Best Rough Water Walleye Boat?

[Dan]

What are some opinions on the best available walleye boat for big lakes and rough water?

I'm in the market for one, and considering the following:

- Ranger 620
- Triton 205
- Targa 2000
- Lund (Tyee or possibly 2025)
- Others that I'm still sort of looking at Skeeter and Tracker Aluminum

I would have to say, from literature alone, the Triton is most impressive. I haven't heard from anyone that had one and haven't heard much about them however. The Ranger seems to more available and very similar.

I currently own an aluminum boat, but from everything I've read, Fiberglass seems to be preferred for rough water performance. Any comments on glass vs. aluminum? I fish mainly MN, WI, and Canada, so it must be able to take some light rock bumping on rocky shore. TIA, Dan

[T-Mac]

"Best" is very subjective.
The boats you mentioned are all good in rough water, pick the one that suits your fishing style. Getting to the fish is just part of the program. Boat control is the key.

[Guido]

WELL, if it were me looking for a boat and fished the missiori river chain i would look at what the guides in the area are running and talk to them first. THEN and beyound all other input you may get from ANYONE get a ride on the roughest days you can find in each of the boats that suit you. This will be the only way you are not spending your money foolishly, and 2 yrs. down the road looking for a new boat 'cause some ones word sucked. The seat of your pants will determine the BEST ride for your waters. Always look at the Warriors when it comes to big water also, they are the kings!!! Good luck

[Terry/JNR]

You'll get a lot of opinions on this one. Lund and Ranger will probally be the most popular. That doesn't mean either would be the boat for you. Since I went to glass, it would be unlikely I'd ever go back to aluminum. My cousin bought a new 2000 Lund 1700 Fisherman last fall and took a major loss this spring and went to a 17ft glass boat. He says it was worth it. Since I run Tuffy boats, that's what he bought, too. You didn't mention Tuffys, but they are worth the time to look at them. They may not have all the frills some of the other glass boats have, but the quality and performance is there.
Guys switching from aluminum to glass, even at a loss, is becomming more common with the high price of aluminum boats and the benefits of glass. This is the 3rd one I know of in the last 2 years.

[chadk66]

If your considering aluminum in the 20' range, then by all means check out the Crestliner 202 tournament series. I have the 17' tournament series boat, and I have to say it is the smoothest and dryest aluminum boat I have ever ridden in. And I have ridden in a pile of tin boats. And I think you will find the quality is there for sure. One more thing, the people at Crestliner are the kind of people that you want to be associated with.

[Jim Carroll]

Your Question- Best Rough Water Walleye Boat?

The Answer- Tracker Targa 2000. Next Question...

[R.P.]

Dan, Triton, Ranger and Tuffy in that order is my opinion. I have driven all three, i'd have to say that Triton has what you want. I have had a Triton now for three years and my opinion is it is the best all around boat on the market. If you have any questons email me. R.P.

[FROGMAN]

Yesterday while running back to weigh-in across Saginaw Bay my partner and I were caught in thunderstorm micro-burst. The wall of wind that hit us as we were running 45-50 mph in 1 1/2 ft chop quickly turned things nasty. My Skeeter 2050 brought us through safely, and I must say this is the most comfortable rough water boat I've ever ridden in (tournament size). Take a longer look at them I think you would be very happen with it. Good Luck

Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[Scott]

Two opinons here:
1) If you are looking at aluminimum, and concerned with rock bumping, then I'd take a hard look at Princecraft. They use a harder grade aluminum than anyone else. The design is for the rocky shores of Canada.

2) Those glass boats you mention are all nice. Out of those I personally like the Ranger the best. One that would be worth your time test driving is the Javelin 21 MSX. It's now a Genmar company. You can get Johnrude or Yammaha on them. I drove one last fall in some pretty rough conditions on Lake Erie and the Detroit River. The driest ride I've ever had. Very smooth and always fealt in control. The layout is awesome. In my opinion the layout is better than the other glasss boats you mentioned. Definately worth a look. After a test ride, I'll bet it's on your final list of choices.

[Hawgeye]

Unfortunately you will get opninions from people that only reflect the boat "they" have. That is pretty common here. I own a Lund and love my boat. I use it in rocky areas without any fear of a little ding. I also don't have the constant upkeep of the gelcoat. That said, I will not suggest the Lund since I have one. My vote in the boats that I have looked at that are glass would have to go with the Tuffy, Skeeter or Ranger. Those all look like nice boats and if I win the lottery, I may own one of them someday...for now, I will just keep catchin' fish in my wet,overpriced, slow Lund! :)

If you don't own a Lund, bash the Lund. That is the general consensus here. It really is the boat to compare all others to.

