Starcraft

[zummy]

Still looking at boats. Had a Starcraft years ago and really liked it. Not alot of threads on them when I searched. What is the consensus on them now. Last one I owned was a 1988 model. Looking at the Starfish 176. Looks like one of the better warranties out there...

[Superfishman186]

Got a new superfisherman in 2011, love it cant go wrong with starcraft, built just as good as the "fancy" brands.

What do you consider the 'fancy' brands?

[Superfishman186]

Originally Posted by cygnus1

What do you consider the 'fancy' brands?

I'm not going there!!!

[walleyekid85]

Wouldn't hesitate pulling the trigger on one. Great service and product.
I love mine.

[BGunn]

I've had a 196 for 3 seasons now, wouldn't trade it for any other boat for going out on Erie.

[staylor]

..essentially the same hull as my 2002 Superfisherman 176. I love my Starcraft- along with my second Starcraft- a 2001 14 footer for small waters. I've had zero issues with either boat since I bought them new, and I'm horsetrading with the factory about building me a new Starfish 176 but with the single side console of my present SF-176-SC. I really like the layout of the Starfish, and consider it improved from my older Superfisherman- which in 2002 was better for my fishing style than any other boat I looked at.

Just think- after 11 years my little SF-176-SC has no leaks, no loose rivets, no transom rot, no stress cracks, no failed pedestal bases or seats- and that's terrible- I should have bought one of those better known brands for more money so I could have some problems too! I did warn the factory rep that if they won't build me a Starfish with a single bubble, then I will either move to one of those high priced boats, or just re-power my SF-176 when the Opti 150 wears out.

I don't like the wide beam of the late model 100 inch beam hulls available- too wide for my garage, hard to get around turns on City streets, and IMHO don't ride as well in the rough. In comparison, the 90-92 inch beam of the Starfish and older Superfisherman series is exactly what suits my boating needs.

With the Starfish, if you max it out with a V-6 or big 4 stroke you may have to balance your gear a bit to level the boat. The Opti 150 on my SF-176 sits a bit low at the stern with a full 32 gallon tank and no added gear/baitwell water/trolling motor or extra battery up front. My Opti 150 weighs in around 440 lbs, and I would expect the boat to be balanced better with a 115 in the 390 lb weight range. But what the heck, I run the 150 because I like to go fast between hot spots.
Doug

[Bowhunter74201]

2012 superfisherman 186 here. my first season with it and i absolutely love it.