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Posted

Calling all fisherman.

I am going to buy my 1st new boat and I need some advice. I am pretty sure I'm going to buy the Crestliner Super Hawk, but I am still open to other boats. My main concern is that the boat needs to have a full windsheild, and it seems that crestliner has more to offer on this type of boat compared to other brands (Lund, Alumacraft, etc.)Crestliner also seems to be the most reasonable as far as the price. Now as far as the motor goes, I am lost. 2 stroke or 4 stroke? Mercury, Johnson, Yamaha? The Superhawks capacity is 125 hp, what motor is the best. Any advice would be great.

Thanks

Ole

Posted

Congrats on the new boat. I just bought a new one as well. I have fished for years, guided, and fished tourneys and will never have anything but a Merc. By far in my opinion the best motor!!! As far as the boat if I were to buy fiberglass I would go with a Ranger but they are a lot more money. I am a Lund guy but the boat that you are looking at is very nice! Spend a little extra and go w/ the Merc, you won't be sorry.

Posted

Thanks fishin4alivin,

I have heard a lot about the Optimax, but I think the smallest one is 135 hp. Is there any specific merc you recomend, or are they all good?

Ole

Posted

Congrats on the new boat. It is exciting. I have a 96 Smoker Craft that was underpowered. I put a new Merc 4 stroke on it last spring, and absolutely love it. It is the best starting and running motor I have ever owned. It will last a long time too.

Posted

Buy a four-stroke. They may be more expensive up front, but they will save you money in the long run. Especially if you intend on using your new rig a lot. Four-strokes use about 40% less fuel compared to a two-stroke.

Posted

If you dont plan on doing alot of trolling with your boat (motor under 2000 rpm's) buy a 2 stroke .. if your fishing expeditions are nothing more than trolling around the lake for hours on end, buy the 4.

At higher RPM's the 4 strokes are not much more fuel efficient than the 2. The 4 stroke weighs considerably more, and the price tags are high. Theres alot of good motors on the market. I have always preferred Evinrude/Johnson, but have done ok with Merc's in the past with very few problems. I also had very good luck with a Yamaha.... I think they all will hold their weight in this modern day.

Posted

Thanks for the info guys, and yes I am very excited. It sounds like 4 stroke is the way to go. Are they as fast or powerful as a 2 stroke, or is the only difference fuel economy?

Ole

Posted

I do plan on trolling, but I plan on having a trolling motor. Why would you use the boat motor vs a trolling motor for trolling?

Ole

Posted

Ole,

How fun. I use a Mariner and have never had a problem with it, cold weather, hot weather, snow, rain, it is like the post office. It is a little older though (early 90's I believe. I only troll with the big motor on big wave windy days or in deep waters. It offers a little better control in the wind. Congrats on the boat.

Posted

Personally, I would never by a Mercury again, unless I was buying a used boat and that was the motor that came with it. I've had problems with mine and known enough people that have had problems with theirs.

I did a little research for you on walleye central.com. You may want to do a little more on your own.

Here's a very good article on the 4/2 stroke debate. I just don't think they're worth the money yet.

http://www.boatmotors.com/outboard/outboard_motor_article.html

Happy reading...
tjhunter

Posted

Thank you tjhunter,

I checked out that article, and that was very helpful. Thank you agian.

Ole

[This message has been edited by Ole #1 (edited 02-26-2003).]

Posted

One thing I forgot to mention on my earlier comments is to make sure you break the motor in properly. A buddy of mine said he and his brother both bought identical units. He broke his in by the book and his brother took off and ran it wide open right out of the box. My buddy never had a problem in over 5 years, but his brother had a lot of problems. Many people will bad mouth a particular brand because they don't do what is recommended and then have problems. This was my first new motor, so I did everything by the book.

Posted

kslipsinker,

That will definitely make a difference, but it will not guarantee that you won't have any problems. You can baby your motor and still have problems with it. I've read about countless problems with brand new Opti's. Some of those may have been from user error, but some of the problems came from the manufacturer. Even if the company backs it up, would you still want to buy the motor from them???

tjhunter

Posted

Hey Ole congrats on getting a new boat, it's fun shopping around. As far as 2 vs. 4 stroke engines go. They both have pluses and minuses. In a 4 stroke it saves you money and fuel in the long run, is much quieter, negatively would be slow off the start, cost more if something breaks inside the motor. In a 2 stroke its advantages are fast off the start, good for watersports, and tounaments. Also, its noiser but a lot of people like that sound, it's up to you. Negatively -you would have to spend more money. As far as what type, I got a 2001 Yamaha 115 on a 16 ft lund, but it was the number 1 rated engine at that horsepower. I would look into what Hp you want to get then do some research on it, doesnt take long.

