Who makes the best aluminum boat?

[Mr T]

A bunch of folks on this site are partial to the boats they own. I would like to know what you own and why why like it. And why you don't. For instance, I own a Crestliner and love it but there are things I wish I could change. How about you? Who makes the best boat out there?

[MIKE]

I bought a Targa 18 from Tracker. Had what I wanted at a price I could afford. I looked for a boat that was laid out the way I wanted. For example, storage, livewells, baitwells and just general fishibility. Saw a beautiful Lund at a boat show but did not have 25k.Only you know what you need and want and can afford. Make sure you look and look and look somemore to find one that suits you.

[mckoz]

I own a 2000 17' Smokercraft Millentia. I found it to be the best "value" for my money. It is the second Smoker I have owned and am very happy with it.

I like its layout and versatility - the wife and kids use it a lot and ease of use and handling was important.

The $$'s I saved on this rig went into, trolling motor, locators, GPS, a new set of trolling combos and boards etc.
A brand new Lund might have looked good behind my truck but not in my checkbook!

Mike

[Mike]

Mr. T, Is it really necessary to start another post like this? All it leads to is "my boat's the greatest and you're idiot if you buy anything else and by the yours is a piece of c$%p" kind of responses that most of us are quite tired & weary of reading.

Mike

[Walley E.]

Boats and women are alot alike. You find the prettiest, nicest one you can. You treat them both with respect and kindness and they will return the gesture. Neither of them are for everyone and you won't believe a word of disrespect anyone gives you about them. Go out and search until you find the one you feel most comforatable with. Become intimate with your choice and you will never regret it.

Regards,
Walley E.

[cisco]

Unattractive women are more dependable.

[Eyecon]

I personaly would say without a doubt Lund!I presenty own a glass boat,but have owned Lund Pro-Vs in the past.If I ever went aluminum again I would not think twice about going back to a Lund.Great boats

[Lundster]

This is a no-brainer LUND makes the best by far without question, everything else SUCKS!!!!!!!!! Just thought I'd confirm what Mike said in his post about arguing and such. Nothing compares to LUND though!

[THUMPER]

Hey Mr T to a man....Boats are like women.....beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some of us spend more time with our aluminum or glass sweathearts than we do with the married one we got.

[Orion's Avatar]

What ever suits your need is the best!

Orion's Avatar

[sonny1]

>A bunch of folks on this
>site are partial to the
>boats they own. I would
>like to know what you
>own and why why like
>it. And why you don't.
>For instance, I own a
>Crestliner and love it but
>there are things I wish
>I could change. How about
>you? Who makes the best
>boat out there?

[IaCraig]

Well Mr T.

Since this post is frequented primarily by Walleye fishermen, my choice may not be a common one but I love my 19' Crestliner Phantom. I spend about 60% of my boat time water skiing, tubing etc with my friends and family, and the other 40% doing some type of fishing. There is no such thing as a perfect boat for everything, but the Phantom does pretty well with the bow and the rear bench areas haveing great livewells for fishing and then converting into seating areas for skiing. Another point I like is the set-back transom.

Before that I had a 17' Blue Fin Fish'n Ski. It was a budget level entry boat, but I took care of it and liked it too. The ride, room and fishability don't compare to the Phantom but at 25% of the price it was a good value.

When I get older and fishing becomes 80% of my time on the water I probably will convert to a tiller model Crestliner or Lund. But with 2 young boys I think that will be a while.

IaCraig



and

[Mr T]

Iacraig,
Do you feel that the set back transom on your Crestliner actually helps performance? How much horsepower do you run?

[Mr T]

Mike,
All I'm asking fishermen is what they like or don't like about their own boat. Not why they hate the boat their buddy runs. Anglers are a much more honest source of information on the qualities or problems of a particular boat than the manufacture's. I think most fishermen want to know about another guys boat, even if they like their own.

