Looking for feed back on Aluminum boats 2024
Way2slow reply :
OK, I'm feeling out you tin can guys. I'm considering joining your ranks next spring. I have had a couple smaller 15' and 16' over the years to try in small lakes/ponds and got rid of them almost as fast as I got them because when sitting in the pedestal seats, you never sat level, the things always leaned one way or the other. Now I'm thinking of maybe getting as wide of a 17'-18' model as they make, used of course not a new one. I want one that has a pretty good ride (for aluminum), thinking maybe one of the die pressed hulls instead of riveted/welded. Figured they would have the best ride and speed. There seem to be a lot of aluminum boat owners on here so figured this to be a good place for some feed back.
As some of you know, I've always been a speed freak. I have not owned a bass boat since the late 70's that would not run at least 70 mph, but I have gotten where I'm very comfortable being able to cruise at 3/4 throttle in the upper 40's to mid 50's and have no qualms about over powering a hull to do that.
I've gotten to the point I'm going to the lake very seldom because I'm mostly by myself now and pushing 70 (age not speed) these big, heavy, glass boats can get to be a pain in the butt at times when conditions are bad. Plus, being retired, hauling and feeding them is getting pretty dang expensive and figure I'll see if I can reduce that expense some also. So, I'm thinking of selling or giving the Javelin Renegade 20DC to my granddaughter (who says if I ever got rid of it she wanted it) and getting me something a little smaller and lighter, and thinking along the lines of an aluminum to do that. I still have three other 17.5'-18.5' glass bass boats that stay at different lakes that I seldom use because I seldom go to those lakes (long trips), but my main boat is the Javelin I haul to the different lakes around GA I go to, and that's the one I'm thinking of down sizing.
J Francho reply :
My Xpress, with the Hyperlift pad hull was a great boat. Tough as nails. Yes, hatches leaked a bit, and rough trips on Erie or Ontario would require checking for loose screws. The layout was easily my favorite. Mine did have a casting deck extension. That boat is still tearing up the club scene with the guy who bought from me.
fishnkamp reply :
I own a Lowe Stinger 170. Mine is a 2010, the last year for that floor plan. I have had 11 boats in 40 years. This is one of my best boats. I would rank it 3rd behind my two big fiberglass rockets. There is tons of storage on the boat, it rides well, has a very wide front deck (wider than my friend's Z8 Nitro) and will store 12 rods up to 7 foot in the center rod box. The boat with a 75 HP (max hp allowed) runs in the high 30s and if propped right should hit 40 mph. Mine does not for several reasons. First I run an old 2 stroke 3 cylinder Merc ( bought it cheap when I repowered). I run on the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal creeks where the possibility of hitting something submerged is high, so I choose to run a performance aluminum prop and a Stingray Hydrofoil. This does not provide the fastest combo but rather the best overall and smoothest ride in rough water. This saves my internal organs so I will be satisfied running around 35. Overall it is a good boat. Their trailers, I not impressed with for several reasons. My main dislike is the hub and axle, the way the boat "sits" on the bunks etc. I have gone as far as I can to make the boat glide on and off that trailer. My next job will be to remove their welded on brackets and start from scratch so it is done right. I believe they specced one trailer and used it for too many models meaning none fit right. Anyway as it sits the boat takes off almost perfectly level, I have been out fishing and dealt with 20 plus mph with a legit foot to two foot waves and caught stripers ( kept hiding around some islands ( but had to run that rough stuff to get back). The boat is terrific when we go to Center Hill, and Dale Hollow out in TN/KY. These are more like the waters you would be running down in your areas I believe.
I purchased this 17.5 foot boat because I wanted a boat I could run rigged with a trim/tilt plate and a 25 hp engine. I did this to fish a lake near my home and it had a hp restriction. With that setup and the right prop it came out level and ran 18 mph. I also knew I would move and could repower. If I was starting out fishing waters that had no hp restrictions then I would have looked at 19 foot boats. They can take much bigger engines and some have terrific storage layouts. I would automatically ignore the boats that have front livewells, to me that is stupid.
Good Luck in your search. Check out Crestliner, Xpress,AlumaCraft, Triton, etc. I would avoid Trackers, the quality never impressed me.
