New rig advice

[PEATMOSS]

The better half has come around. Time for a new rig

Looking for any advice on what to buy/ avoid.

I'm looking for a fish/ski type boat, 17-19', 4-stroke 90-150 hp, walk thru windshield. Looking to spend 20-30k, on the lower end if possible. Probably going to buy new unless I run into a newer mint-conditioned rig that fits my needs.

I am really concerned about quality and reliability this time around. I got 20 years out of my last rig, but was constantly fixing and upgrading.

Another thing I'm concerned about is ease of loading and unloading. I've got reasonably competant teenagers that will take this rig out on their own and the wife will also probably launch and load on her own from time to time.

[boatfixer]

Lund GL series

Stratos SF- saw one this weekend, looked like a nice rig

Ranger obviously makes a very nice boat

Try to go glass if the budget allows it.

[Esox_Magnum]

Take a look at the newly introduced Skeeter 1825 MX just over $30k with a 150 4 stoke...

[Brad B]

I recommend a Alumacraft Dominator or Navigator. To get a walk thru windshield you need to look at the sport verison of these models since thet are offer in sport, side console, or tiller models. Pair one of these with a four stroke Yamaha and you would have a nice rig. stay away from fiberglass boats as they will be heavier and harder to load alone. Stay with something Aluminum. also go with a roller style trailer over bunks and you will have easier loading and unloading.

[Triple_D]

Check out a Lund Tyee, saw one at the NW Sport Show that fits the bill. Around 22K for a 17 ft with a 115 4 stroke. I have a Lund Pro Sport which is no longer made, the smaller Tyees replaced them. Like my boat but this may be my next purchase someday.

[goose89]

Take a look at the newly introduced Skeeter 1825 MX just over $30k with a 150 4 stoke...

That's gonna be an exciting hull. Looks like $31,500ish for S/C.

Add a grand for full windshield. For me a full windshield (1K), kicker (2600), electronics (2-3K) plus taxes that's gonaa push it upwards of 40K.

I still may have a 2010 wx1850 (with all the above) for sale come next spring. The MX looks exciting!!

[PEATMOSS]

I appreciate the replys so far, but 30k is definately my upper limit and that has to include trolling motor, electronics and cover etc.

I've pretty much been looking at Lunds, Alumacrafts and Crestliners, but would be interested in hearing from owners of other brands such as G3, Tracker, Lowe etc as well.

Another bit of info I neglected to add is that I spend alot of time on Winnie, Kab and Rainy and want a rig that can handle the weather in big water.

[tonkapat]

what do you have to tow the boat with? I would rather buy a used glass boat than a new tin boat, especially for the big water you fish.

[pulleye16]

I bought a Lowe and the Big C a few years back and love it so far. Great deals over there. Comes with all the great service the big C has.

Probably won't find a better deal for the money over there as well and you'll get many "extras" included that others won't throw in.

One thing you have to remember is something built in the last few years WON'T have the same quality as thing built in the past. EVER company is making cut backs on products and trying to save a buck here and there. Not saying it won't be good, but they are defently taking cuts and thats something you'll see in 5-10-15 years from now when everyone is replacing things that should have lasted longer...

[Brad B]

I appreciate the replys so far, but 30k is definately my upper limit and that has to include trolling motor, electronics and cover etc.

I've pretty much been looking at Lunds, Alumacrafts and Crestliners, but would be interested in hearing from owners of other brands such as G3, Tracker, Lowe etc as well.

Another bit of info I neglected to add is that I spend alot of time on Winnie, Kab and Rainy and want a rig that can handle the weather in big water.

G3, Lowe, & tracker boats are made in missouri. the others you named are minnesota made. these will have better resale value down the road over the missouri boats. My next boat I get will be a G3 because Alumacraft does not make a verison of the boat G3 makes that I like. it will be strictly a river rig with a jet outboard.

[kdawg]

I've owned 3 new boats: Crestliner Superhawk, Alumacraft Trophy and Skeeter WX1850. They were all good boats, but if my Skeeter was stolen today, I'd buy another one tomorrow. Prior to 2010, the 1850's were 1880's. There's a new 2008 WX1880 on another fishing site for sale, problem is, it's in Omaha NE. There aren't many used 1880's that come up for sale, as I was looking for that boat last year but couldn't find any used ones, so I ended up buying a new WX1850. As far as loading and unloading a glass boat on a bunk trailer: I was concerned about the same thing myself. It take a little bit of getting used to, but it's not that much more difficult than a roller trailer. I mainly load/unload my boat by myself. Lastly, if your looking for a fish/ski boat, keep in mind that there's a BIG difference between all of the fish/ski boats out there. A lot of them are far more geared for skiing than fishing. What I like about the Skeeter is that it's the best fishing boat I've had (by far), but yet gives nothing up for family fun/ski. Good luck.

