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#1
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Similar to Deerslayer boat issues, issues
I know this is a difficult and potential controversial topic that has been addressed in some way here many times, but my situation is a tiny bit different from other threads here and why I’m asking .
I currently own a Lund 1650 Rebel that I bought mostly to fish walleye at a remote Canadian lake, a couple times a year. I also wanted to “and do” dip it into Lake Erie when the forecast calls for one foot or less waves for the day and go walleye fishing. So, as we all know the boarder has me dead in the water the year and I am now fishing Lake Erie more and wishing I had more boat. Here is my question, what is the better options for a boat that would serve dual purpose? I know there will be trade off’s. I know from my research that I need a 23’minimum, deep vee hard top to safely fish Lake Erie in inclement weather, but I do not ever plan on fishing it in inclement weather, but would like to safely go out when they’re calling for 2-3’ in nicer weather. Some of my research is pointing toward possible center console as a good dual purpose? Will the CC work for intermediate rough waters? I like to jig for walleyes while in Canada as well as troll for eyes in Lake Erie. Is the center console a good option? Oh and what if anything can anyone say about a Yamaha CC fishing boat that is jet powered? Is it an option? Here is the must haves if I am going to spend money to upgrade. Used is probably the direction I will head also. • Good to troll and also Jig from the bow • Safe to be on the big lake in 2-3’ with my grandchildren “I will never take them out without a great forecast” • Somewhat lighter to tow 500 mile and not kill my 2017 ˝ ton pick up • Budget is $20-$30k….. Possibly more “$38k” if my wife doesn’t know.. LOL • Speed is not a big concern but would want proper HP • To be able to safely mount DR and Planer mast • Not to ridiculous for fishing in Canada. • Ipilot type trolling motor moutable Thanks for any input and as a end note, I’m open to any sound idea’s, including sticking with an aluminum. |
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#2
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I've been fishing Lake Erie for almost 40 years. I don't think you need a 23' boat with a hardtop. Many guys including myself have successfully fished the big pond in 18' to 19' tin boats, Starcraft and Lunds to name a few. You do need to watch the weather and plan accordingly...any winds out of the S, SW, and SE are your friend with in 5 miles of shore, likewise, anything out of the N, NW, or NE plan on adding an extra foot of wave to the forecast.
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#3
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Do you have a ship to shore radio for this? |
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#4
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The new boat would definitely include a ship to shore.
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#5
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I'm not sure I follow your question....if your asking I have a ship to shore radio, I have two on my boat for redundancy.
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#6
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From a safety perspective, I think the criteria you are looking for is either an open or closed bow for wave height safety the Great Lakes or big water.
If the decision is open bow, then the next criteria is an open bow boat with a self draining cockpit. If the decision is an open bow boat without a self draining cockpit, then the safety on big water is placed entirely on the captains skill set as the craft has met its match in rough weather and the points that Misdirection has made should be well heeded. There are numerous boats out there that can meet some but not all of your criteria as there are trade offs with your criteria( size, money,etc.) that you have listed. Probably not the answer you were looking for but it may possibly help in making your decision. Good Luck |
#7
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I run a Starweld 18 Pro. It is a smaller version of a Starcraft Fishmaster. There are literally thousands of Starcraft Fishmasters being used on Lake Erie. I would have bought one, but it wouldn't fit into my garage. I replaced an Alumacraft 165 Competitor.......no comparison the Starweld is a ton more boat.
I chose the Starweld because of the design of the splash well and the rear area - it is the same depth (27") the entire way around. I have an 11 year old son with down syndrome and the back fishing area was very important to me and my wife. We do not go out if the forecast is for anything more than 1-3 but have come back in 4-6.....not a comfortable ride, but never felt unsafe. I would think a 23' CC boat would be hard to use in Canada....at last where we would always go... that is another reason we ended up with the 18 Pro....we wanted something we could use in Canada. One thing I will say is that once you start to fish Erie and go more, Canada might be something that loses some of its lore..... I know for us Canada might not happen anymore, and we use to go twice a year....... that being said we are also thinking that since we don't really have the urge to go back to Canada we are thinking of moving up to a larger boat at some point. Do you want new or used? I guess the point I am trying to make is this take a hard look at a Starweld Fusion Pro and the Starcraft Fishmaster they are great boats for Erie. The Starweld might squeak into your budget new...... |
#8
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For me I would look at 1875 to 20 foot boats. This next part would be key for me Great Lakes fishing. At least a 25 inch gunnel height. You do not want to have the shallow gunnel height of say a lund prov on the Great Lakes. Even though if you go up to a 27 inch gunnel height. You might not like it for jig fishing in Canada. For using downriggers and trolling rods. I normally like wide gunnel boats. As far as full windshield goes. It is great for the Great Lakes. But you might not like it as much in Canada. I would opt for full windshield. As far as a 23 foot boat for Lake Erie. Sure you could fish in worse weather. But do you want to be out in four foot or bigger waves anyways. I think the only way a 23 foot boat makes sense is if you also kept your small boat for Canada or other small lakes.
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2024 Warrior 208 2024 Mercury 300 verado Last edited by Snowking; 08-13-2020 at 04:44 AM. |
#9
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Because I want the best bang for my buck "at least my" I will probably end up used. |
#10
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I only mention the 23' closed cabin to let people know that I know that's the safest direction "bigger, wider, closed bow & ect" I am in search of the happy medium. I will never wake up one day and say lets fish those 3-5' footers. Right now I am only going out with a 1' or less forecast. I now want to have a boat where I could safely go out when 1-3' are foretasted and still get back ok in 3-4' if it kicked up. I do also watch the weather forecast as well as the NOAA open water forecast, so I dont ever intend on going out with potential bad weather. |
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