Mille Lacs boat?

[TopwaterTom21]

Similar to a post from riverkid, would a 1997 Crestliner Fishhawk 1650 be a big enough boat to handle mille lacs on semi rough days (2 foot rollers)? I personally wouldn't fish Mille Lacs with the 4-5 footers you guys talk about but would it handle it on a little calmer days? Thanks guys!

[bassNspear]

how big of a motor you have on the back?

[RiverBassGuy]

You would be just fine. We had a 1650 lund predator (tiller) and handled Mille Lacs just fine. Your beam is plenty wide on that boat, you're good to go!

[TopwaterTom21]

I believe there is a 40 or 50 mariner.

[Musky_Madness]

As long as you have the wide beam you should be just fine...obviously don't head out to 9 mile flat with your 50hp on a semi windy day because that could make your life tough. I had a 50 before and it could handle Mille Lacs with some 3 ft rollers but keep the bow into the waves.

[bassNspear]

you should be fine with that boat. Like everyone else said, the width of the boat is really going to help if it is a wider boat. Being its a 97 and not a 87 or whatever, you should be ok to handle the lake.

[Sandmannd]

You'll be fine if it's occasional. I was out in my 16.5' on a semi bad day and did just fine out there.

[youngie22]

An annual question for mille lacs and big water, now your conditions and get off if you don't feel right. I have fished mille lacs on many days w/ a 14' boat and 15 or 20 horse motor. Conditions can also change quickly while you are on the water. small change in wind speed and directions makes a big difference. Thirty years ago there were not to many 18' boats out there... Just don't let those twenties w/ all the stickers on them scare ya.

[TopwaterTom21]

So you guys talk about the beam, what would be a good beam to be out there with? 80+?

[youngie22]

mines about 59"

[jigginjerk]

Using good judgement and knowing how to handle your boat in rough water is probably the most important thing. You can get into trouble in rough water with a 18-20ft boat if you do not know what you are doing.

[PerchJerker]

jigginjerk is 100% correct - know your boat and how to handle it, and use good judgement.

I had a 16.5 foot tiller boat with a 60 for a few years, I don't ever remember not being able to take it out on Mille Lacs ---- for sure there were never any times I wouldn't go out in that boat but would have gone out in an 18 or 20 or 21 footer.