Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

dehess · Aug 5, 2002

I'm beginning my search for a Fish n Ski boat for my family. So far I have seen the Bayliner 1950 classic, the Caravelle 187 F&S. The caravelle definately has the better quality. However, I do like the space provided in the Bayliner. Downside to the Bayliner is also the 3.0 merc as the only engine option. Is this motor going to cut it for the long haul especially in the water skiing arena? Anyone know of any other manufacturer with high quaility that has a design similar to the Bayliner? Any dialog on the pros and cons of the different fish n ski models would be greatly appretiated. Thanks.

bearman · Aug 5, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

I just bought a 2000 Tracker Tahoe 17 Ft 8" Q3 fish and ski with a 4.3L EFI. I am not going to claim to know alot about boats but I can say that I do like this boat.It has lots of power for pulling tubes and skiers(it got me out of the water and I weigh 320 lbs

)It handles very well and provides a nice smoth ride. Fit and finish is also very nice. Hope this helps and good luck. Cheers Bear

blifsey · Aug 5, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

I had a Procraft Fish & Ski which is based on a bass boat hull. I really enjoyed fishing from it but family disliked it because it rode so hard in chop (very shallow V) and was limited in seating capacity. We looked at bowrider style "ski & fish" and saw several models I liked from Glastron, Four Winns, Chaperal to name a few. I ended up not getting a S&F because I found a deal on last yr model new 20' bowrider only (no fish package). There where a couple of things I didn't like about the S&F package - 1) sunpad was 2 piece, 2) bow cushions were'nt as full, 3) ends of bench seat were the pedestal seats and made the bench uncomfortable to lay on. I recommend looking at both the S&F and plain bowriders to see if you will be OK with these differences. I'm keeping an old jon boat for fishing and using the Glastron for family rec only. Also, watch the size motor included. Lots of 18' with 3.0L which might not meet your needs. I got a 20' with 5.0L and seems very strong. Based model was 4.3L. Good luck, BL...

FISH'N101 · Aug 6, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

Howdee, Fishing & skiing -- a tough combination. You may have to decide which you will be doing more of in the long run. I think most fishing boats in the 16' range and powered to pull skiers will serve the occasional skier & tuber just fine. I haven't seen any pure ski boats that would serve my fishing needs. I am a fishermen who doesn't ming taking the grand kids out for an afternnon of tubing etc. I have a 2000, 1650 Fish Hawk SC with a 90 hp Johnson & Minn Kota elec. troll on the front. I originally looked at Lund, Smoker Craft, Trackers, Alumaweld to name a few. Alumawelds were great but a little out of my price range. Lund, Smoker Craft in our (Seattle Washington) area are all very similar. The Crestliner features a No Rivet construction. If you compare specifications and price the Crestliner fairs very well, if they have a floor that works for you. Their Hull warranty is outstanding also. I have talked to several Crestlinner owners all are very happy with their purchase. I have read some posts on this board, indicating the windshields have popped out of the frame. ( Covered and repaired under warranty ) These models have larger curved glass shields. My boat has a smaller Plexiglas style shield as found on a bass boat. I use mine on Larger Lakes with Big Boat traffic and really does well. Fish for Bass, Trout, and Salmon. The fish Hawk is a very versatile floor plan. I also occasionally take the kids skiing and tubing with no problems. Top speed on mine is 45-50 depending on conditions. I have a bunk style E-Z load trailer allowing me to drive the boat right on the trailer. Loading & unloading are as simple as it can get. I think most of the top brand boats & motors will serve you well if you maintain the properly. Be sure your dealer stands behind whatever you buy. I too reccomend you hang out at the local boat launch. Good Luck!

495v · Aug 6, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

I was looking at F&S 2 years ago. The one that really caught my eye and was ranked as the #1 F&S by bass and walleye boats was the Viper Coral made by Cobra boats. This boat had everything to please everyone; downside was that it was in the $25-$35,000 range depending on power. I believe I priced out their 202 version which was the biggest at 20' and had it powered with a 200 EFI Merc. Then my wife slapped me in the head and said "wake up, would ya." I ended up going used and do not regret it one bit. Good Luck and happy hunting. Take your time.....it took me almost 3 solid months of looking before I found my boat. Must have looked at over 1000 boats on-line.

TxRiverRat · Aug 7, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

Dechess, If you're going to use a boat for waterskiing, do yourselfthe favor of getting a big V-8. it will help with resale value later - I promise. Noone wanted my 4-cyl Sea-Ray even though it had the power of most V-6s... Plus, if you don;t have enough power, you can't really do anything about it. Also, if your main purpose is skiing, go with an inboard...

KCook · Aug 7, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

A 3L will not cut it for skiing. There are runabout designs with an open cockpit layout. But these are called "dual consoles", and are usually outboard powered, not I/O. You will also find the open cockpit in aluminum boats. Which can be either OB or I/O. If you get serious about Tracker, I would suggest one of their aluminum models, not fiberglass. Big outboards, 200hp, will always bring a big price tag. But an aluminum boat can get by with a motor in the 100-150 range. Which will be more reasonable. TxRiverRat has a point about the V8 making resale easier. But boats under 19' really don't need that much power. And most fishermen have a strong preference for outboard motors anyhoo. Fish-n-skis have been discussed before - www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001123 www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001837 www.trailerboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000508 Kelly Cook

bearman · Aug 7, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

KCook What is the matter with Trackers fiberglass boats? Not trying to start a war here but I sure like mine. Of course I am kind of a newbie to glass boats, all my previous boats were aluminum. Cheers Bear

KCook · Aug 7, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

bearman - Heck, if you like it, just enjoy it. I happen to like the construction by other builders better. Difference of opinion. Kelly

sfels · Aug 8, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

What about the Bayliner Trophy? I've got a 20ft Trophy with a 150hp Merc and it is perfect for fishing and does OK pulling an occasional skier.

dhammann · Aug 8, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

My,my!! what a bunch of wimps today. 40 years ago it was the norm to see 60 & 75 hp boats pulling skiers. I have a 4 banger and have no trouble at all even with one ski and 4 adults in the boat. If you are going to slalam ski then it is a different story....get a Ski Nautique. For family fun and salvation of your pocketbook a 3.0 litre will serve your needs. Fish & ski? Just remember, when you combine, you compromise. Good luck!

YellowTJ · Aug 8, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

I'm very happy with my Glastron 17.5 Fish & Ski. I'm considering upgrading to a newer model next year and seriously looking at the Glastron GX 185 Fish & Ski model. Best combination for getting out and doing some fishing early in the morning then taking the family tubing in the afternoon.

Uncle Fred · Aug 9, 2002

Re: Purchasing a new Fish & Ski Boat

2 cents more... For a year or more I checked over different model fish and ski boats. Wasn't interested in pulling skiers, just a dual purpose boat with a lot of intergrity, good ride, good warrantee, unsinkable, and worthy of salt water use when it isn't too rough out there off the Mass. coast. To shorten the tale, I ended up with TRITON'S SF-19 and a Merc OptiMax 200. For my purpose, 1 livewell is plenty. (I don't catch much) The ride is solid and comfortable. She's wide and very stabil. There is plenty of storage space too. I ordered mine 2 days before the Merc 5 year warrantee expired back in april. The 200 with a 21" tempest prop in a hole shot will put you into the seat like an early 60's muscle car. She's been up to a little over 65 with more to go and that's where I back off. 45 to 50 is plenty fast enough for me. If interested I suggest you do a lot of shopping as prices vary a lot. Or contact me at fred_massicotte@maxtor.com. Uncle Fred

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