Choosing a boat???

[bcmss396]

This is a very open ended question, but I'd appreciate any help here.

Currently have an 1983 16.5' Smoker Craft Pro Angler 60hp, kicker and electric bow mount Minkota. Set up nicely for fishing with a family of four, but we've run into some issues with the large motor and that has led me to looking at buying a "new" used boat.

I'm looking to do a pretty significant upgrade, and require the following features:

- Ability to seat/fish a family of five - Things have changed in the family and I need to have a boat large enough to accomodate 3 kids ages 3, 6 and 9 along with my wife and I.
- We are generally fair weather fishers, but I need a boat large enough to handle 2-3 foot chop with ease and comfort - if the ocassion arises.
- Multiple livewells - front and rear
- In floor rod storage
- Full wrap around/walk-through windshield
- Bow mount electric troller
- 4 stroke kicker
- Lots of convenient storage

I've been surfing sportshows and websites for about a year now and realize that I can't afford a $30k+ boat, but that there appear to be a number of well maintained 2-4 year old boats in the $20k - $30k price range that fit my bill.

I'd like to get some feedback on my top choices right:

1. G3 - 185F
2. G3 - 210 - Tournament - Not many around though...
3. Lund Pro V 1900 IFS
4. Lund Pro V 2025 IFS - Probably too much $$$
5. Crestliner 202 Tournament

There probably isn't a bad choice here, but any input on the pros or cons from any of these models would help.

Also any thoughts on power combinations would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Blair

[Tim_Kelly]

I believe the Lund Pro-Vs have a smaller seating area as the screen is further towards the back of the boat, something like a Lund Fisherman might be more appropriate for the family? The new predator series might be suitable too. No knowledge of the G3 deep Vs.

[larrym]

I went through the same decision a few years ago and also wanted to accomadate some grandchildren we have. I soon learned what Tim has pointed out. The strictly fishing models made by each company carry the windshiels back, opening up room in the bow and restricting space in the rear. Each manufacture however makes a fish/family boat that does very well at fishing and moves the shields forward. The Lund Fisherman and Ranger Reata are the two I'm most familar with but Crestliner, Alumacraft and most others have a similar model. Each of the above seats 6 and leaves sufficient room in the bow (albeit not big) for the person running the trolling motor. Our Lund Fisherman has worked really well for us.

[ksx3]

Since you are going used and know generally what you are looking for, hold out until you find it. Don't forget storage concerns and trailers as well. A better trailer with the lbigger boat will make things easier on you. You can also always buy a kicker separate.

I noticed Alumacraft is also not on your list. There is a nice 2006 175 Dominator in the classifieds that also may fity your bill. You may also want to look at the 185 & 195 Tournament Sport models from Alumacraft as they are similar to what you are looking at. I have fished 4 adults and 2 kids out of my 175TS without issue before. Takes planning, but can be done.

[Derwood]

I was recently looking to upgrade to something newer that would also give me more room in the back portion of the boat. I almost pulled the trigger on a Ranger Reata fish n ski... lots of room in that boat. Good luck with your decision. It's tough to get that many in there and comfortable for extended periods of time. Are you dead set on those boats you listed? The only reason I ask is because the glass boats tend to ride a little smoother "generally" speaking. All of the lunds are great boats. Can say anything about G3's other than the people I know who have them really like them.

[Johnnie Candle]

I have been guiding out of a Crestliner TS202 for 4 years now and absolutely love the fishing room in the boat.

It is 102 inches wide with much narrower gunnels than the competition. This creates a ton of interior floor space. I can guide a family of four with no space issues at all. If the boat is 6 inches wider times 20 feet long, that is 10 sq ft more floor space.

The consoles are pretty close to the center of the boat giving equal room both forward and aft.

I can't say enough about how well the boat fishes.

Best of luck with your deciscion.

[cspierings]

If you think the Lund Fisherman might be interesting I discovered a new 2008 at Jerry's Marine, ask for Beaver and he should know if the boat is still around. 608-365-4520

I was in a similar position and I went with an Alumacraft TS 185 mostly because of storage issues and got a deal that was very attractive at LaCannes in Farbault MN, I worked with Dan on mine. Bought mine in early October of this year.

The guys at the Skeeter boat center in Chip Falls almost sold me my first glass boat. The demo boats they have might just make it into your price range.

From a quality of construction standpoint and my opinion of the boats you listed I would look at the Lunds.

[DRAG]

Since I am looking to purchase the same thing you are, I thought I would mention that some of these can be had brand new in your price range with some of the current rebates available...especially 2008 models that have not been registered. If you like that G3 (which I do as well) you can pick one up loaded in your budget with a 150. I personally thought it was a very robust boat and fit and finish was top notch.

[bvs]

bcmss396, I don't see any of the boats you listed as being very suitable for 5-person excursions. Do you want a true fishing boat or a boat you can take 5 people out on that you can also fish out of?

Take your wife and kids around to some new boat dealers where you can all climb all over the boats. Keep in mind that your three kids are going to grow fast. I got an extra $20k in funds approved by the wife for more boat after she personally experienced how crowded things would get with the whole family on it.

Even if you only plan to fish out of it, I think you'll find you'll be happiest with a fish/ski type boat that has rear flip-up seats and/or a convertable bow. Check out the Lund Tyee's, Crestliner Sportfish's, Alumacraft Trophy's, and Ranger Reata's.

Personally, I think you'll get by far the most bang for you buck with a G3 185FS with a Yamaha 150 and a T8 kicker but you will outgrow it in the next 4-5 years.