Dwight Hottle reply :
My first boat was a 18' Lund with a 150 4-stroke Yamaha & a T8 kicker. 96" wide & very stabile. You could stand on the gunnel and it maintains level.
My current boat is a Starcraft 20' 2" and has a 100" beam. Powered by a 250 Pro XS with a 9.9 Pro kicker. It is a heavy boat at 1734lbs, boat only. Top speed is 60 mph with two guys & gear. Also very stable in the water. Both boats are rivet construction.
Lund, Starcraft, Crestliner & Alumacraft are the most popular brands around the great lakes. The debate about welded hulls versus riveted still goes on but the the riveted hulls are still most popular.
Way2slow reply :
Dwight, that's a nice boat but that ain't doing much down sizing for me, plus that one is too purtty for me. I'd be scared to put it in a lot of places I go, being scared I might scratch it. Other than length difference of an inch or so, maybe, yours is bigger and heavier than my Javelin all the way around. I would feel like I'm fishing out of the Queen Mary in a boat that size.
Yep, heard that weld vs rivet argument all my life. Welded boats crack, riveted boats leak because the rivets come loose but welded boats always seem to cost a lot more I think is the main reason for seeing more riveted boats. That's why I figured I would avoid that debate and get a stamped hull, but I've heard complaints of them cracking also.
fishnkamp reply :
Way2slow here are some pics of my Lowe just for ideas. I use both fishing seats some times and a leaning post other times
Go take a look at a few videos on you tube. There are some Boat test.com's reviews that are pretty good. If I was purchasing another I would go for a 18 foot with 115 to 150 four stroke myself.
J Francho reply :
I'd be looking for an Xpress X series, used. There's an X19 with a 150 Yammie on Boat Trader. It's a little underpowered, but for $10,900, looks pretty clean.
BrianSnat reply :
I've been thinking of upsizing a bit. I have a 14' aluminum now and would like to go to 17 to 18 feet. I still want aluminum to keep it light. So far I've been looking hard at Lund and SmokerCraft and like what I've seen. The SmokerCraft Pro Camp has a nice balance between light weight and features. Their Ultima and Pro Angler also look nice but they are getting up there in weight.
Way2slow reply :
I'm not looking right now, just getting an idea what I want to look for. About December, sometimes people get to looking at those useless boats and thinking that would be some quick Christmas money and some outrageous deals come up. One of those almost too good to be true deals would probably spur my interest sooner but otherwise, not right now.
You also have to remember, I usually buy at actions, normally something needing some engine work that I get for about a quarter on the dollar. Like my Javelin, at the time I got it, it was easily a $17,000 boat and I got it for less than $5,000 but all the injectors and other major parts of the motor was in the storage boxes on the boat and nobody would touch it. I spent $1,100 getting the ecm upgraded and getting it running, and have not had a minutes trouble in the 10 years since.
Fishnkamp, yours is about the size I have in mind, but from the few I've been in, because of the hull, max out at about 45 mph before they start doing unpleasant things. That's why I was thinking of one of the newer stamped out hulls. I've heard they perform pretty much like a glass hull.
As for being under powered, out of about 11 motors between 4hp and 325hp, I think I can just about put any amount of power I want on one. Matter of fact, I need to start thinning those out some also.
Jig Man reply :
I don't own a tin boat right now but I have owned them and have several friends who own them. Out of all that I have owned and or ridden in there is only one that I would ever consider owning if I were to switch back to a metal boat and that is an Xpress. They handle lift and ride more like a glass boat than anything else out there. Find someone who owns one and get a ride. One of my fishing buds has an 18' with a 4 stroke Yammy. It runs in the low 50s.
