Help! What type of boat for Erie?

[OhStbucki]

I'm a rookie on this page and to high performance walleye fishing, so I hope these questions aren't too stupid. I've always wanted a Lund Pro V. I really want a 20 footer for the rough weather, but I'm wondering if I could down scale and get away with a 18 or 19 footer for cost saving purposes? How much difference is there in price between the 1800, 1900, and 20 Pro V models(loaded or near loaded with a nice package) and is there a significant difference in the way they handle big waves? I'm also curious just how big of a wave is comfortable for these boat sizes and when is it time to head for shore. I couldn't find many links on the web for Lund dealers in or near Ohio to check this on my own. Can anyone help? Finally, is there a boat similar in performance to the Lund on Lake Erie in the same length, but cheaper? I've seen others have had good things to say about Alumacraft. How about Crestliner? Greatly appreciate any advice.

[Kdog]

Bucki,
I fish Lake Erie on occasion in a 17' Monark,if you have never fished Erie before please be smart.You should Definately have a gps,Marine radio and compass before venturing out on the big lake!!As far as those boats handling Erie the Pro V's do great but if i were you and you plan on fishing it alot id opt for a glass boat with a full windshield.Only telling you this cause my aluminum gets pounded up there and glass rides alot smoother.As far as how big the waves should get before you go in....in my opinion its better to be safe than sorry.I dont fish in anything over 3' if i can help it.It mahes for a long trip in when your 15 miles out on Erie and your coming in on anything over 3' waves.All of your major aluminum boat companys make decent boats in my opinion. Id pick the boats layout and the style of fishing you do when looking at boats.Im a trollhead and like alot of room in the back so thats a priority in my book.Anyway hope this helps and i am just trying to tell you what id do if i could be in your shoes picking out a new boat.Good Luck,Kdog

[Denied]

Get the longest, widest and deepest boat you can afford. Get a full wind shield and a hard top. Rig it with radio, gps, life jackets and anything else you can think of or want.
Lake Erie can be a real *itch. It is not unusual to go out in a 2 to 3 foot chop and come in an hour or two later in 4 to 6 foot monsters. Personally I set a limit of 3 feet max or I stay in.
I have seen big and small boats go down, mostly due to poor seamanship. Knowing when to get off and/or not go out is the key.
Learn all you can about the lake and the weather. Keep an eye toward Toledo, as most bad weather comes out of the West.
Having said all that, Lake Erie is a great place to fish, in my opinion it may be the best in the country, day in and day out.

Fishing Western Lake Erie aboard "DENIED"
web page; www.cliftond.com

[ETT]

Go to nortonmarine They are Lund, Triton and Ranger dealers. They can help. ph # 1 330 644 5020. Good luck

[Smitty]

I have fished Erie several times in a 17' Lund ProSport with no problems. The optimal Lund boat for Erie would probably be a deeper style than a Pro-V with a full windshield (Fisherman, Tyee, etc), but there are many 17-18' Pro-V's running around out there. As far as how rough, there's not a "set" value. If you're not comfortable, the waves are too big. Everyone's boat handling skills and experience are different. The real rule there is to err on the side of caution when in doubt. If you fish Erie primarily, I would say get as big as you can afford and use good judgement.

[bob oh]

I would second the glass boat. If you are going to primarily fish Erie get the biggest deep-V glass boat you can afford, not for safety, but for comfort. You can fish Erie safely in any decent boat of 15 feet or more, but comfort is another story. Safety (and to a degree comfort) is more dependent on the skills of the skipper than the boat. Right now there are tons of good, used boats on the market - check all of the boat dealers in the area you plan to fish and take a look at the classified ads in that area.
Bob

[OhStBucki]

Thanks for the advice. Good fishing!