2014 Crestliner Fish Hawk

Hey All You Fishermen,

I am looking very hard at the 2014 Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk. I got the newest changes for 2014 from a dealer here in Illinois and I am very impressed.

I have many questions as this would be my first boat purchase:

1. The ongoing debate between rivets and welded will always generate different opinions. Any takers?

2. The 1850 won't fit in my garage so I would have to rent a space and keep it outdoors. Does the extra foot of floor space make a big difference? I know you can max it out with a 150 4-stroke for extra cash? Not sure the extra foot + extra cost for the 150 + the extra dollars for storage would be worth the extra dollar outlay?

3. Painted vs galvanized bunk trailer? The only advantage I see is less maintenance on the galvanized? Although the appearance on the galvanized is a little bit on the dull side?

4. Electronics - I was planning on the Lowrance HDS 7 at the helm and the HDS 5 Fish finder at the bow. Also, for the trolling motor, I was looking at getting the Minn Kota Terrova w/I-Pilot. Any comments / suggestions?

Any comments or suggestions from all the serious fishermen and women out there would be greatly appreciated. The best way to get knowledge is from the people who live it everyday. I plan on making a decision and ordering my new boat in the December / January time frame.

"You can't catch fish if your pole is not in the water"!

[Radnine]

Originally Posted by Mr. Walleye Hunter

Hey All You Fishermen,

I am looking very hard at the 2014 Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk. I got the newest changes for 2014 from a dealer here in Illinois and I am very impressed.

Lately Crestliner has redesigned some of their layouts (the 1650 Fish Hawk being the one that stands out with me) and they are the first designs done completely in CAD. Because computer automated design has allowed for efficient design, the storage (both rod and other) is outstanding.

I have many questions as this would be my first boat purchase:

1. The ongoing debate between rivets and welded will always generate different opinions. Any takers?

I own a 2008 1600 FH. It hasn't cracked in half yet! I chose my boat because it was welded first, then because of how much better it was in every way (IMHO) than the other welded boats. Nobody wants to re-live the welded vs. non debate, so make your mind up and go with it.



2. The 1850 won't fit in my garage so I would have to rent a space and keep it outdoors. Does the extra foot of floor space make a big difference? I know you can max it out with a 150 4-stroke for extra cash? Not sure the extra foot + extra cost for the 150 + the extra dollars for storage would be worth the extra dollar outlay?

I got the 1600 for many of the same reasons. There are times when I wished I'd bought bigger, like when you have three guys and all of their gear in it, but most of the time it suits me and a partner just fine.

3. Painted vs galvanized bunk trailer? The only advantage I see is less maintenance on the galvanized? Although the appearance on the galvanized is a little bit on the dull side?

I got the galvinized trailer on the advice of friends and am glad that I did. They are born ugly and stay ugly, which is better than being born pretty and turning ugly. For trailers at least!

4. Electronics - I was planning on the Lowrance HDS 7 at the helm and the HDS 5 Fish finder at the bow. Also, for the trolling motor, I was looking at getting the Minn Kota Terrova w/I-Pilot. Any comments / suggestions?

Great choices I am sure. Just how much will this boat finish up costing? And, are you single?


Any comments or suggestions from all the serious fishermen and women out there would be greatly appreciated. The best way to get knowledge is from the people who live it everyday. I plan on making a decision and ordering my new boat in the December / January time frame.

You can't go wrong with any Crestliner. You will be thrilled with the level of innovation and thinking that has gone into your boat. THRILLED!
I am envious.
Enjoy!
Jim

"You can't catch fish if your pole is not in the water"!

Trying a new reply method.

Hey Jim,

Thanks for the great input! Its good to hear from an experienced boat owner, especially a Fish Hawk owner. I like your suggestion about the galvanized trailer. I will put that on my list.

The 2014 1750 has many great features coming which include:

* Redesigned console so electronics can be mounted right in front of you at the helm.
* Larger cockpit in length and beam
* Starboard cockpit tackle box
* New hull = 7" wider at the consoles
* Larger open starboard bow storage
* Intergraded reel pocket
* Rod storage = 5@7'6" & 5@7'

I have yet to see the 2014 1750 yet as my dealer said he would not have one until December. It sounds like a winner to me? Here's what I specked and what price he quoted me:

2014 Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk

Mercury 115 4-stroke
Painted bunk trailer w/guides
Stainless steel prop
Travel cover w/J-hook
Retractable stainless cleats
Butt seat w/adjustable pedestal
Helm seat slider
Lockable storage drawer
NW package vinyl interior
Bow baitwell
Bow cargo netting

Electronics

2-bank Pro battery charger
Minn Kota Terrova 80 w/I-pilot
Lowrance HDS 7 w/GPS Gen 2 at console
Lowrance HDS 5 Fish Finder at bow
Recirculating live well

My dealer, Basa Marine n Bolingbrook, IL. quoted me $31K for this boat. I'm not sure if this is a good price since its a little different than buying a car. Not much info out there other than what NADA may provide? This is why I wanted to touch base with experienced boat owners. They can steer me in the right direction?

A couple of additional questions:

1. I drive a Ford Explorer w/V-8 engine. I see no problem towing this boat but I do anticipate having a problem seeing out my side mirrors. The boat is definitely wider than my vehicle. Any suggestions?

2. Does it make sense to get a quote from an out of state dealer? Spending this much money, I always get at least 3 quotes, similar to what I do when I purchase a SUV. I'm also concerned about where to take it for maintenance / warranty work if I purchase out of state. The in state dealer may be put off by my purchase out of state. There are only a few boat dealers vs many Ford dealers.