[Scott D]

If by rock bumping you mean beaching it, then I don't think you would want a fiberglass boat. Even with a keel gaurd (like Hamby's) you may still get some scratches in the glass. I never beach my Triton. If you are concerned with hitting underwater boulders, then I don't think it matters too much which type boat you have - it can't be good for either.

I like the rough water ride in my 205 but I have not driven any of the other boats talked about here to compare. I have been in some 10-footers and never took any water over the bow. I agree with one of the above posts regarding the Javelin boat. It looks to be real good from what I have seen in magazines. Another one you may consider is the Champion Fishunter.

If your main concern is the rough water ride, then definately go with one of the fiberglass boats.

Good luck in your decision.

[Eyez]

Are you getting the feeling that there are a lot of good big water glass and alum. boats? Choose your boat based on how it fits you and your style, not by what brand it is. Any of the brands mentioned in this thread would be a good choice, if it's what you want.

Anything in the 20 foot range will handle big water pretty well, but some are better than others. If you want something that can really handle ugly stuff, look at the Lund 2100 Barron or the Warrior 21-21. Both boats are absolutely huge by most standards, and will take just about anything that most inland lakes can throw at them.


Eyez

[Scott]

I don't know if you are placing the charge of Lund Bash on me or not. I hope not, I own one. I think it's great, but I don't have areas that "rock bumping" is that much of a concern. I do know that what I stated about Princecraft is correct. They are not quite as fisherman friendly, or hunter friendly, but their design and aluminum hardness make it a stronger hull for the "rock bumping" he mentioned.

[Lanceye]

I've looked at most of the boats you have mentioned. I know Ranger and Triton make a very quality boat as most makers do but.
I don't know how the $%#$#%$ they expect you to fish in one of them with 3 or 4 folks in the boat, you know what I'm talking about. They are so boxed in in the inside, I'm sure it's OK if it's just you and maybe one other person "or all your friends are midgets" but thats it.
I think Warrior has one of the best fishable layouts by far, but they just like all the others are very expensive. I myself have a Skeeter 1775, it works great but a 1950 or 2050 sure would be nice! I live in western ND and fish allot of windy days on Peck and Sakawea "big chop" and my little Skeeter always gets me back to the ramp safe and dry. If money is an issue don't overlook the Sylvan 18' Viper, this boat is a Super buy and has a great layout. I've seen them with a 135 opti, x85, and 64lb minkota out the door for $20,500! They have 30 gallon wells front and rear and a very dry fast ride.

[HAWGBOY]

I fished in the triton, targa and lund and ended up buying a warrior v193. That was the one for me in rough water. I can;t say for ranger never been in one. Just my opinion!

[Eyez]

That's why I own a warrior. My 166 tiller has more room inside than the ranger 680T that I looked at, and the 680 is nearly a foot longer. The compromise was rod storage, Warrior is not known for having good rod storage.


Eyez

[Hawgeye]

Scott,
You were not bashing at all. I was just talking in relation to many others that look for a reason to "hit" on Lund...

[Capt. Larry D. Jones]

I have had my Targa 2000 out in conditions that most would think that I was crazy being out in.I go out into Lake Erie in 40 mph winds out of the SW and surf into the Buffalo Harbor in November many times each year.We are talking 8 to 10 footers with whitecaps breaking on top of the swells.It is even more difficult going back the other way into the waves and rideing them at 45 degree angles accross the open water of Lake Erie to the Niagara River.But then again I'm a crazy Musky Fisherman,that Trolls with my Targa 2000 in 8 to 10 footers as well.Capt. Larry D. Jones / http://www.mostlymuskies.com

[Hawgboy]

Your crazy and nuts. I wouldn't go in 8 -10 fts in a 40 ft boat. Sure hope the fishing is good in those conditions.I'll never know cause I'm to chicken.

[Capt. Larry D. Jones]

Hawgboy,
I have caught many Muskies over 40 lbs and a couple over 50 lbs rideing those Big Waves of Lake Erie in November.Most of the time I have the waters all to my self and my Wide Eyed Clients. Capt. Larry

[Czar]

Starcraft Pro-Elite 2000. 20 foot with a 102 inch beam.

[JW]

I own a Monark 176 Commander. At a recent tournament we had to get back twenty miles in 8-10 footers. My 17 foot monark stayed dry and in one piece. I passed three pro V Lunds. All of them were in raingear and soaked to the bone. I was wearing levis and dry as can be. A smokercraft blew a huge hole in its bow that day and a crestliner lost a windshield. A friend who owns a pro v was drenched inside his rain gear.

This one experience has made me proud to say I bought a monark even though it isn't the most popular brand.

[Hawgboy]

What part of the lake and what lures you trolling.

