Smoker Craft

[erikwells]

I stopped at Link marine last night on my way home from work (big mistake. I really like a new model Smoker Craft that the came out with this year. It is a 16 foot with a 75 Mercury 4 stroke, 2 live wells, bench that runs across the transom of the boat, ability to make the front of the boat into a little sun deck and has a sun cover. Some of you hardcore fisherman may scoff at the suncover, sun deck and the bench however my wife fishes and I have a 6 month old sun. The boat allows a nice level of comfort for my wife and a place to get out of the sun or rain for both my son and wife. They quoted me a price at $15,000.00. This type of boat is definatly what I want. What other boat manufacturers are out there that make a similiar boat? How do they compare on price? Also the boat weight on the smoker craft was like 790 lbs which I really like being a 75hp would move that boat rather nicely. I am looking at selling my boat nect year and buying a new one so you experts give some advice so I don't make a mistake. Chances are this boat will be in my garage for the next 15-20 years so help me out if you can.

[mistermom]

Hey Erik!
Sounds nice! The only thing I would say is that on big water in big waves it will bounce like a son-of-a-gun. If that isn't a big deal you should get it.

mm

[Lowe]

erik, I looked at buying a smoker craft a couple years ago before I bought my Lund. My problems with the ones I looked at was they seemed a little heavy. Sounds like this isn't a problem with this model. As for the sun top, deck, etc. - those are nice features. Nothing beats sitting under the top on a rainy day, watching slip bobbers and tipping a few. Make sure it's a "stand-up" top, though, at least 6' high.
Also if you're going to be doing a lot of fishing out of it check out the seating arrangements. Are the seats high enough to get out of easily, or are they the lower ski-boat type seats? Are they spaced correctly to optimize the comfort level of the maximum amount of people? Just a couple things you may want to consider. Like you said, you're probably going to have it for a while.

As far as pricing goes, a couple years ago I bought 17' Lund with a 115 Johnson (2-stroke), full stand-up top with side and back curtains, 2 wells, bilge, mooring cover, etc., for 2K less than the price you were quoted.

[Sturgeon46]

I bought a Smoker from Olympic Boat Center which I think is now Link. I wish I'd have spent any extra bucks needed to buy a Lund. I've found my Smoker to be pretty heavy, screws always coming lose, livewell motor out twice. You are for sure on the right track with a 4 stroke - I bought a 2 stroke and really regret that! Also, find out what upgrades there are to any trailer they sell you with a package - first place to cut costs but a better than basic trailer makes a huge difference!!! Look into the hinged tongue if you store it in your garage.

My two cents.

[erikwells]

Thanks for the replies. I really intend to research this thing to death so keep any suggestions coming. Sturgeon sorry about the luck you have had. How has the dealer taken care of you? I am going to look at Crestliner, Lund, Smoker Craft and Monark so far. Any other suggested boat manufacturers that make a fish and ski please let me know. I am going to research all of them. Thanks

[Fisher Dave]

I have done alot of fishing out of an older (early 90's) Smoker Craft (18') and its an incredible boat. All the lakes I've fished in it was big water (Leech, Millacs, Superior) and it handled waves great, and never shook anything loose. For the size of the boat it did not seem heavy at all, and handled nicely with a 90 Yamaha loaded down in rough water .. or empty.

Crestliner and Alumacraft also have some great boats out there. The price is generally more for what your looking for. The older Lund boats are great, there were models in the early/mid 90's that had some design problems after the buy-out. A direct family member of mine folded 2 of them in half on lake Millacs in choppy water (both new 18' boats with a 125)... Lund has always had a good reputation and likely made some changes to assure this wouldnt happen, but for now I am shying away from them until I know they are back to the good side, not just a common name everyone trust from the past. I have never heard of another problem from them other than them 2 boats .. maybe it was strictly the particular model?

[Shorelunch]

I used to have a 16ft Crestliner walk-thru windshield boat with a 70hp Evinrude. I have been researching Lund, Crestliner, Alumacraft, Starcraft, Sylvan, Smokercraft, etc for about three years. I bought an 18ft Lund Fisherman a month ago and am very happy - not because of the name, but because of the size (width, length and depth) and the ride quality. Diffinitely check out the widths.

I would look at the 1700 Lund Fisherman with the 115 4S Yahmaha or Suzuki/Johnson. It would be an excellent family and fishing package. I also wouldn't loose any sleep with a 1750 Crestliner Sportfish and the Alumacraft Trophy with the 115. Sportfishes can have the bench seat in the back and the Fisherman and Trophy's have flip up rear seats.
My mom bought a boat from that dealer network a few years ago and, well . . . it's been a pretty lousy experience - both boat and service wise.
You (may) spend a few dollars more for one the these, but the quality is well worth it.

[Try Too Fish]

Smokercraft are made by,at Sylvan co. I have not heard any bad about sylvan!I own the smokercraft 172 Milentia,It has been a good boat with no problems,it has all the creature features you would want.And with a 90 hp merc it goes! We use it strictly for fishing and is well suited for it!

------------------
Try Too Fish
Forced Too Work!!

[Kidd]

I have a 1993 161 Pro-Mag Smoker Craft with a 75 Mariner and I have nothing but good to say about it. It's a nice dry ride, much better than the 16ft Lund's my friends have. I've had it on Mille Lacs, Rainy and LOW a number of times and for a 16 ft boat it does real well. The other feature with these is all the storage area you have in the back. My only complaint is with the dealer, slow to get me some of the extras I ordered. The dealership has since changed hands and I have not dealt with them so I don't want to give their name, and subsequently, an undeserved black eye.

[This message has been edited by Kidd (edited 06-03-2003).]

[Dennis Steele]

I bought a Monarch King 170 last year for the low price of 11,999 with a 90 Merc.Its a decent boat and has a lot fo features like walk through windshield, stand up top,rear and front deck,radio and 4 seats plus a roller trailer.The only thing I feared is when its time to sell I would not get top dollar becuase its an "off brand".I too decided that this boat would be mine for some time so resale was not an issue.Well things change, its now my wifes.(sold it to her for a few kisses)I now have a River Pro.

[Prior Laker]

I researched like a madman before buying my second boat. I often fish with my wife and two kids when not lucky enough to be fishing with friends. I chose a Crestliner 1750 Sportfish with a Yamaha 115 4 stroke and have never regreted my choice. It's the perfect boat for a family man as it also fishes well with dual live wells. We can fish big water and get into the smaller metro lakes as well.

[bassguru]

I also have a 161 Pro
Mag Smokercraft,1992, with a 90. Great boat, it has served me well.

Bassguru

[Blaze]

Erik - a couple more things to consider:

* More kids on the way? A 16' with the wife and more than one kid may get tight when fishing
* Other uses? When those kids start growing up, will a 75hp be enough to pull them on skis or will this be a strictly fishing rig?

We spent a little more and went with a 19' Crestliner a few years ago with a 125 Merc (we have 3 kids too). So far so good, though I wish I could've afforded the 150 Optimax. Keep in mind that 15-20 years is a long time to regret skimping on anything, so buy as much boat as you can now.

I would agree with the other guys here too - a Crestliner Sportfish or Fish Hawk would be a nice choice, and Alumacraft and Lund also have many nice rigs to consider as well. Starcraft carries a lot of boats well within your price range too. Not sure of Starcraft's or Smokercraft's long term reputation though.

Good luck and tight lines,
Blaze