Lund Predator 6 Month Review

[slonezp]

I took delivery of my 2010 Predator on March 1st 2013. This was after researching my new boat purchase for over 2 years. Figured I'd write a review and a list of pros and cons in case any of you are contemplating a future purchase. My review is based on casting and vertical jigging primarily for bass, walleye, and panfish. I haven't done any trolling. I have been on the water at least once a week since the purchase.
I'll start with the cons:
1. Rear deck is really not fishable in shallow water. With the motor trimmed up out of the water, there is little room for a co-angler to fish comfortably. Although not as wide as a bass boat, the deck is decent enough to fish with the motor trimmed down.
2. There is no cooler. I've been using the rear livewell as a cooler. There is enough room in the livewell for a 25lb of ice, (2) frozen 1gal milk jugs(to cool the front well), a dozen bottles of water, and 2 sandwiches. The livewell is not insulated and the ice is normally melted after 6hrs fishing 90* weather.
3. The fuel vent cover is located on the hull directly underneath the fuel fill. I broke it off on a low sitting dock last week. From what I've read, it seems to be somewhat common with Lund.
4. IMO they skimped on the quality of the lid latches/locks. Chrome handles and plastic deck inserts. I broke a plastic washer when I accidently forgot to put the handle down and stepped on it. Have also has the hinge pins on the handles work there way out. Once put back in, they stayed in place.

I've also had a couple of defects which I was assured by my dealer they would be taken care of. There is an issue with paint peeling, and the carpet adhesive in the glove box has failed and the carpet has separated from the top of the compartment. I also have 1 brake on the Shorelander trailer which is hanging up.

Pros:
1. The 225 ProXS is flawless. The boat gets on plane very quickly with the 21 Tempest and runs at around 5850 rpm's @ WOT. With 500lbs of fishermen, 50 gallons of fuel, and full of gear, the boat tops out at 58mph. With the bow 28 gal livewell full, top end drops to 55-56mph. The 225 has similar fuel consumption as the 90 ELPTO on my last rig and uses less oil.
2. Ride. It rides like a Cadillac. I have run WOT in a 3 foot chop and it handles almost as smooth as riding on glass. I got caught on Lake Michigan with 15-20mph NE winds in some good size rollers. I felt safe at 25mph although I did get a little wet. Could probably got more out of it but better safe than sorry. Hydraulic steering is a nice add on for slower navigating. The boat has a really solid and safe feel to it.
3. Storage. More storage than I could ever use.
4. Helm. Upgraded seating is extremely comfortable and gauges are easy to view. Tilt steering and adjustable seats to make fat guys comfortable is another nice feature. My electronics are on a ram mount and there is room for multiple graphs if they are strategically placed. Sony stereo is good quality but a little complicated to set up if you ask me. It sounds good and is plenty loud for a fishing boat. More than enough leg room under the consoles.
5. Fishability. The front deck is massive plenty of room for 2 anglers. I've only hooked my son once LOL. The boat has enough room for 3 to fish comfortable. It's a little crowded with 4 but plenty doable. I have a dual console. I'm positive a single console would be comfortable for 4. The boat is not tippy at all with more than one fisherman on the same side or with quick movements. There is also plenty of room on the deck for multiple graphs without getting in the way of your feet. Deck has a built in recessed tray for a foot pedal if it is needed.
6. Livewell. 60" 28 gal aluminum bow livewell has 2 dividers to separate it into (3) 20" livewells. I haven't lost any fish running the aerator and pumps all day. I have not used the rear well except as a cooler.
7. Plenty of cup holders for the heavy drinkers.
8. The track system, although I haven't used it yet aside from the custom cover is a nice feature. I'm going to add some rod holders for my dad to use.
9. Towability. Easy to tow, easy to launch, and once I found the sweet spot, it's easy to load on the trailer.


Couple things I'm going to change as I'm able.
1. Upgrade from the 80 Terrova to a 101. The 80 is good enough, but not ideal by my standards. This will mean adding another battery(the tray is already installed) and adding or upgrading the charger.
2. Adding a Hotfoot and blinker trim.
3. Adding a boarding ladder of some sort.
4. Adding Smartcraft gauges to help protect my investment.

Hope this review is helpful to anyone who has thoughts about buying one.

[Fishing Rhino]

Nice review.

[Dwight Hottle]

Get the smartcraft gauges. Knowing engine temps make a big difference in possible durability.

[roadwarrior]

Good job!

 

 

 

[K_Mac]

Nice review. It is good to read an honest assessment of the new toy after the honeymoon has ended. It sounds like a great boat. Thanks.

[Pete-K]

Nice review and great boat. I almost went with one of those. But love my Tiller boat Lund 1825 Pro Guide Tiller.

pete