Buying new boat - need some advice

[fishlakeman]

I am been looking to purchase a new boat for close to a year now. I have done a lot of research on the different boats and motors available. I recently went to the boat shows here in the Twin Cities and was presented with a couple options I am seriously considering. If anybody has any experience with either the boat or the motor I am looking at, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Here are some of the options I have been seriously considering:

1. New 2004 18' Lund Explorer with 150 Suzuki 2-Str. The folks at Crystal-Peirz presented me with this option. I kind of had my mind set on a Yamaha 4-Str, but this was an attractive option with of a price around 16,500. My biggest concern is I'm not real familiar with Suzuki motors. The thing would be a gas hog, but absolutely fly. Supposedly it tops out at close to 60 mph.

2. New 2005 18' Lund Explorer with 115 Yamaha 4-Str. After all the research this past year, this was originally the boat I was hoping to purchase. However, the prices at the show seemed a little high. All the Explorers were right around 20,000. Also, do you think a 115 4-Str is enough power for this boat? I would like to be able to easily pull skiers when I'm not fishing. I have heard there is some concerns with the hole shots on the 4-Stoke's. Another problem has been finding the Yamaha's now that there is a big tariff on these motors. The only place that had them was Rapid Sport.

3. Used 17' 2003 Lund Pro-V with 115' Yamaha 4-Str. Was hoping to buy new, but this sounded like a good deal at 17,500. Supposedly in mint condition, could be a pretty good option.

Well, those are the options I have been considering. I hope you guys could help out with some expert advice, thanks.

[buzzsaw]

A fellow Lakeville resident I see. Not to change the topic but do you ever get out on Orchard lake?? Also, I know a guy with the G3 and he really likes his! You also bring up a good point... it depends how much money you wish to spend... like somebody else in this thread said "you can get really good used boats"

[Fish Head]

I haven't fished Orchard a lot, but I intend to this year. I live less than a mile from it. One problem Orchard has is very limited trailer parking.

[fishlakeman]

Well, my heart has always been set on a lund, so other brands are out of the question.

It's looking like the 150 suzuki Explorer is the top contender right now, but not completely sold yet.

For those in the market for a similar boat, Crystal Piertz has a few left that come with a 65lb thrust 24 v ,and galvanized trailer for a price of 16,500.

Thanks very much for all who have replied, I still can always use some more advice though, so type away.

[leechlake]

I saw the 2005 1800 Explorer side console with a new 04 135 Optimax for 18,900 at a Lund dealer yesterday. Just a little fyi.

[MT Net]

For what it's worth, I bought a new Crestliner 1800 Superhawk with the 115 Mercury 4 stroke last fall.

At first I thought it would be underpowered. Then we took it out to break it in, with 4 people, it's on plane right away, and top speed was 44mph on the GPS with the factory aluminum prop.

It trolls down nicely, quiet, and after a day of breaking it in, I was surprised at how little fuel it used. I'm very happy with it, especially considering fuel on the lake costs approx. $2.38 a gallon.

[fishlakeman]

Leechlake,

Would you mind telling me where you saw that boat, for that sounds like the best deal I've heard of so far. I'm very interested!

[Fish Head]

Fishlakeman I must have something wrong here. How is a 1800 Explorer with a 135 Optimax for $18,900 better than a 1800 Explorer with a 150 Suzuki for $16,500? What am I not understanding?

[buzzsaw]

Fishhead, If you live within a mile of Orchard we must live pretty close to each other. We should meet up at Orchard sometime this spring and wet a line.. I live in the southwest corner of the lake (not on the lake, across the street from it).

I also agree with your assessment of what is a better deal, I just think the other fellow maybe had an oversight on the motor comparison.

[Fish Head]

Buzzsaw- Small world. I live accross the street from Lake Kingsley (the lake Charthouse is on). Currently I have a 16ft Starcraft with a 60hp Mariner, but I might buy a new boat this spring. You might see me out there with my 12 year old son a lot.

[fishlakeman]

Your probably right about the Suzuki still being a better deal, but I have some doubts.

1. The Suzuki boat package only has white and red left for color options and I would prefer black.

2. The Suzuki motor itself seems like a reliable, strong engine, but man is it ugly!!! I know, I know, it's whats inside that counts, but if I'm going to pay this kind of $ I kind of want a boat that looks good.

Final analysis: I don't know if I want to save a few thousand dollars for a boat that isn't exactly what I want, or if I should fork over the extra $3000 and get close to exactly what I want. My ideal combo would be a 18 explorer ss with a 140-150 four stroke or optimax, but that puts the final price range in the 23,000-25,000 dollar category which I'm not willing to spend.

