Whats your opinion of Smoker Craft Boats?

[icedoctor]

I'm going to buy a new boat and was wondering if any of you guys have any good or bad advice when it comes to the Smoker Craft.

I'm specifically looking at the 172 Millentia. It has an awesome interior layout! In my opinion its layed-out better then Crestliner or Lund in comparable models, but the resale scares me. I'm I right or wrong?

Thanks for the thoughts

J.

[92python]

I have fished out of a 16' tiller Smoker Craft with a 50 horse. It was decent but the gas gauge didn't work from the start and I could visibly see styrofoam flotation hanging down in the rod locker area on a fairly new boat.

It was OK but if considering an aluminum boat I personally would prefer a Crestliner, Lund, or Alumacraft. They are local, might be a little better and the local public is more familiar with them.

If you can get a good deal there is no good reason I know of not to get a Smoker Craft.

[Jim Hudson]

I own a smoker... Bought it new last year, the same boat your looking at.. No complaints as of yet besides the seats... Seats could be made a bit more sturdy and have air ride.. I run this boat on Lake Superior, and it handles big water better then I thought it would... I have it rigged with a 115 Merc Opti and I run about 45MPH with my gear on a calm day... Good boat for what I paid for her...

[Jaypo]

I own a SmokerCraft which I bought used 2 years ago. Comfortable and dependable boat... Resale is less than Lund, Crestliner, and Alumacraft which makes it an attractive boat for someone in the used boat market who is not looking to trade in frequently. A comparable model with one of those brands would have drastically increased the used sale price I was able to get.

In my opinion, the build quality is not as great on newer models which would make me look at the other brands for a new boat purchase.

[MT Net]

I just sold my Smokercraft. I already miss it. Lots of storage compartments, both front and rear livewells are aerated and on timers.

[musky hunter]

I just bought a 1994 Smokercraft 175 Ultima after losing my 170 Northwood Pro Tourney in a traffic accident last year. Northwood is made by Smokercraft but a stripped down model. I have absolutely no problems with Smokercraft. In fact, I looked at the very model model at the boat show and it got my attention, the very boat I would have bought had I been able to afford new. You will not be dissatisfied with a Smokercraft Millenia if it's the size and layout that you want.

[icedoctor]

Thanks guys for all the info.

[nitroant]

I personally do not, but a guy here at work bought one a few years back and is in love with the thing.

[jigginjerk]

Bought the 171 Pro Angler at the boat show in Jan.. I liked the way it was set up more than the others and think it is built just as well if not better than the others. I also got the 115 optimax. Just took it for its' maiden voyage today and loved it. It's pretty darn quiet. Any quieter and you would not here it running. Wind and water make more noise. And it flat out flies!

[kslipsinker]

I have a 1996 15' Resorter. It narrow, but deep. It can really handle nasty conditions for a small boat. I have tested it well over the last few years, especially since I changed to a 40 Merc four stoke a couple of years ago. It is one solid rig.

[Hoffer]

I have been looking at boats alot the last few years. I am a crestliner guy - but I sure like the Smokercraft for the price. Funny thing, I was looking at a local marina at their Trackers. I NEVER thought I would ever consider a Tracker. They have really come a long way. Welded hull like the Crestliner and I think the boat I was looking at was built stronger and better than a compareable crestliner - but alot less in cost. I do think the only problem with a Smoker or a Tracker in this state is the resell value. But if you are going to hold onto the boat for quite awhile - it doesnt really matter that much.

[D_Heintz]

I bought a SmokerCraft Milentia 161 last year and am in love with it! I like the way it was set up and i liked the service I got from the dealer.

One supprise was the way the light colored carpeting kept the boat cooler in the sun than one of my friends (older AlumaCraft). The rug cleans up nice so the light color isn't a problem.

If you can afford it, stay with a four-stroke motor. The motor will use less gas and won't pollute as much.

[Darin Ingalls]

I own a 2000 16ft Millentia with a 50hp Merc and I have been happy with the boat overall. For the money at the time it was the best deal I found. I also liked the fact that it was wider then most in the same class and had a nice layout. I have pounded the heck outa the thing and it has held up well. My only complaint would be the one storage door on the driver side is not designed well. It has the screws on the bottom and should screw in from the side. I re-screwed it from the side and seems to work better. Other then that the boat handles really nice, planes out fast and is very stable.

For the money its been a great boat.

[Jim Hudson]

Well I just got to look at the new boat line up while I was getting my boat out of storage on Thursday... I seen the new smoker 19' millentia... they did wonders on the seats on the boat.. comparable to lund and alumacraft seat designs... looks to be like a superb boat...

[spudhauler]

Hello, I don't mean to rain on anyones parade here but I have a real world experience on the subject.

Last year we took 12 guys and 4 boats to lake of the woods. 2 lunds, 1 crestliner, and 1 smokercraft. I don't know the smokercraft model name, but it was less than a year old, full winshield, deep and wide, w/125hp merc, a nice looking rig. Anyway it was rough for 2 days and we were running pretty hard. Part of the smokercrafts hull partially caved in due to the pounding, not good. I am not brand loyal, but that is the experince I have.