Thread: Crappie Jon Setup Questions / Alweld Marsh

My opinion on the boat pictured. The front deck is a foot too short from front to back, mount seat bases as needed once extended. I had a 16’ stick boat that had a front deck and it was very uncomfortable so used very little, also short. The 25 will do until you decide to upgrade, a few more ponies is a help but not absolutely needed. The wider, the better and reverse chines add greatly to stability. Rod holders in the back should be accessible from rear seat without turning around. Hi-Tek can make bases to mount to the wall of the boat and be removed vertically. Those would only require short risers. Look at the extreme models, love mine. 70 lb TM a must, I got sent home early from a small TM.

Here is a low front deck model in Express, may be a tad more user friendly for spiderrigging 2 up front

https://xpressboats.com/utility-series/

I have had 1648 and they r good for 2 people 3 is tight ..that's just my opinion..I went with a 1756 weldbilt and love the extra room ..I when with the 64 in deck and it's just right for 2 people..I got the flat bottom because the front deck it bigger but the draw back is rough water it will beat u to death..like a few have said shop around and try to look first hand not just a pic

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Alweld can build deck extensions when building the boat. Options are on the bottom of the page https://www.alweld.com/custom-boats
I would check the difference in price between the 1648 and the 1652 or even the 1656. Going 2" more in bottom width equals a 5" wider beam.
Go to boattrader.com and look at some as built boats at some dealerships. I've been contemplating a Alweld for a jet setup for our rocky rivers/inland lakes.

I would definitely consider a wider boat. 56 or 60. I had a Weldbuilt 1860 and loved it. Like a dummy I sold it. The only time I let my wife talk me into something I really didn't want to do and have regretted it ever since.

Originally Posted by JBhunter45

Alweld can build deck extensions when building the boat. Options are on the bottom of the page https://www.alweld.com/custom-boats
I would check the difference in price between the 1648 and the 1652 or even the 1656. Going 2" more in bottom width equals a 5" wider beam.
Go to boattrader.com and look at some as built boats at some dealerships. I've been contemplating a Alweld for a jet setup for our rocky rivers/inland lakes.

• Called the dealer to check on the deck extension he will call me back.
• Starting to move away from this boat as I think everyone is right front deck is too small.
• Sent Eagle a PM I like his setup! Need make and model
• Other factor not stated previously - fitting it in my garage and not taking the whole garage up. Boss woman is already not thrilled with a boat in the garage but that's one thing not negotiable :P

Thanks for all the help everyone! I'm trying to make this my last boat purchase, at least for a very very long time. I have college and wedding expenses coming down the pipe, so I gotta get it while I have the money!!

1860 weldbilt is a hoss of a boat with the super high sides

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Several members on c.com have this type pondtoon. My wife and I are in our late 70s. The pondtoon is ideal for us. It is a 1672 and is prefect for us. We love the boat. I have a stick steer crappie jon, but seldom use it. Age has it's limitations.

This rig has electric steering (my own design and implementation). I looked at hydraulic steering first. Too messy to implement. I have a duffel bag to carry my baits in and a plastic basket to carry utilities such as pliers, screwdrivers, etc. Storage is under the seat pedestals. I don't carry much with me, just the necessary.

THIS IS A STABLE BOAT.

Simple suites me now.