3. Are trailer surge brakes a good option on the trailer? It seems it would help save my brakes but is it worth the extra cost?

Thanks for reading my extra LONG post!!! All the great feedback from everyone out there is valuable information I take in to make my final purchase this winter.

Thank you,

Ken

P.S. Yes, I am single!

[Radnine]

Originally Posted by Mr. Walleye Hunter

Hey Jim,

Thanks for the great input! Its good to hear from an experienced boat owner, especially a Fish Hawk owner. I like your suggestion about the galvanized trailer. I will put that on my list.

The 2014 1750 has many great features coming which include:

* Redesigned console so electronics can be mounted right in front of you at the helm.
* Larger cockpit in length and beam
* Starboard cockpit tackle box
* New hull = 7" wider at the consoles
* Larger open starboard bow storage
* Intergraded reel pocket
* Rod storage = 5@7'6" & 5@7'

I have yet to see the 2014 1750 yet as my dealer said he would not have one until December. It sounds like a winner to me? Here's what I specked and what price he quoted me:

2014 Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk

Mercury 115 4-stroke
Painted bunk trailer w/guides
Stainless steel prop
Travel cover w/J-hook
Retractable stainless cleats
Butt seat w/adjustable pedestal
Helm seat slider
Lockable storage drawer
NW package vinyl interior
Bow baitwell
Bow cargo netting

Electronics

2-bank Pro battery charger
Minn Kota Terrova 80 w/I-pilot
Lowrance HDS 7 w/GPS Gen 2 at console
Lowrance HDS 5 Fish Finder at bow
Recirculating live well

My dealer, Basa Marine n Bolingbrook, IL. quoted me $31K for this boat. I'm not sure if this is a good price since its a little different than buying a car. Not much info out there other than what NADA may provide? This is why I wanted to touch base with experienced boat owners. They can steer me in the right direction?

A couple of additional questions:

1. I drive a Ford Explorer w/V-8 engine. I see no problem towing this boat but I do anticipate having a problem seeing out my side mirrors. The boat is definitely wider than my vehicle. Any suggestions?

I see no problems with this set up. Remember, you are not breaking ground here, someone else hasd done it before you. you will be fine!

2. Does it make sense to get a quote from an out of state dealer? Spending this much money, I always get at least 3 quotes, similar to what I do when I purchase a SUV. I'm also concerned about where to take it for maintenance / warranty work if I purchase out of state. The in state dealer may be put off by my purchase out of state. There are only a few boat dealers vs many Ford dealers.

I would suggest you get a few quotes, especially when you seem to know what you want. The internet is a wonderful thing for that. I never take mine to the dealer! I mean I used to to get it winterized but I don't even do that anymore (I winterize myself). In my part of the country Crestliner dealers are scarce. I picked my boat out after sitting in all comparable boats at the closest boat show (Toronto, in February). It is the best way to compare boats, hop in one take notes, hop in another compare, etc.
If you are waiting until winter to buy, I would strongly suggest attending a good boat show to confirm your manufacturer or even your model. I am still sure it will come out Crestliner though!

3. Are trailer surge brakes a good option on the trailer? It seems it would help save my brakes but is it worth the extra cost?

Not an expert in that area, but I doubt it.

Thanks for reading my extra LONG post!!! All the great feedback from everyone out there is valuable information I take in to make my final purchase this winter.

You're welcome.

Thank you,

Ken

P.S. Yes, I am single!

Good for you, stay that way if you want to enjoy the boat!
Jim

[Hot Runr Guy]

I'm not a big fan of Basa's, since they screwed me on a trailer deal 25-30 years ago,,,,,,,

I'd give Jalensky's in Kenosha a call. Heck, I live near you in Glen Ellyn, and just bought a new Explorer from a dealer in Kenosha this weekend. The ride isn't that bad.

http://www.jalenskys.com/new_vehicle_category.asp

HRG

[Mr. Wallye Hunter]

HRG,

Thanks for the heads up on the sealer in Kenosha. When the 2014 Crestline's come out, I will surely give them a chance at my business. Do you have a sales person name for me?

I understand you bought a Ford Explorer? I looked them over at the auto show last year. I liked the exterior styling but not the third row seat! Not sure if it's a good tow vehicle either? Even though it's rated for, I think 3500 lbs.?

Mine is a 2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer w/V-8 power, tow package and a 3.73 rear gear. I have no problems towing anything with this vehicle. I've been running Explorers for the last 18 years and was sorry to see Ford turn them into "yuppie shopping carts" (no offense) Hopefully, mine will last another 3 years then I'll probably go with a pickup!!!

Thanks for your feedback & enjoy your new Ford Explorer!!

[man164]

If you are planning on running a minn Kota with iPilot you might want to consider Humminbird electronics so you could run the iPilot link system....I do not have knew yet......but they sound really interesting..

Good luck with whatever you decide to purchase...

[John_Trollsky]

Your setup sounds good!
Personally, if the money was available I would not hesitate to max out this boat with the biggest engine it can fit.
Also, as it was said if you plan on running terrova and pilot you would be well served to consider an 800 series hummingbird for the bow mount, give this baby a Lakemaster card and make use of the I pilot link ability to do amazing things with your terrova!

Nothing wrong with running a HDS on the console best of both worlds!

[Ro1984]

I'll probably go with a pickup!!!
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