Thread: Express H18PFC vs War Eagle Predator

Anyone have the Express? Likes vs dis likes? Im looking hard at both of these, thinking of maybe purchase a new rig in this summer. Never had a brand new boat before and with the new job thinking about doing it

Those are both good boats. You just have to chose on which one you think is layed out the best to rig it like you want for your style of fishing. I have almost got my G3 like I want it now. I have been working on it changing things around for 4 years now. Of the two boats that you mention...I think I like the War Eagle the best.

I agree with G-3, between those two I like the War Eagle. The Express still seems like a bass boat that has been tweaked for crappie fishing, you can tell the War Eagle was designed from the start as a crappie boat.

You know, if it were my money I would have to look hard at the Xpress HD18PFC SS. It is a Silver Series which is their economy line so it lacks some features and storage but I actually like the layout for crappie fishing better than the H18PFC. I'd gt it rigged with a Yamaha f90tlr and with the money I saved over the other two I would upgrade to an 80# Terrova with universal sonar and I-Pilot and an H-bird big screen side image sonar.

I have owned a War Eagle, but not that particular model. I can say they pay close attention to every detail. It is a very good boat. If I sold my Ranger, I would own a War eagle (the same model you are looking at) again.

On the main crappie page there is a company posting for ideas for their newest crappie boat. I believe it was called Excel Boats. I went to thier site and they have some very cool and innovative looking stuff.

Still would buy a War Eagle.

Robert, I was seriously considering a Predator 861 last year. I spoke with John Ward the owner of War Eagle Boats and he is a very nice guy. They have a great reputation as far as customer service goes. The 861 is built for crappie fishing. You would look good at Talquin in a new red one.

War Eagle, hands down..

I can't speak for Xpress but the Customer Service at War Eagle is second to none. They really stand behind their boats.

I have owned an Xpress bay boat, and have a small Wareagle. I would say the Wareagle is better quality.

DK, If you are planning on putting 2 seats up front, War Eagle is the way to go. I went to the War Eagle Factory and they are right, John Ward is one heck of a nice guy, and they make a super boat. Now, for me, I usually fish by myself, no need for the 2 seats, so for my money, it's SeaArk. I wanted 2 small changes to the Forcast 170c and they are willing to make them for me at no extra cost. They too, are super people, in the same town too.
SeaArk Boats - Forecast 156

This pic shows the layout, and is the same for the 17 ft.