So, I guess it's between the 150 Suzuki at 16,500 or forking over close to 20,000 to get the same boat in the the color I want with the motor that I would prefer over the Suzuki like a 135 opti, or a 135 4- stroke.

As far as value, I think the 135 optimax is more expensive than the 150 suzuki, not $2,500 more, but if I could get the color schemes and options I want, it is a viable option.

Keep the posts coming, I think I'm more confused now than i was before

[leechlake]

fishlakeman email me at krismartinson (at) MCHSI (dot) com. I was there yesterday and I have the brochure right in front of me with prices too.

[buzzsaw]

Fishhead, I drive by your house on cty rd 5 everyday to drop my child off at daycare!! Lets keep in touch, there is usually an Orchard Lake thread going in the Metro lakes section... I've met a few other local guys on this site who fish out there. I'll probably have to get a pass from the wife as I have baby #2 coming next Wednesday (March 2nd) We can swap info!

As far as this thread goes... just get the Yamaha and you'll have no regrets as JD power and associates places them squarly at the top off two and four stroke motor rankings. But it's personal preference right brotha!

[Fish Head]

Buzz- I don't live on Co Rd 5, I'm closer to Orchard Lake Elementary School if you know where that is. Stay in touch.

[buzzsaw]

I do know that area well, my kids will end up going to elementary school there someday. We are literally minutes away from each others house.

[196thDLR]

fishlakeman: Get the boat package you want or you will never be happy. I speak from experience. Sometimes price is not as important as how you feel about what you spent it on. If you buy good quality products, and it looks good, you will be much happier than if you saved $2000.00 and and think it looks ugly. Good Luck and Good Fishing

[Fish Head]

Fishlakeman- Did you purchase a boat yet? I am close to purchasing a Alumacraft Navigator with a 140 Suzuki 4 stroke. The Alumacraft Navigator is simular to the Lund Explorer. I'm interested to hear what you decided.

Fish Head

[fishlakeman]

I have been out of town for the past 2 weeks, so this weekend when I come home will be judgement day. I think I'll hit about 3 marinas and low-ball em and see what kind of deal I can get. Anyway, thanks for all the help everyone, and I'll let ya know what I get!!!

[montanagriz]

fishlakeman -

So you think you are going to buy it this weekend huh? I dunno, that's a lot of money to spend on a boat for a few weekends a summer. If you are interested, I seen a guy who's got a 14 ft Lund with a 25 hp just sitting next to his garage. And if you have seen this guy's garage you know that he could use some extra storage space heh heh. I bet he would be willing to sell. Let me know what you think.

[LovenLifeGuy]

Wow, it's my first post! Im new to the site. Anyways, I just wanted to say that I bought that Explorer package in August and love it. I shopped all summer long and figured I got the best deal on that boat/motor combo. I got it out around 15-20 times last year after breaking the motor in and loved everysecond of it. Its a great rig. At full throtle (63 mph by gps) it drinks some gas but not anymore than my friends exact same boat with a 115 yamaha 4-stroke on it. And you are right, dont drive it at full throtle (40-45mph) and the gas mpg will greatly improve. I got the red one to match my truck. I have had zero problems with it and everyone at ST. Cloud pierz was great.

I would go with it, You will love it.. I did a lot of homework and that suzuki is a real good motor

just my .02... LovenLifeGuy

[leechlake]

Welcome to FM, good post, I'm sure it will help fishlakeman pull the trigger. I think when he gets the boat he should have all that posted over to christen the boat, kind of a fm celebration. Keep posting.

[Northlander]

Lovenlifeguy your getting 63mph on a Explorer? Is it a Ford Explorer or what? What size Explorer and Motor?

[Hemlock]

Quote:

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Lovenlifeguy your getting 63mph on a Explorer? Is it a Ford Explorer or what? What size Explorer and Motor?

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Northlander...my thoughts exactly. That's fast!

[Fish Head]

Fishlakeman- Crystal Pierz offered me the Explorer witht the Suzuki 2 stroke for 15,995. They were even willing to through in some extras. Not a bad deal. I hope that helps.

[fishlakeman]

FishHead, what location was that, and what extras were included? I would really like to know, cause i could use it as barganing info with the guy i talked to in Fargo. Also do you have the guys name who gave you that quote? What depth finder does it come with? Thanks for the info!

[LovenLifeGuy]

It's the same setup he is looking at.. 1800 Explorer with the 150 Suzuki 2 stroke. No lie it's fast.. Mine will climb to 63 if the conditions are right and mid to high 50's all the time. I have a refurbished stainless steal prop that I bought right after I bought the boat and I hear they add a couple mph?? Thats not why I would tell anyone to buy that package I just put it in my first post because I did not expect it to be that fast and thought it was interesting..

Again, it's a nice setup.

Just my .02.. LovenLifeGuy