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Best crappie boat #12747598 05/08/18 04:32 PM
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Saintsman65 Offline OP
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Time for a new crappie boat. I have only owned fiberglass bass boats for the last 25 years, but since I ONLY crappie fish these days I was thinking of changing over to a Deep V, but not sure how they handle in these windy north Texas lakes. Any thoughts/advice on the pros and cons of each would be appreciated. Also, aluminum or fiberglass?

Thanks in advance.

Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12747664 05/08/18 05:20 PM
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24 short Offline
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" T H E R E S H E B L O W E S "

Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12747705 05/08/18 05:51 PM
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Finaddict Offline
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Buddy has 17.5 Tracker aluminum V. If blows a lot as it is light and high sided. I have 18.5 center console and it is perfect. Watch what the guides use. Center consoles. They can spend more time with clients/fishing and less trying to control the boat over a brush pile or tree.


You know you are a fishaholic if you have more rods than your wife has shoes!

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Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12747720 05/08/18 06:01 PM
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JIM SR. Offline
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Lot of things to consider...your budget, how many will fish at one time and ages, what lake/lakes. ??

I have a Ranger 188RT, 115 Merc, Minnkota Terrova 80, 3 fishfinders, and it's great for Crappie fishing
for just me and wife. I can fish up to 15-20mph, very economical on gas, runs 40-45mph. Three people is a crowd
almost..

Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12747785 05/08/18 06:53 PM
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DavisGuideService Offline
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I have a Crestliner fishhawk Crappie edition , Its a deep V. It handles very rough water no problem. My only recommendation is getting trolling motor that has spot lock, if it get turned side ways it will catch wind and blow you back. I installed a Ultrex 112 lb 36 volt and the 3 batteries are up front so the added weight up front helps. with spot lock you dont have to worry about getting turned sideways. Its perfect for my needs.


Davis Guide Service
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James Davis
Lake Whitney- Striper-white bass-Crappie
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Re: Best crappie boat [Re: DavisGuideService] #12747902 05/08/18 08:26 PM
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SlabNSteve Offline
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Originally Posted By: DavisGuideService
I have a Crestliner fishhawk Crappie edition , Its a deep V. It handles very rough water no problem. My only recommendation is getting trolling motor that has spot lock, if it get turned side ways it will catch wind and blow you back. I installed a Ultrex 112 lb 36 volt and the 3 batteries are up front
so the added weight up front helps. with spot lock you dont have to worry about getting turned sideways. Its perfect for my needs.


Were you on Cleburne Sunday?

Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12747920 05/08/18 08:38 PM
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Buff2 Offline
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I know a lot of folks like to bash trackers but for my purposes, my tracker 2072 is perfect.
Handle rough water with plenty of room for a load of grandkids.
I really dont have a complaint with the boat.


Marty Thomas
LOP Crappie fishing guide
https://www.facebook.com/Lake-O-the-Pines-Crappie-Fishing-414011322706312/
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Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12747951 05/08/18 09:13 PM
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Ranger1 Offline
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Originally Posted By: Saintsman65
Time for a new crappie boat. I have only owned fiberglass bass boats for the last 25 years, but since I ONLY crappie fish these days I was thinking of changing over to a Deep V, but not sure how they handle in these windy north Texas lakes. Any thoughts/advice on the pros and cons of each would be appreciated. Also, aluminum or fiberglass?

Thanks in advance.


Don't do it, your glass boat can do many more things then any V hull out there.

Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12748001 05/08/18 09:42 PM
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Hancock's Guide Service Offline
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I ran deep Vs for a long time guiding.
Pros
Lots of room down in the boat.
Will handle rough water
Can get shallow
Good in stumps
Good for multi species
18 fishes bigger than 18

Cons
Not enough deck space
Rough ride in rough water compared to fiberglass
Get you wet
Slow
Dry storage isnt dry
Catches wind
Harder to control t/m in wind

My last 2 boats have been 20 Ranger fiberglass.
I like aluminum boats, especially deep vs but I love my Ranger!
Pros
Faster,
Drier ride
more storage. I can carry 24 rods in rod boxes.
All dry storage is dry.
Fishes better in the wind. I can hang taking rollers over the bow.
Big decks.
Cons
3 people is all I can carry. I prefer 2 with my style of fishing anyway.


