catfish boat

thinking about buying a new catfish boat. Looked at sea ark pro cat 200 with a 115 merc yesterday it was a sweet boat but a bit pricey. Looking for a boat with a lot of room and a big livewell and capable of running in shallow water any opinions?

Blazor Bay

IMO it's hard to find a new model with a lot of walk-around room because they make the decks so big.

Blazer Bay will build it the way you want it I have one and very happy with it There tough ole boats too

So will Sea Ark and you can get a new 1872 pretty well tricked out for around $25K. I'm going to be posting some photos of mine in the catfish section now that I have all of my goodies installed. For an aluminum boat it's my first choice. All of the 72s are built using .125" aluminum.

I sure do like my DuraCraft!!

Look at the Blazer Bay 2400...it's a non liner boat and has tons of floor space.

The Sea Ark is a good boat but will rattle your teeth in rough open water and get you wet. At least the 24'er will.

i know i have a not so popular boat buy both the Pro Masters i have had we're great boats my 2001 is pretty nice with tones of walk around space. I can take someone in a wheel chair and they have more then enough to move around in up front an it will sit about 6in it had s mercy 150 and regards i only paid 6k for a bike th hie ho

http://www.g3boats.com/gator_tough_deluxe_1966_cc_-_aluminum_jon_boats

Thanks for the feed back guys. Found a used g3 sportsman 200 less than a year old gonna go check out this weekend.

I've been in this dilemma for a long time now. Ive been trying to stick around the 30k mark, but it seems everything I like is 40k+. I like the layout of the Blazer Bay but I really want a walk through windshield.. Another style Im drawn to is the Alumaweld Stryker, wide open floor all the way to the transom. But even though its a 14* deadrise, im afraid being aluminum its still gonna be a harsh ride in the chop.. Is there a boat out there that fits my needs/budget?? lol

I can't decide what I want either. I'm torn between a 22' CC or a big Lund for my dream boat. I finally sold my boat and plan on buying one in the near future. I just need to make up my mind first is all. I don't want new and I don't want to spend 40K either.

+1...especially on a big lake. I would stay away from all modified v aluminum boats.

Wow, just checked out the Blazer website, the 2400 does have a lot of floor space. If they offer a taller console I would be sold. Being 6' 4" it's nice having the steering wheel up higher, which a great option I have on my Blue Wave.

Are you referring to deep V hulls as well and if so, why?

I would like something that offers some storage and rod lockers as well. I fish for pretty much everything and tend to carry more tackle than I need.

No...deep v's are fine.

He just has a problem with tin boats.

Lund is a deep V aluminum.

Thats my problem too! I take way too much stuff with me for the "just in case" scenarios. I've got plenty of storage space for rods and extra stuff, but that kills the floor space. Maybe I need a 30' boat???

+1 The Blazer Bay's are really nice boats. Lots of room in them and you can have the console moved to the front like a lot of guides like because it opens the floor space up. I love my falcon but when I upgrade these are the boats I will be looking at buying. Sea Ark makes good boats as well and if I lived around major river systems I would go Sea Ark but for lake style fishing Blazer Bay's are going to handle the rough water on them windy days much better and will keep you dry.

Caddo!

Well I have a couple dealers on the lookout for a 22' CC or a big deep V aluminum. Both of them said that they turn away deep V aluminum boats for trade ins because they are so hard to sell around here.

Check out Carolina skiffs. Good catfish boats.

If you arent afraid of used and you want good rough water performance go with a fiberglass cc. If you want ok rough water but the ability to run 8" then you need a tunnel hulled tin boat like mine. Ive got a 2172 alumacraft. By ok rough water I mean youe gonna get some spray and it will be rough but the boat will handle it. If your definition of shallow is 1-2 feet then fiberglass is fine and prob what you want. Dont be afraid to go for a drive to find a good deal.

Just bought my wife a vehicle and got my truck back from her. The only thing preventing me from buying a boat is finding the right one.

Look at the power catamarans!!!! Unbelievable ride....shallow water and TONS of room!

What model do y'all have? It's a sweet looking ride!

Disregard. I just checked your website and answered the question myself.

I like Deep V Aluminums - some get you wet , some don't. Mine does on Windy days but handles rough water fine - it's 19'6". I don't like the 17 footers much. I'd like a 22 footer myself if I had the means. My boat has to be a "everything boat" Tubing n Cruising in summer for Grankids and fishing rest of year. My boat will run in 1.5' on motor (tilted up - no jackplate) and 1' on trolling motor

My boat in background - the Windsheild is the worst part- too small, angles back too much and I wish it was 1 - 1.5 foot further up to the front. It can take on a Ton of water and still float high and ride fine. My Grandauhgter stuck the plug in while in my driveway when we got a lot of rain last spring and get to lake I figured she put it in when we got there ( that's her job while I undo straps n such at ramp). We ran all day and couldn't tell a difference till I pulled out of lake and pulled plug- WOW- water ran out for solid 5 minutes!

