Boat Advice

[H2O]

I'm contemplating buying my first boat and am looking for any advice that is out there. Most of my summer fishing has been out of a LUND, and I have no arguments against their reliability and toughness, but before I "take the plunge" I'd like other opinions for or against the major boat names on the market.

This boat will primarily be used just for fishing (mostly smaller lakes) and I'm looking at buying a used one. Also,any motor advice would be great (Merc, Evinrude, Yam, Johnson, etc).

[Northlander]

Lund for resale and reliability and Yamaha or Honda 4 stroke.

Most important is to find a boat layed out the way you like for the way you fish. All 3 of the major tin boat makers are good. I myself would stick with Lund or Alumacraft but Im sure that will be debated by many when they see this post.

If you let us know what size and size motor your looking for I can recomend a certain boat that may fit your needs.

I do know that the new Lund IPS hull is the smoothest riding tin boat I have been in.

I also will recomend you go 4 stroke if you can. Smooth, quiet, use less gas, troll down great and you dont get that gas smell from them.

Good luck in your boat search. I know it took me a long time to find the boat I now have and come to find out it was only 5 miles rom my house.

Also make sure if you buy used the guy has the title ready when you buy the boat!

[TSCTSC]

well....I do not know how used is used, but I would not hesitate to recommend LUND and CRESTLINER. For the CR, I mean the newer ones. They really look and are sweet. What with the integrated boat cover, the nice seats etc. etc. CR do make nice boats....I think a little more refined that the LUND. But having said that, I feel that LUNDs are a little easier to move than CR. As for motors, I think Yamaha is tops. Others include Suzukis. People say hondas are good too. They probably are but I have not had good experience with them. I rented Honda 4 stroke 25HP pull starts at La Crosse and they do not start easy and do not idle well. As for 4 strokes, please make sure you get electric starts and not pull starts cos the 4 strokers are a little harder to pull start. If you are going for used, u might not get 4 strokes and will end up with a 2 stroker. If u get a 2 stroker, make sure it is oil injected. That way, u use less gas and do not have the hassle of having to mix oil in the gas. So they are a little in between the normal 2 strokes and the new 4 strokes.

[bassman186]

Like Northlander stated, LUND is going to be a boat that will always have a good resale value. Just like RANGER will always hold a good resale value in the Bass Boat catagory. If your looking for a straight up great fishing boat go with a LUND. Lots of storage, plenty of room. If I had to recommend a style either the Pro-V style or the Barron. And for a motor definetly an Evinrude or Yamaha 4-stroke. They are super quiet, and also are very reliable.

~Matt Jung

[Captain B.R.K]

Yeah, I own an older LUND and would highly recommend them! Over the years they have tinkered with their interior designs and have some neat rod lockers as well as ample space.

Plus the times I've done some remodeling on my boat, I've called their customer service and nothing but thumbs up with their service!!

The PRO-V's are nice, but if you are looking to save some money, the FISHERMAN's are pretty nice and look almost like a PRO-V, just a little easier on the wallet

Good Luck.

[bobO]

I bought my first boat(lund) over seven years ago and have not one complaint with the boat. I would recommend a Lund boat to anyone who is looking.

[CHODE]

I purchased a lund this spring, and no real complaints. I also had in the past owned a crestliner, and no complaints.

My only advise is to get something with in floor rod storage. I currently have a Lund 1700 Fisherman with a 150 HP Yamaha v-max and love it. Its quite, good on fuel and really moves. But my only complaint i the poor rod storage.

[get-the-net]

I bought a '88 pro-v this spring and absolutely love it. I've fished out of Sylvans,Crestliners,Alumacrafts and Lunds, but I like the ride-for-the-money of a Lund the best.

[hoggs222]

I would agree that Lund is a good quality boat. I've never had a problem, except for the motor we got with it. Bad installation from the dealer. No problems with the actual boat though & this is the 2nd one!

[EBass]

All I can say is that your first boat will teach you what you want on your second boat. I'm on my first boat and I want a River Pro for my second boat.

