Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

[canuckjgc]

Ok I likely know the answer to this but wanted some feedback anyway given that it is too cold to boat and I have time to think about this move.

Currently I've a got a Lund 16' SSV with 72" beam and 40hp Yamaha tiller (no tilt, no electric start). Used it with the family much more than I thought I would. We are interested in doing more boat camping, a little further out, a little more gear, etc. Myself, wife, kids 7 and 4.

Looking to move into a used 18' aluminum windshield/steering wheel boat (something like a Smokercraft 185 Pro Tracer) with a 91" beam. Storage is doable but will be more awkward with this size boat, and putting it into our spot will take a little more time, and it will take up that much more space in our yard.

Given that they are tin and not glass, will there be a significant ride improvement here? The weight difference in hull is about 600 pounds so that has to count for something. Length and width should help too but I've never been in a boat like this.

What I like about my current boat is that it's so easy to tow, launch, beach, move around, and no maintenance to speak of (no steering, no tilt, no electric start, nothing). Costs very little to own and run. The thought of more space and getting out of the wind is appealing, and the fact that my wife could operate a steering wheel boat is a good thing (she's not keen on the pull start tiller).

Last thing I want to do is regret the move to a bigger boat.

Thoughts?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

2 foot itis! Everybody gets it sooner or later. Just remember: When mama's happy, the whole house is happy. When mama's pissed, the whole neighborhood knows.

Certainly, if not a better ride, it will have a safer one due to higher freeboard and more control with the steering wheel. I Think you will not find much difference in the other aspects like towing and launching unless the tow vehicle is at or near its max now. AND--no one I know would ever go back to being without power tilt/trim.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

The bigger boat will haul more camping gear safely and no doubt faster as it will probably need/have a larger motor. With a 91" beam, you could get an enclosure or big bimini and camp or spend the night ON the boat comfortably.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

LOL. As I recall it hasn't been that long since you were trying to choose between that Lund and an inflatable. I'd say you made the right choice. I think on balance your idea is a good one, but the main consideration I can think of is the surprising amount of space a console and requisite accompaniments (steering wheel, seat, wires, throttle base, etc.) can eat up. Also, an eighteen footer is likely to be decked fore and aft (although I'm sure there are some that aren't, especially in your neck of the woods), so consider that as well. Good luck canuck. Hey, that rhymes!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

Both are well worth it!

Tillers are for little jon boats and have control and visibility issues... I know this for a fact because I've owned both.

Don't just settle for longer, go wider too! I stepped up from a 16 alum. bass boat to a 17' deep V that was much wider than the 16 and it was well worth it.

 

[Lakemeadan]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

Keep both. One for family and one for you.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

Keep both. One for family and one for you.

For sure!

Yeah, the move up (16 -> 19) was worth it, but not without some regrets. The bigger boat held the family better, but it was harder to trail and took up more space in the garage. Ended up building a bigger garage.

Then, there were the times that i wanted to go alone and i wished i had the smaller tiller back again. Ended up buying a 13 for just that reason. Then, found out the tent and camping gear was actually easier to stow in the 13 (used it like a utility trailer) so we always took the 13 on vacation not the 19.

Ended up keeping the 13 (will eventually go to my son), but upgraded to a 14 tiller with plywood floor and all the amenities.

Can't have too many boats, but sure can have too few.....LOL.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

I replaced my old 16' tri-hull with an 18' Crestliner, full windshield, wide transom, something like you are looking at. It's great for the family, but when I go out fishing by myself or with 1 kid, I usually take my 14' jon boat. The small boat is easier to handle in all aspects and I don't worry as much about dinging it up. The only time I'll take out the 18'er by myself is if I'm heading to big water or if it's supposed to be real snotty out.

The 18'er is great for our family of 4 though, enough room for everyone and everything. We have slept on it a couple times at the lake, just pull up all the seats and throw down the sleeping bags. Also used it for camping and there is plenty of space to haul all the camping carp out to our camping spot.

One thing about the 18'er, it's a LOT more work! It's a much nicer boat and I want to keep it looking good, so there is far more cleaning and maintenance that goes into it, before and after a trip. Also, on the little boat I can get to everything inside the boat while standing on the ground... With the 18'er I'm constantly hopping in-out of the boat getting prepped for a trip.

