What tiller?

[Tim_Kelly]

Any suggestions on a tiller boat which would be able to achieve about 35mph, maybe around 17-18ft, be good for small waters but still good for trips to LOTW and other big waters. Must drift well for casting for musky, but be controllable for backtrolling and vertical jigging? Ideally it would have a rod box big enough for 8ft+ rods too.

[FEDER]

Check out the Ranger 618T. Ran this model with the 90 E-Tec/Titan steering this year after running 620T for the last 6 boats. This boat does it all well. Backtroll dead calm 1 mph Forward troll 1.8 mph.
Very slow drifting boat, because it sits very level in the water. Hole shot between 5-7 seconds with two and load.
Rod boxs 1 each side will handle all your rod needs.

Give me a call 1-218-255-3535

Go tigers (My daughters V-ball team just took 5th place at Minnesota State V-Ball class A.)

George Feder

[rg]

Tim, I have an 18ft prov with a 90 yamaha and use it all the time on LOTW for all the applications you described. It's the perfect boat for me up there. Top speed is about 35 mph and great gas mileage. Nice center rod locker that holds 8 rods but only 7 fters...Thats the only thing I don't like about it.

[lund rebel]

Any suggestions on a tiller boat which would be able to achieve about 35mph, maybe around 17-18ft, be good for small waters but still good for trips to LOTW and other big waters. Must drift well for casting for musky, but be controllable for backtrolling and vertical jigging? Ideally it would have a rod box big enough for 8ft+ rods too.

You don't say what kind of -tin or plastic but if you are looking for a aluminum boat I would go see your nearest lund dealer, Lund has a great line of boats that would meet your needs, like the Pro-guides the predators explorers all these come in different sizes good luck.

[Burr]

The people I know with the 17 and 18 foot Pro guides and Predators really like them. I'm sure an 8 foot rod is not going to fit in the rod locker though. There aren't too many rod lockers on any boat that will fit an 8 foot rod. They do a bit better on top end speed than the 1800 Pro V due to less weight overall.

[Tim_Kelly]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been in a 1625 pro guide and thought the centre rod box lid made the front pedestal too far forward to allow room to use the foot control easily. Never been in the larger ones. The rod box issue is a tough one. I don't really understand why they make them so short. I expect the ranger, or a tuffy might have longer rod boxes, but I'd rather have an ali hull if possible, so I don't have to worry about beaching it, and general wear and tear as much.

How difficult might it be to cut out the end of the rod box on a boat with a side rod locker, to extend them?

[1625rebel]

Valid concern with the forward pedestal position on the Pro Guides. I'd never noticed that before. Looks like you get 6.5' in floor rod length and 7 for side locker.

Another option is the 1725 Rebel, a model down from the Pro Guide. It will take up to 8 foot rods in the port, but it is open without tubes. I'm going to take a swing at making my own port rod locker in my 1625 ss this winter (storage for 4 rods with tubes and socks). The pedestal position on the bow is further back. The 1725 Rebel will also take a 75 outboard & should run faster than the Pro-Guide at close to 40 mph. Main down sides over the Pro-guide are the loss in 7 inches of beam, no electronics center, and no in floor rod storage.

Alumacraft Navigator tiller is nice also. It looks to take 7.5' foot rods in the port locker and has tubes already installed.

[Tim_Kelly]

Was looking at the navigator, but it doesn't seem to be a very quick boat. Even on their performance test, where the boat will be pretty much empty, it only just managed 30mph. I can imagine that dropping quite a lot in a real world situation. I like the navigator otherwise though.

[T Mac]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been in a 1625 pro guide and thought the centre rod box lid made the front pedestal too far forward to allow room to use the foot control easily. Never been in the larger ones. The rod box issue is a tough one. I don't really understand why they make them so short. I expect the ranger, or a tuffy might have longer rod boxes, but I'd rather have an ali hull if possible, so I don't have to worry about beaching it, and general wear and tear as much.

How difficult might it be to cut out the end of the rod box on a boat with a side rod locker, to extend them?

The 1825 is a whole lot more boat than the 16 footer and there is much more room in the bow.
The in floor locker is longer too, of course.
Also, the side rod locker is longer. Plus ypu can carry rods on top of the side locker
Put a 90 an it and you'll have what it sounds like you are looking for.
After many ProVs (1800, 1900s and 2025's) I went to the Explorer (Essentially the same boat as Pro-Guide but in steering wheel) and I am happy as heck with all the room and all the storage.
And...I am fussy!

[stinkycat]

The 1825 is a whole lot more boat than the 16 footer and there is much more room in the bow.
The in floor locker is longer too, of course.
Also, the side rod locker is longer. Plus ypu can carry rods on top of the side locker
Put a 90 an it and you'll have what it sounds like you are looking for.
After many ProVs (1800, 1900s and 2025's) I went to the Explorer (Essentially the same boat as Pro-Guide but in steering wheel) and I am happy as heck with all the room and all the storage.
And...I am fussy!