[Matt V]

Since you said that it need's to seat / fish a family of 5, I would think that you would want something in the 19' t0 20' range. Especially with 3 young kid's. The ProV's are nice, but they are not very deep. I just upgraded from a 17' Lund Fisherman to an 18' Lund Tyee and it still get's crowded with my wife and 2 kid's in the boat. The last time that we went out, my wife commented that we should have bought a bigger boat....

[cspierings]

Don't lose that wife... Buy a bigger boat?...!

[bcmss396]

Thanks for the feedback. I realize that there's no one stop answer to my dilema. I don't want to buy a boat that's too small, nor do I really want to end up with a ski boat that I have to fish from (we're not really skiers, but we'll probably do some tube pulling).

With our major focus on fishing, I'm ready to compromise some things to get a good layout for fishing rather than total comfort for running to the beach.

Anyone else that owns one of these boats and can offer personal likes or dislikes of the craft is appreciated. Thinking of going to look at Lunds on Saturday with the kids.

Blair

[Guest]

You sounded like you were happy with your current SmokerCraft (size and engine limitations aside) but I didn't see that you'd consider another one. Maybe that's because you were looking used and there wasn't anything available. I have owned 2 smokercrafts and was thrilled with both, I just wouldn't limit my opitons to only Lund and G3.

[cspierings]

I went with an Alumacraft in early October. Went back and forth betwen the trophy and the tournament sport because I wanted the full windshield. On the way back from buying it I spent 2 days fishing the Mississippi river. First day was just me, my son and my dad. The seond day I had the 3 of us and my BIL and his son and daughter for a total of 6. We were vertical jigging for sauger and walleye and the boys were casting cranks until they realized the jigging was working best.

Overall I think it went very well and I fished from the front deck and the driver's position so I could run the terrova. We stayed dry, comfortable and the rod storage and storage in general let me keep everything out of the way.

I was so please with it that we decided to all go up to Lac Seul next summer. I have a boy and 3 girls all who fish and my wife fishes. It will be crowded at times if we are casting for pike but I know the ladies won't want to fish all day like the boys do so we will be fine.

SO far I am very happy. I posted a pic of my boat on the walleye boat thread at the top of this forum.

There is a nice 2008 Alumacraft Tourney Sport at Warner's doc in New Richmond that I was dealing on. If its still around I bet they will be even more motivated to sell. I would be surprised if you couldn't get it for the middle of your range new with electronics etc on it.

[larrym]

Thanks for the feedback. I realize that there's no one stop answer to my dilema. I don't want to buy a boat that's too small, nor do I really want to end up with a ski boat that I have to fish from (we're not really skiers, but we'll probably do some tube pulling).

With our major focus on fishing, I'm ready to compromise some things to get a good layout for fishing rather than total comfort for running to the beach.

Anyone else that owns one of these boats and can offer personal likes or dislikes of the craft is appreciated. Thinking of going to look at Lunds on Saturday with the kids.

Blair

First of all none of the boats suggested (Lund Fisherman, Reata etc.) would ever be considerd a ski boat. They are fishing boats first but, with the shield moved forward and the addition of the flip up seats under the rear deck, are made to accomadate seating for 5 that you wanted. Most of the "strictly fishing" models I'm familar with such as Pro V would seat 5 only if you counted the bow seat.......not one you would use when traveling across the water. Good idea to go looking with the kids. Get all 5 of you in them and the decision will become easier I'd bet.

good luck and enjoy the shopping experience.....that's half the fun! :)

[Waxy]

Some good advice here regarding steering away from the tournament style boats - Pro V, TS, etc... The tournament boats, despite being 19-21' long, are really designed to fish two people. Most only have seating for 4 unless someone is in the bow, which is really uncomfortable and not all that safe.

If your family is anything like mine, they'd much prefer a boat that's closer to a "runabout" in layout, size, and comfort. You don't give up much in fishability to get these features in the Fisherman, Tyee, Trophy's, Reata's, etc...

Waxy

[Jay -- WFC]

I agree, none of the Pro V's are designed for 5 people comfortably. I have had a couple Pro V's and now have an 1850 Tyee. The bow area in a Tyee is a little tight, but then again when you're trying to fish 5 out of any of these boats you can't affort to waste too much space with a huge bow. I would suggest a 1950 Tyee because the passenger area (from the windshield back) is a little tight in an 1850, especially with people in the jump seats. The 1950 has extra space back there, spacing the seats a little further apart, which is really needed. Heck, we trolled with 5 guys in my Tyee up in Canada in the past, and although it's not ideal, it worked out OK. I'd also suggest a Verado or 4 stroke of some kind; I have a 200 Opti, which is a great motor, especially when you're out there by yourself, but not a real "family friendly" motor as it makes plenty of noise when you have a bunch of people in there who are trying to talk. The people in the jump seats have their ears about two feet from the motor, and it gets irritating if you're back there for any length of time. No big deal if you're just running to your spot to fish, but it gets old if you wanted to do any serious "cruising." Just my .02. I have come real close to pulling the trigger on trading mine, which would result in loosing many thousand $'s, just to get a 4 stroke that would be quieter for "family time."

The Tyee (or Fisherman, I suppose) is not the serious fishing boat that a Pro V is, of course; higher sides make for much more difficulty when trying to troll on windy days. Tyees want to blow around more. Tyees ride higher and are dryer. The high sides make the Tyee safer for kids and keep you comfortable in all kinds of weather, but also make it harder to fish. The whole rear end is not set up very well for backtrolling (with an electric or a gas transom mount motor), the seat is in the wrong place. You'd have to have a kicker setup & use the wheel. I've spent countless hours in my '04 Tyee, though, and caught lots of fish. You just have to have a good sized bow mount motor (mine should be bigger) & learn how to work it with the wind.