Tell me what you guys think about this boat

[adk_vfr]

So I am currently looking to replace my bass boat with an aluminum deep v walk through type boat. I do alot of trolling now when I fish and the bass boat just isn't cutting it anymore and I want to start using down riggers. ive been looking for several weeks now and all the boats I find that are what im looking for seem to run pretty pricey as they are usually lund's or smoker crafts that are in the configuration I want and even used seem to be around 10 or 12 grand. Im looking to spend half that or less. I found a 1994 spectrum 18 sport near me and the boat looks good only problem it has a force 120 on it and I have read alot of varying reviews on them. The boat I currently have is a 1990 thunderbolt bass boat with a 1990 johnson 90hp on it. Im gonna try and post some pics of it here and you guys can tell me what you think.

 

[saumon]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

Force are obsolete engines and most of the parts maybe hard to get. Are you selling your current boat? If not, you could run the Force till it dies (could be many years), then swap the Johnson onto it. That boat being rated for a max of 125hp (Boat: 1994 Spectrum by Tracker Marine 18 Sport), the 90, while not a speed demon, will be enough.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

I had the 16'8" version of that boat/hull.

It is very light weight compared to other aluminum boats, and extremely light compared to a glass boat.
It was Brunswick's first attempt at a welded hull boat.

I was fine with my Force, but did not like the hull.
It floated real high on the water.
Blew around terribly in the wind.
Very stern heavy, or light in the bow.
Rode poorly in rough water, and porpoised badly.

I sold mine because I felt it would not last.
I was seeing distortion in the bow area of the hull from hitting waves.
Pushed in bad enough that you could see where all the supports were welded inside.

One nice thing about it, the transom is cut out nice so you can bolt a kicker on real easy.

 

[adk_vfr]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

Most of my use will be in the lakes of the Adirondacks where I won't be running into any super rough waters or anything compared to what guys who fish big lakes would see. May be a rare trip to lake Champlain but possibly not I fish tupper lake and the Adirondack park. I priced it on nada and with the few things he had on it it showed a price from 3500 to 4100 high with the motor only adding about 500 dollars of value.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

Spectrum is kind of known for being on the low end when it comes to aluminum boats.


Lund is known for being kind of on the top end.

I would look for something different, either a Starcraft Sylvan or Bluefin if you want somewhere in the middle.

 

[adk_vfr]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

I was under the impression that a blue fin is also a spectrum boat isn't it

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

I was under the impression that a blue fin is also a spectrum boat isn't it

I think it actually depends on the year.

 

[adk_vfr]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

I'm researching like crazy and finding all kinds of different info about spectrum I've read that blue fin spectrum was bought by Brunswick in the 80s. Some sources all stated that they used star craft hulls in the 90s. Kinda crazy sorting through it all but I guess my budget will be the deciding factor 4 to 5 grand being my limit. Mostly what I find is pleasure boats in my range in aluminum they tend to be plain Jane aluminum boats with tiller motors.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

Post what you are looking for and where here and we will find it

http://forums.iboats.com/starcraft-boats/starcraft-c-list-ebay-428279.html



http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/4382545178.html

A little underpowered but that hull will handle your 90

And it looks clean as a whistle

http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/4365368569.html

Big Starcraft Mariner.

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/boa/4341407266.html has potential

 

[jestor68]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

I've owned two Force(85 and 120) motors and found them to be super dependable.

With no oil injection system to fail and ruin the motor, it's one less thing to worry about.

Calling them obsolete is a little misleading, since his 1990 Johnson could also be termed obsolete.

The major marine suppliers carry any part you're likely to need for the Force motor.

I'd buy a Force motor before any Johnson or Evinrude.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

Also kind of ignore NADA it doesn't work for boats. It is about the market where you are and most importantly the condition of the boat.

 

[adk_vfr]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

That star craft is super clean the only problems I'd have with it is no casting deck in the front and doubt it has a live well but it does look nice. Think I'll get ahold of the guy in Syracuse see if he will send pics I'll be driving through there to look at the spectrum.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

you'd have to yank out all that carpet that's everywhere--even on the dashboard! that's insane.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

Blue Fin made riveted boats. For some models, they used Starcraft hulls.
This was in the 70's and 80's. These boats were tough.


About 1989 ? , Brunswick bought Blue Fin and started their welded hull experiment.
These boats were not so tough.
They were basically an aluminum Bayliner.
After a couple years, the Blue Fin name disappeared.

 

[adk_vfr]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

to home cookin why would carpet need to be yanked out everywhere im confused

 

[DAN M VAGOS]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

I had a force 50hp on my bayliner. It was a 1989 and when I got it it was seized and after oiling it and working the crank it freed up. I ran that Motor for four years beating The snot out of it. And when I sold it a couple weeks ago the compression was still 125 on both cylinders. And parts for it are still readily available the motor was far from obsolete. The best thing for you to do is to try to Test on the water before you purchase it. And by what you like and what you think will work for you The advice on here is great but it all boils down to what works for you and how much money you have to spend. If you listened to all the naysayers then you will never own a boat in your life.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

I own the same boat in the 1996 model, and mine has the merc 90/2 stroke/1997 model outboard. I replaced a Lund Tyee with this boat and paid $4k for mine 4 years ago, with the Merc which I view as much, much better than the Force. Run the Force through a compression check and then decide if the boat/outboard suits your needs.
Mine is used on inland lakes, great lakes for trolling salmon, and jigging for walleyes in the Detroit river. I have a bow mounted 24 volt trolling motor on it, as well as a 8 hp merc kicker in back. (triple redundancy LOL). The higher sides make it a very good all around boat, but you're right about it not quite measuring up to the Lund boats. Other than that the boat runs, drives, and handles the job well. It's basically about 1/2 the price you would pay for a used Lund of the same vintage and size. If resale is part of your equation, that Force will affect your interested buyers. Most view it as less than Merc, Johnson, Yamaha. It may not offer the same resale value the other outboards will. I know I would not buy a boat with a Force outboard ever. May not be fair, but Iv'e seen enough to know the quality is just a bit lacking on them, I owned a 15 HP kicker by Force (it was on the Spectrum as a kicker for trolling), and it was a real dog, sold it as quick as I could. If you keep looking you will find another Spectrum with a better power plant, but it may take some time.
Mine needs new carpet and some vinyl work, but other than that, it's in decent shape, no rot, just some sun burned vinyl and other small cosmetics. I think it listed new at $19,500.00 w/o the stuff I added, nice graph with GPS and the trolling motor. It's already rigged for down-riggers too. Bimini and cover, single axle trailer. The good thing is with a tin boat is it will never rot!! Good luck with your choices and search.

 

[64osby]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

That Mariner could be an awesome fishing boat. The front can easily be converted to a casting deck if it isn't already. Asking price seems high but until you look you never know what condition the boat is in.

Unless you're sure the Spectrum is a Starcraft hull I'd be a little shy to pull the trigger on it. Haven't read many good things on them. Starcraft purchase is a safe bet 99.96% of the time.

 

[adk_vfr]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

Bought the spectrum the guy threw in a bunch of stuff and came down to 3500.00 motor ran good and compression test was in the high 130's on all cylinder's. The hull is in excellent shape and I am not worried at all about it handling any lakes I'll be on

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Tell me what you guys think about this boat

Good luck. Hope she is good to you for a long time.