I am going to sell my 2003 monark and am looking to buy a used boat for my fishing on Erie. I'd like to stay at 19 or 20 feet. What I would love to hear is people's thoughts on the the differences between models over the last 10 years. For example, when did Starcraft make their hulls thicker? Have lunds really lost some quality the last several years. Etc. please don't want to start any bashing would just like to benefit from the knowledge of everyone on here. Primarily interested in Lund Starcraft Crestliner and alumacraft.
Brunswick builds Lund as of 2006. I can't name you three products that have improved after being acquired by Brunswick. Starcraft hired engineers from Lund after the Brunswick acquisition and they have really upped their game. Take a look at hewescraft... the pricing is very aggressive for the quality of their products. It kinda gives you the one and done vibe. Erie outfitters picked them up and I am quite impressed. More guys will chime in soon. I've seen some great deals on used and rigged starcrafts on here.
You can go to or call any of the marinas on the lake that have inside boat storage and ask to see any boats for sale by owners. Most will have anywhere from a couple to many for sale. It's a good way to look at a lot of different styles and a great way to get a good price on a used boat that in most cases will have low hours.
All 4 of the boats that you mentioned are very well put together. I don't think they forgot how to build Lunds either. I bought one last summer new and love it and they have great resale value. Just take your time and look around at the different ones. Each boat in different makes and models will have a whole different lay-out, and the one you see today and like will be upped by another tomorrow. In a 19 or 20 foot boat be ready to lay down some cash, they all jump up in price for those lengths. Make sure what ever one you select has a bit more then you need in motor, buy the biggest you can afford. Many borderline engines are installed on boats to make the price more attractive but not necessarily quite enough for all occasions. The 4 strokes are fuel sippers and low maintenance, they've come a long way. New boat buying is exciting and even more fun when you use them. Good Luck and don't be persuaded by brand lovers.Get what you want and ask a lot of questions.
This will be my 3rd full season in my Starcraft Fishmaster 196. In my opinion, it's a great Erie boat as far as aluminum boats go. The Trophy series from Alumacraft and Lund Tyee are similar high sided/deep hulled boats. They were all three on my radar. I bought the Starcraft and have no complaints.
Thanks for the replies. Those are three boats I am looking for. I'm hoping to find one 4-8 years old. Just can't see buying a new one until the kids are through college but might have to if I can't find a used one.
StarCraft increased hull thickness around 2012 on fishmaster and 2050 stx models. Lund, alumacraft, and starcraft all make nice boats, but the starcraft fishmaster and stx models have more deadrise, which makes them ride smoother in rough water. Like seaturd said, be ready to move quickly if you find a used one - they sell quick.
You have to watch rotten transoms, decking, decks, on all aluminum boats, guys with 70K pro v's in the 06--08 range are already have to have them fixed. I'm not saying all have problems but you could end up with one that does expecially in the used market, why would you even want to worry about it?
If you plan on fishing Erie, I'd buy a glass boat, drier, better ride and don't have to worry about wood floors and transoms over time if you plan on keeping the boat.
You have to watch rotten transoms, decking, decks, on all aluminum boats, guys with 70K pro v's in the 06--08 range are already have to have them fixed. I'm not saying all have problems but you could end up with one that does expecially in the used market, why would you even want to worry about it?
If you plan on fishing Erie, I'd buy a glass boat, drier, better ride and don't have to worry about wood floors and transoms over time if you plan on keeping the boat.
I'm on my second Lund. The choice was for the storage and layout of the Pro V as I fish both inland and Erie. The Pro V makes a good dual purpose boat IMHO. If I was an Erie only guy maybe the Baron, Tyee or a Starcraft would have been the choice but that wasn't the case when I bought this one.
My last one was a 97 and I did have issues with the transom. This one is a 2013, they redesigned the transom and since about 12 or 13 the transom's are warranted for the life of the boat. I haven't had any quality complaints other than perhaps the seats.
There's a "16" mint 1850 Lund Impact that's loaded on Craigslist right now. 150 with 9.0 kicker... like new. Seems the guy has some health issues and wants to sell it. The boat (I Know) sold for over 40K I've shopped them.. and hes selling for 29K. Don't know if you've shopped new and used but I can tell you this, you won't find another like it for that price.
For Erie and after countless hours over 6 months of research I opted for glass. For me, I choose a center consol Triumph. I'm not advertising for Triumph trust me, but research this boat if you want something tough as they come. It's not actually glass but Ropelyne technology meaning unbreakable. Dropped one from a helicopter on a parking lot and it just bounced (view on website, goggle) off. I've had many boats over 50ish years and I'll say this one wins. It's wide, smooth running and made for fishing. Not cheap I agree but after going through a bunch and I mean a bunch of boats and never being happy I've finally have one. Having said all that, we each must decide what is the best for our own needs that we can best afford. So happy hunting and take your time. Try them out for sure if possible. Knowing what your getting is where I failed a bunch of times!
If you ain't got a 300hp mercury you shouldn't even go out. At least that's what I hear every time someone sees a 150 on my 20' Lund. It's like talladega nights... if you ain't first you're last!
Actually mine is 17' foot but rides like a much bigger boat. I trailer it 3 hours up to Lake Erie like it's not even back there. Such an easy boat to tow. I only have a 60hp Yamaha motor which runs it right at 35MPH, enough for me. I've owned maybe 15 boats and this one wins. I've had bigger boats without the comfort and fishability of this set up. I installed a cavity plate trolling motor on the outboard and a front trolling motor. I can troll from drivers seat or the front. Try one out before buying anything is my advice.
Great thanks for the info. I will have to check them out. I was looking at the tidewater boats also. Never had a glass boat. The Northwood and hewscraft look nice also. Just can't justify the price.
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