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.

[Northlander]

63 MPH is very fast for a 18' with a 150! I have friends with Rangers and 225 horses that dont do that. My 17' Explorer and 115 will top out at 46 mph empty and about 40 full. Of course I havent played with the stainless prop much.

[buzzsaw]

lovenlifeguy, I hate disagreeing in front of other FM people, but are you sure a 150 HP will push a 18 ft explorer to 63 mph?? I have an 18.5 ft Crestliner sportfish w/Yamaha 4 stroke 150 HP with a Hustler Stainless steel prop and I highly doubt it will go near 63 mph. I'm not calling you a liar but man that is awfully fast for that setup. Do you go by the speedometer or a GPS on your boat?

P.S. Call the GM at Crystal Pierz in Hastings and ask for Nate Ewell, they just opened up that location this year and they are dealing! Tell him Mike sent you. (The one who bought a 18.5 ft Crestiner sportfish w/Yamaha 150 hp 4 stroke from him this year) the man will seriously deal!

[Fish Head]

The guy I spoke to was in Shakopee. His name was Dutch. He was willing to throw in a port side console and 4 Ram rodholders.

[tashit]

FYI Fishlakeman,

I saw an ad for Crystal-Pierz in my Twin Cities Values thing. They have one 2004 1800 Explorer SS with a 2003 Suzuki 150 for 14,856. Comes with trailer, cover, and depth finder. It's at the Albert Lea location.

[fishlakeman]

Well, I finally pulled the trigger. I'm now the owner of a 18 Explorer SS with a 150 hp Suzuki. I got all the options I wanted: side counsil, 24V 65lb Trolling Mtr, etc. I got the last white one, with only one red one left for all of their stores.

I want to thank all of you who replied, I really appriciate the help. I hope to have the motor broken in by the Minnetonka crappie contest, so I think that will be the official christening. I'm sure I'll see some of you on the water for that, and anywhere from OtterTail to Millelacs to any metro lake. Thanks again! -fishlakeman

[buzzsaw]

I'll be out there for the crappie contest, maybe I'll see you at Fletchers.

[Northlander]

Fishlakeman you will love that set-up! That 150 should be all you will ever need on that boat. Let me know what you get later on this summer for gas mileage and top end speed. I dont think you will do 63mph like some have claimed but low to mid 50's should be reachable I think. [email protected] ENJOY!

[Fish Head]

Congratulations! I'm sure you'll love it.

I just purchased an Alumacraft 1850 Navigator with a 140 Suzuki 4 stroke. I'm getting dual console with the small bubble windshields. I'm putting a 70# Minnkota auto pilot, co pilot, universal sonar with 60” shaft on the front. A Lowrance 332 on the bow and a Lowrance 18c on the dash. I can't wait!

When is the Minnetonka Crappie contest? Is there a web site? I haven't fished that tournament in 20 years.

[buzzsaw]

It's still not determined, but heres the link.... it is most likely April 23rd.

www.lls.org/mn/crappie

I'll start a thread as soon as the date is announced in the Metro fishing section.