I LIKE these if I could buy a new or slightly used. Esp the offshore models
With forward windshield design and Big Windsheild you stay dry, plus they have full canvas cabin option and some have heaters. Big Walleye/Sturgeon Boats - there are several kick azz brands.

http://www.americananglerboats.com/showroom/boats/fishing/phantom

Man I hate shopping for used boats. Too many choices and options.

It was Easier for me - I only had $3000 and Bad credit and knew I wanted a Big Deep V Aluminum (from fishing in few TFFrs 17' Deep Vs) so I just kept watching Craigs List - Ad popped up on DFW CL but boat was in Ardmore Ok and been in dry storage for 3 yrs - no phone number in Ad - I emailed every half hour - 18 times total - saying I'd take it for 3K and I hadn't even seen it - LOL.

These seem nice - Lewisville Bobby guided out of one -the rear deck on 18" flips up for more floor space and jumper seats- doesn't look like 20' deck does unless its an option? -I like the 20' but I like the American Anglers better. Pretty sure Tracker has full canvas cabin option also.


http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2016-Tracker-Targa-V-20-WT-102543672







video caption : "The Video does this no Justice these were 3 to 5 foot rollers on a very windy day and the Targa was cutting them like butter!"

What kind of boat have you had?

I am undecided between a 22' CC or a nice deep V aluminum. I guess it just depends on which one I find the best deal on. I have seen the guts on a Tracker and have no desire to own one of those. I previously had an Lowe 18.5' flatbottom w/ a 90 HP.

This is my dream boat. Polar kraft center console deep v.

I sure have enjoyed this one so far, not a big boat in length but plenty of room on the inside and it's a perfect boat for the lake I primarily fish

That's the boat I have just love this thing. They build them one at a time haven,t found anything I can't do with it yet, but I don't run in shallow water very often

Same here. I want a glass boat for the smooth ride, but I like the layout of a dual console aluminum boat like the alumaweld or American anglers. Another thing is live well space. With a big open dual console, it leaves plenty of room to add a removable live well for tournaments. With most glass CC's, the front and rear decks take up most of the room and usually only have a 30 gallon live well. I've been looking at the Dusky 218. It's a nice simple layout with lots of room and an offshore bracket

Most of the CCs I have looked at have a livewell and a bait well. You can also use the cooler under the leaning post as another livewell. I have found some nice Lunds on walleyecentral's classifieds, but I really don't want to drive across the US to look at a boat before I buy it.

If I win the lottery....Hydrasport 53 Suenos

http://www.hydrasports.com/5300suenos.aspx

I think one of the fellars on here got one of these 2 yrs ago and loved it. 100 gallon live well.

2015 CRESTLINER 2200 INTRUDER CATFISH BOAT

http://lewisboat.com/Power-Boats-Ou...015-306b0050-e6b9-42f9-af85-a5000157df93

That's my buddy Brandon. He likes it, but it does have some flaws.
I see they came out with a 20 footer for this year

I like the bait well with round corners.

What are the flaws? Just things he dislikes or real issues? would yall recommend the boat?

I have a 92 alumacraft only drawback only 15 hp electric start evenrude just have to leave earlier,

I love the boat and its layout, but I think they tried to cut costs on a lot of things. Mostly little things like Parts of the console are broken/ falling apart. I'd say the biggest issue is the weak transom though. You can watch it flex if you push down on the lower unit. Supposedly they made some bracket to stiffen it up now.

thanks for all the advise guys found a pretty good deal on a g3 sportsman 200 its just a few months old. Its got a 15 degree deadrise, 65 gallon livewell, 2 helix 5s, 2 power poles, ipilot tm, now I need to get my rod holders mounted. Does anyone have experience mounting them using the slide track on the gunell? I have seen monster sells a bracket for it. Is there any other options out there

Post some pics! Lol nice boat. Very similar to the pro cat 200. Let us know how it rides in the chop, I'm curious if it's a wet ride or not.
For the holders, I have the monster brackets on my express. I guess my track system is a bit different so I had to modify them. The rails that come on the 2016 G3 would be nice to mount some holders to

g3 200 is a sweet boat. I have seen one in person.

What's a pretty good deal? Spare no details to the rest of us that are drooling over another boat.

don't have the boat yet they are replacing one of the power pole pumps should have it before next weekend will post pics then.

I could Deal with one of these........

