TUFFY YARCRAFT WARRIOR

[CONFUSED]

IN LOOKING FOR A NEW BOAT AND NARROWING TO THE GLASS BOATS ABOVE, IN THE 18-20 FOOT CONSOLE MODELS-IVE BECOME VERY CONFUSED AS TO WHICH IS THE BEST BOAT AND COMPANY, AS CUSTOMER SERVICE IS VERY IMPORTANT. IN A NUTSHELL HERE ARE A FEW THINGS IVE BEEN TOLD----TUFFYS ARE ROUGH RIDERS AND WET BUT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS EXCELLENT. YARCRAFT I THINK HAS THE BEST FLOOR PLAN BUT IVE HEARD THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. WARRIOR HAS A BAD RAP ON QUALITY, BUT BEING IN MINNESOTA WARRANTY ISSUES WOULD BE CONVENIENT FOR ME..PLEASE HELP WITH FIRSTHAND KNOWLEDGE ONLY

[jimbo]

If you get a chance call Kevin at Itasca marine he's in Grand Rapids Minnesota and he handles two of the three lines Warrior and Tuffy I would think he can give you plenty of info on those boats hope this helps P.S. 218-327-9486 good luck jimbo

[KevinA]

Interesting collection of info. I can only speak for Yarcraft. I've owned a 192 Michigan for the last 2 years and have no complaints at all with Yarcraft's customer service. The few things I have had to contact them about have been addressed quickly & without hassle. I've even traded emails on occasion with Bob Schuette, the owner. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. Check some of the other recent Yarcraft service posts...you'll see on overall positive review.

As for the boat, it's extremely dry & soft-riding. It runs Lake Michigan (the open lake, no bays) with ease. The only time I get a drop of water on me is when it rains..if I pop for a standup top this year, that'll be gone too. If you need any other info send me an email.

(btw:the camper is for sale if any one is interested)
http://users.wi.net/~datuboat/images/boatpic2.jpg

[Richard]

I can tell you first hand that Yarcraft will stand behind its product. Yes, they've had customer service problems in the past. Most of these occur because of a breakdown in communication between the dealer and manufacturer.Every company goes through these periods. They're called growing pains. But Yarcraft has stepped up to the plate and met this challenge head-on. And yes, I agree, the floor plan, exterior design and standard features are the envy of the industry. Go for it and Enjoy the ride!!!

[SoDakMac]

My first hand experience is with Yar-Craft. I agree with your assessment of their layout – at least for the type of fishing I do. I have had excellent experience with their customer service. If you are interested in details – send me an e-mail.

[Fishnwiz]

I just have one question for you. If you do indeed have a problem that you feel needs to be addressed, with whichever rig you buy,who would you rather speak to about it? The owner/CEO or some secretary or worse yet...a recorded message!
Do yourself a favor and contact Bob at Yar Craft BEFORE you make your mind up! Bob took alot of time with me and answered any and all of my questions and even offered me a tour of their/his plant! I do not believe that Tuffy or Warrior offer such a deal but I could be wrong? Talk to Bob, you won't be sorry! Fishnwiz

[JonnyMo]

I don't want to make your decision any more difficult but you might want to also throw Triton in the mix....they might not be a household name yet, but from what I've seen they have the best layout and specs for the 18 to 19 foot range with their 189 Walleye boat that maxes out at 175hp.

They come standard with Stainless Steel Prop, Trolling motor, on-board charger, and custom trailer....you should check them out.

I don't own one, but have been looking for an upgrade. Just my opinion, see what you think.

[Tom (Mich)]

In a nutshell, they're all outstanding boats. Kind of like choosing between a Mercedes, Lexus, and BMW. Personally, I can only speak to Yarcraft as I bought an 1895 Storm last season. Great ride, dry ride and outstanding interior layout. I have had no customer service issues whatsoever. My minor gelcoat problems were taken care of at the factory during the winter and was returned better than new. You can't really go wrong with any of your choices. Now, on the other hand, my Evinrude 225 powering this rig blew a cylinder last week in the MWT, so don't get me started on OMC............

[Terry/JNR]

Take a look at the post below..."Tuffy Boats Amazing Performance". This is typical of someones reaction when they first ride in a Tuffy. Tuffy boats actually have a reputation of not only being one of the smoothest and dryest boats, but also one of the fastest.
Tuffy quality is second to none, as is their customer satisfaction. The Tuffy company, along with their dealers stand behind their product better than any other boat company on the market. If you could find all the posts in the archives, this is one point that would stand out about the Tuffy company.
With only a 1.2% warrenty return rate in 1999, Tuffy doesn't have much of a problem standing behind their boats. They even garrentee the boats against stress cracks and the warrenty is transferable to as many owners as the boat has during the warrent period.
If you'er interested, I can even take you out for a test ride in a 1990 Osprey with a 200 Yamaha. For the moment we have a Pro Series, a standard 1990 Osprey and a tiller model in stock. You can compare all 3. Call me any time during the day at:
1-877-841-4804 or e-mail me.
The Tuffy Boat line is only a small part of the Fiber Dome company and the fun part at that. Tuffy boats are more of a hobby for Fiber Dome and as a result, they don't put out a lot of boats, but they sure do put out a lot of satisfied Tuffy owners.