New River Addiction reply :
Float pods welded on the back will virtually eliminate the boat rocking or leaning as you mentioned in the first post. My boat isn't any wider than my friends boat but is twice as stable because I have pods on the back of mine. Just a thought to consider with a tin boat.
slonezp reply :
There are aluminum hulls and then there are aluminum hulls. Most of the 16-18ft brands have cookie cutter hulls with the main difference being the whole welded/riveted thing In my opinion the layout and storage where they can vary greatly and steer your choice.Your budget will play a roll as well. Cookie cutter boats run $14-$30k new and some of the higher end boats run $30-50k or more. Since we're showing off our tin My 20ft Lund with a 225 Pro XS
Way2slow reply :
Ya'll are giving me a little different respect for the tin cans. All the rednecks I know around that have them are the Tracker's and Lowe's and such or Pontoons, As you said, the cookie cutter models. The largest aluminum I've ever been in was a 17.5 Tracker with a 115 Merc on it and I have a couple friends that have them with 90's, but I've always tried to avoid going with them in theirs. I always come up with an excuse to take mine. Which it never takes much arm twisting because they had rather go in mine also. It's so nice to be able to run 10 miles in choppy water and your eyeballs are not still bouncing 10 minutes after getting there and have to get your kidneys and insides back in their proper place.
To be honest with you, I've messed with boats for about 55 years, owned at least 20-30 (with jons and all I have seven now) but have always looked at aluminum in the class of jon boats and canoes. Very few people I know even own them. I have never even seen or thought of an aluminum boat anything like Dwight's having a 250 or like Slonezp with a 225.
I'm glad I got on here and asked, because even though many of ya'll know, I know a little more than the average bear about boats and motors, but finding out I'm dumber than dirt on tin cans.
Further North reply :
Crestliner used to make a boat back in the early 2000s called the CMV. It will do everything you mentioned and it not one of the "Cookie Cutter" boats.
Mine is an '05 and I love it - pics here: http://s189.photobucket.com/user/groznak/library/2005 Crestliner CMV?sort=3&page=1
Some are from the original owner before I bought, some are after my electronics install
There's one for sale here: http://northernwi.craigslist.org/boa/5820221614.html
...and they pop up from time to time. With a 150, it'll get over 50MPH.
S. Sass reply :
I bought a 2000 18' SeaArk ZX180 earlier this year with a 115 Johnson and couldnt be more pleased. Very stable runs 49mph on GPS loaded with 2 anglers and all their tackle. Seems to handle good to me and the ride is as good as any other similar aluminum boat I have been on.
A-Jay reply :
Have only had my Lund for this one season, but so far I'm quite satisfied.
This one's 18'9" LOA with a 96" beam - she weighs 1475 hull only. The IPS2Hull design though Time Tested & Dependable is certainly Not a speed demon. However, with the 200 hp 2-stroke it has no problem getting around. Top end is 60 mph with just me & my gear. Additionally, trailering, launching & recovery (solo) are all completely doable, especially considering your own level of experience.
Best of Luck to you on your journey from Plastic to Metal.
A-Jay
Tim Kelly reply :
A friend of mine had a tracker avalanche, which is the only stamped hull I can think of, other than the deep v version which had transom issues. I thought it was a nice boat. he had a 150 XR6 motor on it and it was good for 60 or so. Drank fuel like it was the space shuttle though! I don't imagine there are many of them out there as the stamping process must have made the hulls quite expensive compared to other aluminium boats. I don't think you're going to find many smaller aluminium boats that are going to run 70+ however much you overpower them.
Catt reply :
Xpress Hyper-Lift Hull 
The Hyper-Lift Series is their plan Jane model, they offer 3-4 package upgrades.
The 17' model has a 67" bottom width, 95" beam, & is rated for a 115 HP. The only issue I have with the 17' is it only comes with an 18 gal fuel capacity while the 18' comes with a 30 gal tank.
The 18' has a 67" bottom, 95" beam, approximate hull weight is around 1,200# & is rated for a 115-175 HP.
Way2slow reply :
Yea, it sounds like the 18' with one of my 325 mod motors on it would be about my style. Just kidding, probably a 175 on the 18' would make a nice package. Actually, I would probably be a lot more Leary about over powering an aluminum hull, especially having NO experience with them other than my jons. Fiberglass fatigued will give you early warning signs, metal fatigue can be instantaneous and catastrophic, not something one would want to deal with in water too deep to walk in.
Way2slow reply :
Catt, your trying to send me to the soup line.
