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Muskie Fishing -> Muskie Boats and Motors -> Help Choosing a Guide Boat
 
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Message Subject: Help Choosing a Guide Boat
TSMUSKY89
Posted 11/13/2017 8:51 PM (#884243)
Subject: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 49


Next summer I will be starting to guide for musky and I'm in need of a boat that can safely handle three casters. I'd like to stay away from Ranger, because I just don't have the money and would like a newer boat. I have a couple models in mind, but would love feedback from anyone with experience in any of the boats. I am trying to choose between a single console Skeeter MX1825 (2012), Tuffy 1890 Osprey (2009+), or a Skeeter WX2000T (2009-2010). I'll be fishing big and small water. Here are some of my concerns/questions: Does the MX have an adequate front deck for two casters? Does the WX2000T have an area that I can fish from/run the trolling motor in the back of the boat? I've always fished from console boats, so the tiller is uncharted territory. I'd love to hear from anyone who guides from the back of the boat in a tiller like the WX2000T. Any other information/input on those models would be great too. Thanks in advance!
muskycop
Posted 11/13/2017 10:28 PM (#884250 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: RE: Help Choosing a Guide Boat




Posts: 76


Location: New Lenox, Illinois
Take a look at the Recon
sworrall
Posted 11/13/2017 11:38 PM (#884253 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 32759


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
I can help you with Tuffy info, and get you the best Guide pricing as well, drop me a PM.
Chain Gang
Posted 11/14/2017 3:18 AM (#884256 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat




Posts: 489


I'd recommend the x190, you're going to get the biggest front deck of any boat out there that's under 21'. It handles big and small water just fine.
Brian Hoffies
Posted 11/14/2017 7:23 AM (#884266 - in reply to #884256)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 1663


Yes you can cast and operate from the back of a WX2000T. A big enough front deck also. I would set it up with a Ulterra bow mount so you can stow and deploy from the back. They are a nice riding boat and the 115 hp (2010) and newer will push the boat fine

Edited by Brian Hoffies 11/14/2017 7:28 AM



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kirkkopplin
Posted 11/14/2017 10:44 AM (#884280 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: RE: Help Choosing a Guide Boat




Posts: 242


Location: Madison
you have a pm
MuskyMATT7
Posted 11/14/2017 11:01 AM (#884281 - in reply to #884280)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 553


Location: 15 miles east of Lake Kinkaid
Buy a Ranger and you won't have to compromise. You will also get more clients who want to fish out of the best.
Fishboy19
Posted 11/14/2017 11:06 AM (#884282 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: RE: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 296


I fished out of one of these up in Canada on Eagle Lake about a month ago. Never really heard of them, but I was impressed with its fishability and performance. Nothing fancy, but its built like a tank. Enormous deck and tons of room inside. Crushed waves in rough water. Might be worth looking into. I here Julian bought these for all the Andy Myers guides. Eagle can be a bear when the wind blows and it does often out there in the fall.
http://www.kingfisherboats.com/ModelDetails.aspx?prod=25
Glaucus_
Posted 11/14/2017 1:21 PM (#884292 - in reply to #884281)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat




Posts: 135



Buy a Ranger and you won't have to compromise. You will also get more clients who want to fish out of the best.

It's good to know this site can still make me laugh sometimes...


Of the boats actually being considered by the OP, my experience is that the Tuffy 1890 and Skeeter WX2000T will offer a much more comfortable work-space for guiding. There's no way around the fact that the WX1825 is much smaller than the other two, even in a single console version. Both the 1890 and 2000T have adequate front decks for 2 clients.
The Skeeter tiller with a 115hp Yamaha offers the option of trolling with the main motor, something the Tuffy 1890 would want a kicker motor for since it most likely has a 175hp or 200hp Optimax. Depending on how they're rigged, and your plans to troll or not, it might be a cost saver for your first upgrade boat.
The Tuffy 1890 is going to offer a better rear fishing area for you as a guide, especially if it has the rear deck extension insert offered by the factory.

Even better, call and ask about the experiences of guides who have worked out of those models:

Skeeter MX1825: Ryan McMahon
http://twincitiesmusky.com/

Tuffy 1890: Norm Wild
http://www.wildmusky.com/

Skeeter WX2000T: Dave Williamson
http://muskystalker.com/


Edited by Glaucus_ 11/14/2017 1:24 PM
14ledo81
Posted 11/14/2017 1:44 PM (#884295 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 4269


Location: Ashland WI
But..... if a guide does not have a Ranger, I'm certainly not going to hire him...
BNelson
Posted 11/14/2017 2:33 PM (#884296 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Location: Contrarian Island
Ryan went to a Ranger this year. His business is up 50% ! haha. he did go to a ranger tho...
personally you can take what (most) guides drive w a grain of salt imo, most times they are simply going w the best deal they can get on whatever pro (promo) staff they can...
most guides say whatever boat they have is "the best" one and then miraculously the next brand they jump to is now the best...
you are better off looking at what boats die hard musky guys use than what a guide is driving....
money no object, Ranger is the top of the line. I own a Ranger... and a Tuffy so I can say that

Edited by BNelson 11/14/2017 3:59 PM
Glaucus_
Posted 11/14/2017 2:52 PM (#884299 - in reply to #884296)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat




Posts: 135



money no object, Ranger is the top of the line. I own a Ranger...


