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Posts: 620
Location: Seymour, WI | I've started the boat shopping process. I'm pretty excited to be upgrading as my current rig is old & small.
I want to try to keep my purchase under $10,000 so I realize I'm talking about a used aluminum boat. I would like a 17' side console. Fishability is the most important feature for me. Top end speed is not important to me as I normally fish inland lakes.
I'd like to hear what your opinions are on the best aluminum muskie boat. Lund, Crestliner, G3, Mirro, Alumacraft. Please post the make, model, engine pairing and what you like and dislike about the boat.
I think this is going to be a fun process. I'll keep you posted with how it turns out.
Thanks,
Grass |
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Posts: 135
| I struggled with the same decision. I bought a new 2000 Lund Rebel 1650SS in 2000. I repowered with a 50 HP E TEC this year. Fishability is excellent. The low sides make it easy to release Muskies and to figure eight. The boat is deep and handles rough water well, not the 4 footers that some talk about, but I feel it would handle them. I think if you found one of these, it would be perfect for you. The major disadvantage, is the lack of a full windshield. Lund is promoting a nice package now, called a REBEL, based on the CLASSIC series. You may want to look at that, it is available with a full windshield, but I think you would loose too much space. For the last eight years, I have launched a minimum of 100 times each year, the boat works! If you fish by yourself or with one other person , fine, three people , look at an Explorer. Good Luck!
John |
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| I would think you could find a 1996-1998 pro v 1775 console...be a very nice rig...if you check some of the other websites classifieds there is one on there that looks very clean, w 125hp merc for 9500 |
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Posts: 10
Location: WI | Crestliner Fish Hawk series. 1650 or 1750. I've got the 1650 with a 40hp and have a buddy with a 1750 with a 90hp.
For muskie fishing I'll take the Crestliners over the Lunds.
I've fished out of a Lund 17' Pro-V and have a ton more room in a 1650 Crestliner. The buddy with the 1750 was taking a look at a Lund Mr. Pike or the 1750. He chose the 1750 for the price and the amount of open space inside the boat. Not a fan of the wide sides on the older lund models, it gets in the way during a figure 8.
Both the 1650 and 1750 models are extremely stable while on the go and while casting. Tons of open space for fighting muskies and to cast with two or three people in the boat. Nice big livewell. 1650 does fine with a 12v trolling motor. The 1750 needs a 24v.
For speed the 1650 and a 40hp is a feels a little slow 25-28mph. I bought it used so can't complain. Good trolling boat.
Good Luck! |
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Posts: 190
| I liked the alumacraft magnum 165. The 165 is important because the 175 had a different layout. The magnum was the first attempt into the musky market in my opinion and was replaced by the navigator. Reason being is that it had a side 54" livewell. I think they were made until 2002 or 03 so you should be in the price range. At the time I could not afford to buy it new so I bought a used alumacraft 185 competitor instead. I liked the 185 but it was more a walleye boat than musky.
cbuf |
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Posts: 177
Location: Cohasset, MN | As was mentioned - pay attention to how well you'll be able to perform your figure 8's. Some boat layouts don't let you get close enough to the side to do a comfortable F8. |
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Posts: 425
Location: Roseau | I went with a Sylvan, 1999 with a 90hp, full windsheild 16 ft. It was under $10,000. I have been in Lunds and Alumacrafts, honestly I cant tell a diffrence in the ride or quality. I run this boat on LOTW and have been in some rough water and it handles it well. So that might be an option also, maybe not one of the big names, you just might be suprised!! Good luck! |
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Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo | I will have to throw in the G3.It's a V172T with 40hp Yam.The boat is very stable,lots of room and tons of storage with two rod boxes,but only up to 7fters.It has vinyl flooring in the bottom.Fuel capacity is like 33gal,but i never fill up.The trailer has the pull out tongue for storage/security.This boat is a little big for the 40,but still tops out at 25mph(one lake with 40hp limit) and i tried the two boat thing.Of course im talking about a '08 model G3,and as far as the older ones,i dont know there set-up.I do know that G3 is pushing more sales than ever and they do have the boat to show for it.I did sell my Lund to get the G3,but sponsorship and having family working there put me in the boat.Good luck on your choice. |
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Posts: 5874
| One of the nicest aluminum boats I fished out of for muskies was the Crestliner CVX-182. Big front AND rear decks. They only mad that boat for a couple years. Landy R has one, and I think Ralph Florio(Where is he, anyway?) had one. I think if you could find one now, it could be around $10K.
