Hi Wolfe.
Keep these things in mind when you are shopping around.
1. Now that you have determined what the primary purpose (fishing) will be used for it makes shopping around much easier. If you are going to be using the boat for 30% tubing and skiing consider a Fish and Ski model. When you are looking around you will notice there are two very different classes in the Fish and Skiy Models.
-There is the
FISH and ski- focuses 70-80% on fishability and is marketed towards the fisher person that has a family. These are generally less expensive than the other version.
-The fish and
SKI version is 80% ski and tubing and is layed out for a family for cruising and comfort with a livewell and trolling motor. these boats generally area bit more money.
2. Decide if you want to go with an Outboard or I/O.
- The I/O can be less expensive given the same hp as an outboard but will not perform well in shallow water since most of these boats have a deeper draft and the out drive will never completely lift out of the water. They generally have a longer life due to the block being based on an autimotive engine and a 40yr old idea.
- An outboard will be a bit more expensize for the same hp as an I/O at point of purchase but your resale value will be higher and you have more models and brands available to search. The fuel savings with newer models than I/O's and you will draft much less water.
3. What brand of outboard do you like$
- Try to get an idea what brand outboard you like because this may be important. For example if you want a Yamaha on a Crestliner you will be paying up to 12% more than a Merc since Brunswick Owns Mer, Motorguide, Lund, Lowe, Grestliner, Princecraft and has contracts with Tracker, Legend and Others.
4. Aluminum or Glass?
-With the cost of aluminum getting higher and higher and the strong canadian dollar Glass boats have never been more affordable. A good fiberglass boat will ride better than 90% of tin boats since the glass and floatation in the hull absorbe engery from rough water better than metal.
- Metal boats in some cases are easier to keep clean and there are more models available to you in lower price ranges.
5. Make sure you have the whole family sit in the boat and bring some gear to see if it fits in compartments before you buy.
6. As for what brand to go with well here is the gods honest truth. EVERY BOAT COMPANY MAKES A GOOD QUALITY PRODUCT in thier price market and no i am not saying that a Ranger is the same as a Legend
With this in mind choose a layout that will best suit your needs and with a good warranty not only through the manufacture but also the place where you purchase the boat.
After all this I recommend a 2008 Smokercraft 172 Millentia.
It is based on a fishing platform with ski ability.
Lots of room and well made.
92" beam
and you are not bound to any engine company so you have the choice of Honda, Merc, Yamaha or E-tec.
Hope this helps and pm me if you have any other questions about any boat.
Cheers
JP
