Aluminum Utility Boat Shootout...

[bwackwabbit]

Okay so the deal on the Sylvan I was looking at went south.

I'm still looking to replace the inflatable w/an aluminum utility/fishing boat. I know the size (14') and I'll be using the short shaft Merc 20hp 4 stroke from the Seamax so transom height will be 15". I want the layout as pictured here...
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/Fish/F244F5C0-2736-430A-A216-6AA35A4AFC3F.jpg (http://s1145.photobucket.com/user/bwackwabbit/media/Fish/F244F5C0-2736-430A-A216-6AA35A4AFC3F.jpg.html)

It seems this is a tough combo to come by. I have found offerings from...
Alumacraft
MirroCraft
Lund

The Lund is my preference but this layout is only available in the SSV which is beyond my budget of $3500 all in.

My questions are, any thoughts on these makes? And any other options out there?

Cheers.

[EZM]

Although I agree that Lund would be my first choice as well, there are a few other boats, of high quality, that might be worth consideration ...... Crestliner makes a very nice alternative that typically runs a little less money than a Lund.

http://www.crestliner.com/sportsman/1450-sportsman/

[bwackwabbit]

Although I agree that Lund would be my first choice as well, there are a few other boats, of high quality, that might be worth consideration ...... Crestliner makes a very nice alternative that typically runs a little less money than a Lund.

http://www.crestliner.com/sportsman/1450-sportsman/


Agreed, great boat but no 15" transom choice or at least none I could find. I should also mention that dealer recommendations are also welcome although I do want to stay in AB.

[JohninAB]

Princecraft is worth checking into. Barry Jay's Marine in Edmonton sells them. Also can get Lund there and might be worthwhile to see if they have a Lund WC14 DLX kicking around. Mine had a 15 inch transom but not sure on the new ones or if they still make them.

Legend might be another alternative but not sure on the transom height.

For Crestliner dealer I would recommend Free Spirit Marine in Edmonton.

Riverside in St Albert also sells Lunds and worth a call too.

Lowe is another brand worth a look.

Of the three mentioned I would go Lund if I had my choice but other two would be just fine too if that is what met my specs and.price point.

[pikergolf]

http://www.princecraft.com/ca/en/products/Fishing-Boats/2014/Utility-Boats/Fisherman.aspx

I got this for 2500.

[bwackwabbit]

Really looking for that specific layout pictured only but thanks for the feedback.

[jwloco]

Princecrafts Yukon DL BT is as close to that floor plan as I have seen, only issue is it is a 20 inch transom

http://www.princecraft.com/ca/en/products/Fishing-Boats/2014/DL-Series/Yukon-DL-BT.aspx

[jwloco]

I take it back, the floor plan you have shown is close to the Mirrocraft 3654 14ft Utility V with a 15 inch transom. Europa Canopy or Supreme marine in Edmonton sell them

http://www.mirrocraft.com/i/p_d/utilityv_laker_specs_wr_updated.pdf

[waterninja]

i like the floor plan on the boat you want though i would prefer not to have both seats on the same side. the "walkthrough"design seems pretty handy though i always thought that smaller boats had the center bench seats side to side for more stability and rigidity.
you should show that plan to boat dealers who would probably have a better idea who makes one with that floor design. it's your money and if you have patience i'm sure you'll find one in your price range.

[Walleyedude]

I take it back, the floor plan you have shown is close to the Mirrocraft 3654 14ft Utility V with a 15 inch transom. Europa Canopy or Supreme marine in Edmonton sell them

http://www.mirrocraft.com/i/p_d/utilityv_laker_specs_wr_updated.pdf

I don't really think a person can go wrong with any of the manufacturer's listed in this thread when it comes to a 14' utility boat. I think you're on the right track by choosing the layout you want first and going from there.

I've dealt with Gord and Steve at Supreme Marine in St. Albert before and they're great people. I would definitely go and check out that Mirrocraft and see what they can do for you.

[TROLLER]

i like the floor plan on the boat you want though i would prefer not to have both seats on the same side. the "walkthrough"design seems pretty handy though i always thought that smaller boats had the center bench seats side to side for more stability and rigidity.
you should show that plan to boat dealers who would probably have a better idea who makes one with that floor design. it's your money and if you have patience i'm sure you'll find one in your price range.

X2 I would imagine you can move that front seat more to the port side. If not it could become a problem especially in the wind. IMHO

[bwackwabbit]

Thanks everyone, I plan to use swivels w/clamp on mounts up front. I want to be able to have my wife and son ride in comfort but be free to move around when it's just me and the dog.

The Lund version is out unless I can find the WC 14 DLX as was mentioned. The ssv doesn't offer the full walk through I want.

It's looking like Alumacraft, Mirrocraft are the place to start.

I can wait until the boat/sportsman shows coming in the new year so I can look at all manufacturers/options.

[Adwittoutdoors]

Love that layout the op wants. Legend appeals to me but I also will take my time and find a layout like that. I also wonder how strong and how much wear and tear a layout like that could take in comparison to other designs ? Good luck with your search. :-)

[Hunter Trav]

If you need a couple of clamp on mounts let me know, I have 2 that I'm not using anymore that I'll give you a good deal on...;)

[bwackwabbit]

If you need a couple of clamp on mounts let me know, I have 2 that I'm not using anymore that I'll give you a good deal on...;)


Will do,

Cheers.

