Crappie Boat

[hammerhead 50]

I'm going to buy a crappie boat but want some ideas on the right kind. A boat that you can ride the lake on windy days.

[CrappieHusker]

I had a deep V Smoker Craft (very similar to a Lund) on the lake here. We often have a lot of wind (and a lot of waves from the big boats). I liked the safety of the boat because waves would not be problem as far as coming in the boat. But, I traded it in after about 2 years as there was so much boat surface that the wind would catch, and the trolling motor just could not keep up with it. I went to Bass Pro and almost bought one of their models--crappie or another similar jon-boat style boat. I never thought I would buy a jon-boat style boat but after my experience with the wind with the deep V I changed my mind! And on the way back from Springfield we stopped at a Landau dealer and saw a Landau 17' 3" that I really liked, so we bought that. Two live wells, two depth finders and a 50 horse Suzuki 4-Stroke. I troll a lot and the 4-Stroke is great for that!
Just my opinion, some guys really like the deep V.

[hillbilly_gunner]

You can ride any lake on a windy day with the new Triton crappie boat. It is 19'6 and has no prob on those windy days.

[caseydrew]

I personally would MUCH rather be in a fiberglass boat if you fish a rough lake. The fiberglass won't get blown around as much either due to the weight.

[1weezer]

I have a Triton TA-196 crappie boat and it is by far the best boat I have ever had. Big wind is no problem in this boat. If you have ever been on Kentucky Lake on a windy day, you would want one of these boats.

[LIL' Joe]

Things I look for off the top of my head. Not crappie specific.

Other things to consider:
1. Size of front deck. Can 1 or 2 people fish off of it.
2. Need a bait tank or live well? Automatic pumps?
3. Place for rod holders on bow, sides, and stern.
4. How hard will it be to wire lights for night stalking?
5. On board battery chargers.
6. Are the electronics wired back to a circuit breaker panel?
7. Hydraulic steering vs cable steering.
8. Storage for rods and gear. Does it have a gear storage system?
9. Got a bilge pump?
10. How well does it ride if it gets rough?
11. Top speed. (What are you comfortable with? Does it go fast enough?)
12. Fuel economy.
13. Preferred 2 axle trailer depending on length and weight.
14. Type of trailer brakes. (Electric or surge)
15. Need a swing away tongue on trailer? How much room do you have if stored inside.
16. Is your tow vehicle large enough to handle it?

Boards for all types of boats: http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/

[btillman]

I would go with the new War Eagle Crappie Boat or of course the natural choice is a ranger.

[gahunter]

One important thing in order to respond would be is do you have a limited amount of money to be spent and what kind of truck/suv do you plan on using to pull this rig with?. If money didn't matter and I could buy a new truck/SUV, I'd probably probably buy a big fiberglass boat like the Herrington Crappie Master or equivilent. Jim Duckworth (a professional crappie guide) also makes crappie boats which might be worth looking into.

[DRPEPPER]

I own a stick steer. If you have a bunch of rough water, you wouldn't like it. But, since most of my fishing is done alone, it is the best for me.
DP

[Big Ed]

I have a tracker pro crappie 2000. It is my very first boat I have ever owned and personally think it is the perfect fishing rig for two guys and if your budget is low. It is very light and wind can be a problem, but with the 45lb trolling motor moves it with ease. just my 2 cents....