I might be in the market for a new Jon boat. I take the wife Bream fishing & I mostly cat fish locally and like to go to the coast & fish the bays & inlets. I want something 18 to 20 feet and the only ones I have ever really looked at are the Grizzly from Bass Pro. How are those boats, so they hold up good? I have noticed on the ones on display that the texture linear seems to peel off but I am sure those displays get a lot of foot traffic in them. I have not decided on CC or SC consoles and maybe even a tiller steer but that might be getting too long for a tiller steer. Any opinions on what manufacturers too check out and which ones to stay away from??
Check out G3 boats
strip…strip…FISH ON!
Nice looking boats! Thanks for the tip flyfishin!
Sea Ark, close the thread. Before I went in an entirely different direction and sold the Mako and my Alumacraft, I was looking at keeping the Mako and buying a new JB. I looked at the War Eagle, Alumacraft, G3, Excel, and just about everything else aluminum. Did a lot of research on them too. Talked to owners and went for rides. The Sea Ark was the one that seemed to have the least amount of issues, best (toughest) construction, ride etc., it wasn’t the most fuel efficient (its a JB, does a tenth of a gallon make that big of a difference) or fastest but it was an aluminum tank. It costs more too but you get what you pay for.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
I’ve been in dozens of different makes, sea ark is the best built, but you can’t go wrong with G3 either. If I were going to buy it’d be a sea ark.
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki
Sea Ark for sure. Mind you, I ride around in a half a soda can, but the Sea Ark is definitely an aluminum tank like Salty said.
War Eagle - Special order it to suit your needs without extras you don’t need. I went with the 1648LDV tiller. Tiller gives you much more room to move around than a console. I added two additional removable pedestal seats so I could get different seating configurations for sightseeing, duck hunting, shrimping and fishing.
If you ain’t hooked, you ain’t doing it right.
14’ Duracraft w/twin 25 Johnsons
http://www.myspace.com/myduesouth
we are bringing in Alweld boats.
the ones they use on Swamp People.
We were previously the SeaArk dealer, and from what ive seen, these boats are as good or better built, easier to customize and cost less.
we will have a load in a few weeks
Looks like I got some research to do & test rides maybe.
Any brands to steer clear of?
Thanks for teh help guys.
anything with rivets is something to avoid
Alweld, xpress, G3, SeaArk, war eagle, polar craft, all good boats
I would say duracraft, lowe and alumacraft are a little lower on the list
I dont have any experience with the new larger alumacrafts, so they may be better built than the smaller ones
Had an Alumacraft with a 25hp Johnson on it, I wouldn’t throw good money at another one, not even if I bought it as cheap as the last one.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
quote:
Originally posted by Redfish_mattSea Ark for sure. Mind you, I ride around in a half a soda can, but the Sea Ark is definitely an aluminum tank like Salty said.
X3
Ranger Bay 2000
Yamaha F150
Molon Labe!
Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. - Anatole France (paraphrased)
RIP my Puppy Dog 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013
quote:X3,I had one and I liked it alot,seems everyone else that saw it did aslo.I had the 1652sc.
Originally posted by flyfishnCheck out G3 boats
strip…strip…FISH ON!
Double D.
Why not a Carolina Skiff! had one for almost 20 yrs, It came off the tra and went down the road at 60 mph, when it stoped, I winched it back on the tra and never looked back, I dont think an alum. boat could take that!
I had thought about a Skiff but I do not want a flat bottom boat. I know Carolina Skiff makes some skiffs with a v but glass boats seem to a lot more expensive. Also for some the area I fish I think Alum would be better choice.A buddy of mine has one & they are nice & plenty of room.
I’ll chime in on this. When I was getting my first “fishing” boat, I was considering a JB as well. Mainly for the cost aspect as opposed to a fiberglass boat. I ended up finding a great deal on a 17’ CC and am SO glad I did that instead of a JB. MUCH more versatility. Since you mentioned taking it to the coast for some salt fishing, I really wouldn’t even consider a JB. You will be able to go A LOT more places with a 17-18’ CC and still be able to get to the same places in freshwater to crappie fish. JMHO. You will spend a little more money (maybe), but I promise it will be worth it.
I happen to know of a nice little High Tide for sale in my neighborhood. Boat, trailer, and motor. PM me if interested.
j
Sea Arc for sure I don’t know how Express Boats hold up but they have nice floor plans
“I fish therefore I lie”
2006 Mckee Craft 185 Bay Classic 150 Yamaha
NorthChuckTiger,
I would really like a V hull Carolina skiff or 22ft Bay Sea Hunt but I have had a glass boat & they are nightmares to keep clean. My normal fishing spots are really dirty/muddy water & rocky in some spots so thats the main reasons for going with Alum. Also a 18-22ft glass boat is out of my price range from what I have seen so far for a new one. I have had nothing but bad luck with used boats in the past so I think I am going new or maybe a year or two old this time. Thanks for the help…
10-4. Understood.
j
the tracker grizzly hulls are very good, they’re built like tanks, though kinda ugly in my opinion
i suggest xpress hyperlift if you can afford it, or weldbuilt if you can’t
these guys have great prices on weldbuilt, although it’s in Alabama: http://www.backwoodslanding.com/smartdevices.html
marine service center in murrells inlet, sc is a great place & they stock lots of Xpress boats
G3 is a nice hull, but overpriced in my opinion for all the cheap hardware they use, their hatch handles r junk
the xpress hyperlift hull is hands down the best built & best looking tinboat i’ve ever seen
i have a riveted alumacraft, nothing wrong w/ a riveted hull if you’re on a budget. mines a 1992 with no leaks