I went to the Xpress sight and looked at the 18' HyperLift. Over $23K for a basic, stripped boat with a 115. By the time you make a real boat out of it, and put a 175 on it, I'm sure it would run well over $30K and probably close to $35K. That's a lot to pay for an empty beer can. Probably not many of those going to be showing up at auction.
WIGuide reply :
You might be able to find one of the Rangers from the first aluminum line they came out with that ran from the mid 90's into the early 2000's. I haven't been in the mod-v style ones, but I've ridden in multiple of their v hull style boats. They offered a nice platform, that was stable, and gave a ride much more like a glass boat. Some of the bigger models were rated for 125's and maybe more as I can't remember how big their biggest model was. Here's a few links to examples.
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/classifieds/65544/Ranger.Cherokee/
http://walleye.outdoorsfirst.com/classifieds.asp?a=46510
Bassun reply :
Kind of off topic, but regarding the rideability of tin. I've only been in those spine smashing flat bottoms, which surely would jar a filling from a tooth for you, so seating could be a consideration. Have any of you used any type of seat shocks on them? I know I've seen a few on the market, but never really considered how much use they would be... but, considering the nature of most (no offence to the smooth riding ones) tin cans, it may be worth considering. I know that as I age, little things which didn't used to concern me, now have to be considered. I think perhaps an absorbing shock under my can could be one of those if I were looking at rebuilding an aluminum boat. *Actually, I wouldn't mind having one of those spine smashing, flat bottoms in about a 2072 variant with a jet for the local river...the wife, however, disagrees.
"hamma" reply :
Whether yall like em or not,..im happy with my deep-v tracker. 20 years old and not a leak yet, stable and got me home everytime. And even with a bad back?,..I've had rougher rides in glass boats. 40 hp so its not a gas pig, trailers light, and I can still fish huge lakes. oh yeah, no console opens it right up like a floating deck
I know they are far from the best, just saying,..mine works for me
WRB reply :
Why down size to a aluminum bass boat? Back in 2005 I down sized and looked at 17.5' to 18' aluminum bass boats trying to keep the HP to 115 to 150, 2 & 4 stroke engines.
What I finally decided on was glass Triton TR 175 SC w/115 Optimax 2 stroke, Motor Guide 92 lb trolling and swing tongue trailer to fit into my garage easily. The reason for another glass bass boat was rod and tackle storage, fuel efficency, towing and trailering ease, stable fishing plate form. I didn't like the way aluminum bass boat fished in the wind we have in SoCal. Being able to launch the boat by myself and put it back on the trailer in the wind was another factor. Higher freeboard aluminum boats are not easy to handle with a trolling motor in wind as the lower freeboard bass boats.
If I pulled the boat onto shore or fished areas where I came in contact with trees or rocks then I would go with aluminum.
I have owned about 15 bass boats over the years including both glass and aluminum at the same time.
If aluminum is the goal then the Xpress 18' is a good choice.
Tom
Catt reply :
Xpress X18, 150 HP, + fuel = 1920 lbs
Trition TRX179, 115 HP, + fuel = 1787 lbs
Don't see wind blowing that tin boat around!
Those questioning the Xpress ride compared to glass aint never ridden in one!
J Francho reply :
True story^^^
sarcazmo reply :
On 11/8/2016 at 9:38 PM, Catt said:Xpress X18, 150 HP, + fuel = 1920 lbs
Trition TRX179, 115 HP, + fuel = 1787 lbs
Don't see wind blowing that tin boat around!
Those questioning the Xpress ride compared to glass aint never ridden in one!
I've tried making that argument to several 'serious' fisherman friends.
I say "How are two boats with similar profiles and weights going to differ that significantly in performance, wind, etc?" Apparently fiberglass is just better at everything other than shallow water access :-)
I really like those express boats! One day I hope to upgrade from my old duracraft to one :-)
Further North reply :
On 11/8/2016 at 1:50 AM, WIGuide said:You might be able to find one of the Rangers from the first aluminum line they came out with that ran from the mid 90's into the early 2000's. I haven't been in the mod-v style ones, but I've ridden in multiple of their v hull style boats. They offered a nice platform, that was stable, and gave a ride much more like a glass boat. Some of the bigger models were rated for 125's and maybe more as I can't remember how big their biggest model was. Here's a few links to examples.