[beer batter]

Good point Ebass.

If you're new to boating I'd think hard about going out and dropping $30K on a top of the line rig that you're going to experiment with. You're bound to forget the plug, bang into docks here and there - dents, dings, flooding all go along with learning how to operate a boat in all sorts of conditions. Everyone likes to think about a nice smooth lake when you're out in a boat. Who remembers the first time they had to land their boat is 2-3 foot breakers and/or 40 mph winds?

My suggestion would be to go with a cheaper used boat if you're new to boating. Learn how to operate it in all conditions, and in no time you'll know exactly what you want in a boat all by yourself.

[frankenstien]

I would not be afraid to go with any of the main 3, Alumacraft, Lund, or Crestliner. And a four stroke,be it yammy,honda,suzuki,merc,evinrude,johnson. I have had Alumacraft and Lund, liked them both.

[kevfish]

Cant beat a lund for elbo room. I can fish 3 in my 17 ft pro-v with plenty of room for coolers and every ones tackle boxes.. I can get in and out of shallow lakes easily where I live and can also hit the big waters of mille lacs once in a while

[Squid]

It looks like most of the posts have given you solid advise but they missed one of your main points. That being you mentioned most of the lakes you wanted to fish were small lakes. First there a couple of questions you need to ask yourself. Do you fish by yourself or do you fish with other people in the boat? This is important because if you fish by yourself a 14' boat would be fine. If you take a couple of kids with then you might want to something bigger like a 16 footer. Several of post mentioned boats like the Lund Fisherman, but for your needs might just be too big. There are a number of small lakes that have shallow launch areas and you might find it difficult or impossible to launch on those lakes.

Then you need to consider the size of motor. If you opt for the 14' boat you should consider a motor of at least 25 HP. Like some other posts have stated you will most likely find a 2-stroke most available. Either way, when that big nasty cloud takes you by surprise you will want something that will get you to shore quickly.

Next, what type of fishing do you plan on doing, are you a walleye fisherman or do you prefer bass? A deep V boat is great for walleye but bass waters have different needs.

If you have never owned a boat ask around from other boat owners. Most of us have learned from the school of hard knocks, our first boat usually didn't end up being the boat we wanted or needed.

[H2O]

Thanks for all the input thus far on the helpful insight. I was initially leaning towards a LUND, but now am certain that is the route I'll be taking. "Which model" is the next question. I'll primarily be fishing walleyes and I know I want at least a 16 foot boat. I usually fish with a partner and eventually will be towing my kids on a tube. I am looking at a couple possible models, and wish for your opinions. I originally was looking at a Mr. Pike, but felt that the Angler was very comparable with a lighter price tag. I've also fished out of Predators and a Fury, all very adequate boats. I do like the idea of the rod storage in the floor and was wondering what year did LUND start putting rod storage in the floor vs the sidewalls? I'm guessing I'll need at least 60 hp to suffice my wants and needs. Advice is appreciated.

[fishlakeman]

An angler is a great boat, thats what I was looking at until they came out with the new renovated Explorers. An angler is an expensive boat, and if your looking for something close without the price tag look at a 16 or 17 foot used Explorer. Get one thats maxed out or close to maxed out hp wise for tubing and getting to shore quickly. My friend has a 16 foot rebel with a 50 yamaha 2-stk the has plenty of power for skiing and tubing. I am power junky, and this boat is plenty fast and gets on plane easily with 3- 200lb+ guys in it. I know you said used, but a possible option in what sounds to be your price range is the new lund Classic 16 SS. Paired with a 60 hp 2-stroke it would be a great rig as it apppears to be a deep stable boat. You can see it on Lund's HSOforum. To get the center rod storage you have to pay big bucks for a Pro-V or a Mr. Pike. I'm not sure, but I'd guess they came out with that in the late 90's Pro-V's. Only the 2004 and beyond Mr. Pike's have them. I went through the whole process of researching boats this last year, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask, as I'd say I'm pretty knowledgable about Lund's line of boats starting from the 80' s to present.

