Green light on a boat

So will be moving my family North of Sault Ste Marie soon. Got the go ahead to buy a fishing rig for myself and the family. Willing to spend a good chunk on it but kinda want most bang for my buck.....as do we all.

Looking for some thoughts and experiences from everyone. I had a look at both the 16/18 foot XTR by legend......and the crestliner fishhawk/superhawk in the same ranges. So far i like both of the boats only the Crestliner dealer seemed to want to work with me more in the way of trying to make the boat what i want for the right price.

Was kinda looking at lowe boats too as they seem comparable as well. All boats were packaged with various Mercury 4 stroke engines.

The majority of the time it'll be used on "smaller" lskes but may venture a little into Superior for some trolling.

Any insight from seasoned vets would be appreciatedas this is quite the financial investment and I want to gather as much info as I can!!!

Thanks in advance

You will not go wrong with a Crestliner and the bigger the better.
Laker

Max out your horsepower also.

I purchased a Kingfisher. Heavy gauge aluminum. I have no worries beaching on less than sandy conditions.

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You may find 16 too small on the big lakes on less than perfect days. A GPS will be a good investment, I have had a few days navigating by wire due to thick fog.

Agree max out engine, you don't have to use it, but if a storm should come up you want to get ahead of it. Also a kicker big enough to get you home if big engine has problems, and you can fish with it.

IMHO the Crestliner is a much superior boat. I would compromise with the biggest you can use on the Northern Lakes you intend to fish and the smallest you will feel safe in on Superior, and yes it's better to have spare power than not enough when it counts. I have a 2001 Crestliner 2050 Sportfish with a I/O that I run in Erie, and Georgian Bay but is too large for Northern Lakes. If it wasn't for the wife I'd have 17 footer too!

Is there a significant difference these days between the most common manufacturers? Know when I was shopping for my boat I ended up spending hours researching Crestliner, Lowe, Legend, and G3. Am pretty sure there's at least a couple more not mentioned.

After hours and hours it got to the point where lines became blurred. Id go take another look at the "Crestliner" that was closest to what I was looking for and forget that x feature was "standard" on the Lowe X, or G3 Y.

Like Surf and Turfs reply.
Figure out what kind of waters will get the bulk of the hours, the hull type (deep V or modified etc), your engine. Then maybe look at some of the less important features. In the end theres likely a handful of makes that will fit the bill and not much to pick between.

80%, maybe 90% of the guys I know that I spoke recommended the G3 "They are the best, nothing better". In the end thats what I went with.
Not because I thought Legend or Lowe or Crestliner were any less than the "best" to. It had the features I was looking for, the layout I liked the most ( compartments, live well etc) and in the end it was the Yamaha motor I wanted more than any other.

I was in the same situation as you are 5 years ago. I spent a long time researching everything that was possible in the 16 - 17 ft range. It ended up being a tie between the Lund Rebel, and the Lowe FM series. I finally was able to check both of them out in person and the Lowe ended up winning based on the price.
I fish mainly on Lake St Clair, and thats a massive open body of water that can get pretty rough. The Lowe deep V's are solid and comfortable. I've never felt unsafe or like I shouldnt be out in the chop. A 90hp would have been great, but the 60hp that was packaged with the Lowe has been plenty to get me out, and get me off the water fast enough with weather coming in. I guess common sense goes a long way there as well. The one thing I would recommend regardless of what brand you choose, is a FULL windshield. I didn't think I would want that when I was boat shopping and now wish I would have... more for my guests than my self.

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Originally Posted by angustheryan

So will be moving my family North of Sault Ste Marie soon. Got the go ahead to buy a fishing rig for myself and the family. Willing to spend a good chunk on it but kinda want most bang for my buck.....as do we all.

Looking for some thoughts and experiences from everyone. I had a look at both the 16/18 foot XTR by legend......and the crestliner fishhawk/superhawk in the same ranges. So far i like both of the boats only the Crestliner dealer seemed to want to work with me more in the way of trying to make the boat what i want for the right price.

Was kinda looking at lowe boats too as they seem comparable as well. All boats were packaged with various Mercury 4 stroke engines.

The majority of the time it'll be used on "smaller" lskes but may venture a little into Superior for some trolling.

Any insight from seasoned vets would be appreciatedas this is quite the financial investment and I want to gather as much info as I can!!!

Thanks in advance

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Congrats on the green light! I bought a brand new Tracker Targa 18ft off of Georges Marine and Sport in Eaganville, out by Ottawa. They were $5600.00 cheaper then every dealer I visited, emailed and spoke to. It was a drive out there but for that much saving I didnt care. They have a great website that lists most prices and different models and manufacturers. Look them up and have a look at their stock, best prices I have seen in Ontario.
Happy hunting.

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You bought a Tracker, otherwise commonly known as a Cracker, maybe check google for all the problems.

Thanks for all the input guys...seems i am thinking in the same realm as the advice i am hearing...full windshield for sure and some overhead cover for the wife and 5 year old from the warm aummer months is a must also....i was looking at the 115 for the 18 footers...under powered?....overpowered? Much more and the price tag is almost to much to bear!!!

