Tiller Boat

[Fishn1]

I was looking for a little input on 2 boats that I might consider buying in the future. The first one is a yarcraft 1785BT and the second is a lund 1725 pro guide. I fish the Missouri River and Lake Oahe in ND most of the time. Both boats have a max of a 75 hp tiller. What are your thoughts? Thank you.

[Corey S.]

Since I own the company I like the Yar-Craft, I can tell you the ride on our boat is great. Our boat will give you a smoother and dryer ride then any aluminum boat. The boat cuts through the water very well and stays on track in all conditions.
I could go on and on so if you have any further questions please feel free to call myself or Dean at the plant 715-849-4135.

[GarryB]

I agree with Cory.

I owned a new YarCraft 1781BT that I used for many years and when it came time to buy a new boat I bought a new 2007 Lund 1600 tiller.

My next boat will be a YarCraft 1785BT.

IMO, the ride is better, much drier and the compartments are much drier. I also like glass better because I never loose the bottom when running at fast speeds because I glass in a transducer and shoot through the hull.

The new 1785BT are made much better than my 1993 model and I had no complaints with how the 1993 was made.

[lund rebel]

I was looking for a little input on 2 boats that I might consider buying in the future. The first one is a yarcraft 1785BT and the second is a lund 1725 pro guide. I fish the Missouri River and Lake Oahe in ND most of the time. Both boats have a max of a 75 hp tiller. What are your thoughts? Thank you.
I have never owned or fish out of a glass boat, but I think the 1725 pro-guide would make a good boat for you, it has a great storage system, the great livewell system that keeps the bait and fish alive longer than any other system on the market, the gunnel track system which gives you options. there is a lot to consider good luck.

[Gear]

I just went from a 620 ranger to a 1825 Proguide with a 90 Merc. People said i was crazy. Just wanted a smaller easier towing fuel efficient boat. I am very impressed with the ride of the Lund. I was expecting much worse and wetter. I looked at the Skeeter tiller, Yarcraft, Ranger, Alumacraft and Lund. It came to price, storage set up and dealer location. They are all good boats but i really liked the set up of the lund. The 1725 is just about the same at the 1825. I fish the MO river at Chamberlain, Ft Thompson and Pierre and have been impressed with the rough water ride. I have a friend who owns an alumacraft tiller with a 75 Yamaha and he loves it. Gets around fine with 3 people. If i was still going 50 mph down the river for tournaments I would definitly pay the extra for glass, you wont be dissapointed with the lund.

[Koldfront Kraig]

Your not going to beat the ride or dryness of the Yarcraft.

[eye4aneye]

You're definitely going to stay drier in the Yar. If the cost isn't too much more, glass is the way to go.

[TapOut64]

I just picked up my 2010 Lund Pro Guide 1675 a month ago with a 75hp tiller and love it. Lots of storage. I really like the rod storage down the middle for 10 rods. The sports track system is awesome, it allowed be to put a trolling bar across the back without having to drill holes in the boat.

[TapOut64]

I meant to attach this thumb nail above.

[GarryB]

Tapout,

Which 75hp tiller did you put on your boat and how do you like it?

[TapOut64]

Tapout,

Which 75hp tiller did you put on your boat and how do you like it?

Mine came with The Big Tiller. (http://northamerica.mercurymarine.com/engines/outboards/bigtiller/) (75 Optimax) It's very comfortable to operate up to around 30mph then it tends to pull to the right. It has a tensioner knob on it that helps. I moved up from a 14' jon boat with a 9.9 horse tiller so I'm loving the 75hp motor.

[guest]

I own a 1785 and can tell you it is a great boat. A friend of mine was in it on Sakawea last sommer and he was sold on the ride, it was rough. He has always been a Lund fan and has fished from a 19 foot ProV. He said his next boat will be a 1785. I fish Sakawea and the Missouri, so I am in the same situation as you. The Yarcraft is the best compromise of control and being able to take on big water. Also, I don't know that they are much heavier as I passed a Lund with the same motor during a tournament one time.

[Fishn1]

Thanks for the input everyone, they both look like nice boats. If I would go with lund and it comes with a mercury does the titan tiller steering work on a mercury or just yamaha.

[Koldfront Kraig]

I dont think you can get the Titan on the new Mercs.


Hot Runr Guy would know for sure.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Thanks for the input everyone, they both look like nice boats. If I would go with lund and it comes with a mercury does the titan tiller steering work on a mercury or just yamaha.