[Het]

what do you have to tow the boat with? I would rather buy a used glass boat than a new tin boat, especially for the big water you fish.

Exactly. You could find a very nice, late model Ranger 1850 Reata or 1860 Angler in your price range.

[gregg52]

.

Another bit of info I neglected to add is that I spend alot of time on Winnie, Kab and Rainy and want a rig that can handle the weather in big water.

get a ride in a glass boat

you wont even think about tin

specially the waters you are looking to fish

i'm up at winnie alot i'm be glad to take you for a spin

i talked to 2 guys at the landing this past week end that had reatas (rangers)

they were in tin boats preveious and said they wish they had gone glass years ago

[PEATMOSS]

get a ride in a glass boat

you wont even think about tin

specially the waters you are looking to fish

i'm up at winnie alot i'm be glad to take you for a spin

i talked to 2 guys at the landing this past week end that had reatas (rangers)

they were in tin boats preveious and said they wish they had gone glass years ago

I haven't been in a glass boat in years. What specifically is the advantage on big waters?

Any concerns with regard to rubbing up against the rocks up on Kab and Rainy?

[AaronM]

I haven't been in a glass boat in years. What specifically is the advantage on big waters?

Any concerns with regard to rubbing up against the rocks up on Kab and Rainy?

Yes, make sure it doesn't happen.

[Northlander]

If you beach your boat often dont get a glass boat. If you do get a very good keel guard and keep a eye on it.

[Esox_Magnum]

I made the switch to an older glass boat last year, will never ever ever own a tin boat again....Ride and fishability are in a whole new realm. My last rig was a 175 Trohpy Alumacraft, not a smooth or dry ride, my current is a Skeeter S-135 17' deep v and never get wet in that one and ride is smooth even on a rough day.

[ImaTeacher]

Hey,

Over the last 12 years, I started with a Crestliner Fishawk 1650, then traded for a G3 vf172 with a Yamaha 115. Owned the G3 for five seasons and just traded that boat this year for a G3 185f with a Yamaha 150. I bought the 172 for about 22,0000 in 07 and sold it for $14,000. Total cost of the new 185 was about $34000.

I am not sure what size you are looking for, but the 17 ft G3 deep V's will run in the mid 20,000's. The g3's are power matched and owned by Yamaha. I didn't have any issues with my previous g3 so I decided to buy a new one. I like it because the exact same "lund" would have cost 10,000 more. This new model has all the bells-standard, walk through windshield, sst prop, dual live well with auto recirculation, lockable tube storage for 18 rods, netting under the gunnels, pop-up cleats, air ride seats, marine radio, bimini top, and my wife even made me put on a swim ladder.

Performance has been great. Hole shot in under 3 seconds, top speed on 52.5 MPH. Overall I'm very happy with G3.

[Down Deep]

As you can see there are as many opinion as there are boat owners. My general advice is to look at the size of the boat and determine how many passengers you will have. Remember kids grow. If you are going to use it for skiing & tubing you don't want to go less than 80% of max rated HP and you want a SS prop. The boat will have to be large enough to handle the equipment that you want to carry like tubes, skis and wakeboards. Lund and Alumacraft have several boats the will fit the bill that can be had in low $20K. I would visit all the dealers and shop around. You will quickly get a good idea about models and pricing. Then start making a deal.

I have a 2008 17.5 Lund Explorer Sport with a 115 Merc 4-S that I use primarily for fishing, but also use it several times a summer for tubing and wakeboarding. It can haul 3 adults and pull a large tube with 3 kids with no problem. Paid about $21K for new boat, motor and trailer. Shopped the used market for accessories and have less than $1,500 invested in a nicely outfitted boat. You will be surprised how cheaply people sell newer barely used top of the line equipment.

[holmsvc]

Take a look {Note from admin, please read forum policy before posting again, thank you} they have some very nice boats in the classifieds in your price range.