New boat??

[fishinalot]

I'm looking to get a new boat this spring that will troll down and have enough power to plane 1000 lbs of gear in Canada. I currently have a 94'alumacraft Backtroller with a 40 merc. I love the power of the 40 Merc and its ability to troll down to 1.5mph on calm waters.

I'm looking to stay with a 16' but do not know what boat or what motor would be close to the older rig I have.

Does any one own a 50-60 Evinrude e-tech? how do they troll down?

I'm trying to keep a smaller 16' like the Backtroller, but also have the power to haul the loaded gear.

[Hookmaster]

The only other boat I can think of with a big payload is a Lund Alaskan. I think they still make them in 16, if not maybe try and find a used one.

[fishinalot]

I'm thinking Lund classic or crestliner fishhawk with a Merc 50 2 stroke.

Also thinking about the Alumacraft 165 with a 50 Yamaha 2-stroke.

Does anyone have any complaints or compliments on either?

Thanks

[blakjack23]

I've also been looking at the Alumacraft 165. Seems like a decent deal with the 50 horse for around 12k. Lund also came out with a competitive boat, the 1625 REBEL XL SS. It has about the same specs as the Alumacraft 165, but it might come standard with a 40 instead of a 50 horse. I know there was a sportsmans show last weekend, but isnt' there another boat show coming up?

[fishinalot]

I believe the boat show is towards the end of the month. The Alumacraft 165 has the built in gas tank, I don't think the Rebel does. I like not having to carry extra gas tanks along on trips.

But for 12,500 I may go with the Alumacraft.

[Shack]

Also check out Power Pro boats.

I am thinking of making a new purchase, and a Power Pro could be in the future.

Good luck..

[blakjack23]

I just double checked and the Lund Rebel XL SS does have a built in gas tank.

[tednugefan]

what size motor does the Lund Lebel XL SS have

[Ray Esboldt]

I had a Crestliner 1650 Fish Hawk for years. I loved that boat. Lots of rod storage, huge livewell, really wide, and 18 gallons of fuel. I had a 60 HP Merc tiller on it. It ran 34 MPH, which isn't too bad for 16 foot boat. If I did that boat over again, I would definitely run a 4-stoke. It was pretty much impossible to troll with a 2 stroke.

I like having a bigger boat now, but I do miss the versatility that a wide 16 foot boat offered. I could fish small lakes with bad access because it was easy on and easy off the trailer. And, I had no hesitations about taking it on Mille Lacs or Vermillion in a good chop. You might get wet, but you can handle it.

[harvey lee]

tednudgefan

The boat is rated for a 40-75 hp motor. As far as what hp motor is on the boat advertised online, you would need to check with an area dealer.

Yes, another boats show is coming up next week at the Conventiuon center starting Wednesday I believe.

LUND will have their line up of great boats on hand and also their new glass boats.

fishinalot

If your looking at a 50 hp motor, I would really check out the 4 stroke. Very nice motor and that baby is quiet, trolls down very nice. If you dont like buying alot of gas, the 4 stroke is the motor for you.

[JohnMickish]

The boat show is next week, January 23 - 27, 2008 at the

Minneapolis Convention Center. If you are thinking of getting new then this is the place to find the best price. Besides that, where else can you talk to several boat dealers and hammer out a deal with a beer in your hand?

[fishinalot]

I have heard good things on the Merc 50 and 60 4-strokes. I'm going to the Boat Show next week to see what kind of deal I can get on one with a Crestliner or a Lund.

I have a Tiller now, but not sure if I'm going with a tiller again or a Console.

That's why I need to get to the show!

[Ray Esboldt]

Make sure you talk to our own Bass-n-Spear (Jason Schade) at the Crystal-Pierz booth. And, for sure tell him you're FMer. Jason is a very good guy and can give you the honest low-down on Crestliner's offerings.