Unfortunately, until the demand increases, the Titan system is not being offered for Mercury Big Tiller motors. The Titan is offered for Yamaha, Suzuki and Evinrude E-TEC's.
HRG

[TapOut64]

I priced Mercury's hydraulic assist through my dealer and it was over $3,000. I told my dealer I'll get it as soon as I win the lottery.

[Fishn1]

How hard is it to find a lund dealership that is willing to put a yamaha on a lund? My local lund dealership doesn't seem too interested. The reason for a yamaha is because of the titan steering. Or isn't it that big of a deal not having titan steering on a 75hp tiller?

[stinkycat]

How hard is it to find a lund dealership that is willing to put a yamaha on a lund? My local lund dealership doesn't seem too interested. The reason for a yamaha is because of the titan steering. Or isn't it that big of a deal not having titan steering on a 75hp tiller?

Do a search on WC for Titan and you will get all the answers your looking for. Lund/Yamaha/Titan is a great combination!

[Hot Runr Guy]

How hard is it to find a lund dealership that is willing to put a yamaha on a lund? My local lund dealership doesn't seem too interested. The reason for a yamaha is because of the titan steering. Or isn't it that big of a deal not having titan steering on a 75hp tiller?

your profile doesn't show where you're located, but looking at the Missouri River/Lake Oahe area, what about Pierre Sportcenter?
They carry Lund and Yamaha.
http://www.pierresportscenter.com/

HRG

[GarryB]

Fishn1,

I bought my Lund tiller with a Yamaha from Nelson Marine in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. They also installed the Titan steering system.

As for me, I won't own another tiller without a Titan or power steering system.

http://www.nelsonmarine.biz/

[TapOut64]

Or isn't it that big of a deal not having titan steering on a 75hp tiller?

I've run my brand new Mercury Optimax 75hp tiller for just about 4 hours now. My max speed is 35mph. If I run around 27mph it is effortless (there is a tensioner knob that helps) but once I hit 30mph or more you can really feel the boat wanting to turn to the right. I'm ok with it as I'm perfectly comfortable running around 27mph. If I ever need to run over 30mph for an emergency situation I can handle it.

[GarryB]

Tapout,

One can eliminate most of the pulling by adjusting the trim tab on the motor or by playing with the trim button until you find the sweet spot or both.

[TapOut64]

Tapout,

One can eliminate most of the pulling by adjusting the trim tab on the motor or by playing with the trim button until you find the sweet spot or both.

Thanks for the input, I'll give it a try. I'm still learning.

[dirtman44]

Check in to a G3 V172t before you go buying the Lund if you are leaning towards the aluminum boat. I got rid of my Lund and got the G3, and to be honest with you, I will never go back to a Lund. The G3 has every thing the Lund has to offer at about $7,000.00 cheaper. And they all come with Yamahas because the G3's are made by Yamaha. Just something to consider. I have had nothing but compliments on my G3 by friends that have fished out of it with me, and by people at the landings that are not real familiar with G3 boats and just come over to take a look at it.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Check in to a G3 V172t before you go buying the Lund if you are leaning towards the aluminum boat. I got rid of my Lund and got the G3, and to be honest with you, I will never go back to a Lund. The G3 has every thing the Lund has to offer at about $7,000.00 cheaper. And they all come with Yamahas because the G3's are made by Yamaha. Just something to consider. I have had nothing but compliments on my G3 by friends that have fished out of it with me, and by people at the landings that are not real familiar with G3 boats and just come over to take a look at it.

Dirtman,
Pictures man, pictures! We thrive on those here, and enjoy seeing how others have thier boats rigged and such.
Good luck with the new rig :cheers:
HRG

[HangLooseOutdoors]

I heard from a number of people that G3 boats like to slap the water and offer a wet and rough ride. As for wondering about buying a Lund or Yar Craft, it's easy, look at what you want in your boat: Do you want more room inside your boat?(Go with a Lund) or do you want a smoother ride? (Go with Yar Craft).

[noreaster]

New here to the forum and i am whining like crazy after reading all these posts .
I had to sell my Lund a couple years back and i miss the old girl so much.:mad:

I had the 16 ft tiller with a pro 50hp 3 cylinder yamaha.

I have seen the G-3 and they are selling alot of boats.

Thanks for reminding me of my old girl.

At least my bro-in law bought a new boat for me to use!!!!!!!!!!!

[I_Just_Fish]

I heard from a number of people that G3 boats like to slap the water and offer a wet and rough ride. As for wondering about buying a Lund or Yar Craft, it's easy, look at what you want in your boat: Do you want more room inside your boat?(Go with a Lund) or do you want a smoother ride? (Go with Yar Craft).

