Which Manufacturer?

[Sportdog]

I'm thinking about buying a new aluminum, deep V design, bare bones, fishing boat, tiller steering. Since I only have a 20HP motor to put on it I'm thinking 14 foot. My question is which manufacturer makes to widest and deepest 14 footer. Any ideas? So far it looks like Crestliner to me. Thanks for any input.

[Jimmy Jig]

I would say buy a l6ft. boat, I don't care which mfg'er you get it from. A 16 ft boat is miles better. I also know a 20 hp motor will work on either one but the 16 ft. will handle rougher water and run just as fast, and have more room. A 16ft. will also load just as easy on a trailer.

[Hot Runr Guy]

the Crestliner Canadian 14 is similiar to the Smokercraft 150 Stinger I had a few years ago, that was a great liitle boat. Where are you thinking about having a TM, bow or transom? If transom, see if they can have the TM battery mounted in one of the forward storage compartments, and bring the wiring back to a plug for you. These little rigs need to have some weight forward to balance them out.
HRG

[2Labs]

I would say buy a l6ft. boat, I don't care which mfg'er you get it from. A 16 ft boat is miles better. I also know a 20 hp motor will work on either one but the 16 ft. will handle rougher water and run just as fast, and have more room. A 16ft. will also load just as easy on a trailer.

YUP! BIG difference between the 16 and 14 for fishability but you won't see much difference in how your 20 hp engine performs between the two. Get the 16.

I have been in a Lund 16 footer with a 20 on it. I didn't have a GPS at the time so I can't tell you the speed, but that boat motored along VERY well.

[lukeeyestalker]

Look at the lightweight models. Back in college I bought an old (older than me) 14' Alumacraft. I put a 20hp Merc on it and that thing flat out moved, at least by my standards, and I pulled many a muskie, walleye and smallie in for a visit. I'm sure a 16' won't be much different. You'll have a lot of fun in a little rig like that.

[bluegill 1]

As said earlier, unless there are reasons for only a 14'er, go with a 16. Perhaps even consider a barebones with a removeable floor. I know Lund SSV 16's have a removeable floor option. Or heck make your own. Beats having stuff rolll around.
We have a 2 12', a 14', a 16' and a 17 1/2'. The 12's are on private small lakes (12 acres, no motors), the 14 is used up north, the 16 gets the most use along with the 17 1/2.
Go with a 16, I've never heard anyone with a 16 ever say " geez, I shoulda gotten a 14 instead".
Usually it's someone with a 14 saying " Geez, I should've gotten a 16".
I've fished out of many barebones rentals. From Inland lakes to Lake Erie(14' Sea Nymph).
The 16 is the way to go. Oh and there is a big differance in Manufactures. Some of the worst ones I've fished out of are the real cheapies, (dont want to name names).
I've fished out of a Lund SSV 16 with a 15hp for years on fly-ins. The stability is unmatched. You should find other nice ones from top manufactures like Crestliner, Alumnacraft, older deep, Sea Nymp, Princecraft, and Lund (favorite) of course.ect.

Have fun on your hunt for the boat

Blugill 1

[budsbud66w]

Honestly, if your at all mechanical id recommend finding an old used 14 or 16ft row. Its fun converting them into the machine you want. its easy ripping out a bench and putting a floor in. If you want to buy newer, dont worry about manu. you dont have enough power to ruin a boat :-)

the lund and crestliner alaskans are fine boats. but probebly more qualitity then you would want. unless you planning on beating the heck out of it.

[teamlund]

The Lund SSVs are sweet little rigs. I always wanted to get one to leave at my parent cottage by the WI river to beat on.. Great for bouncing off of rocks and stumps.... Its just a aluminum hull with a livewell... All a guy needs:cheers: