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Posts: 158
| I've sold my last two boats, and am looking for another. Due to economy issues I've downgraded each time, and that's fine. I'm thinking about picking up a 16ft Starcraft aluminum boat, and building the inside to my liking.
If you could start from scratch, but only had 16' to work with what would you like to see?
The last boat I musky fished out of was an 06 Tracker Pro Guide V16. 65lb Powerdrive, 50hp, and 8 hp Mercs.
I was very pleased with that boat with the exception of tackle storage. There wasn't any built in, and not many places to put it.
One other requirement is that it needs to be able to fish 3 people (me, and my boys) so I need a pretty open layout. And will probably convert any console boat to a tiller to gain some room for the whichever one of my boys is fishing in the middle. (probably have to flip coins so they don't argue) |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | In 16', either a tiller or at the most a single console would be ideal, but you're already of the tiller mindset, so we're in agreement there. Depending on how capable you are, the possiblities are endless. A good friend of mine has a 16' Alumacraft and we've had all kinds of fun building that thing up. Decks can be extended, cubby holes made, RAM mounts installed to save space elsewhere, etc. Even if it just means moving a battery or a bus bar into a compartment that you aren't using, that will free up space elsewhere that you can use for tackle storage, dry storage, a longer rod locker, etc. I guess what I'm saying is don't look at what the facotory gave you, but look at what "could" be and then make that reality.
Got any pics?
Edited by esoxfly 12/9/2010 10:40 PM
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Posts: 158
| Is a livewell required? I've never had a fish that was beat enough that it needed time in a livewell.
A 50" livewell would be hard to package I would think. Especially because at the front deck I would like the end of it to fold up to store tackle boxes under. That would mean it would either have to go in the back or on one side.
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | Depends on how you fish and what for. I unplumbed my livewell and use it for wet storage now because I have no need for it. I've never needed a livewell for a fish, but I have held fish for 20 minutes over the side of the boat though. My livewell isn't muskie-sized anyway, so either way, I'd still have to hold the fish myself. |
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Posts: 158
| esoxfly - 12/3/2010 8:44 AM
Depends on how you fish and what for. I unplumbed my livewell and use it for wet storage now because I have no need for it. I've never needed a livewell for a fish, but I have held fish for 20 minutes over the side of the boat though. My livewell isn't muskie-sized anyway, so either way, I'd still have to hold the fish myself.
For Musky, bass, bluegill/crappie, and that's about it. I might fish some local small club bass tournaments...
So with that said, I'm going to forget about adding a long musky sized livewell.
Biggest reason being it would have to be placed in the very rear, or on the sides. (on the sides might cause balance issues-not sure)
I have a M/K Powerdrive and have considered adding a co-pilot system. Any input on that setup?
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Posts: 158
| LonLB - 12/2/2010 1:31 PM
Edited by LonLB 12/3/2010 10:03 AM
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Posts: 158
| Here is a 16' boat that started from scratch too....I have yet to think of something that I would have done differently. I can store 9' rods completely out of the way (on the side locker extending up under the front deck), 2 casting decks (rear is removable), all the storage I can use, plenty of floor space, and tunes for the wife. 
It "could" fish 3, but would be tight for muskies, but other fish no problem. Could put a livewell where the bigger locker is under the front deck too - I have my baits there, no livewell in this boat. Partners baits go under the back deck usually so the floor is totally open and I have more in the longer side locker in plano boxes. The short sider locker has all the boat equipment (life jackets, tools, first aid kit, paddle, etc.). 3 batteries are under the very back of the back deck (enclosed with a flip up lid for easy access).
I got a new Beckman net since these pics were taken and I put a carribeaner clip on the end of the handle so when I'm fishing alone and net a fish I can clip the carribeaner to the other sides locker latch and I can work on the fish without the net falling in when the fish starts acting crazy - it works awesome.
Edited by Shoot2Kill 12/3/2010 10:47 AM
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| That is a sharp lookin job there!!
Looks very fishable.
How is stability up front? I once added a front deck to a 14' alumacraft and it was decent, but I could definitely feel the boat list to one side while up there...
Beautiful job regardless!!
Steve |
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Posts: 158
| When fishing solo the stability up front is not even an issue...never even notice it. When I have a guy in the back and he steps close to the side of the boat it does rock the front a tad so I do notice some movement but not enough to make me worried about taking a swim or compromising the boat. It's a very fishable boat and got slimed multiple times this year!
