Replacing The Fleet

[gunflint]

I've been tasked with picking out the new boats that we will be relacing the old fleet with. Three boats a year for the next three years.

Here's what I am looking for: Heavier 14 footers, maybe with decking but probably with bench seats. Unfortunately we will be sticking with 9.9 4-stroke Mercs. So I need a boat that can handle the weight. Our current 14's are too light weight for them. They should be wider then our current boats and be able to stand the test of time.

These will be rentals so I want to sick with something that will be basicly the same color and style for the next several years. Any Ideas? The floor is open.

[Fishing Junky]

Hey Gunflint. Check out the Crestliners. They are probably heavier than most and are wide. Good luck, Junky....

[Polar Bear]

Gunflint, A buddy of mine owned a Crestliner, it was much wider than my Lund. Very stable.

[SteveWilson]

In a Lund I would look at the WC 14 DLX or the 14 SSV. Both are more substantial than the 14A (basic small bench seat 14') with the SSV being the widest and deepest. These are very similar in spec to the Crestline offering (14SS or 14SC) and can handle reasonable horsepower (35hp). I've been seriously considering one of these and a 25hp 2stroke Johnson as my second boat.

[HaywardBound]

Here are a couple of 14' Cresliners for example:

The one on the left has a 70" beam, and a center seat w/gravity-fed live well/storage.

The 'Canadian' on the left has a 73" beam.

But, there are many more at crestliner.com

Jon

[gunflint]

I've been looking at the Lund WC14, Crestliner sportsman or the XSR, I've got both catalogs from 2005. I'm also looking at Alumicraft from their web site. I should have been more specific in my post. These should be plain janes, no live wells, rod storage, etc.

The problem that were having with our current boats is the the weight of the new 4-strokes is just to much. If you want to go out alone we have to put lead ballast in the front so that you can plain easily. They are also getting well past their prime. These are very light weight Alumicraft 14's

We're looking for something with color, weight and duribility. And hopefully a model that won't change much over the next few years, so that when were done the boats will have a uniform appearence.

I've noticed that some of these models have what I'll call split benches. Has anyone used these? I like the concept but it looks like the gas tank would be in your way. Also some have a split second bench. Can these be sat in comfortably?

[dockehr]

gunflint, I had occasion to run a boat (Lund) with a split bench seat. I liked it so well that I reserved it on our second visit to the fly-in camp two weeks later. The camp used the smaller gas cans and I didn't have an issue with it. I usually sit astride of the bench even with a swivel seat. It allowed me to be more mobile if I had to net the other person's larger fish (we don't normally net fish). It's really nice not having to raise a leg over the full bench seat.

One issue I could see with a split middle bench seat is that some imbalance could result if both persons were on the same side of the boat. It would also make it very hard for a guest to mount a removable swivel seat, say for back support. Hope this helps.

dockehr

Dr. Roland E. Kehr, Jr.

Lindy Tackle Company

[shamalex72]

The crestliner sportsmans are a plain jane, but not much to choose from colorwise(all silver or silver with black accent). The sportsmans will be more heavy duty than the XSR. Another thing about the sportsmans is they have a sprayed in "crest-liner coating" on the whole inside.

[CabinBoy]

I would go with the Lund WC14. The split bench gives the driver more room and I think your customers would really like it. Don't worry about the gas cans, I think with all new 4-strokes in the smaller HP, you get the 3-gal. can which takes up a lot less space. And you know Lund is always going to make a red boat. We run WC16's at our resort with 15hp 4-stroke Mercs. and it is a very suitable rental package for our guests. I'm sure your's won't be disappointed either.

[gunflint]

I think I'll be recommending the Lunds. Some of the boats we have now are close to 30 years old. So a Lund should pay for itself many times over. It's a price war now between Crystal-pierz(sp) and a Canadian dealer. I may also try going direct to the manufacturer. I'm also getting an estimate on a new Yamaha for me. Thanks everyone.

[Northlander]

Gunflint you will be happy with the Lunds and the Yamaha. But you knew I would say that didnt ya?

[Fishing Junky]

Hey Gunflint, Fourstroke or two? What HP?

[gunflint]

Because of hp restrictions in the BWCA, I have to stay with a 25hp. I'll keep buying 2-strokes for my use as long as they make them.

[Fishing Junky]

I've got a new Lunker w/25 4-stroke Yammy w/power tilt and trim I use on Sag. Sweet rig.

[gunflint]

Fishing Junky,

How big of a Lunker did you get? Does that 25 push it around alright?

[Fishing Junky]

Hey Gunflint. The Lunker only comes in the 16ft, which is actually 16.5 long w/max width of 76". With two guys in the boat it does pretty well in my opinion. We get around Sag pretty well. I have the motor jacked up off the transom two holes which helps with my hole shot. The trim and tilt helps alot too. My previous boat was a 14ft Crestliner Angler w/25 4 stroke yammy with no power tilt and trim. The Lunker is a bigger boat and the setup does every bit as well as the Crestliner as far as performance goes. With two guys in the boat and FULLY loaded down with camping gear on Sag, I get 10mph. We have lots of gear. I've never had 3 people in it yet, so can't comment there. In my opinion, Alumacraft has the most effiecent hull of the big 3. I've owned all 3 and they are all nice boats in thier own way. Different models of coarse. I checked out the Lund Rebel also, and choose the Lunker over it. Nicer boat in my opinion for the money. Take care, and dust off your snow shovel. Junky...