Lund 1700 Angler Tiller Question

[Brian1]

I need some info on the Lund 1700 Angler Tiller. How are these boats for setup and interior durability? I am also thinking about the Crestliner Fishhawk 1750, but have heard that the interior lids on some of the compartments are a little soft. Is there truth to these statements? i am going to put a 75 Merc tiller 2-stroke on the back. If I go with the Lund should I get the Eagle Custom Trailer or the Shorelander? Thnaks much for the info.

Brian Dunk

[Gull Lake Guy]

Can't offer you much advise on which boat other than to say the only aluminum boat I ever owned was a Lund,and the only aluminum boat I ever would own would be a Lund. Crestliner has come a long way in the past several years, but a Lund always seems to sell faster that any other brand. Regarding the trailer,without a doubt, go with the Eagle. They are custom made for the particular boat,load straight every time,offer much better support that a roller trailer,and are a real plus if you are loading the boat up alone. The exta money is money well spent. Good Luck with your new rig

[DAM]

Besides a couple of loose screws in my Angler the interior has been fine. I am 250+ pounds and the hatch covers feel solid. The only one I can tell is indeed a cover is the rod locker. I usually only stand on that one when chasing largemouth around the boat.

I found a few stripped screws right after I bought the boat. They were located at the console (gauge panel and the tackle storage). I put larger stainless screws in place of those. Probably were stripped when the boat was being rigged.

I also looked at the Fishhawk but decided on the Lund because of the layout and because the dealer treated me well.

Its Time!

[Larry M.]

I fish a 1700 angler SS and love it. Lay out is good and the space is great compared to what i had. The Tiller would be even better in that regard. I don't know much about the crestliner but suspect it's agood boat as well. Re the 75 2 stroke - have you considered a 4 stroke? I know it's more $$$ but are really versital as a tiller, allowing you to troll down more easily and you'll really enjoy the lack of noise! I have the shorlander trailer [bunk] and really like it. Not familiar with the Eagle but have heard good things.

[gary]

I have had a 1700 tiller for the last 1 1/2 years. I put a 75 Honda on it. This is the best rig I have ever owned. When Lund says dry storage, they mean it. I put Wave Wackers on it because I do quite a bit of back trolling. There is ample room for three people to fish out of. I spend half my time after walleyes and the other half for muskies. I have even had four in the boat one time and we still had room. As far as the trailer goes, either is a good one. I choose a Shorelandr and put bunks on it. The boat dead centers itelf every time. The only reason I stayed away from the Eagle is Shorelandr is a little lower and in my area we have plenty of shallow boat landings.

[Fred_G]

Just had my new 1700 Angler tiller on the water for the first time last Sunday. I was extremely pleased with everything about it. Looking forward to getting out again tomorrow.

I compared the Lund and Crestliner also. The Crestliner is a fine boat. I didn't find much difference between them, except that the Crestliner is much heavier. If you're loading and unloading alone, that can make a difference. The interior compartments on both boats will flex if you stand on them. Just have to be a little careful. I went with the Lund more due to the dealer. The Crestliner dealer was too far away for me.

As for the trailer, I went with a Shorelander bunk trailer with brakes. Again, very pleased so far. I'm not familiar with the Eagle trailers so can't offer much there.

I notice you're going with a 2 stroke. I decided on the Merc 75 4 stroke and am glad I did. Can't even hear the engine running at idle and can easily carry on a conversation with a boat partner at 30 mph. I know the 4 stroke is quite a bit more, but IMHO very well worth the price. Might be worth considering.

Good luck!

Fred

[Eric_WI]

I've had my 2001 Lund 1700 Angler Tiller/2000 Evinrude 70 4-Stroke/Shorelandr bunk trailer combination since mid last July and I love it. The only problem I've had so far is a couple of spots on the bunk padding have worn down to the wood. Otherwise, I like the bunk trailer. I wouldn't go with rollers unless the landings that you use are shallow.

I agree with the rest of the posts above. I know they cost quite a bit more but go with a 4-stroke. You won't regret it.

Good luck and good fishing!
Eric

[Badger]

I have a 1700 Angler SS (console version)/Ficht 115/Shorelander Roller, and have only good things to say about the Boat/Motor. I'm not familiar with the Crestliner, so I can't offer any comparisons for you. I will say that I wish I had went with a galvinized trailer. My Shorelander is only about 8 months old, and it's already got several spots of rust coming through. Also, don't rule out a DFI. You'll have the economy of a 4 stroke, with the scream of a 2.

I agree with the above post about the screws stripped out in the tackle locker. I think they were just too small. Since I've installed larger diameter screws, all is fine.

Also, if you go with a roller, plan on getting wet at landings with no piers when you are on your own. Rollers are nice for launching (especially at shallow launches), but when landing, the boat rolls right off as well :). BTW, if anyone has advice for solo landings with a roller, I'd be interested to hear them.

[Glen]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-06-01 AT 12:26PM (CST)[p]The Eagle trailers are made to fit for your boat only. Not matched up for yours and a few other models like Shorelander.
I would stay away from a roller trailer unless you want roller dent marks in your hull after driving over a few bumps.

[Red]

Badger I have a roller trailer and I fish by my self alot. All I do is dock my boat, go get my van, back the trailer down and pull the strap out and make sure your handle will spin free if you need more strap, next get back into the boat drive on your trailer and leave the trottle up and in gear, I run the boat up as far as I can then I walk up to the front of the boat and bend over the front end and hook up the strap and tighten it up (flip ratchet to lock strap), go back to motor and shut off, get out of boat and finish wrenching boat on to trailer! I never get my feet wet unless its a real shallow landing. This works real real well guys, try it the next time you fish alone Good fishin Red

[John in MN]

I generally do what Red described if the landing is deep enough to drive on. If it is not I load the following way.
1. Beach the boat.
2. Back trailer in alongside the boat.
3. Pull winch strap out until you have enough for the boat to reach about a foot past the back of the trailer. (After you have done it a few times and know the correct amount of line, mark it with a permanent marker.)
4. Attach winch strap to boat and give the boat a gentle push back angling it slightly behind the trailer. How hard you push depends on how strong the wind is. It is easier to do this procedure if you push the boat into the wind.
5. When the bow just clears the rear corner/light of the trailer, tighten up the strap and the bow will swing behind the trailer.
6. Pull the strap so the bow snugs up to the rear rollers and start cranking.

I used this method with my old boat that had a bunk trailer with a keel roller. It is much easier with a roller trailer. After some practice, you'll be amazed how easy it is. It only becomes difficult with a strong side wind.

[Hawg Docker]

How wide is the trailer you have your 1700 on? I like the boat but my rented garage stall has an 8' door. Shorelandr recommends a 95 1/2" wide trailer. Is the eagle trailer as wide?

[MF]

HEY BADGER, i have a 1900 le with rollers and i do it all alone . you might try to put the trailer not as deep in the water . i fought with mine , waiting for some to go fishing with me and finally went by myself.(son just found out about girls )i had to try different depts with the trailer and finally got the right water and she never rolls off any more . good luck just a suggestion