Hello all. I have a question for some of you guys.

 I live down here in Texas and looking for some advise on different alluminum boats. Right now I have a Tracker 18ft that just beats you to death in rough water. I have gotten the go ahead from the war dept to start looking for a new boat. So needless to say I have been on the net looking at all of the deep-v's out there and have talked with some of my buddies and a few guys from the local forum but I am looking for an outside perspective. You guys handle some rough water on Lake MI and I hope you can answer some of my questions.

A little back ground on what I am looking for in a boat.
1. Must be able to handle rough water
2. Space-I tournament fish for cats and need space for coolers, bait tanks and homemade livewells along with all the other crud that seems to make it in the boat on tourney day.
3. Livewells- Not as important if there is enough space but would like a 20 and 30 gal livewell.
4. Must be able to go shallow (alot of our fishing here in the summer is done in 2-5ft of water)
5. Durable- Most of my fishing is done in timber and I am always banging stumps.
6. Something that I can take the family and friends out in when not fishing.
7. Length- Looking at the 20ft models (again for the space)
8. Price- Looking in the 25-35,000 range (would like to stay around the 30,000 mark but if the boat is right...)

So if y'all have any sugestions or imput please I would love to hear it. I have looked at the usual suspects (Lund, Crestliner, Lowe, ect...)

I am also interested in the Legend 20Xtreem and 20Xcalibur. But can not really get too much info on them. If any of you have owns/ridden in one or know of someone that has one if they are worth a darn.

Thanks for your time.
Ken

If you're going to be running in ruff water then stay away from welded aluminum. Flexing & vibration is welded aluminum's worst enemy (just ask Batteryman on this site, he'll tell you). The Lunds are great boats but priced to high. Alumacraft makes a great boat. They are independently owned so they don't have to bow down to the motor companies so you are able to buy the boat with any brand motor that you want.

If you really want a smoother ride & a boat for family activities then a fiberglass boat is the way to go. Take a look at Stratos boats. They are made in the same factory as Ranger boats from what I have read & been told by boat reps & they cost less.

Welcome to the site Ken. I have a Starcraft Pro-Elite 2000 so I`m a little partial to Starcrafts. They have been building Starcrafts for over 100 years and really are made with quality and durability in mind. Although my Pro-Elite 2000 isn`t made anymore there are several aluminum model boats that will fill you needs. Quite well I might add. Here is the website for Starcraft to do some research. I really like the STX model. but check out the Fishmaster, Superfisherman and Mariner models too. Good luck in your search for that dream boat.
http://starcraftmarine.com/?page=showroom

You would never regret fiberglass over aluminum.

Welcome to GLF.

h2o

Thanks for all the replys guys.

Czar I have looked at the Starcrafts as well and is in my top 5.


As far as glass I would love to go that route but as much sticks as I am in when I am out there I just dont see glass lasting all that long getting beaten in the trees and stumps. I need something that can go through hell and back and ask for more  .

Thanks again and great site you guys have here.