Duracraft 1648 STX (stick steer) vs. War Eagle 648VS

Hi folks, I'm looking for opinions on these 2 boats, but mainly the Duracraft 1648 STX. The closest dealer to me is a 6 hr. drive so I haven't been able to see either boat yet. Figured I ask here as they are built in AR and thought some of you guys might be more familiar with them.

Does anyone here run the Duracraft 1648 STX? Can you share any likes / dislikes you have of the boat. I hear the Durcraft is somewhat less expensive than the Was Eagle, but have not heard any specific prices. Could anyone offer a "Ball Park" idea on how much cheaper a Duracraft 1648 STX may be than a War Eagle 648VS Deluxe, given both boats were outfitted similarly?

Appreciate any help you may have to offer.

Thanks,
YB

They are built by the same company "Team Ward". So they are going to be very similar. I'm going to guess the duracraft is going to be a little cheaper, because normally they have less bells and whistles on them and usually only come in solid colors. But as far as the hull they should be very similar. Honestly have no idea on price.

I just bought an xpress stick steer. I've used it three times now and like it a lot. It has a good ride even in rough water. I wrote out a list of everything I wanted on the boat and it came down to the war eagle and xpress. IMO both are good boats but there is a pretty big price difference. The war eagle did have more bells and whistles but I was to cheep to pay the difference. You can pm big river marine on here and he can give you a price.

If you don't buy from Big River Marine, it'll cost ya!

The war eagle will be more because of the name. I have has a Duracaft and it was a good boat. As been said both made at same house. I think W E made in the middle of the week and Duracaft is made on Monday and friday every one ready to go home:biggrin

I ran Dura Crafts for 20 years fishing all summer and duck hunting flooded timber on the lower White River in the fall. We asked these boats (1542s) to do things they were not ment to do. They would last me 10 years. When the Wards got the plant back and started making Wareagles I just stayed with them. They still make Dura Craft but, not sure, they may be riveted boats. The 1542 with a 25 or 30 is my favorite as far as handling. jumping logs, or jumping exposed roads,etc. They are too small for reservoir fishing at times. I traded my 1648 last spring for an 1860 (860 War Eagle) and I am much more comfortable if the wind gets up quickly. Just depends on where you intend to it and what you're going to use if for.

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Originally Posted by stormcloud

I ran Dura Crafts for 20 years fishing all summer and duck hunting flooded timber on the lower White River in the fall. We asked these boats (1542s) to do things they were not ment to do. They would last me 10 years. When the Wards got the plant back and started making Wareagles I just stayed with them. They still make Dura Craft but, not sure, they may be riveted boats. The 1542 with a 25 or 30 is my favorite as far as handling. jumping logs, or jumping exposed roads,etc. They are too small for reservoir fishing at times. I traded my 1648 last spring for an 1860 (860 War Eagle) and I am much more comfortable if the wind gets up quickly. Just depends on where you intend to it and what you're going to use if for.

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Stormcloud, was your Duracraft 1648 the STX model (stick Steer)?

YB

Check out the Xpress and the Excel stick steer models Before ya spend your hard earned. They are both NICE rigs, and I know where ya can get a deal on one!!! :)

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Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

Check out the Xpress and the Excel stick steer models Before ya spend your hard earned. They are both NICE rigs, and I know where ya can get a deal on one!!! :)

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Hi Bill, and thanks for the offer. I hear you treat us CDC members right when it comes to getting a new boat. I have looked into the Express & Excel SS models and they are both VERY nice rigs. Unfortunately, I have a fairly unique situation in that I need a lighter hull wt. than those boats offer.

I'll be using the boat on some of our local water supply lakes that have 10 H.P. motor restrictions. So I need to keep the HW to 500# or so, lower if possible. This really restricts my choices w/out going to a basic Jon boat style. I have an older Yamaha 9.9 with low hrs. that has the Carb. modified to the 15 h.p. range that I want to put on the boat. I had it on my old Lowe 15' Pro Bass that had a HW of 400# and when alone in the boat it would top out @ 20 mph and around 15 mph w/ another person. The lakes are not really big so I can live with 15'ish mph if I can still still have a comfortable boat.

But stepping up to the Excel or Express will add another 150# + of hull wt. that would be too restrictive for my particular needs.

I do appreciate your offer and info though. Thank you!
YB

I am just about ready to buy a 1652 Alweld Stick Steer boat. The one concern I have is that the lakes near me are restricted to a 9.9 hp motor. I know that the boat would not get on plane but I think it would push the boat pretty well. I'm 220 lbs and wife is 125 lbs. Any response would be appreciated. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by JugglerJim

I am just about ready to buy a 1652 Alweld Stick Steer boat. The one concern I have is that the lakes near me are restricted to a 9.9 hp motor. I know that the boat would not get on plane but I think it would push the boat pretty well. I'm 220 lbs and wife is 125 lbs. Any response would be appreciated. Thanks!

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Well you are in a delmia, and if you want to fish those restricted HP lakes that is the motor you will have to get. Personally I would not put that motor on that boat. I had a similar boat...only shorter, a 1454 Xtreme. When I started out I was going to buy a 15HP...then a 20...and then a 25, and so on until I settled on a 40 HP four stroke. I don't think a 10HP will move your boat very well. But as I said if you want to fish those lakes you mentioned you don't have much choice.


Regards

The HP restriction is what it is.
I have a Tracker Panfish with a 25 HP, but use the gas motor very little, just to put the boat on the trailer or to outrun a storm.
Upgraded wiring and now run a 24 volt TM, which is used 99% of the time. We start fishing from the ramp and work our way out from there, whether fishing brushpiles, docks or trolling. I bought mine to fish out of, not to take scenic boat rides.
You will enjoy making the new boat fit your needs.

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