Great Lakes Salmon Boat Help...

[JS Unlogged]

This is more of a pipedream but I need your comments and opinions. I am looking for a 10-15 year old 22-27 ft. salmon boat for the great lakes. Here is where you come in. There are so many brands out there. What are the more popular and good boat brands? Like the Rangers and Lunds of the Salmon world. Sea Ray vs. Bayliner? Cruisers vs. ???? I really appreciate the help. There are so many out there. For now, I don't really care about the price or anything else. I just want to know what you guys think are the best built salmon boats or cruiser boats on the market. Thanks!

[hunterjoe]

Make sure you look at some of the Trophy models. I see a lot of them when I've been salmon fishing. Some of the models are made for salmon trolling so they should work well. Starcraft Islanders are another boat that you see a lot of that is a great layout for salmon. There are a lot of options, but if I were after a salmon only boat, those 2 would be high on my list.

[Jay Unlogged]

Not sure why it was posted on our local Craigslist but here's kinda what you're looking for...

http://chambana.craigslist.org/boa/1277991648.html

Jay

[yarcraft91]

Starcraft Islanders are a common Lake Michigan salmon boat. They are seaworthy, have nice high sides and plenty of mounting surface for electronics, downriggers, rod holders, etc. My buddy has had two and much prefers towing the Starcraft to his 24' Searay hardtop. The Searay took waves better, but was a real beast to tow and fuel. There are 2 Islanders in the 21-22' range, with one having narrower beam than the other. Watch for that.

Sylvan makes a similar-looking boat, but I see fewer of them.

[K Gonefishin]

I do see alot of the aluminum Genmar Lunds, Crestliners, Sylvan, and Starcrafts Isanders while salmon fishing. As far as Ranger & Lund quality in a salmon boat goes If I were to buy a great lakes Salmon trolling machine I would buy a Rampage or Carolina Classic these two would be at the top of my list that's for sure probably along with Grady but I dont think they have the rough water ride like the other two have.

Other popular boats I see on Lake O are Thompson, Penn Yann's, Sportcrafts, Proline, Wellcrafts, BahaCruisers.

Depending on if you want a trailer boat or not would depend on the models to look at.

[fishinmachine2]

27ft Tiara!! One of the best built boats on the water!! I have one and my brother-in-law has one and its up for sale!! Let me know and I can get you some info on it if intrested!!

Scott

[maidsrone]

sportcraft

[captlazboy]

Are you looking for something to trailer on a regular basis? My fishing partner was just up to Kewaunee for a trip. An acquaintence has his boat and all gear for sale --- turns out he has a serious health problem & must sell.
I can send you more info if you would like.

I believe the boat is fully rigged --- radar, depthfinder, electric downriggers, rods, lures, --- well taken care of.
I think the guy wants $8000 for everything.