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| I am currently in the market for a new boat that will be used mostly for Tournament angling next year and part time guiding on big waters. I do have a favorite (not telling what) but I'm wondering about other experiences and what you have found. I'm also VERY interested in motor selection. Not size but who makes it and why I should buy it?
Steve |
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| Netman -
What kind of money are you looking to spend?
You know what kind of boats I like...and I would go with a Yamaha. Whether it be 2 or 4 stroke, I believe they are simply the best.
Stick a slob |
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| A buddy of mine has a Ranger 622(621/620?)with a 175yammie and this boat is NICE!Big water safe/shallow draft,tons of room,fast(but he wishes he got the 225)15 yammie kicker.He tourny fishes but no-guiding!Not to start anything about Tuffy as I never even rode in one,I am sure they are awesome too!Just my experience! Jeff
P.S-I am waiting in line to get his boat,NEXT SEASON! |
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| Midget,
I'd love to spend $1,000 but will probably spend 30 times that.
S- |
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| Steve,
I have the new Tuffy 1990 Esox Deep V. If you are looking for a comfortable boat the will handle big water and move quickly from spot to spot for tournament fishing, this is one you should definitely look at. I will also say it is a great family boat as well, especially with little ones. I feel totally comfortable with my 6 year old and 2 year old running around in the boat.
I have a 225 HP Merc. EFI with a four blade stainless steel prop. I have had it up to 70 mph. With three people in the boat, it will run between 55 and 60 mph. I also have a 9.9 HP Merc. Four Stroke kicker that is great for trolling. Lots of storage. Let me know if you have any specific questions while you are making your decision.
Best of luck! |
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| Steve,
One more thing. I have a bow mount Minn Kota Power Drive trolling motor (65 lb thrust) that I run from the back of the boat. It handles great and I have had no issues running it from the back of the boat. I just tuck the cord out of the way so clients aren't tripping on it. With a big boat like that, I feel I have more control running it from the back with a bow mount trolling motor. |
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| Kevin,
Heck I'd love to take a ride. I'm spending most of my time between the Metro and Mille Lacs lately. email me at [email protected]
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| Well I have had four months running my Tuffy 20 footer. I will have to say its been the "best" bar none I have ever guided and fished out of it. The Tuffy 1990 Esox Deep V is set up for muskies and fishes like a dream. In rough water, I ran it wide out in four footers and never spilled my coffee.
Speed wise I have not made any adjustments but with a Merc 225 Opti I am running a consistant 65mph with all my gear in the boat. The last time I filled up my 50 gallen tank was June 13th and I am still at 3/8 of a tank running 6 days a week on the water. If you drive the new Opti's around 3800 rpms they dont burn much gas at all. At 3800 rpms the boat will run 50mph which is the speed limit on the lake I guide on.
I just started guiding out of the front for the first time with a 74lb Minn-Kota Maxxum. My clients have not complained one bit, in fact most are very happy with my boat control and can learn from me much easier. When I have just one client he stands up the the bow with me and that works out great. The boat is of course 20 feet long, so if you get some wild caster, you are much safer from loosing your hat.
The built in tackle storage is awesome, I have tons of floor space for my clients gear. The back deck is great but we are going to extend it out 6 more inches in the 2002 models. The best way to make improve boats is by having the customers help improve them.
Tuffy boats has a Muskie advisory board that keeps adding imput into the boats to make them more muskie friendly. Some the Commitee members are, Scott Jenkins, Ben Remer, Scott Ralston, Rob Kimm, Bruce Schumway, Bill Schumway, Pete Maina, Dave Doriazo, Bill Schwartz, Paul Klien as well as many others. (sorry if I forgot a name). I am the Committee chairmen of that board and if any of you have any more questions please email me I will be happy to help in any way.
[:praise:] |
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| I currently fish from a Tuffy Esox. For a all around Muskie boat it is tough to beat.
I primarily fish smaller lakes (under 2500 acres), but will get to Canada once or twice a year and haven't had any problems fishing out of it. This year we are fishing the PMTT, but are using my partners boat. His is set up with a 150hp and will go faster. (I run a 50 tiller and top out at around 38mph). Next year I'm looking at getting a new boat and will get the same thing. If we consider the PMTT next year I'll probably look into Tuffy's 1760 with a 150 on the back. |
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| I like the Ranger 619,it's ride, size, storage room and RESALE are secound to none. But quite frankly I see a lot of quality boats out their, Tuffy, Ranger,Triton, Lund and Stratos. I think there is many other factors you must think about when selecting a boat. When guiding and tournament angling service becomes a very important part. Then you come to resale. This should be one of your top prioites unless you plan to make it a lifetime purchase. As for muskie boats Ranger resale is second to none, and Tuffy's name will bring big $$$ too.