[Steve Worrall]

Do look at the new Tuffy 1990. The hull was lengthened last year to take a 225, and the boat has three possible layouts. If you are a three or four angler person, look at the 1990 Osprey single console. If just three, the dual. If three sometimes, but tournaments most of the time, look at the 1990 Pro Series.

If room is what you need, look at the newe 1990 Esox Deep V. That is what I run, and room, it has. With a 225 Mercury Opti Max, 9.9 kicker, full fuel, and full gear,and three anglers it runs 53 trimmed all the way down, and 60's trimmed up. It is a great big water hull, and runs dry, and soft.

[Butch]

Loaded question.
Some very good boats listed.
I would have to say Yarcraft is
in the Top Ranks here.... And I mean TOP! :-)

Dry, smooth, and Loaded Right!

Of course, I own the 1895 Storm DC. (Biased)

Take a look at www.Yarcraft.com if you want to have a
good yardstick to compare other boats at.

You will not beat the staff and support from Yarcraft.
Buying your boat is a total package deal.
Be careful and have fun!

See ya on the water!

B2


P.S. I am not sponsored by any Company...

[BobEaton1]

The Targa 2000 is in my opinion the finest Big water boat on the lake. I've had them all or fished in them all and love mine. When others are watching I'm fishing.
Just My Opinion
Bob NPAA#292

[Eyecon]

I have fished out of all the boats mentioned,however I feel that the best boat in rough water may not be the best boat.In my opinion I think the Targa 2000 is the best "rough water" boat that you are considering.Due to quality and design issues it would'nt be the boat that I would purchase.The triton 205 and Ranger 620 are both better quality and better designed,but it has been my experience that both of these boats ride either bow low or bow heavy to be considered the best rough water boat.I actually think the Ranger 619 is better in rough water than the 620.My first choice for best all around rough water boat would probably be the Skeeter 2050 and add a keel guard to the bow.If big rough water is your game I would'nt consider aluminum as my first choice,all though Lund do'es make a very nice boat.My advice would be to test ride as many as possible as everyones opinions and tastes are different.

[Dan]

I’m a little surprised that the Tracker Targa is recommended so highly by many people. Assuming money is no object, I wouldn’t think this would be in the same league as some of these others. Used 1 yr. Targas are close to 10k less than a Ranger or Triton or Skeeter. I am interested in hearing more negatives and positives in the Tracker Targa 2000 or 1900 if anyone has one. Thanks.

I’ve pretty much made my mind up that I’m going with glass for a smooth ride. I’ve pretty much seen and tried most of the aluminum models. I agree that aluminum has it’s advantages and some of these other models, including Crestliner are very high quality also. Lund isn’t the only choice.

The only concern I still have with glass is durability. We like to take shore lunches/breaks, and it doesn’t sound like that would be an option with glass. It sounds like you basically can never beach a glass boat, is that correct? That is one thing I don’t like, but I think the smoother rough water ride would be nice. Dryer ride than with Lunds or other aluminum’s no doubt.

Thanks for all of the advice. I plan on trying out a few once I narrow down the list a bit more. I will likely buy something 1-2 years old that is rigged rather than new, but I may still consider new. Anyone looking to sell within the next few months let me know. Thanks, Dan

[Eyecon]

The Tracker Targa in my opinion is not in the same leauge as the others,but your question was which boat handles rough water the best.Of the ones you listed that would be the Targa 2000.If you were to ask who builds the best boat,the Targa would be at the bottom of my list.

[RK]

Hi,
As far as glass and beaching goes, it depends on what you mean. If you mean beaching as in 'pull it up on the rocks' go with aluminum. If you mean it as in 'pull it onto the sand a little and tie it to a tree' glass can do that, especially if you have a keel guard. That's what they are for, and they work pretty well.

Glass is more durable than most give it credit for. If your gel coat does get scuffed a little (and it will, no matter what you do) a little polishing will fix it. Just be sensible about where you pull up for lunch and you'll be ok with glass.

Cheers,
RK

[RCS]

Dan,

Have a 2001 triton 205 DC with windshield, 200 HPDI and t8 kicker....... X-15 and lms160, fully rigged will be available July 1........ Great boat full warranties......

check at rivercityboats.com email Mark for more info

[Hawgboy]

I saw a yarcraft crack his hull up bad at the mwt on erie and it was not that rough.

[Scott D]

Dan, I agree with RK about beaching. If you're careful you can do it without getting damage as long as you get a Hamby's or a Tech 5.

By the way here is a link to a used Triton 205. (It is about the 6th boat down)

www.bassboatcentral.com/boats4saletriton.htm

(just cut and paste the url)

[WCoyote]

Lund-Period

[Scott D]

Correction on the above link to the Triton.

