Yup, it’s all about trade offs and prioritizing. I’m sure if money were no object we all would own at least a dozen boats.
War Eagle 754 Ducks Unlimited - Yamaha 75
Wind is usually not a problem with my Xpress. I think it’s due to the boat sitting low in relation to the water surface. Even though it sits low, the flared gunnels keep the ride dry for the most part. That seems to also hold true for nasty, windy outings. Not running a t-top also helps with boat control when using the troller. When it’s still and hot, I simply put up my patio umbrella using one of the upright rod holders on the side of the console. However, it obviously comes down when I get the rods up and get on the move.
There is no such thing as a perfect boat. Like Crabjack said, it’s all about your priorities and needs.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
I’m looking to get another boat within the next year or so and at first I wanting a center console. Dang near bought a Sea Hunt BX22 and backed out at the last minute. Glad I did! After fishing with someone that has been striper fishing for a long time, he fishes out of a 1971 Glassmaster walkthrough and I will have to say that having all the room in the back of the boat was awesome. The bait tank isn’t in the way and there was plenty of room to walk around and plenty of room when we caught doubles. Having said that, I’m looking towards a walk around… I like the way the Grady Whites are set up on the back of the boat and I believe I could get the rod holders set up like I wanted them but I like the room in the back of the boat on all the walk arounds. That is just my thoughts.
Whether I am fishing or relaxing, I seem to take a lot of crap. 2 kids will do that. Either its a big bait tank, tackle and tons of rods, or a big cooler, tons of chairs, umbrellas, bags, etc. Having an open cockpit, with chairs that can be moved all over the place is very appealing to me now. Fiberglass boats, you are stuck with the layout of the mold, and I think they waste a lot of space, and weigh a freaking ton. Carolina Skiffs have the edge in room, and configuration, but they still weigh a lot and ride rough. Hoping the deep v aluminum would give me the best of a skiff, but a little better ride.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
I have a 20’ wellcraft dual console and I love the way it fishes and rides, really solid boat. The only downside is it’s heavy and with the 200 2 stroke it loves the gas. And you certainly can’t run it shallow. I like the stability and high sides for taking the kids out.
That said, I love the old starcraft aluminum hulls with the heavier gauge aluminum. I think I might restore an old 20’ starcraft for my PA boat. Something I can run on Erie that wouldn’t be too heavy to tow the 120 miles to get there.
Wellcraft V-20 sportfish with a 200 Evinrude
I always thought it was odd that you don’t see more StarCraft/Lund type aluminum V bottom boats on Murray (other than Happy Bob of course :-). If you do, they are normally guys from NC. I’ve talked to more than a few people with them at the ramp over the years and normally, if they are not from NC, they are from the upstate where they seem to be more popular for some reason.
It wouldn’t be my boat of choice, but I could see how they could make a good striper boat.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
I looked at many starcrafts when looking for boats before I bought my hewes craft. They really have great potential for striper boats but there just isnt many in this area like u said. And the ones u find for sale in the upstate are so expensive. Even if they are junked out they still want 5-6k for them. Them boys upstate really think highly of them to say the least…lol…
“All fisherman lie. And if they say otherwise, then they’re lying”
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
I almost bought a 20’ Starcraft when I lived in Pittsburgh. I think it was a 67, maybe 76, cant remember. But it was really nothing but the aluminum hull on a beat up trailer. They wanted $1300 for it. As heavy as the aluminum was you could probably get that in scrap. It was wide open with a very short covered bow. I often think it would have made a perfect striper boat.
Wellcraft V-20 sportfish with a 200 Evinrude
Justin, my son’s friend we went offshore with, is a dealer for Lund now. Not positive, but I believe he may be the only one in SC. Seen him a few times lately, but haven’t thought to ask how they’re selling.
'07 198 DLX Carolina Skiff
FS90 Suzuki
Here u go Jeremy. … aluminum walk around. That would do it all
Oops forgot the link.
http://hiltonhead.craigslist.org/boa/4630031996.html
“All fisherman lie. And if they say otherwise, then they’re lying”
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
Went off shore with a guy who had a 28’ Marrenette sportfisherman, all aluminum with a 11’ beam and twin 250 hp inboards! I thaught I would be beat to death, boy was I supprised, it rode as good as my Bertram fiberglass but a lot cheaper to gas up, That boat with a big4 stroke outboard would be a dream for big water striper fishing!
The Starcraft are nice boats, but they seem to be a bit heavy for their size and don’t have as much real estate on the interior as the Polar Kraft, plus I want zero carpet in the boat. It’s not much of a no maintenance boat to me if it has carpet.
Man Chip, where would I park that behemoth? Might be a little tough marsh fishing for reds in that thing.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
At 3400 lbs it certainly is no lightweight, but at 24’ I guess that isn’t too bad…but that 4’ draft will keep you out of the shallows that’s for sure.
I have a 19ft skiff DLV with TT and it has been a good boat overall. It has a lot more room/weight capacity than a normal glass center console. It’s good in shallow water and has room for a larger bait tank. Although, its rather rough in choppy water and the TT and high sides make it a little harder to fish in wind. If you’re planning on traveling to fish, the TT adds more drag when towing it between lakes. My next boat will probably be an aluminum with a Lund type layout with a bimini for the reasons others have mentioned. It really depends on your preferences and how you plan to use it for recreation and fishing.
- Corey
198 DLV Carolina Skiff
I have owned several bay and deep V fiberglass, and I looked hard at the aluminum boats this last go around. For pure striper fishing I like the Aluminum boats for room and durability. But when having a family who also like to tube or pleasure ride, I like the fiberglass. T-tops are great when you need them and a pain when you don’t, especially when cut baiting…
So the best choice is to own five boats. But if you can’t, the best boat is the one you own now and enjoy, or the one you are going buy next when the lottery hits your numbers.
VanMan