I have a 3 year old son, and we are expecting another son in April so I'll probably keep this boat until there are 3 of us chucking baits together some day and am forced into a bigger rig. |
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Posts: 158
| Shoot2Kill - 12/3/2010 11:13 AM
Here is a 16' boat that started from scratch too....I have yet to think of something that I would have done differently. I can store 9' rods completely out of the way (on the side locker extending up under the front deck ), 2 casting decks (rear is removable ), all the storage I can use, plenty of floor space, and tunes for the wife.
It "could" fish 3, but would be tight for muskies, but other fish no problem. Could put a livewell where the bigger locker is under the front deck too - I have my baits there, no livewell in this boat. Partners baits go under the back deck usually so the floor is totally open and I have more in the longer side locker in plano boxes. The short sider locker has all the boat equipment (life jackets, tools, first aid kit, paddle, etc. ). 3 batteries are under the very back of the back deck (enclosed with a flip up lid for easy access ).
I got a new Beckman net since these pics were taken and I put a carribeaner clip on the end of the handle so when I'm fishing alone and net a fish I can clip the carribeaner to the other sides locker latch and I can work on the fish without the net falling in when the fish starts acting crazy - it works awesome.
I like the Vinyl Gutter for tackle storage...I'm thinking of doing a similar setup as that but with a shorter rear deck. I like the mini decks on the sides so that the middle person has a place to use as a deck....Something I didn't get growing up, so I want whichever boy fishes in the middle to have one.
I'll attach a picture of the boat I'm looking at...If I don't get this one I'm going to keep looking for something similar. The interior is completely gone, so i would be starting from scratch.
I figure one side under the gunnel could be used for rod storage. Tackle storage similar to yours, and a smallish livewell somewhere in the boat.
Edited by LonLB 12/3/2010 10:52 AM
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Posts: 291
Location: Minneapolis | LonLB - 12/3/2010 11:00 AM
I have a M/K Powerdrive and have considered adding a co-pilot system. Any input on that setup?
I love my co-pilot. IMHO, it's way better than sliced bread! I always keep a foot pedal in the boat "just in case", but I haven't used it in several years. I keep a spare wrist control for the co-pilot in case the battery dies. This year I had one of the wrist controls itself, not just the battery, give up the ghost, so they're not infallible.
I fish a lot of electric motor-only lakes, so I use it ALL the time. It is really nice to control the boat from wherever you want. You can't spin the motor around as fast as with a cable drive, but that's true with any M/K pedal.
To quote my friend DJS, who fishes the electric-only lakes even more than I do, "Why didn't you make me buy this thing years ago?" |
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Posts: 158
| LonLB - 12/3/2010 10:49 AM
Shoot2Kill - 12/3/2010 11:13 AM
Here is a 16' boat that started from scratch too....I have yet to think of something that I would have done differently. I can store 9' rods completely out of the way (on the side locker extending up under the front deck ), 2 casting decks (rear is removable ), all the storage I can use, plenty of floor space, and tunes for the wife.
It "could" fish 3, but would be tight for muskies, but other fish no problem. Could put a livewell where the bigger locker is under the front deck too - I have my baits there, no livewell in this boat. Partners baits go under the back deck usually so the floor is totally open and I have more in the longer side locker in plano boxes. The short sider locker has all the boat equipment (life jackets, tools, first aid kit, paddle, etc. ). 3 batteries are under the very back of the back deck (enclosed with a flip up lid for easy access ).
I got a new Beckman net since these pics were taken and I put a carribeaner clip on the end of the handle so when I'm fishing alone and net a fish I can clip the carribeaner to the other sides locker latch and I can work on the fish without the net falling in when the fish starts acting crazy - it works awesome.
I like the Vinyl Gutter for tackle storage...I'm thinking of doing a similar setup as that but with a shorter rear deck. I like the mini decks on the sides so that the middle person has a place to use as a deck....Something I didn't get growing up, so I want whichever boy fishes in the middle to have one.
I'll attach a picture of the boat I'm looking at...If I don't get this one I'm going to keep looking for something similar. The interior is completely gone, so i would be starting from scratch.
I figure one side under the gunnel could be used for rod storage. Tackle storage similar to yours, and a smallish livewell somewhere in the boat.
Interior is gone...okay good, I was gonna say you're got your work cut out for you!
Yes, the wrap around decking is one of the things I really love about my rig and can't imagine not having it. There is a lot of space to do whatever you want and to lay rods on. We usally lay the extra rods on the locker side with the gas tank and try to land the fish on the other side so we have room to work.
The gutter box under the deck is $$...I love it there. I have a pedestal bait holder made out of the same thing. 60-70 baits at my feet and I use maybe 5. Haha!
