Author Topic: Sylvan, Fisher, Crestliner, Smoker Craft, or StarCraft (Read 1541 times)

persistentprogrammer · « **on:** October 05, 2005, 02:19:31 PM »

I'm also looking at the alumacraft. Which one would you chose in the 16-17' full windshield version. There are so many to chose from, but I have no experience with aluminum boats.

Thanks

379 Peterbilt · « **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2005, 05:52:29 PM »

I went through the same thing as you. Just last year, I went boat shopping. I was looking to trade my 14' fisher w/25hp mariner.

I was in the market for a 16' V hull fishing boat with at least 50 hp or more.

I looked at Alumacraft, Crestliner & Lund. In the midwest here, Lund is a popular choice. However, I myself just did not like them all that much for various reasons.

Alumicraft,

What I did like about the alumicrafts was their paint colors/graphics, dark colored carpeting, and the general boat layout. Dislikes were the lack of motor choices and lack of trailer makes, but this is all due to the dealers limits on the makes that they offer. Also, Alumicraft makes their boats with rivets. Rivets are fine for a few years, but after time, they will fail. Replacing rivots in a boat with a floor is a bitsh.

Crestliner,

What I did like about the Crestliners was the overall room and general layout as well as the fact that the entire hull is welded. Dislikes were lack of color options and lack of carpeting flavor.

I could have gotten the Alumicraft 16' w/50hp Mercury for about 2 grand less than my 16' Crestliner w/50hp Honda, but I chose the later because I thought that the quality of the Crestliner & Honda justified it. I opted for this boat and motor for a number of reasons, but when I asked myself "which boat and motor combo will least likely fail me in the remote areas of Cananda that I visit", it made my choice easier. Lifetime warrantee on the welded hulls too.

I guess that my advise to you would be that if you were to only keep your boat for a few years, then just buy whatever suits your fancy. However, if this next purchase will stay in the family for many years, maybe opt to spend a few more bucks.

You really do get what you pay for in this world today.

Hope to have helped, and good luck.

379 Peterbilt · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2005, 04:13:46 AM »

PPG

Hows the boat shopping coming? Say, I found something you may be interesred in...

I came across an ad--2005 Crestliner Fishhawk 1750 s/c with 2005, 90 hp Merc. Optimax. Custom Cover. Two locators, Minnkota AT, Optima batteries, and Shoreland'r bunk trailer. Barely used, immaculate condition. Slinger, Wisc. $17,000. That gives you an idea of what you may pay for almost new. Shipping to CA shouldnt be to much

I have not seen it nor do I know the seller. I just thought this may help you. PM me if ya want the sellers # as I dont mean for this to be a classifieds post--just if nothing a benchmark in prices of newer boats in your size and pricerange

persistentprogrammer · « **Reply #3 on:** October 12, 2005, 10:56:56 AM »

Thanks for the help. I was able to get a preliminary quote from a dealer here in WA for a 1750 with 115 4-stroke @ $19,232. I guess I'll just get prepared to spend a couple grand more to get exactly what I want so I don't have any regrets later.

Thanks