And i will checknout the dealer ottawa way...that for sure is enough for me to drive there for that kinda offer. Any thoughts on the 18 footer v hull being too big for the smaller lakes...not backlakes by anymeans. Theee will be a 14 older aluminum bought for those days. I hadnt thought about the kicker backup/walleye troller either thanks. And GPS was on my must have lists!!

This is gonna be a hard choice....gonna have a buddy go down to the sportsman show since i am working up North and won't be able to go...any experience with which boat dealers are more willing to "work" with people and throw in extras?

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Originally Posted by Fisherman

You bought a Tracker, otherwise commonly known as a Cracker, maybe check google for all the problems.

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That was an old manufacturing flaw that was resolved, or so I am told, in 2014. Either way lifetime warranty on the hull, put it through its paces and havent had an issue. The issue was with the old bilge system that would dump the overfow into the hull and then pump out. The bilges now empty directly out, they stiffened the ribs, added more ribs and stiffeners, and thickened the aluminum below the water line. Hence the 150hp merc instead of the 115hp and dual axle trailer instead of single. I did do my research.

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Originally Posted by angustheryan

Thanks for all the input guys...seems i am thinking in the same realm as the advice i am hearing...full windshield for sure and some overhead cover for the wife and 5 year old from the warm aummer months is a must also....i was looking at the 115 for the 18 footers...under powered?....overpowered? Much more and the price tag is almost to much to bear!!!

And i will checknout the dealer ottawa way...that for sure is enough for me to drive there for that kinda offer. Any thoughts on the 18 footer v hull being too big for the smaller lakes...not backlakes by anymeans. Theee will be a 14 older aluminum bought for those days. I hadnt thought about the kicker backup/walleye troller either thanks. And GPS was on my must have lists!!

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Got the 150 on my Targa, really good on fuel, trolling speeds get down to 2-3 mph on idle. Drift bag gets it down to 1.5. I was considering a trolling plate as I troll Lake O for salmon and trout but havent made up my mind yet.

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I'm surprised that you left Lund off of your list as they have several boats that would fit your criteria.
After all of my research I was in the left with my choice of three. Lund Impact, Lowe FM, and the Princecraft. I chose the Lund Impact 1775 and haven't regretted it a bit. Although I choose my days on the big water like Erie and Ontario I can also get it into the smaller lakes. Get a roller trailer as that will really help with the smaller lakes and you can go to the 1675 if the 1775 is too big.
I almost went with the Lowe but I found that there wasn't many dealers around to support any issues and the Princecraft was way more expensive.
get the biggest motor you can on it as it will come in handy when you need it and make sure you leave enough room in the budget for all the goodies like sonars and trolling motors!
I would stay away from Legend or Tracker but that only my opinion. Good luck in your search!

I used a trolling plate on 2 of my last boats, they work great, but I find that running at an idea will cause problems with the big motor. My newest boat 20" jon I have a 8hp on the back, with electric on front. I will use both at the same time if trolling in a wind. Now I go out on L Erie (Leamington) and nice to have the backup.

I wasnt necessarily leaving Lund off my list....they just seemed to price out much higher for a wimilar boat with similar features. Ive heard nothing but good things about Lund and i will have a look at your model. I am pretty sure i have ruled out the 16 footers as i just wouldnt want to be out in superior....my wife wants to troll for fish out there too and want something bigger to feel safer at least.

I am sure now that i should be getting a kicker to try and dave to big motor from that low speed troll. Also figure i can use it on the back lake tinners too.

Good call on the trailer...never even thought of the rollers.

If you go with rollers, just make sure you leave it attached to the trailer until it in water. I watched a guy put his 18ft IO in, well almost in. Just as the boat went down the slope it launched onto the cement. He got lucky and didn't do any damage that we could see.

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Originally Posted by sabmgb

If you go with rollers, just make sure you leave it attached to the trailer until it in water. I watched a guy put his 18ft IO in, well almost in. Just as the boat went down the slope it launched onto the cement. He got lucky and didn't do any damage that we could see.

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X2. That happened to me with my old boat! the ramp was a little steeper than I thought and it rolled off and tipped onto the skeg of my motor. I managed to hook it up and pull it back with only a scratched skeg.

have you ever considered a pontoon boat.Since you have a 14ft for back lakes it might be a good option

Look at the Lunds as Mauro says... go to the show and talk with Clarence or Doug from Bay City Marine in Hamilton ... they've packaged boats for myself and a number of friends ... no complaints at all ..they've beat any one else's price every time ... I've got a Lund Classic 1775 Sport ... maxed it out with a 90 four strike ... have the complete top set ... its a 2006 and still works great for small or big lakes ..Ontario and Erie included .... my next boat will be the Lund Pro V ... 1875 or 1975 ... .. just my 2 cents !

