BOATS - similar to Fish Hawk

[Deet]

It seems the fish hawk is an ideal boat for my purposes. I want something 16.5 - 17.5 ft, not too deep but still good for big water, a casting deck in front, and prefer split [full] windshield. The fish hawk and sportfish both offer those options. I'm just wondering what other makes out there are compatible and possibly more affordable. For example, I've seen some nice looking used Grumman boats on a-sales-site with the right hull and layout. Anyone have one of those? What else do you recommend?

[WalleyeWarrior]

This weekend I emailed Crestliner asking if they had a full or partial warranty to cover the floor rot that I'm experiencing. While my 1750 Fishhawk is a '97, I was still hopeful as it developed this problem years ago and I just made do. While I'm not the original owner, i have owned it since '00 and knew the prior owner This boat has always been stored inside summer and winter and should never have developed the problem. I also have experienced the backing out of screws. Today I was sent a response telling me that they were not responsible and they attached the warranty. Needless to say I'm not pleased. I didn't expect to get it replaced for nothing but was hoping for a partial coverage.

Anyone know of a place/person that does a good job replacing floors?

Not trying to hijack the thread. Only pointing out my situation as Crestliner was brought up earlier.

[HOBBSTER]

Have you looked into Smokercraft? Not sure what you guys think of these, but they have a very similar set-up to Crestliner. Nice casting deck on front, some offer rear casting deck, yet big enough to take out the family/ friends. I've only seen these, never been in one, but I've got my eye open if one comes up at a good price.

[goose89]

I never thought Alumacrafts were junk but I have always thought that they road harder than Crestliners or Lunds.

I still think they ride harder and I own one.

Definetely not my or my fathers experience. I had a 175 Tourney Pro (Alumacraft) that rode way smoother than my dad's 1750 FishHawk (Crestliner). He had his for a couple years before mine, and instantly commented on the smoother ride. They aren't "glass" smooth, but comparable Alumacrafts, in my experience, run smoother. It's a well known FACT that they are drier. Not a wetter ride than a Crestliner. Other than that, it's been a good, solid boat for my dad.

If you can find a used Alumacraft tourney pro or navigator with a Suzuki motor....just sayin....Owned em all...Merc, Evinrude (not Etec, nor will I), Yamaha (currently), and Suzuki. Bullet-proof, quiet, great out-of-the hole power. Love my new ride w/ Yammie 4 stroke, but secretly with I had a Suzuki hangin on the back. good luck....have fun boat hunting...

[Kyhl]

I have a 2004 Tourney Sport 175. Admittedly, it is underpowered with a 115.

I think it rides rougher than my friends mid 90's 18' Crestliner, I forgot what model. And is definately rougher than his 19' Lund.

And another friends 1850 Sportfish.

It might sound unfair to compare the Tourney 175 to bigger boats but the Tourney is bigger than it's numbers suggest at 17' 11" vs a Sportfish 1850 measuring 18' 2".

[LEECH21]

I have a 2007 16' Crestliner Fish hawk....LOVE IT!!!!

[CaptainMusky]

Well idk about rougher ride I have been in many boats about 400hrs a yr. After this I would never say a comparable alumacraft rides rougher than a crestliner and I guarantee the crestliner is not drier.

One thing I know for sure is how the driver is handling the boat and some are better at handling the elements than others. Trimming the motor the right amount is important

[uzbucket]

Ill throw the Lund Explorer into the Mix - Large front Deck and such for guys that want the casting deck, Ample storage throughout the entire boat, rides very nicely big or small water. Ive got the 2010 1725 single console. Very nice to tow as well. Merc 115 with SS 19 Pitch prop pushes it to 46 top end but gets out of the hole like crazy. Very dry ride as well.

Ive been in Crestliner tillers before and they are actually a VERY dry ride but you are sitting so much differently than a console boat that it is hard to compare.

[DRH1175]

If you want a new boat, that may be a cheaper option I would say Alumacraft they are as high a quaility. I own a lund Explorer and love it, but would have probably bought a Alumacraft if I didn't get such a good deal on my lund. Also G3 boats by Yamaha are a very nice boat for the money. Take a run up to the big boat dealer in Wyoming MN they have both and I think you may like what you find. The other option if you are set on a crestliner, is buy a slightly used boat you can save a bunch of money. Make sure whatever you buy it has a deep V if you want to take it on any of the bigger lakes. More than about 1000 acres.