If you need ideas in your process PM me for my email and I can send them that way, easier than posting them.
Ryan |
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Posts: 158
| rpike - 12/3/2010 11:53 AM
LonLB - 12/3/2010 11:00 AM
I have a M/K Powerdrive and have considered adding a co-pilot system. Any input on that setup?
I love my co-pilot. IMHO, it's way better than sliced bread! I always keep a foot pedal in the boat "just in case", but I haven't used it in several years. I keep a spare wrist control for the co-pilot in case the battery dies. This year I had one of the wrist controls itself, not just the battery, give up the ghost, so they're not infallible.
I fish a lot of electric motor-only lakes, so I use it ALL the time. It is really nice to control the boat from wherever you want. You can't spin the motor around as fast as with a cable drive, but that's true with any M/K pedal.
To quote my friend DJS, who fishes the electric-only lakes even more than I do, "Why didn't you make me buy this thing years ago?"
I was given a Brand new P/D Minn Kota but it is missing the prop, and foot pedal. And it's a pontoon motor (same standard P/D mount though) so it says Pontoon on the side. I figured I could do a few upgrades and still be money ahead because of the initial cost. |
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Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hi again,
Have you purchased this boat yet?
My father had one in a single console version and a normal front fishing deck... Solid boat, but word of caution....if you get into waves, you will be bounced and jammed etc due to the bluntness of the bow. It will be a rough ride since the bow cannot cut the waves as nicely as a more pointed front end...
Not to discourage you from buying it, but figured I would share experience with that particular front end design..
Lots of floor room on that model, though...
Steve |
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Posts: 158
| VMS - 12/3/2010 12:45 PM
Hi again,
Have you purchased this boat yet?
My father had one in a single console version and a normal front fishing deck... Solid boat, but word of caution....if you get into waves, you will be bounced and jammed etc due to the bluntness of the bow. It will be a rough ride since the bow cannot cut the waves as nicely as a more pointed front end...
Not to discourage you from buying it, but figured I would share experience with that particular front end design..
Lots of floor room on that model, though...
Steve
I actually thought the sharp keel would cut waves even more than a newer V-boat. That's odd. I wonder if some of the issue was due to the weigh of the boat...They are pretty light.
I'll throw up another picture of a similar boat for a better look at the bow.
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Posts: 3486
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Yep...similar to the starcraft superfisherman from the late 80's...
very rounded front end up by the deck. you get into any sort of waves where that front end gets down in between the waves and you will be thrown forward if you have any sort of speed.
Just my humble opinion of riding in one of those for quite a few years...
steve |
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Posts: 158
| I haven't bought the boat yet....I was looking at a Starcraft model that I think was actually 15ft....
I found another, much deeper and wider that is a true 16'er, and am going to go look at it this weekend. Hopefully buy it too.
With that said, a rookie question.....When I had the Tracker, I replaced the 12 volt motor with a little longer shaft T/M....I can't remember the measurements. Anyhow I knew where to start.
How do you know exactly what length shaft T/M you need. I think the one I have is either 48" or 54" so I hope that would serve me well on the type of boats I'm looking at.
Edit: It is indeed a 48" shaft.
Edited by LonLB 12/7/2010 10:28 AM
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Location: MN | If you're not set on aluminum, I would take a look at some of the fiberglass tillers such as the Ranger 680T/681T, Tuffy models and others. I can only speak for the Ranger 680T and it is a great small tiller, lots of storage, large livewell, etc. The 680T measures at 16' 11". You can pick up some older fiberglass tillers in various brands for reasonable prices.
Edited by Mak51 12/7/2010 12:20 PM
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Posts: 101
| i did pretty much the same thing as Shoot2kill. Took my 16' figured out what was inportant to me..i.e. 9' rod locker, bigger casting deck, rear casting deck for a buddy, etc. This is what I came up with. The livewell was already in the boat..I kept it for suckers and it works great.
(24132_380366778027_727938027_3666891_2543044_n.jpg)
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Posts: 158
| I'm going to go look at this one Saturday.
[IMG]http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr63/DSP74/IMAG0028JPG_src.jpg[/IMG]
http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr63/DSP74/IMAG0028JPG_src.jpg
Edited by LonLB 12/9/2010 2:45 PM
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Posts: 906
Location: Canada | 17' Spectrum that we bought as a total mess:
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=59... |
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Posts: 158
| blackriver - 12/9/2010 2:07 PM
i did pretty much the same thing as Shoot2kill. Took my 16' figured out what was inportant to me..i.e. 9' rod locker, bigger casting deck, rear casting deck for a buddy, etc. This is what I came up with. The livewell was already in the boat..I kept it for suckers and it works great.
