Spyder vs. Mitzi

General Boats and Motors
1

Am looking at purchasing a 17’ 70 hp flats boat and have looked at both the Spyder and the Mitzi tournament. Seem like pretty similar boats. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2

Don’t know much about either. Stopped by Momma’s boats on Hwy 17 and glanced at the Spyder they had. They had it sitting a little bow down and we’d had some heavy rains. The bow compartment was 1/2 full of water (6" deep). I figured I’d pull the plug and let it drain before the weight broke something (trailer jack was already splayed out from the strain). The large bow hold had no way to drain it. So, I closed the hatch and went on to the next pretty piece of fiberglass. That hold is intended to contain trolling motor battery (had a battery bracket inside). 'Just kind’a thought it was weird to have that huge hold in the very bow of the boat with no way to drain it. Maybe there was a plug that I didn’t see? Don’t know? I didn’t look long. 'Could have missed it.

'Nice looking boat, though.

17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott

3

I have been fishing a Mitzi 17 with 60HP Yamaha 2 stroke 3-5 days per week for 5+ years. It is a very simple but functional shallow water fishing platform. If you plan to fish primarily in rivers and creeks it will serve you well.

Also have fished the Spyder. Very similar boats. It seemed heavier and not as easy to pole as the Mitzi.

4

Thanks guys, really helpful information.

5

Just bought my 17 tournament back in Nov. Had to buy it in St. Pete to get the best price. My buddy Optiker and i have slimed her up pretty good. I have a 60hp Tohatsu. Love the motor! I had a Garmin UHD 92 Sidescan with the 56T UHD transducer. I also had the MinnKota Terrova 55lb trolling motor installed. Overall, i love the boat. 2 issues i’ve had to work out:

  1. Launching and recovering the boat was a problem. I have a RoadKing trailer and the front roller hits the lip on the bow. If i back it down the ramp so the top of the tires are exposed, its all good.
  2. Fueling. EPA has required all builders to install a backflow preventer in the filler hose. This causes the gas station fuel pump hose to keep shutting off. I have removed the flapper valve so we’ll see if that helps next time i fill her up.
    There’s a dealer (Caoe Romain) in McClellanville and another in Bunswick, Ga. that couldnt come close to the deal i got at Northeast Marine in St.Pete, Fl.
    Hope this helps.