T-mac is right on! I had a 1725 Pro-guide and now have the 1825 Pro-guide. Both are quite a bit bigger than the 1625. Lots of room up front for my trolling motor foot pad. I love the 1825 for all the reasons, Tim_Kelly, you posted except the 8' requirement. I believe my center rod locker holds 4 or 5 7'ers, the rest 6'6', and my starboard side locker can hold 5 more 7'ers.

[Tim_Kelly]

I like the idea of a pro guide, but the centre rod box seems like a waste of space to me. I think I'd prefer a livewell across the rear of the deck and more storage in front, with one of the side compartments used for a long rod box. Having a livewell up front would allow me to balance the boat if I'm fishng solo, with the weight of a second "person" forward. Maybe that sort of thing doesn't matter so much in a bigger tiller, but it seems to in the smaller boats I've owned.

Seeing as the length of the rod box is something boat manufacturers advertise pretty heavily, I'm surprised that lund go for 6-7ft where a 618T goes with 8-9ft! Anyone make a tin Ranger?

[BW]

Just buy the Ranger! You will be better off all around!!! There are some really nice used ones out there to save you some $$$$$.

[Tim_Kelly]

I know, it would be the obvious choice, but the trouble is, I'm more "Rat Rod" than "Street Rod" and I can't ever see myself with anything metal flake and shiny that needs such high maintenance!

I'm sure Ranger make fantastic boats, like BMW make fantastic cars, just can't ever imagine owning one.

[T Mac]

I like the idea of a pro guide, but the centre rod box seems like a waste of space to me. I think I'd prefer a livewell across the rear of the deck and more storage in front, with one of the side compartments used for a long rod box. Having a livewell up front would allow me to balance the boat if I'm fishng solo, with the weight of a second "person" forward. Maybe that sort of thing doesn't matter so much in a bigger tiller, but it seems to in the smaller boats I've owned.

Sounds like just a Lund 20' Alaskan to me.

[/QUOTE=Tim_Kelly;1148450] Anyone make a tin Ranger?[/QUOTE]

Yes, matter of fact, ...Crestliner and Nova built a few for Ranger 10-12 years ago. But no tillers.

[Tim_Kelly]

The Alaskan doesn't have front and rear casting decks does it? 20ft is getting too big as well.

[Drummer Boy]

Kelly AMEN

[Hot Runr Guy]

I like the idea of a pro guide, but the centre rod box seems like a waste of space to me. I think I'd prefer a livewell across the rear of the deck and more storage in front, with one of the side compartments used for a long rod box. Having a livewell up front would allow me to balance the boat if I'm fishng solo, with the weight of a second "person" forward. Maybe that sort of thing doesn't matter so much in a bigger tiller, but it seems to in the smaller boats I've owned.

Seeing as the length of the rod box is something boat manufacturers advertise pretty heavily, I'm surprised that lund go for 6-7ft where a 618T goes with 8-9ft! Anyone make a tin Ranger?

Tim,
I know a gal, that knows a guy,,,,,,, anyway, just heard back from Lund, they say that a '10 1825 ProGuide will accept 8'1" rods in the starboard rod locker.
HRG
(did you get my PM?)

[JOHN L. HECKLSMILLER]

TIM:

I HAVE RUN A 2001 LUND "1800 PRO-V" WITH A 2007 "HONDA 90 HORSE 'V-TECH' TILLER ON LOTW FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS. WE HAVE A SEASONAL FACILITY ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF LOTW @ KEN-MAR-KE
RESORT, BOSTIC CRK/MORRIS PT. OUT OF BAUDETTE, MN. IN MY 9 SEASONS ON THE SOUTH SHORE, I HAVE PUT ON NEARLY 20,000 MILES AND 3,000 MTR HRS. FISHING BOTH THE 'BIG WATERS' OF MN. & THE 14,000 ISLANDS OF ONATRIO.

MY 1800 TILLER IS A FISHING MACHINE FOR ALL OF MY STYLES ON LOTW. I (LONGLINE, BACK-TROLL, CAST SHORE LINES & JIG) ALL OUT OF MY 1800. I RUN LOWRANCE GLOBAL MAP, LCX19c & 520c UNITS WITH A 24 VOLT/82#/MTRGUIDE BOW MOUNT. THE 90 HONDA
HAS SERVED ALL STYLES PERFECTLY. BUT, ROD LOCKERS CAN ONLY
TAKE 6'-6" RODS. MY OTHER POINT OF CONCERN IS WHEN ON THE 'BIG WATER' OF THE MN. SIDE I FIND MYSELF VERY SELECTIVE AS TO WHEN I'M GOING TO TAKE ON THAT WATER. I'M AFRAID TO SAY THAT THE 1800 CAN FIND ITSELF TO BE TO SMALL FOR THAT WATER THROUGHOUT A SEASON. BUT, IT IS EASY TO TRAILER ON MY ROLLER
SHORELANDER, THUS I HEAD FOR MORSON,ONTARIO & HANSON BAY
WHEN ITS TO DANGEROUS TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE 'BIG WATER'! MY
BOTTOMLINE WITH THE 1800 PRO-V IS I COULDN'T HAVE A BETTER RIG FOR LOTW & THE MULTIPLE STYLES I FISH.

