So, I am boat shopping, not sure if I will even end up buying something as of now I still have my boat, in storage now. But to you guys out there who log many hours on the water, if you were between a Lund 18ft explorer single console, or a Crestliner 1850 Fishhawk single console, both with 150 merc's, Which one would u chose? They are kinda close in price.
it`s a toss.You`ll be happy with either.If you`re comparing a 1750 or 1850 fishhawk to a lund mr.pike/explorer etc…go with the crestliner for storage.If you`re talkin 1750/1850 fishhawk to a 17 or 18 proV for gunnels/storage/ride go w/the V.But you`re goin to have to shell out the cash$$$$$$$$
DU 8)
I haved fished out of a Pete LeBaron's Crestliner and really liked it. Not sure exactly what model his is but it is one sweet muskie canoe. I just got a 17' explorer this spring and I honestly haven't found anything that I would change about it except the price. I have a 115 Suzuki 4-stroke on it that fits the boat well. I like the gunnels and rod storage holders along the captain's chair… these are two features that liked on it better than a Mr. Pike or Pro V. I guess the only thing that sticks out to me on my Lund vs. Pete's Crestliner is that the Lund is quite a bit wider. If space is a major issue than I would go with the explorer. Other than that, I think you've definitely narrowed your search down to the best two aluminum muskie boats on the market that I know of.
I see the word Optimax and I flinch. Be glad you did not get the 115 Optimax as this engine is all trouble. I had two brand new 2004 115 hp in less than one year and Merc ended up giving me a new 115 4 stroke to keep us out of court. I have an 18 foot Starcraft and for a couple like Michelle and I this boat is tops. 5 footers on St. Claire not a drop over the bow. Nice wrap around windshield for those long races across the big pond in 40 degree weather and the Bimini top for the rain and blistering sun. I had a side counsil and will never have another. We can and do fish in all weather, The only problem is they dont make this model anymore. It was written up in the north American fisherman magazine as the best all species boat made. I like all the other boats like the crestliners and Lunds but Ill stay with this Starcraft superfisherman . Its super wide and has a big boat ride in an 18 foot package. I can pull it up on shore in shallow water and launch it in less than 1 foot with my roller trailor. It rides big water like a champion and sneaks into small rivers and little puddle lakes that dont even have boat launches. Not as pricey as the lund and still less than the crestliner. Top speed about 45 without all our gear 40 fully loaded. Since we got the 4 stroke I have no more complaints. Kingfisher
When I was talking to the Lund dealer about ordering a new boat I asked about optional longer rod lockers. He said that you can specify that the lockers be built longer for a nominal fee. I don't know what his interpretation of nominal is but it might be worth looking in to. That was on A Pro -v I dont know if that applies to other models or if it is even an option still with the change of ownership.
Kevin
Brian if you are going to by a new boat look for a new 05,can save a lot of money on one then on a 06 thats what i did.Crstliner is less money then lund,but just as good of a boat for the price,I have the 1750,I pad about $5 to 7,000 less then i would hove pad for a 04 pike 1700 and got a bigger motor to that i looked at.Its your call,and for a 05 1750 with a 70 4strok was about 500 less and i got a 05 optimax 115 and that motor can hall the mail to and good on gas.If you would like to try out my 1750 fish hawk some time be for you by a new boat let me know,if not soon after ice out.Brian in midland.
I'll tell you what I know I don't care merc's are not the way to go I have a lot of freind's that fish pro's they all say yamaha and honda or suzuki are the way to go.
Merc's are not the way to go I can tell you about 5 ranger 621 that have broken transoms from the heavy verado merc's You can't give me a ranger 621 with a verado and I can tell you of 3 that I know the engine blow. So know merc for thank you!
Yup, thats what I did and I saved a ton of money. I got my 04 1750 fishhawk fully loaded with 55pd minnkota, lowrance x-51, extra pedastal seat, two batteries, and the 75hp Yamaha 4-stroke for $14,000 with the trailer. I bought it in july of 05 and I figure I saved an honest $2500-4000 over an 05. However I wish I had an 06 because they are going to a new center mounted rod locker that hold 5, 6' rods, and 4, 7' rods.
And the 06 is 17,6 were the 04 and 05 are only 17,2.Brian its your call,its what you find in a bost that you like some like lund some ranger some what ever,if i ever by a nother new boat it mite be the 1850 or 192 tournament series dc to vary sweet boats.good luck on what ever you do.Just remenber ever motor out there has there share of pro and cons
The 1750 fishhawk is a nice and roomy boat. I own the 1750 yamaha/tiller version which adds space and really like it. The downside is that it's not a dry ride in medium or larger waves. This summer on Eagle lake…suddenly the winds kicked up to 45 mph. We were fishing behind a protected island but decided to go in since the wind was increasing. That was the craziest ride I've ever been on and I've fished Lake Erie in 5-6 footers.
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