bigdave2619 Posted February 24, 2015 Posted February 24, 2015 ok I am in the market for a new/new tome used boat i have done research and talked to several people. I have found different things on different boats I like and don't like. so what should I buy what do you have dislike/like about it and why. what makes your boat special. I want a boat that can handle big water from lake of the woods, Eire, st Clair, lake Okeechobee, and everything in between, I would like to know about storage space trolling motor 12/24/36 volt. I don't need to know about your electronics im a hummingbird person and will be till I die, what motors, props, will probably never own another Yamaha again (bad experiences) but ill listen to your thoughts my budget is about 28000.00 but going to try to stay around 25. I have about enough room for 23 1/2 in my garage and still walk around it thanks in advance. I really appreciate your time/input. Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted February 25, 2015 Super User Posted February 25, 2015 I'd be inclined to look at some deep v boat with the lakes that you are planning to fish. With the length of your garage a swing away tongue will allow you to have a bigger boat. Quote
Super User Hi Salenity Posted February 25, 2015 Super User Posted February 25, 2015 23.5 is short! Your probably looking at a 18-19' boat? Quote
Super User slonezp Posted February 25, 2015 Super User Posted February 25, 2015 Are you going to do any trolling or strictly casting? Does it matter if it's glass or aluminum? Quote
bigdave2619 Posted February 25, 2015 Author Posted February 25, 2015 I mainly look at casting not saying I've never trolled for walleye up north but very rarely. I like aluminum but I'm open for anything. Quote
Klebs01 Posted February 25, 2015 Posted February 25, 2015 I got a crestliner fishhawk 1750 walk through last summer and we really enjoy using it. 10 rods in the main locker pulse the port locker. Wish the main rod locker could handle 8 foot rods. We have a 24v terrovova on it that does a great job. The boat would be right in your price range new With electronics. The fold down rear casting deck is a really nice option and we are glad we made getting it a priority. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted February 26, 2015 Super User Posted February 26, 2015 In that price range, I would look into the Ranger Aluminum line. I saw a VS1780 at a local show and I was impressed with the layout and the size. It's a big boat for only 17'8". Front deck is decent sized and the rear seats fold down into a rear casting deck. Your only 2 motor choices, if you want to max it out at 135hp, is an Etec or Honda. I heard Mercury is going to reintroduce a 135 but it's not out yet. A 24v trolling motor should be plenty. I'm a Minn Kota fan and if you get the Terrova Link, you can connect to the bird units. Crestliner Raptor has a nice layout. More front deck than the Fishhawk for casting. It has a higher hp rating than the Ranger, but will more than likely exceed your budget if you had it well equipped. Lunds tend to be priced at a premium and you won't get much in the price range you're looking at. Most tin boats lack space in the front deck and storage but they're coming around. I'm proud to say I own the ultimate tin rig. Too bad they don't make it anymore. Quote
corn-on-the-rob Posted February 26, 2015 Posted February 26, 2015 We have a small garage but park our boat corner to corner so the trailer just fits. Didn't know if you had taken that into account for more potential length or not. Quote
flicker1 Posted February 26, 2015 Posted February 26, 2015 BigDave Look at the Trackers before you decide for sure. Last year I bought a Tracker Targa V18 WT with the Merc 150 4 stroke for just under 29k. The Pro Guide V175 runs right at 25k with the 115 merc. After a year of use I have zero complaints. Mine has 3 rod lockers, not sure about the v175 though. I looked hard at the V175 but ultimately decided the extra 4k just got a heck of a lot more boat. Quote
dwtaylor Posted February 27, 2015 Posted February 27, 2015 In that price range, I would look into the Ranger Aluminum line. I saw a VS1780 at a local show and I was impressed with the layout and the size. It's a big boat for only 17'8". Front deck is decent sized and the rear seats fold down into a rear casting deck. Your only 2 motor choices, if you want to max it out at 135hp, is an Etec or Honda. I heard Mercury is going to reintroduce a 135 but it's not out yet. A 24v trolling motor should be plenty. I'm a Minn Kota fan and if you get the Terrova Link, you can connect to the bird units. Crestliner Raptor has a nice layout. More front deck than the Fishhawk for casting. It has a higher hp rating than the Ranger, but will more than likely exceed your budget if you had it well equipped. Lunds tend to be priced at a premium and you won't get much in the price range you're looking at. Most tin boats lack space in the front deck and storage but they're coming around. I'm proud to say I own the ultimate tin rig. Too bad they don't make it anymore. ^ This. I have no clue why no one really makes a deep v style aluminum with a large "bass style" casting deck. My pops has a Pro-V 2025 and sure it is a big boat with a big enough front deck, but the front deck gunnels are too high for my taste in flipping/pitching. I rarely see a 2010 Predator for sale. I see Tracker made some for a couple of years, but I do not like how basic and blah Tracker boats are. Crestliner Fish Hawks and Raptors are kind of nice too, at least I like the single console design they have. Either way, I like actual fiberglass bass boats best of all. The storage and layout with rod lockers are ideal for me. However, to each their own. Quote
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