Advice on new boat

[gumbygold]

Hi,
Newbie here. My experience with boating has been a 14' semi-v with a 15HP tiller. I had to sell that one years ago and plan to have enough saved by next spring to pop for a new boat.

The use will be 80% fishing, 20% family, and as the kids get older will probably be more 50/50. I am just looking for general advice on options and things to look for. I am looking at the Lund Crossover (150) as a good middle ground. I'll be fishing for bass, crappie, and walleye.

I will be fishing smaller lakes in Ohio with maybe 2 trips a year to Erie, not a whole lot of big water in general. I don't have any experience running a boat of this size/caliber so any advice would be great!

Thanks!

Chris

[beeman]

There are some $60k boats I really like but guessing from your post maybe $25k

[gumbygold]

Originally Posted by beeman

There are some $60k boats I really like but guessing from your post maybe $25k

I am more interested in options to think about and other pieces of advice rather than specific model recommendations. Thanks tho.

[Waterboy12]

Originally Posted by gumbygold

I am looking at the Lund Crossover (150) as a good middle ground.

Gumby,

I just took a look at Lund's video for the Crossover, and I have to say that is one sweeeeet looking boat. I just got a new 1775 Impact (my new best friend), but that Crossover has me jealous already.

[Steeleyes]

If you get the chance take test rides with the dealers. Also fish differnt boat layouts with friends whenever you get a chance to help firm up your preferences. When you can, climb in the boats and play around, specifically thinking through how you will fish with the boat. Play with the accessories like bimini tops and see if they get in your way. Sit in the seats and think about where rod holders will mount, their accessability from the seats, and how comfortable the setup is for your fishing style. Also put a lot of thought into storage. Some people like alot and some prefer little. There are lots of trade-offs in boats.

[Junior58er]

Look for a dual console deep V with a deep inside and wide gunnels to keep the kids safe. A dual console will keep passengers drier than a side console. Look for a boat with fold down / flip up rear jump seats. A removable bow casting section to create more room as a bowrider is a plus as you can carry two more passengers when cruising or skiing. Swim platform, ski pole mount, and folding bimini top as well to keep the sun from beating down all day. A stereo with MP3 hookup for kids music when they are with you.

You're in the same situation I was last september. Wanted 80% fish and 20% family when buying a new boat. Got all the above with the boat I chose and that was just the family portion of the boat. The fishing portion of the boat had two livewells, fish finder, lots of storage, front and rear trolling motor hookups, cargo netting all around and in the bow, accessory track and room for rod holders. Get marine vinyl floors, not carpet. Vinyl cleans up easier and is a cinch for those kid spills, worm guts, and fish slime. Does not stain like carpet. I catch all species in my boat and use it as such. Handles rough water like it should.

This is the model I chose is in my signature below and have never regretted it for a second. My brother stated to me yesterday on Lake St. Clair that it was the perfect boat for the fisherman, the family, and right amount of money.

[muskyhunter47]

what is your price range what are you looking for i bought a new skeeter mx 1825 with a yamaha f150 i realy love this boat

[jeffbilodeau]

I had a chance to hop in a Crossover when I was out at Devils Lake. The pics on Lund's website do it NO justice. It's a well put together and solid boat. While it may not have the storage that an Impact or Explorer has it certainly would be a better family rig and has a little more freeboard which would be better in the big water lakes. Much better looking rig in real.

[gumbygold]

Thanks for the advice guys, I appreciate it. I have to keep my budget in the low 30's.

[beeman]

17-19foot alum rigs with top options and windshield. If you start out with great boat you will always be happy. Now motor me personally I am happy with 90hp and live without the performance. Alumacraft trophy,lund rebel 1825 dc,tracker targa 19 they are all pretty nice. Boat with most V and deep cockpit is my pic.