Brunswick makes Lund, Crestliner, Lowe and Princecraft as well as other brands. I'm sure they're quite happy to have us debate which of their brands are the best :) Looking through their websites and spec sheets they appear to share many design and manufacturing standards. Best to pick the size and layout you want and you won't go too far wrong with any of them.

http://www.brunswick.com/brands/marine-boats/index.php

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Originally Posted by sabmgb

I used a trolling plate on 2 of my last boats, they work great, but I find that running at an idea will cause problems with the big motor. My newest boat 20" jon I have a 8hp on the back, with electric on front. I will use both at the same time if trolling in a wind. Now I go out on L Erie (Leamington) and nice to have the backup.

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What kind of problems were you getting at idle with the trolling plates?

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Jerry, just would start to run rough and have to run the engine hard to get it to clean itself out, before would run good again. Was probably fowling plugs. On my 90hp now I tried drift sock, before I got the 8hp, worked well, when electric died. Same results it would start running rough and was afraid I might get stuck on the water with a fowled big engine and dead battery on my electric.

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Originally Posted by Frenchie

Look at the Lunds as Mauro says... go to the show and talk with Clarence or Doug from Bay City Marine in Hamilton ... they've packaged boats for myself and a number of friends ... no complaints at all ..they've beat any one else's price every time ... I've got a Lund Classic 1775 Sport ... maxed it out with a 90 four strike ... have the complete top set ... its a 2006 and still works great for small or big lakes ..Ontario and Erie included .... my next boat will be the Lund Pro V ... 1875 or 1975 ... .. just my 2 cents !

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X2 with Bay City Marine. Don't be put off by their personalities as they seem a little dry but if you are serious about a purchase he will certainly spend the time with you and deal. I bought mine in 2014 just in time when our dollar was at par. Clarence beat everyone elses price by $2000.00.
Hope I can afford a Pro-V in the future Frenchie!!!

Green light is on the port side, red on starboard....

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Originally Posted by be2man

Brunswick makes Lund, Crestliner, Lowe and Princecraft as well as other brands. I'm sure they're quite happy to have us debate which of their brands are the best :) Looking through their websites and spec sheets they appear to share many design and manufacturing standards. Best to pick the size and layout you want and you won't go too far wrong with any of them.

http://www.brunswick.com/brands/marine-boats/index.php

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I don't think Brunswick actually makes those brands, they may own them or have controlling interest.

Well figured i would update....I attended the Hamilton boat show and was able to look at all the major contenders under one roof.

By the end of my time it was down to the Lund inpact 1775 sport and a Tracker targa v18.

In the end the Tracker Targa won out. The lund had a riveted hull which I wanted to avoid. It was also a smaller boat with a smaller motor. There was a ton of accesories and I was sure i was gonna get it before i sat in the Targa.

The larger boat, 150 motor and the endless storage just made more sense from a big water safety and family general use standpoint.

Thanks to everyone that gave me tips and points to look at and for through this....I am soooooo excited now and cannot wait to get the boat...I am already shopping for riggers!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by angustheryan

Well figured i would update....I attended the Hamilton boat show and was able to look at all the major contenders under one roof.

By the end of my time it was down to the Lund inpact 1775 sport and a Tracker targa v18.

In the end the Tracker Targa won out. The lund had a riveted hull which I wanted to avoid. It was also a smaller boat with a smaller motor. There was a ton of accesories and I was sure i was gonna get it before i sat in the Targa.

The larger boat, 150 motor and the endless storage just made more sense from a big water safety and family general use standpoint.

Thanks to everyone that gave me tips and points to look at and for through this....I am soooooo excited now and cannot wait to get the boat...I am already shopping for riggers!!!!

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Well Angus, you won't be disappointed. I have the exact same boat. Did you decide on the 18' or 20' and the WT or the Combo?
I have the WT 18', great big water boat, I troll Lake O almost every weekend from May to September, never any issues. Lots of room and storage.
The first thing I upgraded was the fishfinder, I do a lot of fishing so i prefer a larger more user friendly fish finder. The stock one is black and white and impossible to see in the sun.
Only 1 other tip, install 2 extra cleats just behind where the windshields end for side bumpers when docking. Save yourself some scratches in the paint.
Good luck, have fun with it.

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Hey Jerry...i went with the 18 WT stayed away from the combo...got the weather top instead of the seats and ski pole options....

I went bigger because of the big water so its great to hear it handles it well!!!

Great minds must think alike...i have decided on getting the
Humminbird helix 9 mega si g2n gps fishfinder as an upgrade.....in preparation for the ipilot link ulterra!!!!

Thanks for the tip on the extra bumpers...the first scratches cut the deepest.

How did you mount riggers if you have them? Do you have any of the versatrack accesories?


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Glad you asked. I picked up 2 versatrak downrigger mounts from Phison engineering in the U.S. solid machined aluminum, works great and the versatrack takes it easily. Just a tip, if you are handy, you can use standard carriage bolts and wing nuts to mount pretty well any accessory you want to on the versatrack. Below is the mount. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...de7ff9b5e6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a25e57edba.jpg

Standard Rod holders are easily mounted with carriage bolts so dont bother buying the rod holder mounts.

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