Jerry
214-544-3678
Hancocksguideservice.com
https://www.facebook.com/Hancocksguideservice
2016 CAT Division 1
State Champion
Mr.Crappie Pro Team
Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12748178 05/08/18 11:51 PM
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Ken Gaby Offline
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I'm with Jerry. Fished some aluminum boats and they don't come close to my BassCat. I agree with all the pros he listed and will add the bass boat tracks better with trolling motor; doesn't get blown sideways. And I hear that aluminum boats are lighter. Before you take that as fact, compare the hull weight of some deep "Vs" with comparable glass boats. Good luck on your search.


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Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12748612 05/09/18 05:10 AM
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Originally Posted By: Saintsman65
Time for a new crappie boat. I have only owned fiberglass bass boats for the last 25 years, but since I ONLY crappie fish these days I was thinking of changing over to a Deep V, but not sure how they handle in these windy north Texas lakes. Any thoughts/advice on the pros and cons of each would be appreciated. Also, aluminum or fiberglass?

Thanks in advance.


If you fish in the deep water piles in wind, stay with a glass boat, you will remain happy...I changed from a fiberglass bass boat to an aluminum boat in 1993, have never regretted the decision even once. Currently run a 17 Deep V Tracker, will take it anywhere I can get the nose into...it will only run about 37 rigged with four batteries, and a huge load of stuff and a buddy...which is fast enough for me...I seldom sit on the open lake fishing deep piles in high wind, so I dont really notice the greatest downside of this boat...as has been stated earlier, a good troller will largely overcome the shortcomings of this type hull...I use a 24 volt wireless with spotlock...spotlock seems to do ok, when I decide to use it...of course, you can spend as much as you want on a boat/motor, and that is personal preference...I am still deciding on which hull I will purchase for my golden years...but one thing is for sure, I love the easy ride of the deep V and sitting up high versus sore back and crawling up from the seats that are always low to the floor in the fiberglass bass style versions, and of course, I love being able to run a 90 hp motor instead of a 250hp, cost, gas, maintenance, and weight wise. To me, running a fiberglass boat has a few upsides and many downsides, but hey, the best advice I can give you is to go lake test a few different boats and see if one just seems to grab you...good luck

Last edited by crapicat; 05/09/18 05:11 AM.
Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12748696 05/09/18 12:09 PM
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Abbott (MCM Tackle) Offline
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I fish out of a grizzly tracker semi v 1754 aluminum boat. But I do not fish the rough waters either. I had a glass boat and decided to sale it whenever the kids got big enough to fish.

I think it is all a matter of what you want and like. I love my aluminum boat. If I had a chance to get another I would get and extra wide flat bottom. I know they are rough but I like all the room they have and how durable they are. Don't have to worry about chipping the gel coat and all that either.

I agree with crapicat, my boat only has a 60hp on it. Plenty for me, my glass boat had a 225 and it was a gas hog. Usually I don't go fast on my boat just idle around. Another thing is to consider is 4 stroke or 2 stroke. I have a 4 stroke now and love it.

Again get what u like.

Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Abbott (MCM Tackle)] #12748822 05/09/18 01:36 PM
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The Crappie Guy Offline
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I fished a Lund 1875 for 10 years. It was (is) a very good all around boat. Built like a tank and will take a lot of abuse. I traded it off for a Lund 2075 Pro V Bass style boat. Got lots more room, room and a better ride. Either way, you can't go wrong with a Lund.


"The Crappie Guy"







Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12748889 05/09/18 02:36 PM
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jrc Offline
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I have fished out of most choices out there and enjoy big glass bass boats, but I enjoyed my old 681 Ranger Fisherman as it fished more people comfortably. But my #1 choice is a center console bayboat, bout 20' is ideal for me. Much more comfortable and easy to fish with multiple people.

Re: Best crappie boat [Re: Saintsman65] #12749151 05/09/18 05:16 PM
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This one works well for me.


LiftSaver Trolling Motor Mounting Bracket - Patent Pending and LiftSaver Transducer Pole Mount
www.liftsavertmmount.com
[Linked Image][Linked Image]
Works with MG Xi5, Xi3 and MK Terrova, Ulterra, PD V2 and Riptides as well.

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