[Tim_Kelly]

Thanks HRG, replied.

John. thanks for your input. I know 18 wouldn't be an every day boat, but then even the 30 footers don't go out some days. What sort of top speed do you get out of your rig? Is it easy enough to get Hondas worked on in the LOTW area?

[JOHN L. HECKLSMILLER]

TIM:

#1. UNDER PERFECT WATER CONDITIONS I WILL RUN 35 TO 36
MPH/@ 6,000rpm/15" 3 BLADE SS PROP.
A. MY RIG WEIGHS APPROX. 2900 TO 3000#'S ON THE
WATER. THAT'S WITH 40 GAL. FUEL, 4 BATTERIES,
AND ALL THE OTHER SUPPORT EQUIP. NECESSARY
FOR BEING ON THE WATER ALONE. THOSE SPEEDS
ARE FOR 1/200# ADULT, ADD A TOTAL OF 3 ADULTS
& I'LL DROP TO 33 TO 34MPH. I RUN MOST OF THE
TIME AROUND 24 TO26 MPH @ 4200 TO 4400rpm. THIS HAS
PROVIDED FOR 13,000 GPS MILES AN AVERAGE OF
5.5mpg.

#2. "HONDA DEALERS": MY HOME IS IN CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. &
I BRING THE BOAT HOME EVERY SEASON. I SERVICE IT
BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE SUMMER HERE IN IA. I HAVE
BEEN AVERAGING 300 TO 350 MTR HRS/YEAR ON THE
WATER. I HAVE HAD SERVICE DONE @ 3 LOCATIONS WHILE
'UP NORT'!
a. D & E SPORTS/ROSEAU,MN.------NOT MY
PERFERED DEALER.
b. BAUDICK EQUIPMENT/RANIER(JUST EAST OF INT.
FALLS, MN.) SERVICE & PRICE IS ACCEPTABLE.
c. RESORT MARINE/WALKER, MN.------I TRUST THEM
THE MOST, MAINLY THEY ARE A BIG HONDA DEALER
& HAVE THE EQUIPMENT AND EXPERIENCE FOR
RELIABLE SERVICE. BUT, THEY RUN 80 TO $90/HR!
d. I CHANGE THE MTR. OIL, FILTER & LOWER UNIT
LUBS MYSELF. AFTER THAT I SPEND THE MONEY
FOR DEALER SERVICE FOR ALL OTHER
MAINTENANCE. I CAN'T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH
OF THE RELIABILITY THAT THE "HONDA" OUTBD.
HAS PROVIDED ME!
e. OVERALL "HONDA" DEALERS ARE SPARSE.
#3. THE VERSITILITY OF A 17' TO 19' BOAT FOR OUR STYLE & USE IS
A GOOD FIT! AND THE ONLY TRUE FISHING BOAT IS A "TILLER"!!
I'VE CONSIDERED GLASS BOATS IN THE PAST, BUT CAN'T PULL
THE TRIGGER OVER ALUM. WHEN IN THE MIDWEST AND ONTARIO
WATERS. JUST FEEL BETTER WHEN AROUND THE ROCKS!!

[tn_pete]

I have 3 8ft rods and a 8ft 2" rod in the side box on my 2008 1825 Pro Guide. Top speed with both livewells and front Bait tank filled along with 2 people. 36 MPH Running a 17" Prop on a 90 E-Tec.
Lots of boat for a smaller boat. I was like you needed a boat for big waters but also small waters. I fish Southern lakes stump filled that most use john boats on. The 1825 does great on these Lakes..
Pickwick Lake, Sardis back waters, And lots of water shed lakes under 500 acres.
Pete

[brondsmith]

Hi all. I'm looking to buy a boat new or used. Prefer 20 ft. I'm checking out Lund, Alumaweld, and North River(any other suggestions appreciated). I will be using it for fishing mainly the delta and taking the kids out for some water skiing. Should I start out getting a cheaper used boat or just buy a brand new one? Money shouldn't be a problem I'm a truck driver and no I will not cash but payments sound nice. What are your experiences with these boats and which one should I get? Alot of the sites I check don't have prices on them so also if someone can help how much difference are these boats price wise? Thank you for any help.

[Cape Cod Basser]

I assume you're considering a tiller because you're on this thread. If so, i would check out the classifieds right here on WC. There's a few sweet new or almost new tillers out there that look to be loaded, and priced very reasonably. Particularly the '09 2075 Pro V with the 250 Merc. Just 30K and change. I'm sure that baby could handle anything anywhere.

Also, in response to rod locker size, my Mr. Pike 16 port side rod locker can fit a 7'7" rod. I don't know if the previous owner did something to customize it, but it fit fits no problem.