Nice work....
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Posts: 158
| Found the answer to my Trolling Motor question.
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/_ui/sramk08/tpl/sramk_nohero_banner_f...
I would really like to hear some experiences about large tiller outboards.
75-115 HP.
Are they hard to operate? I've used smaller motors that have lots of steering torque. I'd like to have an 85-115hp but I'm curious if that would be way to big for Tiller control. |
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Posts: 258
Location: Mayville, WI |
I would really like to hear some experiences about large tiller outboards.
75-115 HP.
Are they hard to operate? I've used smaller motors that have lots of steering torque. I'd like to have an 85-115hp but I'm curious if that would be way to big for Tiller control.
On calm water, you shouldn't have a problem. However, if you're going to fish big water that gets rough in any way, get a hydraulic assist. I've got a 75hp Yamaha w/o the assist and, after my first year with it, I'll be adding it before next spring.
Otherwise, trimmed right on calmish waters there's no problem steering it, just don't let go.
They make tillers up to at least 115 (150 maybe?), but you go above 75hp and I'd be adding the assist no questions asked.
sc |
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Posts: 158
| scmuskies - 12/10/2010 9:08 AM
I would really like to hear some experiences about large tiller outboards.
75-115 HP.
Are they hard to operate? I've used smaller motors that have lots of steering torque. I'd like to have an 85-115hp but I'm curious if that would be way to big for Tiller control.
On calm water, you shouldn't have a problem. However, if you're going to fish big water that gets rough in any way, get a hydraulic assist. I've got a 75hp Yamaha w/o the assist and, after my first year with it, I'll be adding it before next spring.
Otherwise, trimmed right on calmish waters there's no problem steering it, just don't let go.
They make tillers up to at least 115 (150 maybe? ), but you go above 75hp and I'd be adding the assist no questions asked.
sc
Is there some sort of universal assist steering available. The only ones I knew of was from Merc for the really big motors.
Cost is the biggest factor for me. I know for sure I wouldn't be able to buy that for this next year. So I would need to get by for a year or two.
Some guys add a small trim tab to the skeg of the motor to help alleviate the pull from the prop. Is that something that would help with a tiller motor also? |
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| All motors come with trim tabs and, when correctly adjusted, there shouldn't be pull to one side or the other. But, it's not really on the skeg, it's on the part of the lower unit that hangs over the prop (anti-cavitation plate), the skeg is below the prop.
You can get the assist mounted for any type of motor you want & it'd be cheaper to get a used one installed. When I bought my boat this spring, one of the places I was shopping was selling a used one for $800 installed if I went with the boat they had. I believe the two big names out there are Mertens & Titan, and each is a bit different but how so I can't comment. I'm still learning about them myself.
sc |
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Posts: 158
| scmuskies - 12/10/2010 3:10 PM
All motors come with trim tabs and, when correctly adjusted, there shouldn't be pull to one side or the other. But, it's not really on the skeg, it's on the part of the lower unit that hangs over the prop (anti-cavitation plate), the skeg is below the prop.
You can get the assist mounted for any type of motor you want & it'd be cheaper to get a used one installed. When I bought my boat this spring, one of the places I was shopping was selling a used one for $800 installed if I went with the boat they had. I believe the two big names out there are Mertens & Titan, and each is a bit different but how so I can't comment. I'm still learning about them myself.
sc
There is a small piece that the high performance guys use to eliminate the steering torque. I'm pretty sure it goes on the skeg. I'll look it up and post a picture, and edit this post.
I know the tabs your talking about though.
Edit: Here is what I'm talking about.
Edited by LonLB 12/10/2010 4:04 PM
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Posts: 158
| LonLB - 12/9/2010 3:32 PM
I'm going to go look at this one Saturday.
[IMG]http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr63/DSP74/IMAG0028JPG_src.jpg[/IMG]
http://i470.photobucket.com/albums/rr63/DSP74/IMAG0028JPG_src.jpg[/...
Well I'm not going to be able to beat the price on this one. Went and looked at it today, and hopefully go get it next weekend. Maybe during the week. |
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| Check out www.tinboats.net
All sorts of good stuff on the subject. |
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| If you haven't already purchased that boat, I say don't. You'll be much happier witha 16' Lund tiller. Specifically, check out the predator and stinger models from the early 90's. Any Lund tiller will be far better than that starcraft, though. Finally, if your budget allows the Ranger 680T is a great boat you should be able to find for around $5,000. |
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