Also I got a question - What is the best trolling motor battery like if you use it almost everyday?

[This message has been edited by MgFisherman1984 (edited 02-26-2003).]

Posted

Anyone selling???? I fish the Miss 90% of the time, so I want something that I am not too worried about punishing a bit year round. I want to spend $4000-$5000 for a 14-16' boat w/ a 25-40hp newer motor.

Posted

My opinion - 4 stroke all the way. I bought a new rig just a couple of years ago and my biggest regret is that I bought a 2 stroke. I've fished with others who had 4s and the difference (to me) is huge. 4 Strokes troll down to almost nothing - extremely quiet and smooth.

One other tip. . . ask about trailer options. This is a very over-looked area. spend a few extra bucks on a better trailer than you need. One nice feature I wish I had is a hinged tongue (for my trailer!). Fantastic idea when you store it in a garage of shed without a lot of depth!

Posted

have a 70 hp 2-stroke merc. did the break in just lik the book said last year and right before opener i burned out the powerhead. merc replaced for free (and quick) and there response was that i did not break the motor in right. i went thru every step just like the book said. so with my new powerhead what did i do..... added the extra oil - went to the lake - 1st thing.... droped the hammer and never looked back. motor runs great and even seems to have better response time the the first one. not sure if its a good idea but they told me i did it wrong the first time so i figured do the exact oppisit.
sorry about the spelling

[This message has been edited by mtreno (edited 02-26-2003).]

Posted

Dave B.

Check the for sale forum I'm sure you can find someting in there.

WEJ

Posted

Dave B....call me if you're serious about a boat! I might have the perfect river boat for you! 651-341-4581. Ken

Next thing...DON'T BUY A MERC! I have a 2 year old 200hp and the #6 cyl. dropped. I took it in and the H2O pump was going out. Called Merc. on this and they said that is a normal maint. item. H2O pump needs to be replaced every year. Cost $300-400.00. Warranty on motor is 1 year unless you want to purchase an extended warranty for an additional $1800.00. Paid $9200.00 for the motor 2 years ago, Merc. WOULD NOT help in any cost of the repair and now $3000.00 later I get to break my motor in again this spring. I orig. was going to go with a 200 yamaha, but the dealer talked me into the Merc. as it was 1000.00 less. I am kicking myself now. I have had good luck with Johnson/Evinrude and excellent luck with Yamaha. If I were you I'd look at Yamaha and if you are sold on a 4 stroke I'd also look at a Honda. I have 2 buddies with these and they are awsome.

Good Luck! Ken

Posted

If you are going to go and buy a Honda I would definitely reconsider. I bought one two years ago and Right after opener I had a problem with it. I got a hold of honda and they treated me like S#*T. The C.S. at honda really sucks! But I did get it fixed even though it took FIVE weeks to get it taken care of.(Of course this has to happen to a guy who is used to fishing 5 times a week.) It was also a defect and under warranty and it still took that long. Also on hondas, they plug up easily in the water indicater and you have to either back blow it out with an air comp, or take it apart and clean it. A friend of mine has the same problem! Do yourself a favor and buy a YAMAHA! Just my 2 cents worth!

Rainman

Posted

I purchased a 115 yamaha 4 stroke last year and am very happy with it. I put a lot of hours on it with not a single problem. They come with a 3 year warranty. I think I have heard that Merc and Yamaha use the same power head. I don't know if that is on just the four strokes or all the motors.
Posted

Thanks for all the great info guys. The hp rating for the 1700 super hawk is 125, and I want to max it out. The article tjhunter posted about 2vs4 stroke has some good stats, and I am leaning towards the 2 stroke. Still have a lot of shopping to do.

Ole

Posted

Hey Ole...

As of 2006, 2-stroke engines will no longer be made available due to EPA Regs. They will, in effect, be outlawed. The 4-stroke is the way to go. I myself, hope to soon be buying my first new boat, but it looks like it may be next year...I'm going to buy the Lund Explorer SS-1675 with a Honda 4-stroke. Man are they quiet! Last year, while fishing a shallow weedline, a guy and his 90hp Honda 4-stroke went by me, back-trolling and I couldn't even hear his motor...I barely heard the soft gurgle of his prop-wash over my MinnKota trolling motor...I was sold right there!!

Hey Labs... I said "in effect, be outlawed"...just like cars were outlawed (in California, anyway) without catalytic converters...

[This message has been edited by ackotz (edited 02-27-2003).]