[eyefish]

There are only 2 aluminum boat manufactures in the world. Lund and those who compare their boats to Lund. enough said

[cisco]

1) I currently reside in Minnesota; 2) I am of Norwegian ancestry; 3) I am Lutheran --

Therefore, I do own a Lund.

[TBO/MN]

Yes, but do you backtroll?????

heheheheheh..........
Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[Walleye Guy]

And on the 7th day god created FIBERGLASS! :-)I'm going to burn for that one!Have forgiveness on me.My vote go's to Lund.

[Kevin B]

T- I have a 1988 Tracker. (My wife picked it out! I didn't care what kind of boat I got, as long as I got one, and one that she liked.) I replaced the wood decking and carpeting in 1997. The transom cracked in 1992 while it was still under warranty. They replaced it at no cost to me.
If I had more income (then or now) I would buy a Lund or Crestliner. We looked at ten boats or so. Affordability was the first determining factor, floor plans the second. We liked a Gruman and Smokercraft about as much as the Tracker, but the Tracker was the "best priced package".
Every other year or so I look at new boats and consider upgrading. Then I really contemplate "Why?" and keep the boat I got.

[IaCraig]

I'm not a boat techie so do know know all the actual specs, but yes I think it does help performance. The back 10" or so of the transom is not actually in the water so when I am on plane I think I have less boat in the water resulting in less drag. With a 150 hp FICHT I was getting 55mph (gps) @ 5400 RPM's fully loaded. Since the FICHT upgrade kit I have not re-proped to get the RPMS back yet yet so I do not know what I will get but I expect a little less.

I like the setback transom for 2 other reasons too:
1. Big waves that hit the transom do not get people in the boat wet.
2. I get an added feeling of security with my 2 young boys in the boat because of the high-back seat that separates the transom from the boat interior.

IaCraig

[cisco]

TBO/mn
Backtroll??? Hey, I do practically everything backwards.

[Beaver]

I used to own a Lund Pro Angler and was going to buy another Lund til I saw the Ranger Cherokee. An all welded Crestliner hull with a Ranger interior.....best boat that I`ve ever had or fished out of. 75 Mariner tiller...I can do it all from back troll to front troll and everything in between. My opinion...it`s the best.

[Cangl]

If it were not for "metal flake" where what would fiberglass be?
Microwave safe! Pretty maybe....

[Czar]

Starcraft Pro Elite 2000. Love everything about it. Did my homework and this is the rig for me.

[Mr T]

Kevin,
Your story sounds a lot like mine. I got a new Tracker back in 94. First new boat I'd ever owned. It was a Magna 17 side console, that I got for fishing. Problem was, my wife was not all that interested in fishing (you know,in retrospect, I could have told you that before I bought it, but I was hopeful somehow she'd change). So, after a few years I got a StarCraft 19 foot with a walk thru windshield. I think they called it a Fisherman or maybe it was a Fishmaster model. Anyway,a basic but very good boat.My wife liked the full windshield but the freeboard was so high, that about any wind at all would knock me all over the place. It was nearly impossible to stay on a spot in any kind of breeze. My brother liked it so I sold it to him and bought a Crestliner 1750 Sportfish. It has been an excellent choice for the waters I fish in Montana and Wyoming. It also works well for family water fun.It is easy to tow and the interior is nicely thought out. Wish it had more storage though. I guess you could say that I've been a lot like Goldilocks. The first boat was just too small. The second one was too big. But my Crestliner has been just right. I still wonder though, if someone else has a boat I'd like just a little bit better. That's why I've enjoyed everyones opinion's. What's that they say about the grass being always greener somewhere else.

[mlc]

Actually, for absolutely certain, Lund owners are like the Pharisees that had not heard that the Kingdom of God was near. Hopefully, I pray, you will soon have a Damascus Road experience and learn the truth of SILVER STREAK. Repentance will be a liberating experience. You will receive an abundant boating life.

This kingdom is built upon a foundation of .190 aluminum.
There is no WOOD, hay or stubble which passes with each using.
The wineskins of this kingdom do not leak due to the old law of the rivet.