[FM_Mike]

After this I would never say a comparable alumacraft rides rougher than a crestliner and I guarantee the crestliner is not drier.

Well I can tell you I have been out in a Alumacraft boat and it does not even come close to as dry of a ride as my Crestliner. Now, that being said, I have never owned an Alumacraft and have only been a passenger my brothers boat. I will guarantee you my Crestliner is much drier than his.

And yes, I am comparing comparable boats.

So in retrospect, we have 2 guarantee's that each boat is drier. And what does that get us? Two differing opinions.

Take a test drive in which ever boats you are thinking about buying and draw your own conclusion on which one's give you the best ride and keeps you the driest. I think you will find that any boat will get you wet in the right conditions, and any of them will get you wet if the driver has little time on the water and does not know how to handle harsh conditions when they come up. Don't let a passenger that has ridden in a boat make a comparison on how a particular rides without experiencing the boat first hand as a driver.

Narrow it down, drive, decide. Good luck....

Mike

[CaptainMusky]

What models?

[FM_Mike]

165 classic and 1650 Fishwawk.

Mike

[CaptainMusky]

Sorry but a classic is not in the same class as a fish hawk. Navigator would have been equivalent boats with a fishhawk.

[goose89]

Agreed. Fishhawk is a longer, wider and heavier boat and will accept a larger HP motor than a Classic. The Navigator is a slightly longer, wider and heavier boat than a comparable Fishhawk, thus drier.

[FM_Mike]

You know thats the great thing about this forum, we can all have our opinions.

Mike

[CaptainMusky]

Right we can. But if want to say one thing is better than another don't compare the top speed of a Prius and Corvette. Nothing wrong with a classic but that boat is not in the same class as the fish hawk and shouldn't be compared to each other.

[FM_Mike]

As to comparisons you are right the classic is a model lower than the Navigator. But Prius to Corvette now there's a little bit of a stretch.

By the way, What model Crestliner do or did you own? And what model of Alumacraft do or did you own that you were you comparing. Just Curious.

Mike

[CaptainMusky]

I do not and have not owned a crest liner. I have several buddies that own them. A 1750 fish hawk, 1850 fish hawk, 1850 sport fish and the tournament edition. I have spent lots and lots of time in these boats.

I own an 185 alumacraft tournament sport now though I had an older alumacraft tournament pro before. My buddies all had newer boats than me when I was looking to replace my aging boat. After spending the time I did in them I decided they were not for me. I do like the layouts of some of the fish hawks they are wet even compared to my old boat.

[FM_Mike]

I'm glad your happy with your rig as I am with mine. Thats what it's all about isn't it. May we all catch many fish this year and enjoy our time on the water.

Best of luck this year.

Mike

[delcecchi]

If I, having owned both, compared my 1984 Alumacraft classic 16 to my 98 1775 Lund ProVee SE I would have to conclude that Lunds are much smoother and drier riding than Alumacrafts.

[CaptainMusky]

I would too! Lol

[JimBuck]

I fish out of a friends 1850 Sportfish and the ride is pretty darn wet. They really seem to plow waves. The only Alumacraft's I have fished out of was a few Dominators and I thought they had a dryer ride due to hull design.

[Deet]

Just a follow-up.

I bought an '05 Crestliner Sport Angler 1650 and it is awesome. I've only had it out thrice, but each time I love it more. It will be plenty big for big lakes, except on the windiest of days, and still small enough for most of the smaller lakes I fish. Having a full windshield, it still has lots of open space, with both the bow and stern deck. And it's pushed by a 115 4-stroke, so it flies - quietly. So far it has been a dry ride, but then again I haven't fished or cruised any big waves yet.

Thanks again for input, all. It helped me expand my search, and found some great deals on good boats, but eventually this Crestliner proved to be exactly what I wanted.

[FM_Mike]

Glad you found what you were looking for. Good luck and enjoy your new rig.

Mike

[CaptainMusky]

Feet Congrats on new rig. I live my full windshield too. Keeps the wind and rain off so i find myself fishing where normally I would pack it in. If you don't have one check into a Bimini top for it.