigged for a little more $$$.
Congrats on the boat. |
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Posts: 397
| nice boat my friend just got one and loves it. great layout! |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | nice boat when do you pick it up |
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