I will continue to pray, with a grin, that you will see the light. Silver Streak is the good news. It is the way, the truth and the life of fishing boat salvation.

Take care,
mlc

[Kevin Pierce]

I dont have alot of experience with boats but I will tell you about my first and current rig. A 96 Starcraft Superfisherman 17 footer with dual console. First boat, and I'm sure I love it as much as anyone with their first boat. As far as performance goes, when I put her in the water she floats, when I put her in gear she goes, and when I put her in the right spot.....FISH ON ! Everybody have a fun, safe year, and enjoy your precious time on the water!

Kevin Pierce

[Dunn]

Lund, simple answer.
-------------------
Marshall J. Dunn
Bluewater Research, Inc.
(OffShore Release)
N.P.A.A. # 701

[twogun]

LUND IS ON TOP!!!

[T-Mac]

For my own fishing, the Lund Pro-V Le single console.
This is my PERSONAL preference. I would not dispute someone elses claim to their personal preference.

As far as aluminum "walleye boats" go, Lund has always lead the way in developing fishability in a boat.

[Cheese]

This comes from someone who doesn't own a boat and therefore has no bias. I do however mooch off a lot of different friends and have fished in many kinds of boats. The only one I've been in that really made me take notice was a LOWE. The welded hull makes a huge difference in the ride quality in big waves. If I buy aluminum it will have a welded hull. I know the knew Targa and Crestliner boats have similar builds, I'd definitely look into it!

[Mr T]

Cheese,
While all of us are struggling to make out exorbidant boat payments you, as a self proclaimed "moocher", just may be the smartest of us all. One thing is for sure, until I owned my own craft, I did not appreciate how much work it is just to keep them up and keep them clean. I too fish with a couple of "moochers",and to add insult to injury they always catch more than I do.......out of my boat no less. Where's their manners? I have never looked at a Lowe. Sounds like I need to nest time I see one in the parking lot at the ramp.

[Doc]

I have an '83 Sylvan Backtroller. I have upgraded it have most of the bells and whistles any new boat has. I love it, as for the moochers, tell them if not for your boat control they would catch nothing and if they balk tell them to run the boat and you will sit by and ##### when the fishing slows. Works for me.
Doc

[tmoe]

I agree that Lund makes a quality boat. However, I have owned 4 Alumacrafts in a row and have been extremely happy. My father-in-law's Crestliner is really well made. Others are, too.

But, if the lay-out isn't what works for you it's worthless. I didn't buy a Lund for that reason. Maybe next time. If the look and feel of the boat isn't there the quality may the last thing you want to remember about your purchase. I am not saying that quality doesn't matter. I'm saying that quality is only part of the purchase. I think people should buy the best boat that feels good to them that they can afford... and be then be very proud of it.

A friend of mine just bought a Lund without ever even looking at another line of boats. He doesn't have a clue whether that boat really "fits" him. But, he's happy... And that's all that matters.

['EYEFSH]

I have a 2000 Lund 1800 fisherman It's built ##### for stout,but
p.poor design! 2 livewells in the backmakes it ride low in the water then waves break over the tranny and water enters the hull thru port for the gas line.when drifting seems like I always have to run the bilge also too much room ahead of the windshield and too little in the seating area gas gage reads full all the time [that's why it has a 6 gal. reserve. would I buy it again? no way!!!!!

[eye-b-jim]

I'm curious, just exactly what are comments like "lund is best" supposed to tell anyone about a boat. Come on I respect your thoughts but this does little to explain why you like lund. I'm not bashing anyone and you are absolutly entitled to your opinion. I actually would like to hear what you like about your brand whatever it is. Maybe in the future I will buy one based on what you like. I can assure you I will not buy one because someone on a message board said it was "best".