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/classifieds/65544/Ranger.Cherokee/
http://walleye.outdoorsfirst.com/classifieds.asp?a=46510
I looked pretty hard at a couple of those Rangers...and those hulls looked like twins to the Crestliner series that predated the CMV.
WIGuide reply :
On 11/9/2016 at 10:30 AM, Further North said:I looked pretty hard at a couple of those Rangers...and those hulls looked like twins to the Crestliner series that predated the CMV.
They looked like twins for good reason, that was when Genmar owned both companies so the hulls were manufactured at the same plant. I don't know if they completed the boats side by side or not, but I know there were some differences in build quality. Those pre-CMV hulls had tendencies to develop soft spots in the floors rather quickly. I remember my dad passing on buying a few of them for that reason. I think the Rangers had a thicker and higher quality plywood decking eliminating the issue.
WRB reply :
On 11/8/2016 at 9:38 PM, Catt said:Xpress X18, 150 HP, + fuel = 1920 lbs
Trition TRX179, 115 HP, + fuel = 1787 lbs
Don't see wind blowing that tin boat around!
Those questioning the Xpress ride compared to glass aint never ridden in one!
Why compare 17' Triton w/115 to 18' Xpress w/150, compare the 17' Xpres w/115.
I agree a Xpres X18' w/150 should have a more stable ride and wind performance, lot bigger and heavier boat.
Thr big difference between glass bass boats vs aluminum is maintenance and care, aluminum boats can take a lot more punishment from the owners then glass boats. Compare my 18' old 1988 SF175 Skeeter I had for several years that was a 75+ mph safe ride in 3' chop. Can't come close to the performance or storage with aluminum boats of equal length and weight to glass bass boats, It's like comparing apples and oranges.
I really like what I see in regards to the Xpres line of aluminum boats and haven't fished or test driven the Xpres and can't remember ever seeing one on our local lakes.
Tom
Catt reply :
On 11/10/2016 at 3:33 AM, WRB said:Why compare 17' Triton w/115 to 18' Xpress w/150, compare the 17' Xpres w/115.
I agree a Xpres X18' w/150 should have a more stable ride and wind performance, lot bigger and heavier boat.
Thr big difference between glass bass boats vs aluminum is maintenance and care, aluminum boats can take a lot more punishment from the owners then glass boats. Compare my 18' old 1988 SF175 Skeeter I had for several years that was a 75+ mph safe ride in 3' chop. Can't come close to the performance or storage with aluminum boats of equal length and weight to glass bass boats, It's like comparing apples and oranges.
I really like what I see in regards to the Xpres line of aluminum boats and haven't fished or test driven the Xpres and can't remember ever seeing one on our local lakes.
Tom
The Triton TRX179 is 18' 6" in length
Xpress Hyper Lift Hull will in fact run with any fiberglass in any water conditions ask @J Francho
OperationEagle reply :
On 11/9/2016 at 11:52 PM, WIGuide said:They looked like twins for good reason, that was when Genmar owned both companies so the hulls were manufactured at the same plant. I don't know if they completed the boats side by side or not, but I know there were some differences in build quality. Those pre-CMV hulls had tendencies to develop soft spots in the floors rather quickly. I remember my dad passing on buying a few of them for that reason. I think the Rangers had a thicker and higher quality plywood decking eliminating the issue.
Not sure if ranger changed their design but as of recent past there is no plywood in their deck.
Al w. reply :
New here but thought I'd chime in. I have an '04 Triton V197 with a 200 Mercury. It is very stable and will run in the upper 60s. It has a 44 gallon fuel tank and plenty of storage. It's a little over 19 ft. I've had this boat over a year and have really enjoyed it.
WRB reply :
On 11/10/2016 at 8:59 AM, Catt said:The Triton TRX179 is 18' 6" in length
Xpress Hyper Lift Hull will in fact run with any fiberglass in any water conditions ask @J Francho
My mistake, get confused with Triton models, TR 186 was the 18'6" now TRX 179.
The OP should check out Xpress boats.