My favorite aluminum was my 2002 Lund Angler SS. Wide and stable, it had side lockers you could stand on. Back deck was adequate. I never had any complaints. Front deck was big, and lots of storage. Had a 135 Opti on it, and the thing flew. 50+ depending on load. Might be a bit more than 10K now, but the 2000 Mr Pike 17 was the same hull, and those can now be had for a good price. |
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Posts: 48
| I have an 18 ft. Lund Alaskan with a 50 hp Honda pushing it. Lots of room, enough storage and handles rough seas very well. The vinyl floor is a big plus for maintenance. It doesn't have a muskie sized live well, but I don't plan on putting one in there anyways. The 19 gal gas tank lasts a very long time with the 4 stroke and that is a good thing these days. Not a fancy rig, but it is very well built and sometimes simple is better.
The only down side I have found is boat control when it is very windy. Make sure you put plenty of power on the trolling motor to make up for it.
Rocko |
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Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes | We fish out of a 17' Tracker Targa SC 60HP great decks can fish 3. Ride is good takes the heavy water great, so far no issues. |
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Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | I've got a Lund 1775 Pro-V and can say you get used to the wide Gunwales when figure 8'ing. So if thats a style boat you decide you like the rest of the layout/options on dont be scared anyway by the wide gunwales.
That said if I were to buy a new Aluminum boat today I'd be looking hard at the new Tracker Tundra's. The only thing I worry about with them is availability of part/service. Just dont seem to be near as many dealers in this area selling Tracker. |
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Posts: 357
Location: Long Prairie, Minnesota | I bought a 1600 Lund Explorer this past season and absolutely love the boat. I can take it out on big water, fish smaller lakes and with the 90 Opti on the back, pull the kids tubing anytime needed. Fishes three easily enough. Just a good all around boat. |
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Posts: 273
| Its impossible to say what the best boat is. Most boats being built today are quality and it just depends on personal preference. My choice was a Crestliner fishhawk 1750. One reason I like the fishhawk is the big front deck. If I trolled more I would have gone with a lund or Alumacraft. It seems that that style of boat has more room in back and less deck space up front. I also like the smaller gunnel on the fishawk compared to the lund and alumacraft. Seems like less wasted space and easier for fig 8's.
One thing I dislike about my boat is filling the tank. I have a 2 stroke Johnson on back and it is a very thirsty critter. My next motor will definetly be better on fuel.
Jeff |
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Posts: 2024
| Crestliner here (1850 Fishhawk). Huge deck, small gunwhales, relatively low to the water, very stable. Biggest factors for me are front and rear deck space (remove the pedestal seat and you could land a jet on the deck), beam/width, height to water. Small gunwhales are nice, but that may just be me. |
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Posts: 81
Location: Indiana | Take a look at the Ranger Cherokee series, I have a 2000 116 with a 50hp Johnson. Rod locker will fit 8' rods, gunnels are wide enough to mount Scotty's, Boat has a very wide beam for it's length and has live wells in the front and back for suckers. |
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| Fishhawk all the way. Rough as heck in rough water, but awesome to fish out of - wide with lots of deck space. The 1750 is a very versatile boat. |
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Posts: 670
Location: Otsego, MN | Of the aluminums I have fished out of for muskies I would have to say the 1750 or 1850 Fish Hawks are the best. Huge front decks and you can fish 3 people out of both rigs easily. |
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Posts: 65
| I would also agree with the Crestliner Fishhawk. I have an 1850 and relly have no complaints. You would be happy if you go with the Fishhawk. |
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Posts: 1636
| I dont own one myself, but every crestliner I have fished out of is awesome. I wish I would have gotten one, but I went with a better deal. |
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Posts: 119
Location: Waterford & Boulder Junction | In 2001 I bought a Crestliner CVX 182. This was a purpose built aluminum musky boat with an entire boat casting deck, 2 livewells with 1 at least 50" long, and sidewalls about 4" lower than the standard Crestliner Fishhawk series boat.