Well I'm writing 'cause I bought a new Crestline 1750 Fishhawk last fall and would like to express my findings so far. Overall I like It. The there could be more room for the driver. It's a little tight to the wheel. Also the side of the boat blocks you from swiveling to the right. I would like a little more storeage space and dry storage would be nice. Since I chose the cheaper model these are things I was and am prepared to deal with. Other than this the boat is great. It rides smooth and dry for the most part, and It's easy to fish from. Just my two cents.

Good fishing to all.

Jim

[Mr T]

eye-b-jim,
You raised a great point about your boat being dry. I've heard a lot about aluminum boats not keeping anglers dry. But to tell the truth, I can't think of a single boat, glass or metal that I've been in that would keep a guy dry in a good cross wind. My StarCraft kept me fairly dry but I think that was due to the high freeboard. But give a good stiff cross wind and it didn't matter how high the freeboard, you were going to got wet.Sometimes even soaked. One thing I've liked about a walk thru windshiled, you can tuck in behind it and escape most of the spray. Out west the wind seems to never quit blowing. Just a question of which way. Anyone out there been in a aluminum boat they thought REALLY was a dry ride,even in a cross wind?

[EyeJacker]

I have a Lund "Mr Pike" which I am extremely happy with. The word of mouth is, if you care to ear, that it also has a nose for eyes!:D

Jack

[Greg P.]

I have had an Alumacraft Trophy 170 for 11 years, and it has performed flawlessly. I have found it to be a solid boat, with a nice layout for both fishing and skiing. I like the carpeted gunwales, the removable casting platform in front, and the dry storage has never been anything else but dry. This boat handles very nicely, is stable at full throttle, and a pleasure to drive. The walkthrough windshield and canopy work great to keep the comfort level tolerable in inclement weather. This boat has held up incredibly well, and still looks great.

If I were to find anything bad to say about this boat, it would have to be that it does not cut through waves as well as other hull designs, this is not a 2XB hull. It will handle the waves, but not as well as my friends Crestliner Phantom II which I often drive and ski behind.

I have had such good performance out of my Alumacraft, that I ordered a new Trophy 185. I believe the 2XB hull is a great hull design, and this boat fits my needs very well.

Don’t be surprised to see me admiring your boat, whatever make it is, even if it’s just a canoe. I have enjoyed all the opinions on this post.

Greg P.

[It can't be a LUND]

After looking on the website http://www.boattraderonline.com/ I have come to the conclusion "It can't be a LUND", it's one of the top boats people are trying to get rid of. I wonder why? Could it be that people get suckered into paying high prices for average quality boats? Somebody has to pay for all those boats they give away for free to the PRO's that are at every boat show. BTW - this isn't meant to be a bash just a simple conclusion.

[Driftr]

I have a 2100 Phantom. I have to say is the softest aluminum on Erie I have ever been in. I would also say that a 2150 Baron would ride the same. I think the set back on my transom is what give me the outstanding performance. I run a 23 pitch renegade bass with 1 person and at WOT 5700 RPM 62-63 mph. It still wants to pick up speed too, but gets a bit scary with the chine walk.
Driftr

[TM]

In 1995 I shopped all available boats in our area. I looked at the size, depth, strength etc. Most of all I shopped for a boat that seemed to fit what I wanted in a boat. I looked at safety first, storage second, comfort next, fishability next, construction next. I than further narrowed the list by checking on reliability and reputation. Last I looked at price. My #1 pick SmokerCraft Ultima scored higher than any other boat I looked at. To my suprise, it was over $5000 less than a comp. Lund or Crestliner. I was able to buy the boat, motor, trailer, Lawrance, trolling motor, and lots of extra stuff and still spent less than I would if I would have bought one of the belly-button boats. I still have my Smoker Craft and I still love it.

[Starman]

Folks who own Lunds sell them, they don't trade them.
They are smarter than that, and they know their Lund will sell easily. And the reason for these boats being for sale is, they want to buy another Lund.."cash-no trade" like they did their last 4.

