What do all you semi-pro fisherpersons ( yes Michelle, and Mrs. Shultz I was thinking of you ) consider when it comes to purchasing a boat? Beam, weight, storage? I am nervous of buying a boat with too little beam, yet I can only afford so much. Do all boats tip when one is at the side netting or unhooking a fish? Are there some that won't move at all??? Is it hull design or any of the above? I think in two years I will get a 16 Lund Classic but not til then. I still want a nice setup to tide me over til then. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Bruce.
If I could find one I would look into an older 16-18ft Starcraft deep V. And hopefully it has a good reliable engine on it.
Engines are driving up boat costs. Mercury is dropping 2 strokes due to emissions, or pending emissions regulations. It's an issue for all of the engine manufacturers. I install MerCruiser units, as well as Volvo Penta engine/drive units every day. Soon those companies will b forced to install catalytic convertors. Two Marine applicaton convertors will certainly add close to 2K to the retail customer.
IMO it isn't something to be ignored either. Sure the 2stroke costs more but studies I have seen clearly show that two strokes create a TON of pullutants.
Anyhow (since I guess I'm rambling) if you can buy a used boat with a good reliable engine you are in bussiness. And by starting with one of those you can pretty much build the boat YOU want. 50" livewell? Sure. Two electric motors? If that's what you want.
Now consider this (and why I am probaby buying new). You buy this boat for 2,500. You bought a new engine two years later because the one you had failed and is beyond repair=5K. You are at $7,500 for an OLD boat, but it does have a new engine. I'm sure a new bow mount trolling motor would go on, when you bought it. And new electronics. Plus any other repair and modificatons. When you are all done you still have an old beat up trailer.=more $$
If it's easier on the wallet that's fine and maybe the way to go for you. That's basically the route my father took as my brother and I were growing up.
I'm going to D&R sports to look at a new Pro Guide V16 today. If they can get me into a last years model I'll try and go with a 60 or 75 hp engine if not a 40hp.
One other consideration. Tiller or console. I think I'm going tiller because It gives you a little more room (which I may use to extend the front deck). And after reading the new MHM I think a tiller is the way to go for fishing heavily winded areas. Since you can supplement the electric motor with the tiller drive engine.
Oops I meant that 2 strokes pullute WAY, WAY more than people realize.
But they are also cheaper, easier to maintain, and so far still faster out of the hole than a 4 stroke. And 4 strokes are much heavier.
I was really looking for a tiller too. However if they can get the financing done with a payment I can live with I just picked up a Pro Guide V16 Tracker. An 06' boat with an 05' (but new) 50hp Merc 2 stroke. And I'm probably going to have them put an 8hp Merc tiller drive 2 stroke on the back for a kicker. It was on sale for $1,300.
FWIW this boat with all rigging and destination charges was actually cheaper than the same boat in a tiller drive 40 hp 4 stroke. If you are serious and interested in a Tracker now is the time as you can save money by going with an 05' model 2 stroke Merc.
Hi Guys, we have both and Ill say this. Tiller boats will out manuver any counsil boat and this is key when trying to troll tight to structure like Michelle and I did last November on Thornapple. BUT for running long distance ,Lake St. Claire, Goergian Bay, Or any big water over 2000 acres My Starcraft Superfisherman is my choice hands down. The Windshield and Bimini Top have kept Michelle and I on the water when all the little Tillers are running for home. This boat has a 96" beam and 17 feet 8" is very stable and well powered with a 115 Merc 4 stroke. When trolling multiple rods you DO NOT want the driver in the rear of the boat in the way every time a fish is screaming drag in the prop wash. That is why you see no Tiller boats trolling on Lake St. Claire. Bruce if you want to start small I would get a 1648 Jon with a 25 hp Honda. You will never sell it as this little craft will go where no V hull can ever go and at the same time you can fish all lakes up to around 1000 acres in most weather. Our John is a 1448 and we can pull it with our little Chevy Aveo. We caught the two biggest fish of the day at the Ice up outing November 5th using our little Jon. 2003 boat trailor and 9.9 Merc 2 stroke 2500 bucks. We added a forward casting deck and floors,electronics and a bow mount 36 lb 12 volt trolling motor. We have about 3200.00 total in it. We will never get rid of it. Kingfisher
Michelle and I are a little crazy I guess because we want it all and we know how to get it 
. I have a canoe with twin Casting platforms,outriggers,Bottomline depthfinder and G.P.S.. This craft is for any lake that will not allow a motor. Rather than not fish these waters I built a craft that allows us to cast standing up just like a real Boat eh?? . The Jon Boat is powered by a 9.9 because there are Lakes all over with 10 hp limits. Also a Jon Boat can go through very shallow waters like up rivers and creeks. The whole rig can be launched and loaded by hand using a roleez cart. We can take off through the woods with this little jewel and slip it into remote lakes that have no access. It trailors very easy and can be towed with the smallest of cars saving boo coo bucks at the gas pumps. The Starcraft is my Titanic but is also very versatile launching into some pretty shallow lakes via the roller trailor. The reason for this post is that there is not any one boat that will take Michelle and I where we want to go. I have less money into the three than any Ranger or Big Lund. I cant understand why anyone would buy a 20 foot tiller boat unless they are fishing one large body of water and casting a lot forever ha ha ha . I have designed the best Lake st. Claire trolling boat and no one makes it. Mid mount engine, Prop ahead of the transom (inboard) chevy straight 6 cyl. Cab forward with low sides in the rear with rising bow and flared for wave cutting. Completely open in the back for rods and fishermen not drivers and outboard to get in the way. Old Stubby from Belle river had a converted House boat that was a great Musky trolling boat on the big water. 22 feet long 8 feet wide low sides and a flared bow. OOPS iM GETTING SIDETRACKED. Finlander, if you start small you can always add a bigger craft for bigger waters and never have to get rid of your little jewel. Kingfisher
Finlander,
Regarding a rig to hold you over for a couple of years till' you get your desired boat.