[mossboss]

I have a Warrior boat and would by another. No problems and I fish at least 100 days a year.

[not happy]

ive had a yarcraft 1785 backtroller for three years....its been back to the factory twice. the work done was mostly cosmetic and done well. however, the work was to be done, and my boat back to me in three weeks. my boat was sent to the factory in october and i didnt see it until april both times. you need to keep your word. ive had bad feelings towards the company since and wont buy another, even though i do like the boat. i see by other postings that people have had good luck with yarcraft too, i wish i could say the same. good luck

[Gunga Din]

Looks like you keep some serious records with your fishing--or at least you did in '92. All those graphs look like a lot of work, but good info to have. Nice boat!

[Gunga Din]

My only complaint with Tuffy is that, last time I checked, they don't make a walk-thru windshield model. That eliminates them as a choice for many.

[ranger]

ranger is your answer

[Terry/JNR]

21 ft walkthru coming for the model year 2001! Watch for it! Unlimited hp rating.

[Robertp]

Wiz,
I can tell you that "Warrior" has EXACTLY the same offer. I was looking for a pre-owned boat last year and looked at alot of them. I finally setlled on a Warrior. Though I like all the boats mentioned here, I liked features of the Warrior best for me. I called "Warrior", told them what I was looking at (not new) and was still invited for a tour of their factory. I don't have a Warrior dealer within 600 miles and have talked to the factory, (Tom or Troy), many times with questions.
They have always been most helpful. The Warrior offers an exceptional ride on the big waters with lots of room and excellent fishability. To me, choosing one of these three boats is, indeed, a tough choice. I think you have to look at all three, decide which offers the best features for you personally and buy that boat. I can't argue, nor do I want to, with any post I've read here so far. This is the most civil and objective discussion on these boats I've yet to read on this board. Thanks

[Tin man]

only problem with them 3 brands is they are all plastic boats.............LOL

[Craig]

Why don't you take a look at Ranger's offerings too?

[Chris G]

The best and really only way to make your decision is to go to dealers that carry these lines and ask that their pro staff take you out for a demo ride. That way you can compare each to the other. Talk will only go so far.The nice thing about taking a test drive in a pro staff boat is you can see first hand how the boat is rigged and how the boat performs when actually rigged for fishing. You will also get to see what equipment might work best for the particular boat you are looking at.
I personaly have a Warrior V193. I have had it for two years and love it. And the factory has always been accessible from one of the floor supervisors Eric, to Pete Harsh, the national sales manager, to Tom LaTour the owner and CEO.If possible, head on up to Maple Lake and meet them and take the tour. They will be glad to have you and will aid you further in answering your questions.
Good luck in your decision whoever you are! :)
Chris Gasser

[fission]

The important thing is that you already know fiberglass is the important thing. I went with the TUFFY. Why? I unscientifically decided that I had never read a complaint about their boats on Walleye Central. I have no complaints. No regrets.

[Tommy Mac]

I would like to echo the first response to this post. Call Kevin at Itasca Marine, or better yet e-mail me. Itasca handles both Tuffy and Warrior. I have run Warriors since 94. First a 1890 then a 2090. I was very happy with both boats. I had all warrenty issues handled without comlpant.

I just bought a Tuffy 1990 Osprey in the tiller configuration. I am extremely impressed with the overall quality of this boat. It is still to early to give a comparison between the two as far as overall performance goes. As far as layouts, I feel that they both have some good things I like and some things that I would like to see changed.

If you do decide between a Tuffy or Warrior, you can't go wrong with Itasca Marine in Grand Rapids. You will not find a dealer more committed to customer service and satisfaction. They pride themselves with one of the very best service departments in the region. I would be happy to try and answer any questions you may have. Good Luck - Tom

[walli]

I only have experience with the the warrior and yarcraft boats. I've rode and fished in both boats. I ended up buying a 1895 yarcraft. All i can tell you is to look long and hard at each boat. There are alot of small differances. The one with the most things that suit you is the one to get. Warrenty on the yarcraft is no problem. Any questions E-me walli

[Terry/JNR]

Do you know that the Tuffy company is just 30 miles east of Madison, WI? Lake Mills, WI.

[GWB]

I've dealt with Kevin and couldn't say enough bad things about him. Stay away!!

[Famous]

A tour of the Warrior factory is what you need, and a ride in my 2090 BT is available anytime. I love seeing the faces of people after a ride on big water!!

[Kevin A.]

Thanks Din,
Actually I have equal plots/records from 1991 through 1998. The source of the numbers aren't my trips...it's charter boat data assembled by the DNR. The 1999 plots will be generated when I get the data. The plots are easy..generate a template, assemble a table of data & hit "go". Send me an email, I need to ask you something.

[Terry/JNR]

After 25 posts, are you more or less confused? I'd probally be more confused..LOL. Good luck with what ever you choose.