Smokercraft boat

[Fred S]

Thanks to all those who've helped me out in the past looking for a basic 14 ft starter fishing boat. I didn't purchase the one I was originally asking about, seeing as how the owner would not come down at all from his high price.

This weekend, I saw a 99 SmokerCraft Pro-Mag tiller with a 25 HP electric-start 3cyl oil injected Evinrude, Hummingbird Wide fish finder and Minnkota 50+lb trolling motor. Along with this, it comes completely rigged with safety equipment, anchors,ropes, 2 batteries, storage,large livewell, 4 seats, cover, spare tire, etc.. Though I'm no boat expert, it looks to be in excellent shape. Anyone have any idea what the value of this boat would be?
The person is asking $4200, I was considering $4000. Is this a fair offer?

Does anyone have any experience with Smokercraft boats? Are they built well? Any kind of defects or problems with them?

Thanks folks. As always, I appreciate your help.

Fred

[Bad Finger]

That price seems fair. However, what is the max HP rating? 25HP seems under rated. A friend had one and if I remember correctly they are rated for 55 HP in the Tiller model. Friend had a 40HP

I'd give those boats an OK rating. The one I ran in had a porpoising problem that had to be corrected with trim tabs.

I'd ask if there has ever been a higher HP motor on the boat. If so, look for loose or missing rivets. I doubt the 25 HP motor would beat that boat up too much.

[derrek]

An acquaintance of mine owns a larger Smokercraft; it is a nice boat, except for one thing - it tends to porpoise as you approach WOT. Adjusting the trim does not help. He says that Smokercraft do have this tendency.


Now, please don't interpret this as slagging on Smokercraft. I'm not, and don't want to start that kind of thread. I don't know if this concern is limited to a certain model, size, or year, so a smaller one may be fine. And, if I've been misinformed, I'll happily stand corrected.

If the problem is real, perhaps it can be resolved (prop change, trim tabs or something?). Anyway, to be sure, take her out, open her up, and see how she runs. That way all doubt is removed.

[Mckoz]

I presently own a Smokercraft and a friend of mine owns the same model/year as the one you are considering. Both of us are on our second Smokercraft's - have not had a reason to try another brand. He runs a 50 HP - I have a 17' with a 100Hp - 25 may be a little small but you are getting a lot of boat for the $$'s.

Regarding porpoising?? (sp) I only had a problem when I overloaded the rear of the boat and had a full livewell. Shifted the weight around no problems.

My only concern would be how well that boat gets on plane loaded with a 25Hp.

Mike

[Fred S]

Thanks for all your help so far everyone,

I didn't realize that you could put larger than a 25 HP motor on a 14' Pro-Mag. I always thought that was the standard size for a 14 ft boat. Would a larger motor keep the boat from porpoising or would it add to the problem?

Also the majority of the fishing I'd be doing would be on smaller lakes where over 25 HP doesn't sem necessary. I did not know about the porpoising problem, then again I haven't taken the boat out for a test ride yet. The motor was started up with a garden hose and it appears to run well, and I checked the underbody, transom, etc over for any loose rivets and I saw none. The boat appears to be in really good shape.

[mckoz]

Sorry Fred - I didn't catch the 14' part - I was thinking it was the next larger version.

[Dutchman]

Fred, this sound like a good deal to me. I've run Sylvans for the last 6 years. My current boat is a 20' model and is built as good as any other. I used to run Lunds but I felt I was getting more bang for my buck with the Sylvans. Offer the $4,000.00 and see if they bite. Then go to wherever their bitin'.....

[Hans]

I have a 97 SmokerCraft. A larger/different model than what you're looking at, but I'm very pleased with the craft. Not as fancy as some, but solid construction, innovative hull design, very "fishable" (good use of space and all the right features like livewells placed right, well thought pedestal locations, lots of lockable storage, long rod lockers, etc.), and simply just does it's job without any fuss at all.

That price, for a boat/motor just two years old, seems very fair to me.

Hans

[goldtooth]

I own a 97 Smokercraft and have no complaints thus far. It catches as much fish as any other boat on the market. Good boat for a starter.

[Mr. Sauger]

Fred,
Jump on it.
My Smokercraft 16' Stinger is on its second year with no problems. Great values. A 25hp outboard should push a 14 footer around just fine, not to mention you could almost pull a skier with that 50 lb. trolling motor.
Just add water.

[Fred S]

Just want to say thanks to all of you for your help and insightful comments over the past few days. I appreciate your help and advice.

I'll be picking the boat up this evening or tommorow, as the seller is accepting my $4,000 offer. Since it's completely rigged up, all I really have to worry about it is the registration and hopefully will be out fishing with it this weekend.

Actually I do have one more small question, if you guys would be so kind.

Do the Evinrude 25 electric start 3 cyl motors have a built in alternator to recharge the battery or do I need to charge it up after a day out fishing like I would the trolling motor battery? If so, what is the best way to charge it? They are 12 V batteries.

Thanks again everyone,

Fred S

[AquaMan]

Nice boat and a great price!

Yes that motor has an altenator.

This is from their web site:
*QuikStartTM - Faster starting with automatic warm-up control and no need to set throttle lever to fast idle Easy, no hassle starts.

*Fuel Injection - Starting Fast cold starts Easy, no hassle starts.

*Standard 6 gal / 22.7 ltr Fuel Tank High capacity fuel tank yet still portable enough to carry Travel long distances

*High Output 4/ 12 Amp Alternator High output to recharge the battery. 4 amps @ idle, 12 amps @ mid throttle setting Battery is kept at maximum charge.

*Loop Charged Technology - Advanced technology for maximum power output from every cylinder Improved fuel economy and performance.

*Three Cylinder Design Compact and slim profile with superior torque and power output Smooth running at all RPM's.

*PowerPathTM Induction - Gets the fuel mixture faster into the combustion chamber Faster acceleration and greater power.

*4 Blade Prop - Increased thrust for strong acceleration and powerful thrust More efficient operation.

*Adjustable Trim Tab - To balance out steering feedback Makes steering easier.

*Quick Release Tilt Pin - Allows easy adjustment of different trim positions Easy to optimize performance based on boat payload.

*Quiet - Less intrusion on a great boating day Comfort.


AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.·´¯° --- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"

Eric@crowncomputerinc.com

[Jungle Jim]

The alternator wiil not charge the trolling motor battery. It only puts out enough current to keep the starting battery charged and really only does this on long runs with the 25HP motor.

[Cangl]

Smokercraft and Sylvan are built in the same facility, at 14ft you are proably looking at .060 gauge hull which is about average for smaller boats and .100 when into the bigger models.
The 25 horse should push it well and troll reasonably well though a gas hog, ( check flywheel for teeth wear) worn or grooved heavily is usaully due to hard starts. I now of a guy that has a 40hp on that same boat, scares him often.

[fishy]

good luck fishing in youre smoker
Ive been running smokers for five years now and if you have any problems which I DOUBT you will FEDDERS in LeMars has an exellent mec. working for them .
when you get ready for youre second smoker they will work with you on a good deal good luck and keep youre hooks sharp

[Fred S]

7/31/01