Kingfisher gives good advice with a jon boat, it would be a very versatile choice provided the bulk of your fishing is done on small to medium sized inland lakes,you could even sneak out on bigger waters provided friendly conditions and you keep a keen eye on the weather.
Do you troll the bulk of the time? or are you a caster? would you be working(fishing) from the bow or aft?Do you care about lockable rod storage length? livewell length? will you be trailering your rig around from lake to lake often?
These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself along with other things that are important to you. For instance, the Lund Classic you mention would not be a good choice for me based on the fact that I am a caster and I work from the bow, the casting deck on the Classic sits far to low (barely above floor level) for my taste, As I like to be higher up to see follows,work baits, etc…
In general a wider beam makes for a more stable boat, not to say you have to get a boat with a 96" beam to have a stable platform. Again the size/type of waters you fish should be an important factor.
I have a 16.6' Deep V lowe ( Deep V meaning the V shape of the hull carries all the way back to the transom) with a 60 4 stroke, counsole steering. It is perfect for me, easily trailerable,puts in takes out easy, I use on smaller inland lakes in michigan to larger systems in Ontario. It has an 82" beam and is a stable platform even with two people on on side unhooking/releasing fish.
Hope this helps a little.
Jason
Thanks for all the replies….I think. I troll and cast. Wife does not cast much. She might if we used a larger boat to separate us abit. She can cast an Abu so maybe she just doesn't feel confident enough yet. I want an open design that we can walk about in. Rod locker would be nice, 7 footer minimum. Naden makes nice boats, Canadian company, but they are bench seats. Structurally, I don't know what it would do to the boat if the middle seat was pulled. That Tuffy looks nice. I guess it pays to take good care of them. I would like to try for salmon in the fall too. Put some 'riggers on it. I have been out in the Lake in rollers where 20' boats were disappearing behind the swells. Back when I was suicidal….. 😯 Again, thanks for all the responses…I think…………tbc…
Hey Fin,
I’m not sure if you have ever been to this site <url url="[Permission to view this media is denied]
">** you do not have permission to see this link ** it’s a repo lot out in Walker/Marne area. They always have different boats coming and going and sometimes you will see some really great deals. I also know that they are open to offers, they just got in a 2003 Lund 1650-V Rebel S which looks like a good all around boat for the money. <url url="[Permission to view this media is denied]
"><link_text text="[Permission to view this media is denied] … 86F203.htm">[Permission to view this media is denied]
Good Luck
I think I pass that place on the way to Gander. I turn south on Wilson off of ??? after exciting I96. Seen some boats there in the past. But…I think I may have found a Lund for me, an older Rebel that has rod storage and pedestal seats. It has a livewell that can't be that big. Anyone ever convert their livewell to a lure box? insert some kind of interlocking pvc or lexan sheets, to hang the lures on?
I have a choice of a 1993 Lund tiller 16' Rebel. It has a 1998 Tracker ( a Mercury cross dressing, so i am told). 2 stroke pull start. They would sell me the boat w/o the motor too, however. Pedestal seats, rod locker. The thing is I am hesitant is because of the motor. Pull start and the warranty from this place is probably not much over a month or two. The other option is they have a 16" Naden – Candian built. Simple, lighter, bench seats, and a 4 stroke Honda i can buy in Muskegon with a 3 year warranty. The Lunds hold their value and in two years I can recoup most of that back when I want to upgrade. Tell me what you think. I like to tinker with things, my truck, but not an outboard. I want no trouble at the launch. Thanks.
That engine is definately a Mercury engine. They just had Tracker on the cowling ON tracker boats. I beleive if you can find a 98 Merc engine cowling you can just add that on and it won't say tracker anymore.
My guess is that because of this instance (hundreds or thousands of others) Tracker boat Mercury engines now are just plain old Mercury engines with Merc cowling etc.
I just picked up a new tracker with a new 05' Merc 2 stroke and it doesn't hav any tracker markings on it.
If the price is right go for Lund IMO.
Finlander,
My choice would be the Naden. The determining factor for me is the Honda 4-stroke (sweet outboards). You'll have a warranty, you'll save plenty on gas, great for trolling applications,you'll be able to have a conversation with your boat partner without having to scream. You will have a nice simple dependable rig to hold you over for a couple years.
Jason
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