Tom
J Francho reply :
On 11/10/2016 at 8:59 AM, Catt said:Xpress Hyper Lift Hull will in fact run with any fiberglass in any water conditions ask @J Francho
My H18 with a 115 ran mid fifties, two guys, livewell full, tournament load. I think it had a 23 or 24 Lazer II prop.That boat would have benefited from a slight setback and slightly higher engine height a jack-plate would offer. I think that hull was rated to 135 hp. Never felt under powered with the 115, though.
Further North reply :
On 11/9/2016 at 11:52 PM, WIGuide said:They looked like twins for good reason, that was when Genmar owned both companies so the hulls were manufactured at the same plant. I don't know if they completed the boats side by side or not, but I know there were some differences in build quality. Those pre-CMV hulls had tendencies to develop soft spots in the floors rather quickly. I remember my dad passing on buying a few of them for that reason. I think the Rangers had a thicker and higher quality plywood decking eliminating the issue.
My neighbor had one, and you are spot on about the floors. When I got my CMV he started telling me I was going to have problems...I said, Jim, all aluminum. No wood."
He said a bad word.
gimruis reply :
Lund just introduced a smaller aluminum bass boat to compete with the Trackers, Lowes, Rangers, and other "cookie cutters." Renegade series might be worth checking out.
WIGuide reply :
On 11/10/2016 at 10:44 AM, OperationEagle said:Not sure if ranger changed their design but as of recent past there is no plywood in their deck.
That's correct, I was referring to the Ranger Cherokee line, Ranger's first run at the aluminum market. They were built from the early to early 2000's. They discontinued them for some years before returning to the aluminum scene in 2013-2014. You are correct that the new series contain no wood.
Kurt Shepherd reply :
I have an X18 pro with a 115 Yamaha on it and it rides fine. Windy lakes are no problem. I have been blown around in it just as much as I have been blown around in glass boats that I have been a co angler in for some fishing tournaments. I have never owned a glass boat but I don't have to worry about gel coats and I have more then enough room for casting from the front or back with quite a lot of storage for only being 18 ft. I doubt you will be disappointed. I got mine new for around 25k also. Try finding a glass boat with as many perks as aluminum for that price and you'll be looking into a boat like 4 - 5 years old at least.
Way2slow reply :
Yes, I'm liking the X18 with a 150. That's as large as I care to go, anything bigger and there's no need trying to downsize, and it seems to be more in line for what I would like to have. However, like I said before, I'm most likely going to be at the mercy of what shows up at the auctions. I will probably start getting serious about getting one in the April time frame but I'm not going to pay the prices a ready to fish boat will be bringing. I will give it a few months, on into the summer if necessary. There is one auction I use that every few months they have nothing boats, sometimes hundreds of them and that's the one I usually get my best deals at. That's where I got my Javelin. The first time the bank that had it financed ran it through, they did the "No Sale" because it didn't bring what they were wanting. The next time they did not put a minimum on it and I actually got it $1,200 cheaper that time than I had bid the first time.
Crookedneck reply :
I purchased a 2000 Xpress x21 this last fall with a 2000 Mercury Optimax 200. 10" jack plate. It was well taken care of. I am getting low to mid 60's with it. And I have work to do with it. I should be getting 70+. It isn't in a glass boat. I will start by saying that.
A couple differences.....the hole shot...I've seen faster on drag boats. But not on a bass boat. It was actually a lot of fun to listen to the comments all my buddies made after the first club tournament when they were all behind me at take off and couldn't catch me. A larger body of water, yes but it would have taken at least 4-5 miles of straight running to pass me.
It rides and handles great. Some key differences, it does not cut other boats wake like my last 20' Nitro. It goes over them. But, it handles 2-3 foot chop as good as any glass boat I have been in. It does blow more in the wind than my old glass boat. But, the 112 fortrex takes care of that. Loading, it on the trailer took some getting used to. I have a tandem bunk trailer, but I think it actually sits higher on the trailer. So every once in a while she gets a little squirly. Where my glass boat just kinda centered easier, I guess.
