^^^Spot-on
Big aluminum boats just aren't popular in Texas so there's not a lot of first-hand experience and information on them. I will tell you to not worry about the rivets on a Lund or other top-tier aluminum boat. I own a 1999 Lund Tyee 1950 and it has absolutely zero hull leaks. The previous owner used it mostly on Texoma and I have spent several weeks on Big Tex fishing for stripers. When I pull the drain plug (mandatory zebra mussell law) not even a few drops come out. The interior is still in remarkably good shape because of the materials used and workmanship. I'm not gonna bash the Tracker's welded construction because I've never owned one and don't know anybody who does. You might check WalleyeCentral.com which focuses on the Great Lakes and search Targa; there seems to be some welding and material quality issues with the Targas. But you can also google Lund's flagship model Baron and find people bitching about them. But there are a lot more complaints on the Targa. If I were in the market for a new boat, it would be Lund, Alumacraft, or Crestliner.

You guys are making good and compelling arguments for the Lund. I am sure I will take a hard look again before it's all said and done and thanks for pointing a direction to research the Targa but I gotta feeling I'm not going to like what I find. Thanks!

I have a 2017 Targa V18 WT with a 200 Verado. This is very dry riding boat I have been very happy with the performance of the boat.

Before my purchase I test drove almost all that you listed. Price was not the only thing i considered my budget was very healthy. Since i travel to fish all the time storage was a big consideration. It sucks loading and unloading the boat at the hotel.

Most of the boats are ordered in packages and the dealers are very resistant to change anything. I wanted the largest motor that could be installed on the boat. Next i wanted all the flooring to be vinyl for ease of cleaning. I had the trolling motor and the electronics replaced. I had David at shut up and fish install a ultrex, helix 12, and a 7 on the bow. I am thinking i might be installing a 9 on the bow to get the mega on the bow.
I can lock up to 17 rods in the rod lockers which was a must. The two live wells are handy as well. The boat is over 19ft so it is the same length as the 40th. It also comes with cover which is rain proof and is awesome when you store the boat or are traveling keeps the boat dry. It also comes with a Bimini top. I did have to purchase the pylon for skiing and the spare tire. The small swim deck with the ladder is easy to get in and out of the water.
When I asked the dealers to do the motor and vinyl upgrades it was met with a lot of resistance. We are having crappiefest on the 31st at Lake Fork. You will be able to see all kinds boats and how they are rigged. This might help you decide on what you want and how to rigged it.
Good luck with your purchase deal hard.

I have personally fished out of the aforementioned Crestliner that Todd Box at Thermocline Lures owns a few hundred times. I can testify that Crestliner makes an outstanding boat. In very heavy winds and big waves, the Crestliner bay performs awesomely! You should definitely go by and see his. My next boat will be a Crestliner.

Thank you for the review on the Targa! A buddy of mine's dad up in Montana owns either the '16 or '17 same model and loves it. Also, that's a great idea about stopping by crappiefest. I will likely be at my buddy's ranch outside of Quitman that weekend so that would work out well. How shallow does that thing draft? Can you get back into the really skinny water?

A boat isn�t like a car or at least it shouldn�t be. Why would you narrow down your list to just 3 boats? Did you know Lund and Crestliner are sister companies? Go drive the 1875 impact and tell me if those other boats even compete.

It isn't necessarily...just getting a baseline in an information overloaded world. Thanks for the tip.

Signed,
Don't know what I don't know

Depends of course on how many people are on the boat. Two adults you could get away with 14 inches of water. I carry a push pole just in case. Oh it is awesome when pulling a tube or skiing.

Lund. Damn Fine Boat!!