I'm seriously looking at buying a vhull boat which is what I have now. I need a bigger one though because we got a place down on Barkley Lake. I'd love to hear opinions on what kind to buy.
We are looking at the above mentioned makes. I think 16.5ft is in our price range.
They are all good boats. I'd pick the one that had the layout that best suited your needs.
I had a 17' Crestliner, nice boat. If I were buying again, anything but a Lowe.
What about a Starcraft? I noticed they've been around for 110 years, they gotta be good boats. I noticed some of these boats are all metal floors/doors and some are pressure treated wood. The wood will eventually rot out and it's heavier too, it just seems like metal would be the way to go.
semi-v config IMO. not much difference in brand names either, when it comes to catching fish. just like rods, they all catch fish. a good fisherman can humiliate a rich one every time. get a boat that is open with lots of walking space. try to stay away from anything, thats in your way, that you dont need. shoot i even took the swivel seats out of my boat because they were in my way more than i needed them. if you already have a boat, take your time and look for the rite boat at the rite price.
I have a Lund Explorer. It's nice and wide, dry as a bone not to mention Lund has the best resale value of any aluminum boat.
I have never owned a Lund, but I have looked at a lot of them and they seem very well put together. Plus they always bring top dollar on the resale market.
Watch buying a used Lund. Over on the Walleye Central website they have been talking about the transoms rotting out.
I have a Alumacraft 175 navigator with a 150 yamaha on the back. I really love it and it is great for all different types of fishing and great to pull the kids on a tube too.
Simply put, there is no perfect boat, just better boats for different situations. Having a V hull myself, I find many pros and cons. I like being "in" the boat, rather than standing on it. Windy days, I hate it, but I manage. Personally, I like a welded boat versus a riveted hull, but that is probably due to the fact that most of my boats have always seen sub freezing temps as well as 100. Metal expands and contracts, and yes a Lund is guaranteed to not leak, but I don't like the idea of that many holes in my boat. All of the mentioned manufactures are quality builders, so find the layout you like and look for a Yamaha to push it. The hull is only half of what you're paying for.
all are good boats
We've just about narrowed it down to an Alumacraft Competitor 165 model. I am going to Louisville in the am to check out a Crestliner FishHawk. I really like the Alumacraft though and think it will fit my fishing needs. I'd really like to look at a Starcraft but no dealer makes it tough to do that.
I've had my Alumicraft Navigator 175 for 7 years now with no real issues. The only complaint is with the livewell pump, it get's a little wonky once in a while and loses it's prime. I intend to solve that problem with a new pump as soon as I get a break from work and other commitments. My 2 cents are go as big as you can with your storage issues in mind, and the type of water you intend to fish. Also go with a 4 stroke motor. I've been impressed with my Suzuki. Twice a year I fish a 17,000 acre lake for a week & i have not had to refuel during the week with a 39 gallon tank. Have fun shopping and take your time.
Suzuki makes a fantastic motor. If I were to rig a boat with a 4 stroke there's no doubt I would have a Suzuki, tho I've never had an issue out of my Yamaha 4 stroke either.Quote:
Originally Posted by foolfishin
On a side not foolfishin I live in West Lafayette. Small world...
I have loved every Lund I have ever been in. From bare rental boats to fully decked out fishing boats. very nice and well made boats. Never heard anyone I would listen to have any complaints.Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorW
I prefer Lund, Starcraft, and Crestliner....in that order. I understand, and appreciate, the concern for a riveted boat. Makes perfect sense to me the concern about metal expanding and contracting, and with all those tiny holes in your boat... even though Lund guarantees the hull. Thing is, I've been on Lake Erie recently, in 2 boats, a Lund Rebel, then also in Crestliner FishHawk, and the Lund was drier and had a much smoother ride. Sold me.
a 4 year old post comes back to life, I'd suggest whatever you like as long as it doesn't LEAK !:Rofl
or...it’s what ever floats your boat!!! :RoflQuote:
Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman
This is funny, I started this going on four years ago. Update, I bought the 165 Alumacraft Competitor and it's still going strong!
Several years ago i bought a used 16' Lund Alaskan, it was 20 years old, was in great shape really nice boat and used it for 4 years. I liked the lund alaskan so much i decided to buy a new one. I went for the 2 sizes bigger because i wanted the most stability in big water like barkley or kentucky lake. Love the new boat also, been very pleased with the quality. As Filletfish mentioned there are days wind the wind blows and it pushes d v hulls all over the lake and mine is no exception. Personally if your serious about looking i would visit dealers for all the boats you mentioned and see which fits you the best. I include some photos of my lund for you to consider. I use mine for spider rigging, trolling crainkbaits, vertical jigging, and duck hunting.
Attachment 284136Attachment 284137Attachment 284138Attachment 284139Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike58
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Mike58, that is a sweet fishing machine you have! A few years ago, I started fishing with my buddy who had a 2009 Alaskan 1800 tiller, equipped to the max, and that's what prompted me to get a tiller, with the hope of getting a Lund someday. He has taken his Alaskan on Lake Erie many times in less-than-perfect conditions and he said he felt safe every time. As for myself, I'm very picky about the days I go to Erie, but I'm beginning to shop for a newer boat, probably this time with a SC, but Lund is the top of my list. I really like the colors that are offered in the Alaskan too. It's frigid this week in NE Ohio, and still a few months away from open water again. Ugh. Can't wait for tight lines again! Thanks for sharing photos of your boat!
I have a Lund 1850 impact and love it. After 2 years of use, I can't find much to complain about. Set up with 115 4 stroke Mercury, I pilot link and Humminbird electronics. On the water, it is effected by the wind more than the bass boat I had. The I-pilot remote charge won't last all day. It does everything else from family day on the water to musky fishing late November. Top speed 44mph and pulls my 200lb butt up on a slalom ski. Very fuel efficient! Hope that helps.