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boats4saletriton.htm

[D189]

Dan,
My lake does not have a dock, just a sandy beach with a cement ramp. I knew I'd be beaching my Triton 189 there alot so I ordered the boat with a Tech 5 keel guard and have never had a problem, just take it slow. I would probably never have a boat without a good keel guard on it just for safety. My Triton is for sale if you would consider an 18' 9" model instead of the 205. The beam is the same. E-mail me if you want the details.

[Scott]

Anyone that brags about taking clients out in that stuff is at the very least a poor businessman. Get one client to freak out, and you could be in trouble on the water and off. Your Targa would go nicely in a lawsuit. I've been caught in 10"s twice maybe 3 times in 20 years on Lake Erie. I don't see how you could get anyone to move in the boat because you cannot stand up, I don't care who you are or what walleye boat you drive. The only trolling you've done is on here, in the 10's in your mind.

[skinnerf]

Why hasn't alumacraft been mentioned? 185cs?

[skinnerf]

Why hasn't alumacraft been mentioned? 185cs?

[smally]

Yeah Right!!!!!!!!! What color is the sky in the world you live?

[Dave in Mpls]

Because as much as I love my 19' Alumacraft, it is FAR from the best rough water walleye boat!!

[Capt. Larry D. Jones]

Scott,
You may think what you want,but when 8 to 10 footers are of the big roller type,not short breakers,they can be Trolled in a method of heading into the waves slowly at 45 degree angle.We do this every fall here in front of Buffalo,NY on Lake Erie.I have been doing this for over 20 years in various types of boats.Most of the Bigger Muskies from Lake Erie and the Niagara River come from the roughest conditions,they end up in predictable places then.Yes I know that I take many risks taking Clients out in those type of conditions.But, again most of my Clients are just as nuts as I am,they are seasoned Musky Nuts that play in riough water their self from time to time,they book with me to learn what I do in those conditions as well.Us Musky Guy's sometimes get a little more adventurous then we should,but then we also fish at night in blinding snow squals in below freezing tempratures as well. Capt. Larry

[Chad]

You have a tough decision on alum vs glass.

Most boats now are built pretty well. If you fish smaller lakes and run less then a mile or two I would go with an alum boat. Alumacraft is a great boat also.

Go with glass if you mainly fish large open waters and tend to motor great distances. My partner has a Yar Craft 1890 Storm and I have to say it is an awsome riding boat. They ar comming out with some new colors and finishes that look great. The Trackers, Rangers, Tritons are all in the same league.

[bob oh]

Kinda hard to believe that 40 mph winds produce "rollers" on Erie. Guess the east end doesn't get real waves huh? 40 mph down here in the west and the island ferries don't even run.

[No Fish?!]

probably because there weren't any walleyes in your livewell to weigh you down a little.

[Capt. Larry D. Jones]

The wave action from High Winds coming accross Lake Erie infront of Buffalo are different on a SW wind vs. a West wind.The Lake itself makes a turn toward a Westernly direction at Point Albino and Sturgeon Point in the 70 foot end of the deep water bowl area.So when we get winds out of the West they are coming down the legnth of Lake Erie,but we are around the corner and get big rollers that roll in,they are formed over deep water.When the wind comes out of the SW it is a direct flow toward Buffalo and the waves are Shorter and whitecap and roll into each other,tough to fish those.But the High Wind Westernly flow can be fished because they are long slow rollers like in an Ocean,as long as you are around the point of Point Abino and stay closer to the Canadian side or the mouth of the Niagara River and the Buffalo Harbor. capt. Larry

[zeplin]

Who wants to start a pool?



> I
>have caught many Muskies over
>40 lbs and a couple
>over 50 lbs rideing those
>Big Waves of Lake Erie
>in November.Most of the time
>I have the waters all
>to my self and my
>Wide Eyed Clients. Capt. Larry
>

[zeplin]

Who wants to start a pool?



> I
>have caught many Muskies over
>40 lbs and a couple
>over 50 lbs rideing those
>Big Waves of Lake Erie
>in November.Most of the time
>I have the waters all
>to my self and my
>Wide Eyed Clients. Capt. Larry
>

[THUMPER]

The best Rough Water Walleye boat is the one I'm not in.....I'll wait for a calmer day or trailer to a smaller body of water. I have a healthy respect for big water.

[A point to ponder]

So what. I have personally seen just about every brand you can name, have hull failures. From the Mighty Rangers, Tritons and other high end glass, down to the lowly low end riveted aluminum package. Most hull failures are operator caused. Period. There are some out of the blue type problems, but most failures come from long term abuse.

[Dale in MN]

as a new boat owner, what kind of operator error are you referring to .....I'd like to avoid problems if necessary

dale in mn

[ETT]

He's talkin about guys boundin the bageepers out of their hull. Abuse plain and simple.