Similiar boats in the day were the Ranger Cherokee, Alumacraft Phantom, and the Basstracker V18.
Crestliner dropped the CVX series and focused on the Fishhawk series with the Musky Edition only to reintroduce the CMV series which was very similar to the
CVX. For 2008, Crestliner has again dropped that style of boat and only offers the Fishhawk series.
I was looking into replacing my CVX, but I don't think there is an aluminum boat made today that can compare to it. It seems that the aluminum boat manufacturers aren't interested in building a musky only boat.
For $10,000.00, you should be able to buy a used boat mentioned above and if you can't find one, a Crestliner Fishhawk would be my choice.
Landy Roepke
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Posts: 82
Location: Owatonna,MN | I have the Alumicraft Phantom mentioned above and like it alot. But it is a 1995 and I am ready to move to a newer boat. As mentioned no one makes a similar aluminum boat any more. The CMV orCVX would be anice boat to find used or the Ranger Cherokee, which I believe the hulls were made by Crestliner. |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Alumacraft Navigator. Really nice layout for any type of fishing in my opinion. Getting a 17 foot anything with the motor maxed out (usually a 115) might take a little searching. The only problem with the Navigator is the oldest ones are year 2000 models. Might be hard to find one for under 10 grand, especially if has the hp maxed out. Still might find them though. Really, the 16 foot boat has a fair amount of room.
The crestliner looks pretty nice too, and you might be able to find a late 90's 1750 with a 90 or 115 around 10K.
From what I have have seen, the alumacraft and crestliner fishhawk are what I would be looking at. Actually, I am shopping for a used boat - and they are what I am looking at. Alumacraft navigator 1st choice, Fishhhawk 2nd, and not considering much else unless I can find a great deal on a Tuffy deep vee.
curleytail |
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| I'll give another vote for the Alumacraft Navigator. I casually shopped around for a couple years and finally decided on the Navigator 175cs. It was less expensive than the Crestliners and Lunds, could be powered with any motor(I chose Yammie F115), had 2 nice rod lockers(one that fits 8' rods), a huge front casting deck, and Alumacraft has a good reputation for building quality boats. My second choice would have been a 1750 Fishhawk. You could definitely find a used one with a two stroke in your price range. |
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Posts: 275
| Whatever fits your feet and pocketbook.
tom |
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Posts: 291
Location: Minneapolis | I really like my Alumacraft Navigator 165 tiller. I got it used in 2004. It's a 2000 model year with a 2000 50 hp Merc 4-stroke. The entire package, including so-so-at-best electronics, was $7600. At the time I got it, a console model was for sale for about the same price. So you should be able to find one under $10k.
If you could find a Navigator 175, you'd have even more room and more ponies.
I like the narrow gunwales and the top-loading rod lockers. You can stand or sit on the rod lockers, and, most importantly, you can easily set your spare rods on top of them so they're in easy reach while fishing, and they're secure when traveling spot to spot. |
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| I personally have a 1650 Fishhawk with a 90 E-tec and I have been very satisfied. I wanted a boat that was wider and could handle bigger water. I also like the look of an all welded boat with no rivets. Not that a riveted boat looks bad, I just like the seamless look of the Crestliner. If I had to have a second choice, it would be the Navigator. In fiberglass, you can't go wrong with a Ranger or Tuffy, but a used one may be hard to find for what you are able to spend. |
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Posts: 457
| I fished out of a lowe, this past season, and I was REALLY impressed. Fished well, and rode a LOT better than the fishhawk. You can get a new 17'8" for around the 10 mark. Granted it is going to have a 50 on it, but it really was a heck of a boat. I'm really considering going that route, instead of a glass boat, for the next two years. After that, it will definitely be back to the Tuffy for me.
Edited by Whoolligan 2/21/2008 1:55 AM
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Location: Windy City | I have a Crestliner Fishhawk 1850 and like it for all of the above mentioned reasons s/a low to water, huge casting deck, wide beam and the welded look. However my only complaint is the way it responds to rough water. Your rocking around out there a mite more than I've seen in some other alumnums and especially glass. Overall pretty solid boat however. Just my opinion however. |
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Posts: 1455
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | yup
Edited by Cowboyhannah 2/24/2008 8:58 PM
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