Tracker v. Crestliner v. Alumacraft

[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.