I wish G3 would make a 20' -22' Angler V...........like this one but with carpet delete:







BUT wait ...... they do........ - I'd leave the 2 rear pedestal seats in garage and use jumper bench seat if needed.........I think i like it......I wish the console/windsheild was forward 1 foot futher.

http://www.g3boats.com/angler-v210-sf




OOPPS its $50K........

http://www.claytonmarina.com/marina/index.php/inventory/g3-inventory/

Ok. Closeout $39.5K

http://www.blackbeardmarine.net/new_vehicle_detail.asp?veh=443358&pov=4310740





Compare Sportsmen 200 vs Angler V 210 : ( I'd like an Angler V but with the Sportsmen Livewell)

http://www.g3boats.com/model_comparison_chart

http://www.g3boats.com/model_comparison_chart

I could get by with this maybe:

http://www.blackbeardmarine.net/pre_owned_detail.asp?veh=4270978

I've always liked the Xpress yukon -18 19.5

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/9251933/Got_my_new_boat_Xpress_Yukon_1

http://www.louisianasportsman.com/lpca/i...d&id=626812

http://batonrouge.craigslist.org/bod/5213143974.html

I like the Yukon. Did they discontinue it? I don't see it on their site

Appears so - only express boat i liked. I don't like shallow wall/ short wall boats.

http://www.pugetmarina.com/196Freedom

http://rhboats.com/sea-hawk-sport/

http://wichitafalls.craigslist.org/boa/5252944470.html

http://www.clemensmarina.com/boats.php?L...p;cat=inventory

I know of a 2010 18.5 Mako CC with about 30 hours on it. $16K - Very Good Condition if any one is interested.

If you go this route be sure you test drive the boat in the conditions you will be using it. Also, if you plan on using a catamaran in freshwater I would highly recommend sticking to the planing hull type boats. Some of the older catamarans were just a beating to drive. There are some great catamarans on the water today. I think you will see them get more and more popular. However, there are also some turds out there as well. Stay away from the Baha Cruiser, Sea Chaser etc. We had the opportunity to sea trial a Tideline 235 Hybrid this spring in Venice, La. Its a sweet sweet ride. That is my next boat as soon as I get the funds raised.

I think I might have found a boat, but I won't know for sure until Friday. I'll keep y'all posted. I sold my old boat on 9/21 and I hope to have the new one before an entire month passes. I also just picked up a very gently used Gen 2 HDS 9 w/ skimmer transducer, structure scan transducer, and a RAM mount for $1,000. That's $500+tax cheaper than retail.

You gotta atleast say what style boat

I will. When I buy it. Just post a bunch of links to the boats you want while you wait.

Just seen that Cabelas are going to start selling RiverHawk, Stratos, and Duckworth. All of them make some pretty nice deep v's. I'd love to get to check out a Duckworth in person

Does anyone have any experience with Tracker lately? I've always heard negative things mainly about customer service, but is the construction of the boats up to par? I really like the layout of that targa 20, and it comes with a 52gal live well.

After TxMedic said he'd never own one when I suggested one in this thread -I'd googled it. Broken welds and stringers seemed common.a few even had stringers push thru bottom of boat. Some so bad they were just given a new hull and rest transferred over - 6-9months-1 yr of B.S.

But then Lewisville Bobby has guided out of one for years.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/boats/tracker.html

I've heard of all those problems, mostly on their roughneck models. I was just wondering if the deep Vee's were different.

Saw many say the Targas.?. They look good, good size and layout on the V20.

Well bummer. Might just have to take a longgg drive to look at one of these.. http://www.alumaweldboats.com/Blackhawk-180.htm

Think that will will do for me, just wish they were closer

Yup -I posted that one somewhere in here

If G3 could put the Livewell from the 200 sportsman in their Angler V 210 and do carpet delete (non skid coating) - that would be a Great Boat except it's riveted instead of welded and .100 instead of .125.

http://www.g3boats.com/model_comparison_chart

Yep. And it's about 10k more already

Call or email Lewisville Bobby and get his opinion- he guides or guided out of a Targa V18 for several years.

http://www.bobby-catfishing.com/index_files/Lewisville_Grapevine_Catfish_Guide_Information.html

Well.?.

I'm about to post about it. Gimme a few minutes.

DURACRAFT! This one set me back about $1800.

I started to request a quote from Blackbeard on a 2015 Sportman 200 then I remembered I don't have any $ and Bad Credits.......

http://www.blackbeardmarine.net/new_vehi...3&DispType=

I have a 2007 targa bought it used bout four years ago I have had no problems with mine use it in timber and shallow water no leaks and no loose welds I have none of the issues some have had

http://wichitafalls.craigslist.org/boa/5252944470.html

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bod/5278679402.html

https://texoma.craigslist.org/boa/5222779698.html