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#1
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Two very basic questions on walleye boat selection
Don't worry, I'm not about to ask you what boat you have or recommend. Instead I want you to help educate me a bit so I can decide what boat to get. Yes, I AM doing my homework, but I consider this a valuable part of it because I consider you folks and your knowledge/experience to be a valuable resource!
If the answer wasn't simply cost or availability, when you were walleye boat shopping... - What ultimately decided you on whether to go with fiberglass or aluminum? - What ultimately decided you on what length to go with? I've already read lots of stuff online about how to make these choices ideally (so I already know "it depends on what you want to do..." ;^/ ), but I think hearing HOW YOU ACTUALLY MADE THEM might help me immensely. Thanks a lot for your thoughtful replies! Gerry |
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#2
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1)- What ultimately decided you on whether to go with fiberglass or aluminum?"
Having been a dealer and and having owned both... The biggest determining factors most folks (and me included) were.. where and how I was going to use the boat. --Like: how far and how often do I tow on gravel and mud? How much ice breaking will be involved... Am I going to hunt out of it, as well?. Also, does the layout and storage met my personal preferences 2) - What ultimately decided you on what length to go with? Again... What water do I want to fish (How big) . How long might my runs be? How many people will my use normally entail. How much trailering will be involved in my use. Hope that helps. |
#3
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Quote:
1. kind of water you plan to challenge. Bigger water can often be handled better by glass as it's quieter and heavier. If you're looking at bigger water and waves, you'll want 18.5+ ft. If you are fishing rocky areas and towing alot where durability is key, I'd go aluminum all day. 2.what type of fishing you do. For riggers and trolling you'll want more room while for jigging you'll want a practical size that manages the water you fish and horsepower you can afford. 3. what kind of horsepower you are comfortable paying for. This is a big one because heavier glass boats might require more while smaller aluminum you can getaway with less especially with a bigfoot gearcase (etec, f70, command thrust etc.). I have an F70 which sips fuel, doesn't require a kicker to troll slowly and still gets me and 4-5 guys on plane and to 30mph. If I wanted more speed or holeshot for skiing etc then I'd have powered up. Either way I think you're best going with the most boat your horsepower budget will afford while maxing out the hp for your hull or coming close to doing so. Marshall |
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#4
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Yep size of water and preferred fishing method.
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#5
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If cost were not a factor...
1. At the time I bought my aluminum boat, I had a vehicle with mot the greatest tow rating. That pushed me towards aluminum to be safe. 2. The length was a product of garage space and the water I fish(big water). The width of the boat was also important to me. |
#6
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1) I fish moderate to big lakes in the Dakotas, MN and Canada but do not purposely fight waves so chose the durability and lighter towing weight of aluminum.
2) Wanted a boat that could handle bigger water with 2 or 3 fishermen but also something that I could pull into my garage and store. Chose a 17' with max hp of 115. |
#7
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Folks, as much as I appreciate the general advice, that's not really what I'm after here. That's all the kind of stuff I've already been reading online - and I try not to ask anyone to spend their time and effort giving me what I can get on my own. ;^/
What I'm looking for is what tipped the balance in YOUR decision for YOUR situation. You know, the specifics of your own personal experience. Grumps' post is a great example. Thanks again! Gerry |
#8
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Well that's easier
-heavy welded aluminum for towing gravel roads and fishing rocky lakes -open concept with few features and lockers to rattle loose, i prefer a tiller -18.5+ feet for room and capacity -tall sides and small casting deck because my kids follow me everywhere so safety a concern -good fuel ecomonomy while trolling with main engine with decent hole shot. No too concerned with top speed so an f70 pushes my boat well even loaded up -quality trailer and finishings -wide gunnels to mount tracks, accesories etc. -wide beam but not so wide to make it awkward fishing a 6'6 rod as the driver. I ended up with a kingfisher warrior tiller. Great boat for my needs and the only other boat that i would have looked at comparable is the smokercraft pro sportsman tiller. Marshall |
#9
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Boat
X2 Grumps
I fish a variety of waters including L Champlain, CT river, lakes up 2000 ac etc. I had a Tacoma when I bought the boat and limited to what I was comfortable towing. Second, boat had to fit into one of my garage bays. I literally have one inch on each side backing it in. I have been very happy with an all purpose 17 foot tin. |
#10
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- What ultimately decided you on whether to go with fiberglass or aluminum?
Aluminum is more maintenance free. I choose aluminum. - What ultimately decided you on what length to go with? Available space for me to store said boat. Also no need to buy more boat than I actually need. All other needs met, a smaller boat is easier for me to launch. I choose 16' 3". |
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