What boat to choose?

[PDOGG]

I have been looking at buying a new or slightly used boat and just wondering what anyone has had for personal experiance with these boats if you've had any issues and maybe a little help with the decison since theres so many choices out there. Heres what I've looked at for new boats:

1.2007 Mirro-Craft 1751 s.c with a 115 Merc Opti-Max

2.20007 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1750 S.C. with a Merc 115 Opti-Max

3. 2006 Alumacraft Dominator 175 cs with a Merc 115 4-stroke

4. 2007 G-3 angler V 172c with a Yamaha 115 4-stroke.

2 used boats for sale on F.M. that have raised my intrest. But havent looked at because there both at least 4 hours from home.

1. 2001 warrior falcon 177 with a honda 135.

2. 2003 17' Lund Mr.Pike with a Yamaha 115 4 stroke.

I should mention that this boat will be used mainly for fishing for the time being but as my kids get older It will be used for more recreation. I also should mention that all the boats are closely enough equipped and priced that those are not issues.

Thanks for your help in advance

1.

[Water Hazard]

PDOGG-

I'll chime in for the G3 side since I don't know if anyone else will. I have a 2006 G3 V167C with a 60hp Yamaha 4 stroke. I think it is pretty much the little brother to the boat on your list.

I put a MinnKota 55pd w/ universal sonar on it and a couple of depth finders.

The 60 horse moves it along pretty well (I've had it a little above 30mph). We've done some tubing behind it as well.

I bought this boat specifically for the Yamaha 4 stroke and haven't been disappointed. I ran it from when I bought it in July until late fall without any issues.

This is my first boat and all of the routine maintenance has been easy enough for a newbie. I did have trouble with the drain plug for the gear lube but I think that was my own fault. I don't think I had a thick enough screwdriver and ended up stripping the screw head. I brought the boat into Hannay’s and they took care of me.

The only other problem I had was with trying to replace the gear lube. I originally purchased it in the squeeze tubes. Two tubes on my driveway later, I knew there had to be a better way. I found a pump that works much better.

The boat itself is spacious. I've fished with my family without any problems. There are a lot of storage compartments which is really nice.

The only thing that I've noticed is a little shoddy on the boat is where the live bait bucket sits in the live well. It almost looks like I took a jig saw to the tray...you don't see it when the bucket is in place, but I know it is there.

Anyway, long story short, I am happy to endorse the G3 boat for you.

[Mike Walerak]

If I was to choose I would either take the Lund Mr. Pike or the Fishhawk. Both are very nice boats, but you gain a little more from the Mr. Pike.

mw

[eyepatrol]

I would only offer this to you: with kids/family you may want to consider the boat that provides you with the most cabin space. And maybe the deepest interior too. Kids will get older and bigger and you'll want to have the room for everyone in the boat with all the stuff.

Each boat seems to be rigged fine to me though.

Good luck!

[Questor]

I cringe at the thought of advising someone else about what boat to buy because it is such a deeply personal decision. All I can say is to really get in touch with your desires for the boat, and shop accordingly. All else being equal, buy a boat/motor/trailer with a good parts and maintenance network.

If it's a long-term purchase, think ten years ahead and try to anticipate how you will want to use it for the next 10 years.

[PDOGG]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Water hazard: How is the ride on your boat do you stay pretty dry?

MW:

Do you know if the Mr. Pike had center bow rod storage in 2003 that is a big selling point to me and I haven't been able to look at this boat yet? I know the new ones have it.

thanks again

[Water Hazard]

PDOGG-

With the single console, the driver typically stays pretty dry. I have a feeling if I was better with the tilt and trim, my passengers would stay dryer, but I would say that it is no worse than any other boat I've ridden on.

[JDM]

I would look at it this way - what is the most boat for the money and what will be the most reliable? I bought a new boat last year and didn't go with any of the boats listed here, but did buy one of the motors listed (115 Optimax). From what I saw, I would go with the Dominator. That is a nice set-up, especially if it is a new non-current. You should also look at what you get for extra's like electronics, trolling motors, and anything else you may require. This stuff all really adds up when you have to buy it later. I have a SC, but I wish I had a DC. It can get cold and windy on my passengers.

I noticed you like center rod storage. My new boat has it and I would never buy another boat without it. I love that feature. I am also really happy with the 115 Optimax. You may want to check out Starcraft - I think they would be in the same price range as these boats. I was really surprised with what they offered in comparison to some of th others and I have been happy with my choice. Food for thought. Have fun with your purchase!

[PDOGG]

JDM,

Do you know of any Starcraft dealers in the Mankato area? I'm open to other suggestions I'd just like to keep it kind of local if I go new.

Thanks

[JDM]

I looked on their HSOforum and it listed one in Ceylon, MN (south of Fairmont). There is also one is St. Cloud and one in Ramsey. I would have bought glass if I could have afforded it, but I am personally not a big fan of the Warrior. Others - yes. Each to their own.

[marine_man]

I don't know that I can pick one boat for you, because as others have said, it's a pretty personal decision - they all offer advantages and disadvantages.

I will tell you though that the Lund will likely hold it's resale value the best.

marine_man

[jt24]

The Mr. Pike I believe didnt come with the center rod storage until 05'. Mines a 05' and I dont recall seeing 04's with them in.

[HDRIDER02]

I can speak from experiance on the FishHawk. I bought my 1650 new in 96 and have been real happy with it.I maxed out the power with a Merc 75hp and used it both for fishing and takeing the kids sking.Never felt unsafe in it. Had a Lund before and didnt care for all the rivets.Also not as dry of a ride.Went to Mapleton Marine. Good people.

[loejay]

got for a ride in a rough water in a glass boat and then go in a alum. one.

my pick would be the used Warrior

[knoppers]

the sports show is in a couple weeks, that way you can look over all the boats. I personaly like the G3. I am also in the market for a new boat, and will be at the show mainly to look over the skeeters and comparable boats.

[caseymcq]

Get the Dominator. It has the center rod storage in the bow that you are looking for.

Otherwise all the boats look pretty good. I don't think you would be disapointed with any of them.

[PDOGG]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I was in Lake City this weekend and decided to stop and take a look at Smittys. They have alot of boats there and they had a brand new 2005 Alumacraft Tournament Pro 175 cs there that someone ordered and never picked up. So long story short I really liked the boat and he gave me a heck of a deal on it with a 150 etec and offered me a good price for my boat without even seeing it so I decided to take it. I hope I made the right decision on the motor evinrude is all he sells. Does anyone have any experiance with these motors I know there pretty new but they swore by them and evinrude has some hefty claims about them I was just wondering if they are all they say they are. Now I can only wait for some open water. Might have to put in the river when I pick it up.

[bassNspear]

20007 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1750 S.C. with a Merc 115 Opti-Max

awesome boat.

[JDM]

The E-tec is similiar to the Optimax with direct fuel injection. I have never heard anything negative on the E-tec - only positive. I think you will be really happy with that rig. The Tournament Pro is a nice boat.

[Northlander]

Thats a very nice boat and motor package you got. Im sure you will be happy with the extra room and storage in the TP.