? for Steve Fellegy

[walleyes]

Steve, I believe you run a newer model 1800 Pro V tiller, if so how do you like it for MIlle Lacs? I am thinking about getting one. What year is your rig and how does it handle the rough water? Does it have IPS or IPS II? In your experience does the IPS hull provide a dryer ride than the older lunds. I have a 1996 Pro V 1660 and am tired up being soaked to my undies when I am quartering waves. Is there a dryer lund? I don't want glass. By the way what was your best walleye for the year?

Thanks

[stevefellegy]

Yes....I have run an 1800 ProV for three seasons in row. I think it is just fine for Mille Lacs and for any other inland application from the Great Lakes to 100 acre ponds.

When asked about how "dry" a boat is I usually chuckle, knowing that various boat owners/companies claim to have the "driest" for various reasons. Is my IPS hull drier? Yes...it has to be if you look at the new design compared to the pre-IPS hull. (I have NOT run an IPS2 in that hull) Will you still be soaked to your "undies" in certain conditions? YESSSSS!!!! As you will be in ANY boat/hull. Here's the REAL WORLD on the subject....whatever water gets splashed out into the wind, when travelling cross-wind at most ANY angle, IF the wind is strong enough, it will blow back toward or into the boat. It is NOT going to avoid a glass boat or aluminum boat. The Ranger boys and girls wear the raingear as often as anyone! lol

Although there is ALWAYS this argument involving which boat is drier or which type of boat(glass or aluminum) is wetter, the fact is when you push the boats as the tourney guys do, using ALL brands and styles (PWT), in certain conditions, EVERYONE GETS WET.....

So...yes the 1800 ProV will be very fine at Mighty Mille Lacs. So will the 1775 and the 1700 series....even the 1600 series. The heavier the hull, the softer the ride, the more room and the more bells and whistles you get. The fish don't care and the water is just as wet to the "undies" if it's blowin'.

"You gotta have a Lund with a black outboard!"

[lobo1]

Excellent answer !!

lobo1

[walleyes]

Thanks Steve I really like the room of tiller boats and that is what I am used to. I really like the 1800 Pro V tiller.

[Walleyes]

Steve, do you run a kicker on your rig? I am assuming you have a 90 hp on the back. Does it troll down for you or how to you handle trolling situations?

[stevefellegy]

I DO put a kicker on (2 stroke 9.9) when open water trolling (forward) OR I have a trolling plate that bolts on the cavitation plates easily. Both work fine....I prefer the 2 stoke as it trolls MUCH slower than the 4 stroke kicker.

If you want to troll forward with ANY of the engines that have a prop over size 13, at speeds less than 2 miles per hour, you need a kicker (gas or electric) or a trolling plate. Of course, I'm refering to calm water or going with the waves(1.0 -1.5 mph). (we NEVER troll into the wind). Into the wind will slow you down with the big engines but will offer a fight for control. So....yes....kicker or the plate.

[Stinger WI]

Never troll into the wind?

Steve, I have an 1800 Pro V with a 135 Opti on it. I want to get into a new rig but was thinking of the 1900 double counsel. Do you have any input on this rig. I would put a 200 or 225 Opti on it with a 9.9 kicker.

Thanks

[stevefellegy]

That's right...I don't forward troll into the wind if the waves are more than a foot or so high. Boards are jumping, the boat is fighting me. I make trolling runs down wind, pick things up and go again...even if it is a 100-200yds. stretch.

I would go with the full windshield on ANY wheel boat. If yah need room, a slightly softer ride...go for the bigger hull. The 1900 makes for a great rig. The 200 Merc. should be just fine....that's what we have put on ours for several years now. A couple miles per hour, once in great moon when the waves are flat, ain't worth the extra bucks in my opinion. The 2025 should have the 225.

"You gotta have a Lund with a black outboard!"

[Gary Korsgaden]

Steve great answer as always: Because I frequent the waters of the Great Lakes I needed to go a larger glass hull 24' with a hardtop and a cabin. Even with the 22 degree cines and hydraulic trim tabs
and the deep vee if it wasn't for the hardttop cabin we would be wet. Still have my Pro V 1890 with a 90 horse Mercury, (Steve Bisset) previous owner. Had the 90 "linked and sync-ed. Trolls so well sold my 4 stroke engine. Doesn't have the top end like some others
still fast enough but once I settle into to troll I have a wide range to work with. Fished the 1800 and a softer ride with great features but like this 90 merc so well hate to change and not worth it to me to spend the $8,000 for a newer boat although Lunds new features are outstanding. If I did for Mille Lac's Leech and others it would be the 1800 PRO V and the engine would be black unless mercury changes colors.....a new boat would be nice but my wife has just gotten accustomed to me having two.....need a kitchen pass for new boat.