Tracker v. Crestliner v. Alumacraft

[colklink]

Hello. I read the boards ocassionally, but new to posting so please bear with me. Looking at buying a deep-V boat. So far in our search we have found the following that interest us thus far. (We've ruled out Lund/Starcraft). Resale value isn't a huge factor as we will likely keep it for 10 years. (Right now we have an '88 Sea Nymph w/30 Johnson . . . time to upgrade).

07 Crestliner Fish Hawk SC 17 w/90 Mercury (new)
06 Alumacraft Navigator SC 165 w/75 Yamaha (new)
07 Tracker V-18 Tournament Series All Fish w/115 Mercury Optimax (used)

The Tracker seems to have the edge, but has been used a few times. The Crestliner is only 6" longer than the Alumacraft, but same beam w a little less motor. Anyone fished any of these boats or older models and what are your likes/dislikes? I appreciate any feedback given.

[stockcars6]

crestliners ride the best, but it is sure hard to beat the craftsmanship of an alumacraft

tracker with a 115 would be a nice lake boat

[BarkelyPup]

I know this boat wasn't on your list, but have you ever thought of a Monark. This is the boat that I own and I love it. I have a 195 King. The difference in the Monark from the rest of the Deep V's is that there is a bench seat in the back that folds down to extend the back fishing deck. Only one I have seen with that option. I know some of them such as Lowe makes the little seats that fold down but this does not compare. It makes at least 2.5 more foot of back deck when extended. Makes it an all around boat. I can put my 21 month old and my wife in the back and I can fish. It's worth looking into anyway. Only problem is that I couldn't find a local dealer within 150 miles of me. I had to go to Kent Ohio to get it. It was worth it though. And to top it off it the 20' Monark was $2000 cheaper than the Tundra that I looked at with a smaller motor. The 17' King would be great with a 115 on it. Do everything you can think of fish, play or what ever.

Just google Monark Marine.

BP

[big_cat]

Alumacraft is my choice. Very strong boat. Love the tournament sport 195. Very roomy easy to fish and will run right at 52 mph with a 150 merc. Get the full curtain set up. I was fishing in 20 degrees with snow falling, zip up the curtains and strated my little buudy heater it was very warm inside there.

[kydonky]

I know this boat wasn't on your list, but have you ever thought of a Monark. This is the boat that I own and I love it. I have a 195 King. The difference in the Monark from the rest of the Deep V's is that there is a bench seat in the back that folds down to extend the back fishing deck. Only one I have seen with that option. I know some of them such as Lowe makes the little seats that fold down but this does not compare. It makes at least 2.5 more foot of back deck when extended. Makes it an all around boat. I can put my 21 month old and my wife in the back and I can fish. It's worth looking into anyway. Only problem is that I couldn't find a local dealer within 150 miles of me. I had to go to Kent Ohio to get it. It was worth it though. And to top it off it the 20' Monark was $2000 cheaper than the Tundra that I looked at with a smaller motor. The 17' King would be great with a 115 on it. Do everything you can think of fish, play or what ever.

Just google Monark Marine.

BP

I have a 1989 crestliner v170 phantom sport fish. My crestliner has the rear bench seat that folds out for a fishing platform and has a pedistal seat base. I can use the passenger seat, pilot seat or front pedistal seat in this base. Agree Monarch makes a great boat as well.

[HURRICANEBOB]

Are Monark now Starwelds? http://www.starcraftstarweld.com/Showroom/

[npt12001]

I don't think the Tracker is a deep V it is a mixture of the deep v and a modified v. If you don't buy the Tracker let me know where it is. I am very interested

[colklink]

Thanks for the input. I think we have it narrowed down to either the Alumacraft Dominator or Navigator vs. the Crestliner Fish Hawk series. The Alumacraft seem to have the edge, but both lines have the features and setups we want.

The Tracker would be a little tight if we ever had to fish 3. Anyone interested it is in Tipton, IN. Check out www.boattrader.com. (I should get some commission.)

[npt12001]

Thanks for the heads up on that boat. I am going to look at it soon

[Navigator 175]

I recently purchased a 2009 Navigator 175 CS. The boat is very well made, the layout is perfect for our family and very comfortable when fishing two. The fit and finish are both refined and practical. The hardware seems solid; time will tell. There are enough creature comforts on this boat to hold my attention for years to come. The boat handles rough chop with ease while keeping the occupants pretty dry. I could not find a better boat for our use; recreation and fishing. Walking around the boat is effortless with something on the line. I have a Carver top and extra seats for the family.

I elected to power with a 2005 Honda 75 with 100 hours and SS prop. It will do 25mph with two 200lb men, gear and a load fuel at 80% power. Top speed is 37mph by myself and ¼ tank of fuel. The power is great for my needs. We fish Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Louisiana/Texas line which is littered with submerged trees at waterline and there are not that many boat lanes on our end of the lake that I feel comfortable at WOT. You may want to consider more power if you have significant water to cover to out run a storm. I want to add a Lowrance with GPS and weather in the future to take some of the guess work out of planning day trips. The Navigator 175 CS can take up to a 150 and what a thrill that would be.

My only complaint is the size of the rear deck. I may carpet a storage box and place it so there is more space to stand when I am not feeling lazy.

Finally, there are some unbelievable deals out there on this boat if you are willing to look for a few weeks. I found the boat, motor, trailer, depth, 24v Minn Kota w/autopilot , all batteries, two extra seats, top and a cover for $11,300.

Hope this helps. Let us know what you decide.

[peter]

Where does one look for a deal like that? Did you purchase from a dealer or individual?

Anybody know the best online place to look for a used alum V hull?

Any help appreciated.

[kydonky]

I found my crestliner phantom v170 sport fish, MK 55 lb, Hummingbird 798 side image, trailer, full towing cover and 75 hp merc 4 stroke $3999.00 on Ebay. What was the catch???? The boat is old (1989) but in excelent shape. The aluminum last forever and all the flooring is good. Had to replace livewell pump. The boat was repowered with the 2004 75 hp 4-stroke and it runs like new. Had to drive to Benton Harbor Mich. and bought it in late oct. (way out of their boating season) test drove the boat on the sisters lakes and ran a compression check on motor before I closed. I though I purchased the motor and basically got the boat free. I've had it out a couple of dozen times and really like it.