Good Luck in your search!

[Willy]

To tell you the truth I don't think there is a ton of difference in Lund, Alumacraft, and Crestliner. They're all good boats. If you are looking at a Lund, I would say the Explorer or Angler are good options. I like the Angler because it's a little heavier and has a few more perks. Make sure if you're buying a used boat that it is maxed or very close to maxed on HP. When I was looking for a used boat, I came across a ton that were just underpowered. That is the last thing you want to do to a boat. Are you going with a console or tiller. If console you don't have to be all the way maxed on HP, but a tiller, if you don't max it out, you won't be happy.

[The_Duckslayer]

Quote:

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To tell you the truth I don't think there is a ton of difference in Lund, Alumacraft, and Crestliner. They're all good boats...

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I CONCUR. Personally I prefer Alumacraft. It is kind of like cars in a way,,, it is all in the eye of the beholder! They are all good or they would not survive in this market. Don't know that I would ever own a Dotch though! DOH! Have a good one and N Joy the Hunt././Jimbo

[Northlander]

I have a 17' Lund Explorer with a 115 4 stroke Yamaha and I think that type rig would do you fine. You can put it in on almost any landing and it will pull tubers like nothing.

The Mr.Pike will give ya a few more bells and whistles and the Angler is pretty close comparable.

All 3 would be great.

[Northwoodsdon]

All I ever had has been A LUND

From Big water up north to smaller lakes it's great I have an SSV-16 w/25 & 4 hp Johnsons,Never had an Issue with anything if I did not live in the desert I would Keep it

[Nodak7mm]

Last year I took the plunge. Did all the research, looked at Lund , Crestliner, and Alumacraft. I am a lone fisherman typically with my kids, wanted a boat I could handle alone, a boat that would be at home in a 200 acre lake as well as a very large lake such as Lake Michgan. Money was somewhat of factor also.

I went with a fully rigged Lund 1600 Explorer SS. Why?? In that size class, all 3 were about the same, with exception that the new explorers came out with a few bells and whistles that I wanted... I maxed out the hp with a 90 yamaha, got a custom cover and custom trailer, rigged with trolling motor, 6 ram mounts and depth finder.

Does everything I need and I have fished lake Mi with it while feeling comfy. The key with big water is to have situational awareness. If you dont pay attention to the wx, it dont matter how big your boat is. And I can easily hit the 200 acres ponds with ease. At time I wished I went up to the Angler or Mr. Pike, but then to max the hp and rig it the same would have been another 5k easy. Then have a place to put it as I can garage mine. Always looked at 1700 Fisherman also, but a budd of had one and said he wished he had bought something like mine because launching it by himself can be a real chore and he cannot access half the little ponds I can. Need a bigger truck too.

Check out the explorers and the others are good boats too, there is just that magic/pride about owning a lund tho...... And I only paid a little of 16K for mine... What ever you do, max out the hp, you'll never regret it..

Rod

[g3angler]

Don't limit yourself to just the three big brands. I currently own a G3 V180 from Yamaha boat company, have had it 3 summers now and love the boat. I was like you looking at the big three and thought there has to be more out there. I am very happy with it.

[Northlander]

I looked at the G3's but could not find a dealer willing to sit down and talk with me or even answer questions over the phone. I saw a couple of their boats that I really liked the layout but with nobody willing to spend some time and answer questions I stuck with a LUND.

Too bad because a guy can save a few $ and get a nice boat backed by Yamaha. I do like my Yamaha 4 stroke a lot.

[ND Jig Head]

H2O - I owned a Lund Rebel 16 with a 30 hp Johnson for 15 years. I bought it new and had no problems with it - never a leak. I sold it 3 years ago for $300 less than I paid for it. I ran into the guy I sold it to the other day at a boat ramp and he is very happy with the boat. I now own a Lund 1700 Fisherman - it is also a grate boat. Stick with a Lund - you won't regret it.