New boat question

[NMG]

I really like my Competitor 165. I have a tiller so it's a different layout than the windshield version. The boat is very well built, extremely easy to handle, tows beautifully and it sips fuel with the Yamaha 70. I like the fact that it's large enough to handle some big water on reasonable days, yet small enough to get into smaller water or rivers and not be a burden.

My previous boat was an 18 foot with a windshield and while it was definitely a faster, more powerful and larger boat, it was also significantly more expensive to operate, was harder to handle and IMHO, was just a little too big for smaller waters. It was great on big lakes but I think my Competitor is more versatile.

A boat in the 16 foot range won't do it all, but it's probably about as close as you can get to a "one sized fits all" platform.

Good luck to whatever you decide on!

[zummy]

Why don't folks like the Crestliner? Seems like they have a great warranty. My 2nd choice was a G3 since a buddy is pro staff for the closest marina that sells them. I wish more boats came with Evinrude as an engine option. I'd rather have Evinrude than Mercury.

[Steeleyes]

Originally Posted by zummy

Why don't folks like the Crestliner? Seems like they have a great warranty. My 2nd choice was a G3 since a buddy is pro staff for the closest marina that sells them. I wish more boats came with Evinrude as an engine option. I'd rather have Evinrude than Mercury.

Starcraft/Smokercraft/Starweld/Sylvan still let you do Evinrudes. Might also want to look at Hewescraft. They make great aluminum boats.

[zummy]

**** you guys were right about the price jump. I was hoping to keep the price in the $20k range. Looks like I may have to sit for awhile longer and wait for something used to come around. The prices on the 16.5 fters is great. Step up to a 17.5 ft boat and the price goes up exponetially. I am hoping to have $7k for a down payment. Already approved by my bank to get whatver I want. I just don't know that I want to lock myself in to payments for more than a couple years.

[Wyn]

Those Lund Impacts are really nice boats. If I was looking in at 16 1/2 -17 1/2 ft range that would top my list, but today there are a ton of nice boats in this range.

[whofan]

I just went from a 1650 Lund Fisherman with a 70 Johnson to a new 18ft Starweld and a 115 Etec.
I made a good move having a family of four.
If you must go 16 with a windshield the Fishawk looks to be roomy.
Get a 18 something with a 115 and don`t look back.

[zummy]

I want an Etec on the boat. Mirrorcraft's closest dealer is in Grand Island, NE. I like the Starcraft Starfish 176, but again its quite a haul to get my hands on one. We will have to see. I can get my hands on Smokercraft in Kearney, NE but even that is 200 miles away and they don't have anything I am interested in. I am going to wait till this spring, and see what I can find new or used. These guys definetely helped me see the light on needing a bigger boat.

[sjord]

I am looking at purchasing a Tracker pro v 175 wt with a 115 hp mercury 4 stroke. I have read some issues with the hull on these boats cracking. Is this something that should alter my decision to buy this boat. I am also looking at a lund 1775 Impact with same engine. Another option is a 1700 Starcraft sport-fish with a 90 or 115 Hp Suzuki.

Pros and cons of these boats would be appreciated.

[Gregking]

There is a thread on here talking about tracker hulls I read a little bit ago. Seems he conclusion was it was a problem 4 years ago but they fixed the issues. Idk, that's just what I read

[1860Angler]

Originally Posted by sjord

I am looking at purchasing a Tracker pro v 175 wt with a 115 hp mercury 4 stroke. I have read some issues with the hull on these boats cracking. Is this something that should alter my decision to buy this boat. I am also looking at a lund 1775 Impact with same engine. Another option is a 1700 Starcraft sport-fish with a 90 or 115 Hp Suzuki.

Pros and cons of these boats would be appreciated.

Lund 1775 Impact all the way!