If I had to choose between the 2 boats it would be a tough call as I like fishing from a small boat, steathier, easier to maneuver, less work, cheaper. I probably take out the small boat out 30+ times a year, big boat, less than 10... Total fuel cost (vehicle and boat) for a trip on the small boat $30, on the big boat it's close to $100....

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

I went from a very narrow 16' Fisher (55" beam?) with a 35hp 2-stroke to a 16ft Alumacraft (91" beam) with a wheeled 90hp Suzuki. We have to boat across to our cabin and the previous boat was fine except for taking guests. I also wanted a boat that my wife could start with a key versus the pull of a cord, and one that she could steer with comfort. The boat handles big water MUCH better. A metal boat is a metal boat and it still crashes through waves at high speed. My wife still doesn't like to drive even though she could if desired. The stability and room in the wider boat is amazing.

As for towing, I use a v6 Ford Ranger. It towed the old boat just fine and is still far under its tow rating, but you definitely feel the new boat. I still load and unload the boat by myself with relative ease, although I like to believe that I've got a great system and good sense for how to land it. However it is a bigger boat so you'll just have to get used to the differences. I'm not sure how much more trouble an 18' would be versus a 16' but have to assume that every bit of length, width, and pounds adds a little more degree of difficulty.

All that said, I keep a 12ft Starcraft at my cabin with a 1963 5.5hp Seahorse. I love that for solo fishing and would love something similar for in the Cities. If you can swing it, go with two boats. If not, don't pre-regret stepping up in size for the family. Besides, your kids are in the tubing/skiing age so the bigger boat/motor will come in handy!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

If you decide to get a different boat, remember, the monkey doesn't let go of one branch until he has his hand on the other. Don't sell a boat until you have the replacement in the water. The risk is too great that you will let go of the first branch and not reach the second, and where does that leave you?


(The above was advice from an old salt to his son, my contemporary. I think it applies to girlfriends as well as boats. Wish I had known....)

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

Thanks! Ideally I'd keep both but simply can't store both. You've captured my exact fears here - that I'd miss the easy use and maintenance of the smaller boat and end up boating less with the bigger boat!

There's something satisfying about a simple no battery Yamaha 40hp tiller and a tin boat. And the use of it as a utility trailer when camping is great. But the thought of no wind/rain/heat on me and the fam is also attractive. I can see why so many of you have 2 boats.

The inflatable would have been a costly mistake.

Decisions decisions...

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

Hehe, I like the suggestion of not pre-regretting the purchase. The kids are of tubing age so maybe I'll make the move and see how it goes.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

After adding 2 more kids I went from a 15 ft to an 18. Best move I've ever made. I wouldn't want my kids driving with a tiller but with the consoles and steering wheel they get a huge thrill out of driving and for that reason alone I'd say you'll be happy with the upgrade to a dual console with windshield. Plus they bug mom to take the boat out and that means I get more time on the water.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

Would'nt the bigger boat be a bigger utility trailer also? I know that fish are bigger when you catch them in a smaller boat, esp. when they spin it around!

 

[pmillar]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

This thread has covered most everything I can think except the biggest towing difference, imo, stems from the increased wind resistance of the consoles/windshields vs. weight increase. At the end of the day, I would say go for it. My 1750 Sportfish has been great with the kids (lots of tubing) My guess is you will be pleased with the ride although sure, it will bang at high speed in chop.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

I say go for it. Every boat is a compromise, and there will inevitably be some things you liked better about the simply equipped Lund, but your reasons for "trading up" are the right ones. I think all things considered you'll be glad you did.

 

[jacoboregon]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

If you do get the bigger boat, then you could get a 12'-13' inflatable with a 25hp for a second boat and it would be easy to store without taking up much room (folds into one or two nice bags!). You would still have a small boat for the solo or tandem outings. Personally, I have a 13' zodiac/bombard C3 with a 40hp and would not trade it for a 16 aluminum or fiberglass. It holds more weight, is more stable, safer on rougher water, and is sooooo easy to tow/store/move around! If/when I replace this I'll go to a 14' or 15' inflatable. Btw, I can tube behind my 13 footer, too!
I know inflatables definitely are not for everyone, but it would make a good second boat, for when you aren't on the family outings.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Anyone move from a 16' aluminum to an 18'? Tiller to steering wheel? Worth it?

The difference between my 16' Starcraft and my 18' is night and day. The boat is just bigger in ever dimension. Ride quality is much improved also.