advice on multiple species boats

[mike]

I would like to hear about some good choices for a person that fishes erie a lot but would also like to pursue crappies/bass/walleyes etc on inland waters

[Robertp]

Choices are many. Lots of good rigs out there. First is whether you have a preference for glass or tin. Then consider size, though for Erie, I personally think you want 18' or better. More freeboard is nice for running on erie and bad for inland lakes working tight to cover and shorelines. Picks up too much wind. Give us some background, you'll get lots of replies

[FISH4U]

Chech out the Lund Alaskan 20

-I use it on Erie (up to 22 miles out)
-I use it on Pymytuning w/9.9 kicker
-I even used it on Ladue -for bass(eletric only) used my minn kota only

The boat is big enough 20'5" Beam 89" for Erie-
up to 4 foot waves

But light enough and very easy to operate on all inland waters.

I have even taken it to the upper cuyahoga river.

If you get it in camo you can even use it for duck hunting.

[ETT]

I'm running a Triton 205, designed to be a multispcies boat. Great choice if you are looking for performance as well as fishability. Even has a removable rear deck. Good luck with your search.

[Kevin A]

#####://www.yarcraftboats.com/boats/192michigan.htm

Works very well for everything you've described. Surprisingly the wind doesn't push it around much. Dry & soft ride to boot. Send me an email if you want specifics.

[RedTheRangerMan]

What a can of worms this topic can be. I would recommend that you do give a lot of thought to what you purchase. Your question shows you are on the way.
I would recommend the Ranger line. Many of the Ranger guys that fish Erie and other bodies of water are running the 620. But you needn't go that large.
The 617 and 619 will also do an excellent job for you, in the situations you are talking about. I even know 3 guys that run the 681 on Erie, Green Bay and Saginaw bay. They do just fine.
High freeboard is important, but too high is a liability in any kind of wind. It can be very hard to keep the boat in control.
As for shallow water, I can get in a shallow of water as most other multispecies boats and several bass boats.
More important, pick a boat that suits you. Layout and stability is as important as top end speed. Fishability and quality construction is even more important.
Also, beware of pakage options. Some people will beat anothers package price, but look at the options and the motor offered.
Be sure to compare apples to apples. A Ranger 619, equipped with a 200 Opti Max, ans 36 volt Trolling motor will, obviously, be more expensive than a Brand X equipped with a 200 EFI (or Carbeurated motor) and a 24 volt trolling motor.
Also, don't skimp on the saftey options. Have a flare kit, marine radio and extra floatation devices.

[cmb]

your wife may not like this responce but, I would buy a 20' or larger glass boat built for big watter(a nice deep boat designed for big waves)and a 14-16' inexpensive tin boat for the small stuff this way you will not be compromising anything on either type of water. and if you are carefull you can keep it in or near the budget of one bigname multi species boat

[Mike]

I run a LUND TYEE 1850 with A 150 on it with a 8hp kicker. I do Erie and the mississippi. No matter what the size boat, Erie still must be respected. The windshield is also nice for the kids and wife,,,have to please her too.

[Jim]

No doubt there are many good choices. Here's the choice I made to do pretty much what you described, and I couldn't be more pleased: Yar-Craft 1785 Mille Lacs side console; Evinrude 150HP Ficht; 8HP four stroke kicker; Pinpoint bowmount trolling motor.

This rig handles big water pretty well, is trailerable, and works fine for small stuff. Every boat is a compromise of some sort, but for me, I have the perfect multi-species rig.

Jim

[chickengizzard]

check out warrior's complete line of glass boats. the only complete line of glass boats i should say. from 16.5 on up to 20'8" there is a boat for just about everyones needs and a combination thereof as may be the case with you. check em out at www.sunpatio-warriorboats.com