Yarcraft 1785 BT

[demasterangler]

I am investigating Glass B/T ers ... Could anyone owning a 1785 BT .

PM me or post there experiences ...one thing I notice is that a Warrior

of almost the same size is rated for a 90 hp.while the 1785 is rated for 75 hp ...

And which is a better set up the Merc steering or the Yamaha for a tiller ....

As always Thanks DMA ...

[waterfowler06]

I would say is far as the tiller motors Merc now has a leading edge with their new Big Tiller handle. As far as the boats the difference in horse power rating comes from the steering system that the warrior has. The warrior has a hydraulic remote steering system. And as for the boats I dont think you could go wrong with either on they both have great rides. One thing to look at though is the layout of the boat they are completely different.

[tharder]

Well, I surely won't agree with that.

Have you heard of the Yamaha VTS system? It stands for "Variable Speed Control". You can dial in your idle speed. I'd say that is more than unique to this series of outboard power products. No other outboard has this feature.

So, no, Merc doesn't have a "hold" on this market and their tiller handle is a response to the venerable mutli-function handle that Yamaha has had for many years which was even recently improved.

The 1785BT is an excellent boat. I do think it's under rated, yet, for it's class, it's lighter than most and the build quality is even better than my 2095BT. It has the identicle counsel as mine does which is superb. From my perspective, the best of the tiller class of boats. Had to do it all over again, I'd likely have chosen this model. You just don't need a boat of the size of mine very often. Even on the big waters of Lac Seul or LOTW, it's just not necessary.

My previous boat was a Warrior and if given the chance again I'd choose the Yar-Craft. This is the original dry hull design that almost all have tried to copy to this point (the V177 was an exact copy to the original). In this class there is the Skeeter (very nice boat) and the Ranger 618 (superb) and the Warrior new 1783-BT, all are excellent choices. Look closely at the weight to HP rating. Look for total composite construction. I know of one that still uses wood for their transoms. Don't fall to the more is better theory. Look closely at how the maufacturers treat their customers. I know how Yar-Craft treats their customers by comparison. They are a special company.

Max horse power is not always the most important issue. In my view there are a lot of other issues that come into play when making the choice of an 18' class boat. In my opinion, the 1785BT is among the best of class.

Good luck to you,

Tom

[Btfrk]

Do they have upright level flotation? My friend found out the hardway on Mille Lacs a couple years ago.

[tharder]

Wow, that's quite an accusation.

Care to share the facts? We'll invite the Yar-Craft boys to comment then.

Mine is loaded with foam, in fact, it's almost irritating why there needs to be so much.

Still, I doubt any of us would know whether we have "upright level flotation" until you get into that position. They all claim to have it. I'm aware that one of the most famous of major brands was lost in the same way. It was published on this board in 2004. It happened in a tournament on Mille Lacs. This would be the first Yar-Craft, after 7 years of being on this board, I've ever heard of being lost in such a way.

At the same time, I still marvel at the seamanship it would require in order to do that.

[Burr]

I've not had either a Warrior or a Yar. I've test driven both brands in other models, and they impressed me as quality boats.

Both the Yamaha and Merc have very nice tiller handles. About the only different is if you prefer a paddle or a knob for the gear shift.

All digital Mercury engines have electronic idle adjustment capability. Same thing as the Yamaha VTS. The Merc handle can be spec'd to have a switch in the handle, and the smart craft gauges have the adjustments too. Not all Yamaha's have the VTS system, so make sure the one your looking at has that capability.

I'd give the nod to the Merc handle for the powered hydraulic steering. Since Merc bought the system from Mertens, the Yamaha wouldn't have the power system option available, but could have the Titan non-powered system. The Titan is also a very nice addition to a tiller handle for a few less dollars.

[Morton]

Don't hesitate to look closely at the 1785BT as being capable and a great fishable boat.
I have it's predissesor, the 1781BT and regularly fish the Typically rough water on the Missouri in SD.
This boat is dry when many others are donning rain gear.
I never fear the boat won't get me home safely.
It launches, loads and trailers with ease ( I am usually alone )
It's not a speed demon and a little under powered with a mariner 60HP, but I never could get the fish to bite at 36MPH GPS.

Good luck with whatever choice you make.

Morton

[angler53]

Nothing to offer to the conversation on tiller boats and I've only seen the name Yar-Craft here at WC. I've never looked at the boat until this weekend and man-o-man what a good looking line of boats. That 186FSX is so much more me than the 1850 Reata, I have.
And that 2095DCX even more suits my fancy for Grouper getter.
It's a shame there is no market for Yar-craft south of the mason dixon line. If I ever buy another boat, I will certainly look had at this brand.
Sorry if I hijacked, I just got excited about Yar-Craft.