Aluminum boat for rough water trolling

[muskytroller]

I'm looking for a 17ft aluminum tiller boat for rough water trolling.<br />Currently looking at - Lund Explorer 1700 - Crestliner Fish Hawk 1750 - Prince Craft Pro 179 BXBT.<br />Which one would you think would be the least likely to dig into a wave when trolling?<br />Any recomendations?<br /><br />We troll in some real foul weather and dont mind getting wet, but we would like to keep as much of that BIG wave, as possible, out of the boat.

 

[JB]

Re: Aluminum boat for rough water trolling

Howdy, troller.<br /><br />On Lake Of The Woods where I fish for Muskys annually, the Lunds outnumber all other brands combined.<br /><br />Moving to Boats

 

[lund17]

Re: Aluminum boat for rough water trolling

I took my little boat out on our Lake George in a pretty big blow. I wanna say 2-3's. We were trolling lake trout and salmon and had the bow pointed down and searching while the kicker rose a tone or two for lack of solid water. Nothing came in the boat though and we never felt threatened. We had the canvas up and stayed fairly comfy although my buddy got nauseous. One thought if you go with Lund - Have your canvas custom made. The factory fabric is not great and for just a couple bucks more I got Sunbrella and had it made 6'4" for my tallest fishing partner. Nobody has to duck! I'm livin' large and lovin' my Lund! Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Aluminum boat for rough water trolling

The Crestliner Fish Hawk is a very stable and well built boat. It takes the waves very well. This comes from experience, as my brother-in-law has the same one, that I have been in many times. We also troll alot in very rough water(Lake of the Ozarks) for white bass and crappie and never get water over the bow. It would be my first choice for not only that reason, but for durability and fit and finish. Good light, stable boat!! Recommend highly!

 

[muskytroller]

Re: Aluminum boat for rough water trolling

Thanks for the input.<br /><br />Any experences with the Prince Craft tiller?<br /><br />Do you feel, the above mentioned, Lund and Crestliner will also handel 3-4 foot waves? <br /><br />Assuming boating skill. What is the biggest size chop you feel you would be comfortable in taking any of the above mentioned boats out in?

 

[mike4010]

Re: Aluminum boat for rough water trolling

I love my Princecraft 162bt tiller!!

 

[muskytroller]

Re: Aluminum boat for rough water trolling

Hi Mike<br /><br />How does it handle the chop?<br /><br />How big a chop have you had your Pricecraft in?<br /><br />Really liked the look of the Princecraft I saw, too bad I cant get it in vinyl