Boat advice . . . sort of a long post . . .

[Cougar Guy]

First off, let me say that this site is AWESOME! It's actually the first one I've found that targets fishing boats that are actually under 30 feet :)

I'm looking at purchasing a boat in a year or so and I'm trying to get some ideas on what everyone likes / would recommened. I'm in British Columbia and although there are not many Walleye, I think I'm leaning towards a Walleye boat because of the type of water I usually fish. Generally big inland lakes that can get ugly . . . gotta love em :) I'm also leaning towards aluminum because I will be trailering over gravel roads at times and glass tends to get chipped up.

I'm looking at the Mr. Pike 17 and was wondering if any of you have experience with this boat? I'd likely go for a 115 or 125 main engine with a 6 to 9.9 kicker. Kicker would certainly be four stroke but I'm not too sure about the main engine yet. It would be used mainly for running so I'm not sure if the extra cost of four stroke is worth it. Is the Mr. Pike 17 fairly seaworthy? It looks like it has a nice beam on it and I like the console layout as opposed to the full windshield. I would be casting and fly fishing out of the bow at times so the full glass could get in the way. Other than that, it would be mainly trolling and downrigging. What sort of speeds could be expected with the engine choices I noted above? I'll likely go with Merc or Yami for both main and kicker.

Are there any other models or manufactures you could reccommend for a similar size/style boat? Locally I'm limited to Lund, Princecraft or Crestliner for aluminum although I could drive to Edmonton or Vancouver for some greater selection if they have anything there. It's kinda tough finding Walleye boats on the West Coast . . . more runabout and cuddy cabin type designs that aren't really that fishable IMHO.

One last final question . . . any ideas on pricing for a 17 Mr. Pike, the engines noted above and a trailer? I was hoping to get in at around 25,000 to 30,000 tops (Canadian Dollars) . . . I guess that's about 15,000 to 19,000 US . . . is that in the ballpark or should I be looking at a different model :(

Anyway, thanks for all your help it is really appreciated. It's very tough to find people who know this subject and who know these types of boats where I live.

[Hawgeye]

A Mr Pike 17 is a great fishing boat. With a 2 stroke 125 HP you will get around 45MPH top end. It is nearly a spitting image of my 1775 Pro-V and the only times I have had a battle with waves was on Lake Winnipeg with 5 footers rolling through. About every 3rd wave, I would take some over the bow. Never was nervous though. It is a very durable boat and for aluminum, you won't find a better boat in my honest opinion. US dollars on a boat like that will run you about $17K I would guess with a 125 HP 2-stroke. With a 4 stroke, add about $2k. that is what the market is in my neck of the woods anyway.

I have only heard good things about the Princecraft and the other suggestion that I would have is the Alumacraft. Crestliner tends to be a little more toward the family side than the fishing side but also is a good fishing boat.

Personally I would go with the Lund but then again, I am biased.

[Gary]

I think that the $25,000 to $30,000 price range is a tad steep for a Mr. Pike package.

For a comparison last year I priced out an 1675 Explorer SS with a 90 Evinrude and trailer, about $18,000.

If I were you, phone dealers in MB or Ont. for prices and you'll get a better idea.

JUST PHONE AROUND! Remember you're in BC, the mountains are a good excuse to jack up the price on anything.

[RKG]

There is a boat report on a Mr Pike 17 and suzuki 115 4-stroke on the Suzuki Marine web site.http://www.suzukimarine.com/news/lund/lund.htm

[Spurdog]

If you are still flexible in your choice of boats, you might take a look at Silver Streak, made right there in your back yard (Sooke, BC). You could get into a heavy duty welded boat within your price range, built to your specs. No bash on Lund (and I don't work for a boat company), but the welded plate hull will outlive all of us. They don't build many "Walleye" designs(most of theirs have cabins), but he 16 deep V Challenger hull is perfect for that (they have larger hulls as well). They probably still have the drawings/photos for mine (open, tiller, port gunwale guages, live well, etc.) if you are interested. Good luck, the Lund might catch some fish too.

[Peanut]

Hey Cougar Guy, glad you like the site.

I think the comments made so far are right about the Mr. Pike. I'm a Lund guy as well, so am also biased.

Princecraft, Alumacraft and C'liner are all fine boats, too, and may mean less up front cost - I'm not sure. But, if you like the Lund, and can afford it, go for it, it won't disappoint you.

The $25-30,000 CDN price you quoted seems a little high - depending on the main motor and kicker. If this is only a range you want to stay in, I think you'll be fine - should be able to come in less, actually, unless you really go nuts on the electronics. That kind of money puts you into the Lund Fisherman series range.

If you're looking for a decent price reference, check out Leisure Sports in Prince Albert, SK. They are the biggest Western Canada Lund dealer, and their list prices are usually right in the middle of any range offered by other dealers. Then, with some bargaining, you can usually get a bit taken off. Ph. no. is 306-764-1443. Ask for Dwight.

Once you have a bit of info on pricing, go with a dealer you know and trust, as after-sale service can be very important, as anyone on here will tell you. Good luck.

derrek.

CANADIAN WALLEYE OPEN UP AND SAY "EH"!

[Cougar Guy]

Awesome advice, thanks everyone.

I'll definitely check out the shop in PA. I like the looks/features of the Mr. Pike and I think it would be almost ideal for the type of fishing I do and conditions I get exposed to on the bigger lakes.

I think the electornics and goodies budget, will come out of a different pot :) That's really good news that the range I thought should get me into the Mr. Pike . . .

Thanks again!