Brian Hoffies - 3/30/2025 10:49 AM

Safety is job 1. Be sure it's not underpowered to meet a price point. Find a boat thats safe for the size of the water you fish. Next try and match that to the style of fishing you like to do. Will you be casting, trolling, rigging? Then don't over-spend. If it's your first boat you will find things you don't like. You will move onto a second boat, everybody does. Don't get upside down where you can't get out from under it.

Good luck, have fun.

bloatlord - 3/31/2025 10:44 AM

17 foot is plenty big. I own a 17 foot crestliner vision with a 115hp. Some big water you will absolutely need to be careful with. Despite its relatively short length, it has been incredibly stable for me. My only complaint is that the back casting deck is very narrow, but I got a just encase to help me deal. I have very few complaints other than maybe not wanting to hit waters like Leech or Mille Lacs on windier days.

VMS - 3/31/2025 9:33 AM

Hiya,

All good information!! If you get a chance, I would say make a list of features you are looking for, then begin a search online for old sales brochure pages, etc...they exist and at times you can find out a lot about a rig from there.

I know the last two rigs I purchased I spent a lot of time thinking about how I fish, where I would want things, items to store, access easy, etc. It all helped but as others have said, after some time, you will find things that you don't like and it may get you to upgrade. Think of things you'd add on as well... Where would you like electronics to be, how do you want to attach them? Rod storage... gas cans/tanks, etc. It all comes into play....

Overall I would say the choice is not easy...and, given you are not at a purchase point yet, asking about features a rig has here can give you some great insight from people who have had the outfits you are considering.

Motor-wise... I cannot say enough about getting the most you can in HP...but also in that aspect, the engine displacement.... The larger the displacement, the better. Case in point: the 90hp Yamaha 2 stroke. Smallest displacement in it's class, and definitely not a true 90hp (if memory serves me correctly, manufacturers had something like a 10% window +/-). Had similar top end speed to the other brands out there, but it really lacked in low end torque.... I believe it was something around 67cc and built on the same platform as their 70hp motor vs 105 cc for an OMC 90hp which was same displacement as their 115hp.

Get the best for what you can get. Enjoy the search!!

Steve

RLSea - 3/31/2025 1:58 PM

For the sake of economy my advice is to look at used boats in your size and price range. I'm on my 4th boat in 40 years and have never bought new. My present boat is a used Ranger which I bought from a dealer 2 states away. But...there are a few things you need to be aware of. Engine, transom, deck, and trailer are things to be sure are in good condition. If you buy used from a dealer, he can provide engine data and some assurance of the condition of the other items. Transom replacement is the 2nd most expensive thing although some have done it themselves. For the trailer, generally tires older than 5 years will need to be replaced. If you're handy, you can save a lot of money and add some personal touches to your boat.

jvlast15 - 3/31/2025 2:26 PM

I have a Ranger 690 VS. My boat is a '98. New to me in 2020 - So I purchased a boat that was over 20 years old. I would not let a used boat that is in good condition scare you away. I would do your due diligence as far as getting the motor looked at by a professional before purchasing - if you go that route.

I do not believe you need to max out horsepower, either, as long as the boat can still easily get on plane. My boat is rated for a 175 but have never felt like the 150 that is on it is in any way underpowered.

Last thing - get a boat with a layout that you find useful. I cast 90% of the time for muskies. So I purchased a boat that I could comfortably stand pretty much anywhere on the rig to cast.

Muskie101 - 3/31/2025 2:46 PM




I won't dismiss a used boat but seeing the price on a lowe's boat completely blinged out
For 41k brand new blinged out starting price for the low 1675 new is 23k starting

And then a 2011 crestliner 1850 with 194 hours selling for 26k on craigslist
Is Definitely a thought



Definitely agree from being on other boats casting space is important

also important to have something where if someone decides to fly past you even if you lose your balance you still fall in the boat

jvlast15 - 3/31/2025 4:15 PM



Yep totally get it looking at new. I do think going from a 1675 to an 1850 would be a significant advantage as far as confidence on big water. Both would probably be fine - but the added width you typically get from an 18 compared to a 16 might make it easier to handle bigger water. But smaller has its advantages, too. Half the lakes I want to fish in SD right now I cannot get my boat into because the water is so low. 16' would probably allow me to get into those waters when my current 18' doesnt.

esoxaddict - 3/31/2025 5:39 PM

I wouldn't jump the gun...

Fished with guides early on and out of lots of different boats with friends before I could even get an idea of what I wanted.

I went from wanting a Crestliner, to a Lund Alaskan, to 619 Ranger, to a Tuffy 1760, to a 621 Ranger, back and forth between a tiller to a console, walk through windshield... I want 300 HP! I want the hole shots you get with a 2 stroke, No I don't want to fart around adding oil, I want a kicker, I don't want a kicker. I want to do 65!

You have to consider where you're going to be using your boat most. Do you want a console? Are you fishing big water late in the season in wind and waves? Think about the lakes you fish. Are they small, what are the landings like? What are you pulling it with? Where are you gonna keep it? (i.e. will it fit in your garage?) Is it going to sit on a lift at your weekend place all summer? Are you married? Any kids? Do you fish from the back or the front? How many guys do you usually have in your boat?

TCESOX - 3/31/2025 7:00 PM

I've always chosen a boat that is usually in demand, it makes re-sale easy. I buy a 5 year old boat, every 10 years. I usually sell the old boat for about what I paid for it. It usually has a few upgrades by the time I sell it, but over 10 years, it ends up pretty cheap on a yearly basis. The new one usually costs more, but I have more equity in it, due to the amount I can put down from the sale of the old one. I have had Lund Pro V/Pro Guide tillers, because they suit how I fish, but there are other brands and models that also hold their value and are always in high demand. This way, your boat is never too old, but you are also not paying the depreciation on a new boat. And, if you ever need to sell due to life circumstances, and not choice, they are pretty easy to get rid of without taking a bath.

VMS - 3/31/2025 10:51 PM

Hiya!!

I would say no. The big issue would be whether or not the boat can take two batteries if you decide to go to a 24 volt system at some point (again, dependent on size of your rig you are looking at).

The big thing when it comes to a trolling motor is to ensure it is a long enough shaft. Too short of a shaft and the prop will come out in larger seas, making position control, etc. much more challenging.

I wouldn't think with the rig you are considering you'd need anything more than an 80 lb thrust. The more thrust, you could argue the less battery you will use in given conditions....a nice plus, especially if you are on a trip and don't have access to charging as easily.

Steve