The livewell isn't as big. But, I knew that going into it. You'll hear some complaints about dry storage....Me rolling my eyes....when it's down pouring..things get wet. They did in my Nitro too if I opened that compartment. So I have to dry it out...I did my Nitro too a long with every other bass boat I have been in.
The deck space is very work able! Mine has a full front deck, an 8' flipping stick doesn't touch either end. I can put an 8'+ rod in the either side rod storage. The back deck has two huge battery storage compartments. The back tackle storage is smaller. But, I never used it in my old boat. So, my co-anglers will have to deal with that... 
I attached a picture of it the day I picked it up. Please forgive me for the hideous Motorguide on the front of it in the picture.
They look pretty sweet too! I get a lot of looks up here. A tin with a 200?! I have heard that a lot! I made the change because I fish rivers a lot. I like to get skinny. And my opinion, less to worry about.
"hamma" reply :
Nice rig crooked! Actually, after reading all of the posts concerning tin rigs? Mines scraping the bottom of the barrel,...lol A-Jay has a sweet rig, no doubt, and Ive seen a 18 ft lund over here before too,. But, slonezp and dwight, I never saw such big bad tinboats in my life,... other that river rigs with jets,.. I never thought they made them that huge,..those are like mine on super steroids, growth hormones, and workin out with sasquatch regiments,...lol
Im truely in awe,.. you guys must be fishing the great lakes right?
slonezp reply :
On 12/17/2016 at 9:21 AM, "hamma" said:Nice rig crooked! Actually, after reading all of the posts concerning tin rigs? Mines scraping the bottom of the barrel,...lol A-Jay has a sweet rig, no doubt, and Ive seen a 18 ft lund over here before too,. But, slonezp and dwight, I never saw such big bad tinboats in my life,... other that river rigs with jets,.. I never thought they made them that huge,..those are like mine on super steroids, growth hormones, and workin out with sasquatch regiments,...lol
Im truely in awe,.. you guys must be fishing the great lakes right?
Dwight fishes Lake Erie and I fish Lake Michigan. The hull on Dwight's boat is what I would call a full time big water hull. Mine does what I need it to the dozen or so times a year I'm on the Big Pond. If Lake Michigan was my primary water, I'd be in a different boat.
RHuff reply :
People have their own opinions but I absolutely love my 17' Triton Aluminum VT-17 Tournament Sport. It's perfect for me and a fishing buddy. It's easy to pull. Easy to care for and does a great job on my waters. A man catches fish, not the boats.
samwise2u reply :
I have a Xpress Striker 17' w/60hp Evinrude, http://www.gogreeson.com/inventory/v1/Current/Xpress-Boats/Bass/2014-Striker-Series/17--Hot-Springs-Arkansas---1829401. My first fishing boat was my ex-father-in-law jon boat that had a 25hp motor, Evinrude I think. So really nothing to compare my Xpress too.
There is no leaning no matter where I sit or stand on the front deck. Very stable.
Will say that I personally think riding around in 1' - 2' waves is no fun, it does jar my insides, but the boat is stable and I feel completely safe.
Loaded down with my son and myself and gear GPS says 25mph wide open. Gas mileage is good but the plastic gas tank is a bummer. The two cycle Evinrude hardly uses any oil at all.
I would buy another Xpress.
lonnie g reply :
I got an 1850 gator jon boat with 90 hp Yamaha runs about 45mph rides good easy to fish out of. I especialy like fishing it in stump fields. o course I crappie fish as well. anchor on both ends. doesnt hang up on small stick up stumps as bad as my 393 ranger does and not scuffing fiberglass boat down side, you do loose a lot off stability when other boats are blowing by you and less storage my son also duck hunts out of it in winter months. if your looking for dual purpose. times are tough and there are good deals out there. be patient in you search. hope you find a good one catch big ones! lonnie
Pete-K reply :
I own a lund, and a Lund tiller boat at that. You will not find anything more stable than these Deep V boats. Now there slow mine wide open is only around 35 MPH.
RW has fished out of it. He can tell you how stable these boat are. right at 19ft long and 95" wide I think that is the width.
1825 Pro Guide Tiller. I have a 90 Etec on it, but if I keep this boat. Theres going to be a new 115 mounted on it by next year.
Pete
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