I've got a 172T G3. Don't know what you mean by "slap the water" but I don't think my boat does that. It rides like every other boat I've owned. And as far as a dry ride, the only time I've gotten wet is when I'm hitting the waves at a angle. Straight into or with them is as dry as any boat. Maybe your buddies are just are mad because they can't afford one?? As far as room I moved everything out of a 1900LE Lund into my G3 and still had room left over.

[dirtman44]

I agree with I_JUST_FISH! My G3 keeps me just as dry as my Lund ever did, plus I think it rides smoother than my Lund did. I also moved all my stuff out of the Lund and into the G3 and have way more room.

[HangLooseOutdoors]

I_Just_Fish and dirtman44

Thanks for the info on the G3 boats. I just heard 'around talk' about G3 not liking the big water. I have never road in one so I can't say anything. I am not ripping on them. They definitely look like very nice boats and I love the inside layout of them. Plus, they are very reasonably priced. So you guys say they ride just like a LUND in the water, even in 3 or 4 footers???? I might have to look into them a little more... Nothing rides like a glass boat, though...

[I_Just_Fish]

I_Just_Fish and dirtman44

Thanks for the info on the G3 boats. I just heard 'around talk' about G3 not liking the big water. I have never road in one so I can't say anything. I am not ripping on them. They definitely look like very nice boats and I love the inside layout of them. Plus, they are very reasonably priced. So you guys say they ride just like a LUND in the water, even in 3 or 4 footers???? I might have to look into them a little more... Nothing rides like a glass boat, though...

I had my boat on Winnie last year in 3-4 waves with no problem. There was nothing wrong with the ride as far as I am concerned. I think in a few more years G3 is going to be on top of the list, if not number 1 in aluminum boats. Just my opinion.

Good Luck with your decision.

[brentfrank]

I was told a year or so ago that G3 had hired a couple of design engineers from both Lund and Crestliner???

[dirtman44]

Brentfrank

Probably true. Seems more people are considering the G3's not only because they are better boats than they used to be, but also cause they are cheaper than the other three major aluminum brands. And in these tough times , people are shoping for better values with their money and realizing the G3's are a better buy.

Boat sales are slowing down and the expensive boat manufacturers are laying people off and closing plants. Meanwhile the people that are shopping around with their money, are buying G3's and G3 is hiring the previously mentioned lay offs.

Just my 2 cents.




HANGLOOSEOUTDOORS

I am not saying that the G3 is better than a glass boat, but from my experience, it is better than the Lunds I have previously owned.

[Buzz]

Not to turn this into a G3 thread since the original post was asking about Yarcraft and Lund, but I do feel the need to comment on G3. I was in a buddy's yesterday (first G3 I've been in) fishing crappie on Truman Lake in MO and I'll have to say that I was extremely impressed. I don't know which model it is but it's an 18.5' walk-through with a 200 Yamaha HPDI on it. I've owned a couple of Lund Pro Vs in the past and currently am running a Ranger and will have to say that the fit and finish on his boat is as good as any. Let's just say that is was a bit breezy yesterday and I was surprised on how well the boat handled it. It was a lot softer (and drier) ride than I expected.

Aluminum has it's advantages and fiberglass has it's advantages. If you're looking at aluminum though you owe it to yourself to at least give G3 a look providing you have a good dealer in your area.

[tzonetom]

Since I own the company I like the Yar-Craft.

:grin: That cracked me up.

He's not lying, they make a great boat.

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

I fished out of my Dad's 2010 Lund Pro Guide 1725 with a 75 Merc 4 stroke a week ago. I was impressed with the boat. The layout, storage, floor space, handling, etc. A very nice boat. He felt that he didn't need the Titan system on the 75. It seemed to work just fine without the Titan. For a tiller, it is a darn nice boat.

If I were in the market for a tiller, I'd look at the Skeeter WX 2100 or the Pro Guide 2010. But that's just me. Personally I love the protection of a walk-thru windshield.

[Corey Studer]

I was looking for a little input on 2 boats that I might consider buying in the future. The first one is a yarcraft 1785BT and the second is a lund 1725 pro guide. I fish the Missouri River and Lake Oahe in ND most of the time. Both boats have a max of a 75 hp tiller. What are your thoughts? Thank you.

If you want a tactical precision walleye fishing machine, you go with the 1785BT. I just purchased one this spring and this boat tracks better than any boat that I've ever run or owned. The best advice is to try to run them both and make your own decision.