[Dave M]

TM, I would have to agree with you except I bought a Sylvan (sister company of Smoker) 1900 Excursion about three weeks ago and love it. Plenty of room and storage and for the money, the best deal I could find. It's in the shop now getting a Pinpoint 7520 mounted on the bow. Can't wait to try that out. I also got a $150 rebate which was in my mailbox yesterday after sending it in only a week ago, now if Mercury would get my $437.50 I'd really be a happy camper.

Dave

[Hawgeye]

Starman hit it on the head. Many Lund owners like to keep a new boat in the garage just like those who like to buy a new car every year or two. It is much more cost effective to sell it yourself especially if you are one to take extremely good care of it. That way you will make a couple extra thousand that the dealer would get. Makes sense to sell yourself to MANY buyers looking for a Lund and then buy a new one...I have many many friends that do this.

Of all of the Lunds that i have owned, I have sold for right at or slightly below what I paid for it. I take very good care of stuff and often actually improve it from what it was like when I bought it.

[cisco]

OK, time to settle this once and for all. I make the best aluminum boat. And that's the truth. End of argument.

[Lund Owner]

Your post kind of interested me as to its accuracy. I checked several boats as to the maker and these are the numbers they came up with in the 16 to 20 foot range in the 1990 to 2000 model years. Boats for sale
Crestliner.....73
Alumacraft.....34
Lund...........78
Ranger.........200+
This boat site has 78000+ boats for sale.
"You have given your opinion but is it informed"

[Rigging]

I'd like to mention that you should have a livewell and a cooler in the back and a large livewell up in the front of the 2000 model year 1800 Fisherman. (Are you sure you have a 2000 model?)
It would seem to me it would make sense to spread your fish between the front and rear livewell, and leave the cooler as a cooler.

Also, the reserve system is not a 6 gallon tank.
The reserve is simply a longer take-out tube in the one and only gas tank. Your reserve amounts to approximately 10% of your fuel capacity , or 4 gallons (approximately).

As far as water entering the hull via the fuel hose "port"..........??? I don't know what you have going on there?
The fuel is delivered through the rear bulk-head by way of a solid, thru-hull (Brass) fitting located in the "splashwell" at the rear of the boat.

At least that is how they come from the factory.

It is a normal occurance for water to slop into the splashwell (hence, the name). Bilge pumps are put in the boats because it is a fact some water will come in.

[Mr T]

So......Cisco,
What kind of aluminum boat do you make? If it's the best it must be good! Tell me about it.

[Nice conclusion]

movin up to bigger size? lund has sold more boats over the last 20 years for serious fisherman so there are more aviable?Dont need as big as boat anymore? dont fish anymore? Are these good reasons without getting written explanation from everyone? have a nice Day!!!!!!!!

[mlc]

A Norwegian Lutheran Boat Builder? God must still be in the miracle business!

[cisco]

Norwegians were making boats when most of Europe was hiding inside high-walled towns. They weren't Lutherans yet, but they sampled life throughout the Western Hemisphere and into Asia Minor.

And here's a little known secret -- the first lutefisk was really walleye.

[tstick]

ok here goes. I read every post here and agree most poeple have lunds because they make and sell more lunds- they have a good rep.
I own a 1997 princecraft superpro 178 with a 90HP evinrude. I can't prasie this boat enough..I bought it new,and fish walleye tournaments with it. on most of the team circuits over the years.- the boat leaps out of the hole and is on plane quicker than any glass boat.( only 90 HOP gets eaten alive by the big boats though)-the boat has a whole lot of storage. more than most boats.- ( the newer models don't have that though-a reason I kept the 97). yes, a princecraft has a higher pricetag, but the hull is (in my opinion) the best riveted hull you can get.
this boat is a single console(which is useless in rough water-and (like most boats- wet in a cross chop). but the fishability of the boat is outstanding, and room for 4.all hatches are aluminum and the deck has a 40 year warranty.- the boat has a 29 gal fuel tank and is pretty easy on gas. so that's what I have and I love it!- princecraft for me!