Looking to purchase first boat.

[Bill Ludwig]

Lots of questions. I have the walleye fishing addiction and am looking to purchase my first boat. The type of water I will [hope] to fish will be lakes in Wisconsin, Canada, and crappie fishing in Indiana and Kentucky Lake. I would probably be better off just renting a boat as my time is limited and would use on vacation and an occasional weekend, but I like the idea of having one when I need it. From talking with others the Lund brand comes up most often. From there I don't know if a tiller model or console model would be better for what I want. Some possible choices so far have been the 1775 Pro-V, Mr. Pike, 1700 Angler, 16 Pro Angler, 1675 Explorer. Lot's to choose from. Can someone help me out. What about engines, brands that are good, size needed, and what about 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke. I want to thank all who respond to my questions.

[Andyeye]

Bill, I would tell you to keep watching this board there is lots of good advice. Lund, Alumacraft, and Crestliner are all good boats, if I could afford to replace mine now it would be a Lund. I would not hesitate to tell you to go with the 4 stroke. I was in Canada last year and my buddy had a new Suzuki 4 stroke 40 horse, I have a Mariner 40 horse 2 stroke he used exactly half the fuel I did an we went to the same places so they are worth the extra money. Look at what you will use it for how many usually in the boat and what you can afford. If you rememember one thing remember this don't underpower with the motor or the trolling motor.

[Andyeye]

Thanks for the info. I do appreciate the help of others more knowledgable than myself.

[stevefellegy]

Hey Bill,

All of the Lunds you bring up are great fishing boats. Ask yourself a few questions like:
1. how many people will be average for my boat?
2. how big a water do I intend to fish most often?
3. what will be the main type of fishing style....forward trolling on open water or mainly structure related, precision type livebait fishing?
4. my time....mostly fishing or mostly tubing and skiing or half and half or....?
When you can decribe the outline of your fishing future, answering those type of ??'s, I'll be glad to get back with you, with a better answer.
Good luck....

You gotta have a Lund with a black outboard!