View Full Version : New Sylvan-How are they?
Thinking of purchasing a new sylvan
any comments would be appreciated.
Which Sylvan are you looking at? I've looked at 2001 17 ft excursion and their sister boat company Smokercraft Millentia 17ft. I was leaning toward the Smokercraft because it seemed to have little nicer fit and finish and was a little wider. Also, the Sylvan didn't have a baitwell which was kind of hard to believe. I don't know if the 2002 models have baitwells or not. The Sylvan did make up some of the width difference by placing the rod lockers under the gunnel. Nonetheless, the Smoker still seemed roomier to me. The downside was that that the smoker was a bit more expensive. Good luck.
Fireball
02-24-2002, 04:53 AM
They are junk. I have 2 friends who bought them and both had transom failures in the first year. The good thing is that the company is taking them back, both of them have gone to other barnd boats. Secondly, they are cheap and will not stand the test of time. You get what you pay for, an entry level boat.
The 2002 explorer, it has 2 livewells
one of them they call a baitwell.
The boat I am looking at is anything but cheap at least
pricewise, I allso considered alumacraft and starcraft
but I didnt like the layout, the back of these are
way to shallow to fish Winnebago, I would definately
get water over the back.
Please help! What brand do you recommend!
I cant afford glass!!
Bob: I had three Sylvans over the past 22 years. They took a pounding both on the water and the roads. I had a 16'OB 19'IO and a 21'IO. The only reason I have a SportCRAFT now is I wanted a larger glass boat for LOTW and Sylvan's did not make the style I wanted. Don Smoker, who was the president when I call and asked to talk to the head honcho, was a down to earth guy who helped me with a paint problem back in '82. Two of my friends run Sylvan and Smokercraft now and they are re-buyers too. I would highly recommend either brand. Good LUCK PLANNING YOUR BOAT....Kaz
Erie Angler
02-24-2002, 08:13 AM
In 1989 I purchased a 16 foot Sylvan supersportster-open bow with 50 h.p. Evinrude. I used this boat on Lake Erie. In 1996 I purchased a Lund 1850 Tyee. The sylvan has been such a great boat I kept it. Since 1989 not one thing has gone wrong with this boat. The finish is so good that people at the ramp think it is a new boat. For its size it has been an excellent boat.
hgmeyer
02-24-2002, 09:07 AM
Gee...I couldn't tell you much about a "new" one...I have a 1988 15' that I bought new...And, fourteen years later...I'm still using it...I've been so happy with it that I am sending it back to the factory for new carpet and flooring...Plan to keep it for another 10-15 years....
Pitts
02-24-2002, 09:19 AM
I cannot attest to a new boat either but my inlaws have had a 16' deep V with a 70HP single consel since 1979 and when it was a covered boat sitting on the lift all summer it was real nice and we have used it quite a bit.
Now it sits uncovered for the last 5 years and things are fading and the floor is growing things in the corners but it is still pretty solid and is very fishable.
Has been very satified for a boat.
My .02
Pitts
vetspet(ind)
02-24-2002, 12:35 PM
well...i've had mine since 1988 and it has held up well for 14 yrs... there were some leaks in the front deck...i have the offshore 21' with the raised cabin...no leaks ever under the waterline...it was not a very expensive boat and i fish lake michigan all the time....sometimes in too big a waves but it has held up well...no complaints for the money spent..steve
I sure like my Sylvan. It ain't "junk." Of cource the RCL boys are paid to say what they say. I cover Saginaw Bay, Lake Erie, and many inland lakes in Michigan. The Sylvan does a fine job.
Hope you like yours.