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Posts: 280
| Thinking about pulling the trigger on an X-170 and would like to hear from those that ran it last season. The lakes I fish are usually less than 3000 acres. Rarely will I have 3 people in the boat. Usually alone or one other person.
Anybody have the factory deck? Seems odd that it would cover the switch/gauge panel.
What size trolling motor are you using? Any issues with installation?
Any input is greatly appreciated. |
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Posts: 32901
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I've owned one for a couple years. I run a 55# electric, and it's all I ever need. I built my own deck, but it's similar to the factory model, I built mine before one was available. The deck does cover the switches, but a simple access cover solves that.
The X170 is a great boat for lakes to 5000 acres or so. 2.5' waves are no issue at all. It floats in less than a foot, and is a nice, stable platform to fish from. I had Bob from Just Encase build a front deck box, and it made the inside of that rig perfect for fishing muskies. And bass. And bluegills and crappies.
The boat runs about 30 MPH with a full load and a 50. Handles rough water well. Controls like a dream. I really like mine.
The hull was originally offered as an offshore center console ride, designed to fish the inshore flats and as a tender for larger boats. |
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Posts: 206
| I'm sure the x-170 is a great muskie boat but wondering how it trolls in chop for walleyes? Also, what is approx cost of rear casting deck? Thx |
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Posts: 32901
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Define 'chop'. The X170 is not a 'big water' rig. On one hand, you say one model 'is a walleye boat' due to freeboard and big water design, on the other asking how a low profile performs in rough water. The X170 IS a true V, and runs rough water well, but it is not a boat I'd choose for Winnebago on a windy day.
The X190 was designed for exactly that demand for a 'hybrid' that handles both very well. |
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Posts: 206
| I would say your typical "walleye chop" maybe trolling in up to 2 footers and a 15 mph wind..??
Edited by smalljaw 2/26/2013 10:12 AM
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Posts: 32901
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | 2' is not an issue at all. |
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Posts: 206
| That's helpful, I had read a previous thread about the Esox Magnum being a great boat in many respects but not trolling through waves. Sounds like it could take water over the bow in chop. But if I hear what you're saying that would not be an issue with the x-170. |
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Posts: 32901
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | That's correct. |
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| I was curious how the 6 gallon tank works out or if people are using larger portable or two 6's. Thanks. BR |
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Posts: 32901
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | 6 is more than enough. I think I used a couple tanks last year. Fishing Canada in the past I used 2. |
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Posts: 206
| Sorry to beat the "can it handle chop?" issue but how about the X-170 versus an Alumacraft Classic in 2 footers? Similar length boats, but entirely different materials. X-170 is glass but the Alumacraft is wider.
Both boats would be great for smaller waters and calmer seas. But which would troll into or quarter at faster speeds into 2 foot waves better? |
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Posts: 32901
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The X170T is designed to handle that sort of chop. Can't speak for the Alumacraft, should be a good boat. |
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Posts: 206
| Last year while fishing in my 16 foot Alumacraft Lunker tiller, we were on Waubay in South Dakota and took off from the dock on a calm day. Got to the far end to pitch and flip in the trees and stumps for smallies, then the wind came up... 25 mph and 3 footers. I didn't think we were going to make it back. Luckily got behind a larger boat that cut the waves for us.
I guess I just don't want to get caught in a situation like that again. Granted the Lunker is small and aluminum. I don't plan to fish in "big water" very often but want to know if I do I can get back safely.
Would I be able to get back in three footers with the X-170? Not fishing in 3 footers, but stable enough to make it back to the dock 2 miles away?
Edited by smalljaw 3/8/2013 2:39 PM
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Posts: 32901
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Stability has nothing to do with it, but yes, no issues in waves like you mention. |
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Posts: 633
Location: Madison, WI | i would have to disagree with sworrall on the x-170 having no issues going 2 miles in 3' waves. Im sure you could do it, but i think there would def be issues. I would be willing to bet it would be pretty rough in my 1760 in 3' waves and thats a much larger boat. |
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Posts: 206
| Appreciate the input, wondering if you have driven an x-170 and what impressions you have.. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Disagree all you wish, we have done exactly that. The boat handled better than I would have imagined. My son, Keith, actually was driving the prototype bay boat on the way out to an Island resort on LOTW, and it was really rough out there. I thought he'd tuck in behind me, as I was running a 20' boat following the Launch, and instead, he was out on the port side right out in the whitecaps. Even the launch, a 21' Lund Baron, I think, was running pretty slow. We were on Sabaskong Bay. It was rough out there. I yelled at Keith when we arrived, and he told me to relax, it wasn't a big deal. I got one the next month. Keith's boat was actually used to create the pattern for the X170.
I got caught on Wabigoon in absolute 3' waves, and ran about a half mile in the stuff across the open river channel area. I wasn't delighted, but the boat handlled it just fine.
I was on Pelican last year during the KWM, and was called over to the east shore on a strong west wind. It was WAY too rough to get up next to the contestant boat; had to toss the measuring board over to him and use the zoom on my camera to read and photograph the measure. At least 2.5' waves, with a 3 thrown in every few. It wasn't an issue running it, and I had Sue with me.
I've owned this hull in two different models since 2003, and have been in about every kind of waves one might encounter on any 'average' inland lake and some rather big ones too, no issues. I had an 1890 in the driveway with a 200 strapped to the back most of last year, and ran it twice; once to fish and once to shoot it for the website, didn't need to fish it much because I have an X170.
Sure, it's only 16'10" and 75" wide. I wouldn't recommend it for use in really big water if you intend to be fishing big stuff all the time. That's why they build a 21 footer. But if you get caught out there in some bad stuff, you should be fine. I have been. |
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Posts: 206
| This boat has been out there a little while now, so this is exactly the kind of first hand experience a lot of us are looking for. Anyone else whose spent any time in an x-170 is encouraged to chime in.
For those of us that haven't been in this boat, and see it in person the first time its like - yeah, that boat would be great in some skinny rivers and smaller lakes. But what about when I want to fish Mille Lacs or Rainy Lake? It looks a little too narrow and shallow at first glance...but we've never driven it in anything rough to really know either.
Thanks for the real world experience Steve and I hope to hear from others.. |
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