I advise anyone looking for a quality boat to check into purchasing a Pro-Staffers rig. Pro-Staffers can sell a 1 year used rig for 70% or less of it's replacement cost and still have a years warranty. Pro-Staffers tend to have these boats set up nice and take very good care of them. You can even hook up with one of these Pro-Staffers and order the boat you want a year in advance.
Tony Grant kymuskie.com |
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| I have a Tracker Targa 2000 powered by a 225 hp Merc E.F.I.,it will get to 70 mph and with three heavy persons 65 mph.For trolling I use a Honda 4-Stroke 9.9 hp mounted on a Panther 35 power lift,the backset of the panther 35 lift lines up the front of the 225 E.F.I. even for snaping on a sterring rod.It stays straight when trolling ,does not pull in any direction.The front deck has room for three casters at one time,its big.Also has two 45 inch livewells on the sides in the back.The storage is very dry as well.This is a big water boat as well,I have been caught in 10 footers on Lake Erie and rode them back in without major problems.It has a very deep V and can handle the 3 to 4 footers at about 30 mph,the Rangers will turn around most of the time or get wet.If you look on Walleye Central,the Pro's are selling them every year for around $20,000.00 with every option already installed on them.I would stay clear of any with a 225 Merc OptiMax and go with the 225 E.F.I. that has a better track record.
Capt. Larry D. Jones / Mostly Muskies Charter / http://www.mostlymuskies.com |
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| Since it will be next year before you are looking for a boat as far as motors go I would check out Honda's new 225 four stroke which should be out. They have always made reliable products,and I highly recomend them. |
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| How stable is this boat when fishing at rest and loading one side of the boat with fishermen?
Will this boat be a stable platform in 3' to 4' seas at rest? |
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| The questions asked regarding stability are in reference to the Tuffy Esox 1990 deep V. |
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| Turk,
I have been very happy with how my 1990 esox deep V performs with myself and two customers. The boat is extremly stable and even in rough water. When casting three people on one side, the boats lists a couple of inches at best. Lots of room and all the comforts of home.[:praise:] |
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| Finally did it...
I put a big band aid on it for now...
Thanks for all your help guys...For the next 12 months I will be in a 2002 Crestliner 1850 Fishhawk with a 150 HP on the back. Best $$ for the space & size. Next year will be the Tuffy or Ranger....Also like Nitro and Champion but Tuffy and Ranger are better suited for this sport in my opinion.
Thanks again everyone! |
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| Congrats on your new boat, Hope you get some good slime in it soon.
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Posts: 100
Location: Blaine, MN 55449 | I am currently in the market for a tournament boat myself, and have looked over many catalogs and tested a few. But the one boat that caught my eye for not only price but speed, size, and overall performance was Patriot Powerboat. I am currently interested in a 1710 Tiller model for a couple of reasons, #1 the size of the deep V and how it is molded for speed and performance handling in big waters. These boats are designed to take on waves in salt water fishing, so if can handle the ocean, it can for sure handle the water of Minnesota. #2 - The transom is made in the shape of a "u" and made out of alumium, and wrapped in a process that makes it one of the strongest on the market. #3- Last but not least is the price, all the other boat manufactors have boats that are priced in the low 20's to high 30's, this boat with a 90HP max would run you no more than the mid teen's!!! So take a look on their website. I also have a great boat for sale and if interested write back, it is a great starting boat for a new muskie fisherman. So if you know of anyone that might be interested in a starting boat let me know. Thanks, Ben. |
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Posts: 364
Location: in the white boat | bfitz, have you seen a 1710 other than on their website? I was interested in looking at one a few months back but couldn't find one. |
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Posts: 633
| I know someone who has a 2050 tiller for sale still.
Lance |
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Posts: 45
Location: Brooklyn Park | Out of all of these answers and remarks I can not believe nobody is running the 21.5 foot beast from Triton. Bar none the driest ride out there. I understand preferences, but go test ride one. DO NOT BUY A BOAT WITHOUT TESTING IT FIRST!!! I have talked to many guides that bought boats their friends have talked them into and wish they would have tested the Triton first. MEGA BOAT. MEGA ROOM. ALSO MEGA BUCKS. but I have seen a couple of used ones in the 30 range.
BMAX |
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| i have been fishing lunge fo r 30 years. i love the crestliner 18.5 fishhawk dual consol. it is wide can handle tough water has tons of storage great casting decks and lots of room.this baby hauls butt on the water you don't get wet and is well appointed. do some more research or take one for a ride good lugk in your quest |
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Posts: 177
Location: Germantown & Land O Lakes WI | Id have to say the best rig(s) I've seen for what you're going to be doing is the Ranger 618 or 620 Tillers. Nothing beats the tillers for trolling and the wide open space is perfect for musky...both rigs are big water boats too. |
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Posts: 116
Location: winnipeg manitoba | i have the 2003 its awesome, no need for anything else, you will love it |
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