Posted

The 2 strokes won't be "outlawed" just not produced! Parts will still be available and you will still be able to use them, the manufacturers will just have to meet the new guidelines on new models, just like the automakers. As they pass stricter regs on cars, does it meen Gramps has to park his '73 Pontiac Safari? Nope... GM just can't make that model anymore.

Carry on with the search....Ken

Posted

I have a 1750 Crestliner sportfish with a 90hp 2stroke Johnson on it. Great all around boat. I have had a few boats and a few difft motors. Every Mercury motor I have had has ran great for 1 or 2 trips after spending $400-$500 getting it fixed. This is a rather vicious cycle. Every Johnson or Evinrude motor I have had has ran great every time out, every year with $0 in repairs. I also have a 1977 55hp Evinrude that still runs great with no repair and no maintanace other than new plugs. I would never buy another Merc nor recommend buying one but a lot of people do and I would assume that they all are not having as bad of luck with them as I did.

I think Minnesota Marine?? on HWY 65 in Blaine had some new Crestliner holdovers from last year priced to sell. Good luck

Posted

Thanks MJR,

I will check em out. I have heard mixed reports on the mercs, but so far I have only heard good things about Johnson and Evinrude. That article tjhunter posted about 2 vs 4 stroke was pretty sweet.

Ole

Posted

I have a Lund 1750 Fisherman which is similar in design/size to the Superhawk. I have a 115 Yamaha 4-stroke that is now three years old and I haven't done a single thing to it other than routine maintenance. Starts first try every time and idles at an rpm that allows backtrolling at very slow speeds. I can't even tell the thing is running half the time.

------------------
I fish.....Therefore I grovel.

Here....Fisheeeeeeee!!

[This message has been edited by wastewaterguru (edited 02-26-2003).]

Posted

Yamaha 4 stroke is the way to go. Smooth as butter.

They're bulletproof and they weigh less than a comparable Honda.

Posted

Ole- I know that Crestliner is the cheapest on price, but be warned you get what you pay for in a boat! They throw them together as cheap as they can and forget about there warrenty it is worth less than the paper it is printed on. Alumacraft and lund make a better quality boat. As for motors four strokers are spendy, will you use the 4 enough to justify the extra cost up front and the increased depreciaion? I use my boat fairly often(maybe 300hrs/yr of that my motor is on maybe 15% of those hours ),I don't think I can justify the added cost.

Posted

I would consider buying used. Sorry this is against the theme of the post, but I know that after the first few payments, then the first scratch (inevitable) you feel cheated by having to make the payments on a now used boat. And unless you fish all the time, buy used. Want a better opinion? Call anyone that is selling their boat that they had purchased in the last year or two, and ask, "coincidentally.....why are you selling?" (By the way, I LOVE my "new" used boat) Just a little friendly advice Ole!

