boat buying tips

[gkl]

I'm planning on buying a boat this winter for next summer and, being a novice, I'm looking for some advice so I end up with the right boat. I'm looking to spend 12-15k or so. I mostly fish walleye, but I do quite a bit of trolling for pike and muskies. I usually fish alone or with one other person but I would like to be able to accomadate up to four. I need something that can handle some big water. I don't need a lot of speed, but I want a motor that is dependable above all. Any thoughts on make, model,length, console or tiller, 3 stroke or four stroke,motor size, etc would be appreciated!

[AaronM]

It would really depend on if you want a console or tiller. With a tiller, you will have more precise trolling, better response time. You would also have more room to fish in. The downsides of a tiller are less comfort in rough waters, and you will have a less powerful motor then a console of the same size. As for motors, I would recommend the 4 stroke, simply because of all the talk of banning 2 strokes in the future. Hope this helps a bit. <P>------------------<BR>DogBoat Tackle<BR>Warroad MN<BR>[email protected]

[gkl]

Thanks, kidwalleye. I'm planning on the boatshow and will definitely check out Crestliner.

[little perch 1]

gkl,<BR>I got a crestliner 16' fishhauk with a 25 horse tiler type motor.Shure love it. great on the smaller lakes here in Wis. Frome my own personal feeling you will like the bigger crestliner's.They are big they are nice and very enjoyable.Should know my father got one with a 50 on it.

[Northlander]

Go Lund they are a smoother ride. At least thats been my experience. G3 is offering some nice boats at good prices as well.

[KidWalleye]

I had real good luck with the Crestliner 1750 fish hawk. I had a 2 stroke Johnson 115. I had the side console and loved it. I too fish alone most times.(nobody likes to get up at 4 a.m. anymore) This boat now comes with a 4 stroke, which I recommend. We got a great deal at the Mpls. Boat Show. I have since sold it. Believe it or not I had the boat for 3 yrs. Paid 12,500 got 11,000. I bought the 202 tournament Crestliner w/225 4 stroke this past july. I love it. My opinion for the money you can't beat the Crestliner line of boats. <BR>Hope this helps. J.Brue