[bwackwabbit]

Love that layout the op wants. Legend appeals to me but I also will take my time and find a layout like that. I also wonder how strong and how much wear and tear a layout like that could take in comparison to other designs ? Good luck with your search. :-)


Thanks, I went to BoatMart yesterday to have a look at the Alumacraft option. They only had the 12' & 16' versions in stock. They did not have a 14' in the layout I want but I got a good look at build quality etc.

I really think the shows are the way to go so I can compare in person one vs the other and shop the dealers at the same time.

[Kingfisher]

I fished with a buddy of mine a few years ago. He has the 14 foot Mirrocraft. Same style as you showed with the walk through middle seat. Nice deep draft on the boat. Very stable boat even in choppy water. I usually fish from my 14.5 Lund but was very impressed with his Mirrocraft.

[bwackwabbit]

I fished with a buddy of mine a few years ago. He has the 14 foot Mirrocraft. Same style as you showed with the walk through middle seat. Nice deep draft on the boat. Very stable boat even in choppy water. I usually fish from my 14.5 Lund but was very impressed with his Mirrocraft.


Exactly the type of feedback I'm looking for,

Thanks.

Cheers.

[The Fisherman Guy]

Did you see the boat Bobalong is selling in the buy and sell? Premium motor too. I know it's not the floor plan you prefer, but it's a very nice boat nonetheless.

[bwackwabbit]

Did you see the boat Bobalong is selling in the buy and sell? Premium motor too. I know it's not the floor plan you prefer, but it's a very nice boat nonetheless.


I did, awesome setup!

Two problems though, too big to fit in the space I have and WAY over my budget (great price for the package and an awesome deal for someone).

[Skinner]

I have that same model of mirrocraft but mine is a 2012. It came with with a rear bench instead of the split seats. I bought it from Europa Canopy in Edmonton. Can't remember what I payed for the boat and trailer but it was reasonable. I've used it on some big lakes including slave and it handled good. I wouldn't be scared to bring it on any lake. I have a 25hp Yamaha 4stroke and it zips it along at around 40km/h. I highly recomend them as well as the seat rails and bases from mirrocraft. Any pics or questions just ask.

[bwackwabbit]

Great info, thanks. I bought the trailer for my Seamax from Europa Canopy (great experience).

Coming from an inflatable which is very stable regardless of water condition. I am interested to know if these wider tinners are prone to the "canoeing" in rough water or when fighting big fish?

[HunterDave]

the "walkthrough"design seems pretty handy though i always thought that smaller boats had the center bench seats side to side for more stability and rigidity.

I wanted to bling up my old Sears 14' tinny by taking out the centre and rear benches and designing something similar to what is shown in your picture. I was advised to not do it as it would weaken the integrity of the sides of the boat. I suppose that if it is factory made that way they'd do things right but I just decided against it.

[bwackwabbit]

Update:

So I went a slightly different route. Found a smoking deal on this little beauty.

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/Fish/5CF2E7B4-66CD-4A0F-B338-9217FBAEAF39.jpg (http://s1145.photobucket.com/user/bwackwabbit/media/Fish/5CF2E7B4-66CD-4A0F-B338-9217FBAEAF39.jpg.html)
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/Fish/168CACC1-5858-4F60-BBCE-B6CA7FCF1484.jpg (http://s1145.photobucket.com/user/bwackwabbit/media/Fish/168CACC1-5858-4F60-BBCE-B6CA7FCF1484.jpg.html)

Layout is close but not full walk through. I was also concerned with rigidity when running at nearly max HP. It has a ton of room to move around and the ribs on the floor are nearly flush so a bit of matting should do the trick.

She's a Princecraft Yukon.

Coming soon... WTS: thread for a sweet Seamax HD360 all tricked out w/trailer and motor...lol.

[RigPig]

Love it. You managed to buy the best one out there. Congratulations

[wags]

Good looking boat Scott. Should be some fun had!

Cheers

[bwackwabbit]

Update: got her all rigged, and finally got the pleasurecraft license numbers. So she's legal and ready for the maiden voyage!

Headed to Gull this morning to christen her. Spent about 2 hours trolling and putting her through her paces.

Verdict?... Love it!!!

And as a bonus... She catches fish!..

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/Fish/7BCEB2F9-CFEB-40F2-B617-82F6D9FBAE69.jpg (http://s1145.photobucket.com/user/bwackwabbit/media/Fish/7BCEB2F9-CFEB-40F2-B617-82F6D9FBAE69.jpg.html)
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/bwackwabbit/Fish/92E4F45B-3E42-4C1E-860B-356C5B8C815D.jpg (http://s1145.photobucket.com/user/bwackwabbit/media/Fish/92E4F45B-3E42-4C1E-860B-356C5B8C815D.jpg.html)

Cheers.

[EZM]

It catches fish is an excellent feature to have ....... looks like you had some fun.