Fisher Boats

[Jim]

Hey guys, I need some input. I have been shopping for a new boat this spring and have been comparing them all. At the most recent fishing expo, I talked to a Fisher dealership who was offering a pretty good deal on a 17' sport avenger model. I have asked around, but do not know any Fisher owners. Any input?

[Mark/swmn]

I have a Fisher 160 hawk fs. I have been extremely happy with this boat so far. Dry and stable. I have 90 hp merc. on mine. I have also added a few toys to it to add to my satifacation. I added a min kota auto troll, a zercom lpg 2000 on the console, a lorance x75 up front and a guest charger that will keep all three batteries charged. Don't know about the avenger but I like my Hawk. Good luck.

[Bob]

Hey Jim, I have a 19' Sport Avenger with a 125 Merc on it and I love it. Great for fishing, plenty of room, and a nice smooth dry ride!!! If you have any more questions, E-Mail me. Happy Boating!

[WestCoaster]

I looked at Fisher's real hard when I bought my boat this past fall. I drove the 19 Sport Avenger I/O and O/B with 150 FICHT. Wonderful boat, but had two annoyances that swayed my decision to a Crestliner. The interior walls slant down from the top of the gunnels and use up interior floor space. I realize that this results in roomy rod lockers, but when I asked the Fisher rep why that was designed that way, he said it was act as a gusset and strengthen the weak outer hull. As manufactured, it is as strong as it's supposed to be. But I didn't like the loss of floor space. The second item was the all-aluminum floor. I live in the west and we typically have very hot summers. Last summer we had over 50 days above 100°F and many of those over 110°F. As a result, the aluminum floor gets very hot! Since I wear shoes.....this may not have presented a problem, but the carpet adhesives start to give up at those temperatures. My dealer has had numerous warranty claims for delaminated carpet. I made a trip to the Crestliner dealer and worked on him for over a month trying to drive the price down. I finally got my 1850 SportFish I/O fairly loaded, including a 15hp OMC 4stroke kicker for less than the Fisher. Needless to say, I happy, but had I lived in a cooler climate, I probably would own a Fisher because the price was very attractive and I didn't have to beg and grovel for a lower price. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful boat. If it takes you out fishin' and gets you back, it's a ****ed fine boat! Good luck!

[Scrib]

I just bought a Fisher Hawk 170sc w/ a 115 Merc. I was initially looking at the Avenger model you are considering. I didn't think I could afford the Hawk, but I found a 99' model at a reduced price. I ended up paying the same price they wanted for the 2000 Avenger. I like the layout of both boats, but the wider beam and longer hull is what I really like about my Hawk. My only real complaint is the rod box doors are made from flimsy plastic, they could have done better. Scrib

[Fish'n Fool]

I just purchased a 171/2 pro avenger and love it. I like the life time warranty on the hull and the walls don't slant on the avenger series. the boat is very stable and a good choice since I fish Lake Michigan a lot. My choice was not for economics but which boat would fit my needs think about what you really want in a boat then buy you have to be happy so don't rush into yur purchase.

[Stan]

Fisher is a good solid boat. I have a 181DC and have had few problems with it. Recently it was sent back to the factory to repair welds that began crackingin the transom area. Fisher's warranty service is commendable.
The Hawk and Avenger series differ in both the beam (Hawk is wider) as well as the all aluminum floors. According to a design engineer I spoke with at Fisher, the plywood serves to make the stringer structure rigid. When an aluminum floor is used, the transverse supports in the hull are moved closer together (more of them than a plywood floor) to gain strength. This makes the hull more rigid and solid.
Can't speak to the selamination of carpeting on aluminum floors since it doesn't get than hot on a regular basis in Michigan. The aluminum floor does give a little confidence that you will definitely not have to replace flooring in the future.
Take Care