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • leech~~
      Goodness. I feel like I'm on some kind of site for the mentally ill sometimes.  🤨 I know he said this but look at the last board printout!  He meant smurfy on April 29th!   8 hours ago, JerkinLips said: Because I temporarily changed the rules, and smurfy was the 2nd person to wager a guess, I changed his prediction to April 25th.   I changed it to just a date numb nuts!  April 25th! DH'O  🤭
    • smurfy
      😖🙃 pretty certain everyone else here isnt guessing Edwards lake...........goofball!!!!!!!🤣
    • Wanderer
      Up until April 24th? 😉
    • leech~~
      April 25th! DH'O
    • smurfy
      🤣 WELL.......LEECH...... since its free where's your name????????🙄
    • leech~~
      Dang, this is like a free meal on Lakestreet in Mpls.  I didn't know this many folks were still on the site until someone said "Free raffle drawing"  🤣 🤣 
    • SkunkedAgain
      Nah, I'm not changing my guess. It's more fun to make early predictions and see how far off I am.   I'll turn on the hair dryer and see if it helps.
    • JerkinLips
      Because I temporarily changed the rules, and smurfy was the 2nd person to wager a guess, I changed his prediction to April 25th.  Also, since SkunkedAgain was the originator of this competition and was the 1st person to guess, I will give him until Friday to change his prediction if he wants to (although he may regret if the ice goes out on April 18th).  After him, no more "changes" will be allowed on my board.   Lots of "good" open dates available for those that have not predicted yet.  Updated board below:  
    • SkunkedAgain
      https://www.timberjay.com/stories/moccasin-point-upgrade-has-longtime-users-concerned,22802   Moccasin Point upgrade has longtime users concerned DNR hopes to get major remake of key access underway later this year Posted Thursday, March 20, 2025 10:36 am   Marshall Helmberger LAKE VERMILION— With funding finally in place, the Department of Natural Resources is planning to move forward with an estimated $2-plus million renovation of the Moccasin Point landing, and users of the site say they’re concerned about the changes. The landing has been heavily used for decades by anglers, Boundary Waters visitors, residents of nearby islands and other remote-access properties on Lake Vermilion and, perhaps most critically, by emergency responders for everything from fire to medical response. Moccasin Point has also been a protected harbor for private barges loading and unloading as they service the many water-access properties in the area. Sarah Schmidt, who spends summers with her husband Jake at their cabin on nearby Pine Island, said there’s a lot at stake for people who depend on the landing. “A lot of people have designed their dream home around having access to that landing,” she said. “People need propane, they need lumber, and if they need to install a septic system, they need lots of gravel,” she said. For the many hundreds of island or other water-access property owners on the lake, all of that material comes by barge. Moccasin Point is particularly well suited for such use, since it is arguably the most protected harbor on Lake Vermilion, with islands and mainland protecting it from wind from just about any direction. It’s also centrally located on the sprawling lake and close to concentrations of island homes and cabins. Scott Kelling, northeast regional manager for DNR Parks and Trails, said the plans for the reconstruction of the landing are still being finalized, but insisted they will take into account the unique mix of recreational and commercial use of the landing, including use by all three of the barging companies that service customers on the lake. According to Kelling, the remake of the landing will include removal of the old pier and the reconstruction of a new one in nearly the same location. “The new pier will serve the same function,” said Kelling, and will include an additional ramp that will be dedicated for barge loading and off-loading. Kelling said an engineer’s inspection of the existing pier determined it was near the end of its useful life, although Schmidt said she thinks that opinion reflects the DNR’s desire to remove the structure rather than its actual condition. Kelling acknowledges that it’s not the only reason for replacing the structure. “With our redesign it’s just not in the right location,” he said. Adequate parking is another major concern of longtime users of Moccasin Point. Tim Logan, whose family has owned island property near the landing since the 1950s, said plans the DNR had shared a few years ago seemed to show less parking than is typically used at the site. Schmidt notes that during high-traffic weekends, the parking area is frequently full and overflow parking can extend for hundreds of feet along Moccasin Point Rd. She said she counted 163 vehicles parked at the landing at one point last Memorial Day weekend and said there are routinely 90-100 vehicles during the summer season. Many of the regular users of the landing, particularly those on island properties, use the site for long-term parking of their vehicles for days, weeks, or months at a time. That’s unusual at public landings, which are typically limited to day use. Kelling said the DNR is making an exception to that rule for Moccasin Point, given the many varied uses of the unique property. “Overnight parking will be allowed,” he said. Kelling said the current plan will allow parking for a bit over 100 vehicles, which is more than some original plans for the site. “We’re doing everything we can to maximize the parking there, at some considerable expense,” he said. Longstanding issues Kelling said the DNR’s plan for reconstruction is motivated by a desire to “manage the site more responsibly on a number of fronts.” The DNR acquired the site in 2008 and had planned to undertake reconstruction of the landing back in 2013 but lacked the funds at the time to accomplish the work. The funding was approved in 2023 and the DNR has been working on design of the project ever since. According to Kelling, the site has operated essentially as a “free-for-all” for years, with uses and resource impacts that aren’t typically permitted at DNR-managed access points. “There are currently a number of transgressions out there,” said Kelling, including long-term storage of personal property and building materials. He said the site, which slopes toward the lake, also contributes large amounts of sediment into Vermilion during heavy rainfall. “We need to better manage the stormwater,” said Kelling. “Currently, a lot of sediment and other things end up in the lake when it rains.” Schmidt questions whether the change will be an improvement, since the DNR’s reconstruction of the site will convert the existing grassy hillside that currently serves as the site’s parking lot into a paved parking area. Kelling said the parking area will be leveled before being paved and that stormwater will be directed into one of two planned stormwater ponds in order to contain sediment. Schmidt claims the ponds will become a mosquito breeding ground. Kelling said he expects the final design will be completed soon and he is expecting to hold an open house in early summer so interested users can see what’s planned for the site. He expects actual construction to begin sometime in October if all goes as planned. That initial work will include blasting of some underlying bedrock in order to level the site. But most of the work will take place in 2026, he said, and during that period, it may be difficult to maintain public use of the site, although he said use of the site by barges should still be possible, with potentially some minor delays. But he said other users of the site may want to explore other access options for that summer. Kelling said he hopes to have more information on that at the open house later this year. “A goal of the open house is to really share the timeline and alternatives for users,” he said. “They might need to park somewhere else in 2026.”
    • smurfy
      i wanna change mine to the 29th of april...........i've been seeing ice reports to much up that way. 🙄
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