Best Fish/Ski Boats

[nk45]

Hey guys, I'm looking to purchase a new or slightly used fish/ski aluminum boat this year. I'm looking at a 17-18.5 foot range with a motor big enough to pull a grown man water skiing. Any suggestions? What do you like and why? I primarily fish walleye or panfish with the kids. Thanks for you help!

[KidWalleye]

a freind of mine has a crestliner sportfish 18 footer. It fishes three really good and we ski and tube behind it. The only thing is my buddy said he would do differently is to get the 150 instead of the 115. So I would keeo that in mind. The ranger mirage also looks like a nice rig. Good Luck, Kid

[Ralph Wiggum]

Don't go less than 115. I'm 6'2" 245 and regularily ski behind our 17' Alumacraft with a 115 without problems, but I would not want any less motor. Also, stick with a 2 stroke.

[nk45]

Thanks guys. I went to the Mpls Sports Show last weekend and was overwhelmed at all the brands and options. I was told to even upgrade from the 115 to the 150 Optimax or 4-Stroke.

[Ralph Wiggum]

150 would be ideal. I would stick with a 2 stroke.

[PerchJerker]

Don't underpower your boat, every time you take it out you'll be wishing you spend the money for the right size motor. I agree with 150 hp. A 2 stroke will give you more hole shot than a 4 stroke and a DFI 2 stroke will be just as fuel efficient as a 4 stroke.