Twice in one thread! It's a banner day on MuskieFirst!
VMS
Posted 11/14/2017 3:02 PM (#884300 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 3467


Location: Elk River, Minnesota
Hiya,

For the boats you are considering, I would say get 2 other people in the boat and position them where you feel they will be casting. Check each of the boats out and see which one works the best.

The best boat will be the one that suits your needs as well as what makes things as comfortable as possible for your clients, while staying safe and allowing enough room for all the goodies you need. Think of placement of electronics, rods, tackle storage, cooler, etc. Go in with a game plan on what to look for and what you need, then choose from there. Determine which boat has the best layout for everyone. This will save you money in the long run because you are getting a boat you know will suit the needs and last a while. I'd hate to see a guide just getting started get a boat that he/she find out it doesn't suit the needs, then they sell out for a lot less money. Money lost.

Steve
TSMUSKY89
Posted 11/14/2017 3:44 PM (#884303 - in reply to #884266)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 49


Love the boat! How much space do you have in the back? Did you make that platform in the back, or is it after market?
Jeff Hanson
Posted 11/14/2017 3:50 PM (#884304 - in reply to #884300)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat




Posts: 935


I have owned 3 Tuffy 1890 GT tillers and have guided out of them the last 10 years, I guided out of Esox Magnums before that. I have fished 4 guys many times out of my boat it has a ton of room. Is great in rough water is very wide and stable. A ton of dry storage and I can stick 9' Rods in my rod locker. I have a 2015 Now will sell at end of season and will order a 2018 1890 GT.
I have fished out of Ranger 18' and 20' tillers I would take mine any day.
I have been offered sponsor ship deals from other boat companies and dealers including Ranger but for guiding every day I need the best tool for the job and for me its my 1890GT.
Front deck is huge on this boat. I do not have a deck extension on mine for the back, and never felt that I have needed it.
Jeff Hanson
madisonmuskyguide.com

Edited by Jeff Hanson 11/14/2017 3:56 PM
TSMUSKY89
Posted 11/14/2017 3:56 PM (#884306 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 49


Thanks for all the advice and recommendations, everyone. I think I'll be looking for a Tuffy 1890 or a Skeeter WX2000T. Now all I have to do is find one that fits the bill. They aren't the most readily available boats on the market, especially when you're looking for specific year classes, in excellent condition. Again, thanks, and feel free to give any more input you'd like! I enjoy hearing about everyone's experiences in different boats.
TSMUSKY89
Posted 11/14/2017 4:03 PM (#884307 - in reply to #884304)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 49


Jeff... I had someone else PM me that you may be listing your 1890. They said it was an excellent boat to fish out of. Any info on your boat would be nice to hear.. I do have a few questions for you. In my search for an 1890, I see some boats with thinner gunwales and others with thicker gunwales. Is there a difference in performance or materials? Do you feel like your relatively low in the water for nice figure eights and fish handling? Also, how does your 1890 handle in the wind? Thanks!

Edited by TSMUSKY89 11/14/2017 6:13 PM
malenurse
Posted 11/14/2017 6:33 PM (#884316 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat




Posts: 69


Location: Pine River MN.
I bought a 2009 WX2000T with a 150 Yamaha last year winter. If you can find one, buy it!
Jeff Hanson
Posted 11/14/2017 6:42 PM (#884318 - in reply to #884316)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat




Posts: 935


Taylor,
Yes I will be listing boat for sale by end of the month.
I sent you a pm.
Jeff Hanson
madisonmuskyguide.com
Brian Hoffies
Posted 11/15/2017 2:17 PM (#884444 - in reply to #884306)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 1663


Sorry I'm so late I was traveling. I think that the Warrior dealer Kavish Marine (I think thats the name) in Moorhead Mn. had a 2009 or 2010 Skeeter. I know it had a 150 on it. This was a couple of months ago so it may be gone.

Can I ask why you are specific on those years? Is it to get the 150 on it or what you feel you can afford at this time? Or some other reason?
TSMUSKY89
Posted 11/15/2017 8:02 PM (#884456 - in reply to #884444)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 49


Targeting those years to save some money (I also wouldn't mind a 150 yami). Seems like the introduction years of the Skeeter models are much less expensive than the following years. If there was a smoking deal out there for a newer model, I'd scoop it up!

They must of sold it... It's not on their used inventory anymore.

Edited by TSMUSKY89 11/15/2017 8:04 PM
Brian Hoffies
Posted 11/15/2017 8:18 PM (#884458 - in reply to #884243)
Subject: Re: Help Choosing a Guide Boat





Posts: 1663


I don't think the WX2000T were rated for a 150 hp motor after 2009. You will save a little money if you can find a hull in that age but to be honest with the soaring prices of new boats used hulls are bringing as much as they sold for new in some cases. I'm guessing my 2014 is worth as much or more then what I paid when I bought it. It will be interesting to see what the 2018 are selling for.
Good luck on the search, they are out there but hard to find. Be ready to hop on one if the situation arises.

Edited by Brian Hoffies 11/16/2017 7:49 AM
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