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Posts: 146
Location: Alsip, IL | Went to a dealer this week to look at a tracker guide v17 with a 90hp. I really liked the layout of the boat and the 50" live well. Boat is priced at 14,900 and is a 2011 with 34 hours on the motor. Just needs a better sonar and is ready for fishing. This dealer is also a Stratos dealer and the salesman asked me to humor him and check out an entry level glass boat. Showed me a 176 vlo and I must say he was a good salesman cause he really had me thinking that I NEEDED that boat. It has a max of 75 HP which he said will do low 40mph same as that tracker and also the storage for a 17 foot boat is ridiculous (aside from 7' 6" rod locker). Figured I'd ask the guys on here about pros and coins of glass boats, I've never fished or even ridden in anything but aluminum. I fish a lot of rocky lakes as well in the UP, not that I hit rocks but doesn't glass break fairly easy if an accident happens? Just throw some input on similar boats, anything to ease the buying process.
Thanks guys
Coltin |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | doesn't glass break fairly easy if an accident happens?
Nope. Strong stuff. |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | Put a Keel guard on that will help. I had a crestliner now I have a skeeter I wont go back to aluminum . |
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Posts: 153
| I to perfer aluminum over fiberglass because I to fish alot of northern lakes that are rocky both have pros and cons fiberglass typicaly rides better in rougher water than aluminum fiberglass is alot more stable than aluminum in rough water usually todays fiberglass boats way about the same as an aluminum boat as far as durability if you hit a rock hard enough with aluminum you can tear a hole in it. If you do go with fiberglass make for sure to put a keal guard on they look nice and they protect the keal if you ever have to beach it another boat that you might want to look at is a g3 their aluminum and their built the exact same way as a lund or an alumacraft but their alot more affordable check em out aluminum typicaly gives you alot better hole shot than fiberglass like I said each has their pros and cons you have to decide witch one fits your needs and your style of fishing good luck shop around and compare boats and see what you like definetly check out g3 though g3boats.com |
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Posts: 146
Location: Alsip, IL | well now I have to shop around a little more I guess. Anybody know anything about Stratos? Salesman told me the same company that owns ranger owns them. I know rangers and considered to be one of the best |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Stratos, Triton and Ranger are owned by the same investment group. |
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Posts: 1000
| Did Ranger get sold or does that same group still own Crestliner and Lund? |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Sold, sort of. Crestliner and Lund are Brunswick brands now. |
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Posts: 24
| Fish bass almost as much as musky and the VLO has me drooling...long center rod locker is nice feature...seems like a great entry level glass boat...Ranger guys, you feel extra $$ spent worth it?...wife gave the okay to seriously start looking...will keep an eye on other replies as I too have same concerns...Keep the posts coming fellas |
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Posts: 719
| Hitting rocks is a relative thing, hit one hard enough to do real damage (real hard) and you tear a hole in both...BUT you can easily fix holes and scuffs in glass...not so easy in aluminum. The Stratos is made in the same factory as the Triton and Ranger lines are...content and construction differs and thats what you pay more for. Glass is way more durable than most think, in my mind quite a bit stronger when taking a hit (don't ask how I know) fishes and rides quite a bit better and generally has better and dryer storage. |
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Posts: 43
| I fish muskie out of a 04 ranger 175 vs with a 115 yami 4stroke. i know this is a matter of opinion but here are what i feel the pros and cons.
Pros
Awesome for casting, low to the water great for figure 8s.
Big front deck and a nice sized rear deck.
fishes 2 guys comfortable for muskie 3 is a bit of a challenge.
Im told they are better in the wind as they dont get blown around as much as a high sided v hull.
Cons
storage is far from adequate. If you use a lakewood or similar style box there isnt really a good place for it.
Same with the net i stand it up and lean it agains the side bit its still bulk and in the way.
rod lockers only hold up to 7 foot in this particular boat.
pretty sketchy in 2-3 footers if u ask me.
If u "bump" a rock you should be fine. if you hit a rock you will damage the hull but wouldn't the same hold true for aluminum.
That being said im in the market for a used lund tiller. I love the open layout for tackle and fighting fish. also want to try some river fishing and not brave enough to venture out on unfamiliar rivers with a glass hull.
If you ask me its all preference. depends what features are more important to you, and what and where you intend to use it.
just my .02 |
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