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Thread: Aluminum vs Fiberglass for Crappie

  1. #21
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    One short word answer,,,,,GLASS
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  2. #22
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    If you haven't looked at xpress check them out. They were originally Alweld (I think) and they were the original all welded aluminum boat. They are built like a tank, but they are beginning to get up there in price. They have different levels like anything else, but mine is older, and It hasn't given me any troubles. It's an 03, got it in 05 and it's been fished ever since. It sets a little low in the water in the back because it's got a 90hp 4 stroke, 12 gallon tank, and 2 batteries in the rear. I have had it up to 50+ by 2 gps units. I usually cruise it around 30mph and it gets good fuel economy. I've fished 3 solid days at Santee without getting fuel. Don't be afraid to shop around, I see people buying trackers, but when we priced them you can get twice the boat and way more hp for the same money. I haven't looked at ranger very much, but I imagine they are built well, everything else Ranger builds is. Sea Ark is very no frills and built like a tank as well.
    Fishing is a science, study, experiment, fail, and succeed...then start over tomorrow. Yeah I'm a science guy.
    03 18ft Xpress Jon boat Center console 90 HP 4stroke Yamaha Humminbird 1199HD SI
    97 14ft Polar Kraft Jon boat 85 Johnson 30hp Lowrance Elite 5 DSI
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  3. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by mattbowen61990 View Post
    If you haven't looked at xpress check them out. They were originally Alweld (I think) and they were the original all welded aluminum boat. They are built like a tank, but they are beginning to get up there in price. They have different levels like anything else, but mine is older, and It hasn't given me any troubles. It's an 03, got it in 05 and it's been fished ever since. It sets a little low in the water in the back because it's got a 90hp 4 stroke, 12 gallon tank, and 2 batteries in the rear. I have had it up to 50+ by 2 gps units. I usually cruise it around 30mph and it gets good fuel economy. I've fished 3 solid days at Santee without getting fuel. Don't be afraid to shop around, I see people buying trackers, but when we priced them you can get twice the boat and way more hp for the same money. I haven't looked at ranger very much, but I imagine they are built well, everything else Ranger builds is. Sea Ark is very no frills and built like a tank as well.
    Thanks for the input Matt. I am taking my time and looking at a lot of boats. I fish for crappie mainly but also like hugging for catfish, bass fishing and bream fishing occasionally. I will check out xpress. How is the storage?


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  4. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by NC Crappie View Post
    Thanks for the input Matt. I am taking my time and looking at a lot of boats. I fish for crappie mainly but also like hugging for catfish, bass fishing and bream fishing occasionally. I will check out xpress. How is the storage?


    Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
    Not sure with the newer models, but mine has the open floor. There are 2 compartments in the front deck, and a rear deck that has 3 seats, and a door to access the tank, and 2 batteries. The front larger compartment has enough room for 2 Group 27's, life jackets, battery charger, and some fishing stuff you want to keep out of the way. Font smaller compartment holds the anchor, extra 100ft of anchor rope, and some tools. I also throw about 15 Catfish jugs in there if I'm planning on fishing with jugs. I usually rod fish, but if I want to do a little crappie fishing at the same time, I'll throw out a few jugs. I installed 12 vertical rod holders to keep the rods out of the floor. Only thing on the floor is my coolers and tackle bags.

    Mie has a pretty large front deck, and the large center console, with livewell. So that CC takes up a decent amount of space as it will on any boat.
    Fishing is a science, study, experiment, fail, and succeed...then start over tomorrow. Yeah I'm a science guy.
    03 18ft Xpress Jon boat Center console 90 HP 4stroke Yamaha Humminbird 1199HD SI
    97 14ft Polar Kraft Jon boat 85 Johnson 30hp Lowrance Elite 5 DSI
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  5. #25
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    I'm in the same position as you are now that my boat has been totaled. I'm weighing out the Xpress H20b, the Excel 203 bay pro, Sea Fox 180 Viper and the Saltmarsh Heron 18. I'm leaning toward the Excel bc of the thicker aluminum and a little better in price than the Xpress.
    Ankona Cayenne Kevlar, Suzuki 60
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  6. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fullthrottle View Post
    I'm in the same position as you are now that my boat has been totaled. I'm weighing out the Xpress H20b, the Excel 203 bay pro, Sea Fox 180 Viper and the Saltmarsh Heron 18. I'm leaning toward the Excel bc of the thicker aluminum and a little better in price than the Xpress.
    I will look at those as well. The only places I know of to do searches are boats.com and boat trader.


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  7. #27
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    Quote Originally Posted by NC Crappie View Post
    I will look at those as well. The only places I know of to do searches are boats.com and boat trader.


    Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
    When I was searching for our first boat, I YouTube searched Florida Sportsman Best Boat. They have a ton of videos on 7-10 minute walkthroughs on boats. It will introduce you to some brands you may not have heard of. Only thing is that it is saltwater fishing based.

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  8. #28
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    In my experience I think you should include a few more options that Carolina Skiff in your search. To me they are not a brand that focuses on quality. I have ridden in them from 17 to 24 feet and all pound in even the slightest chop. I have worked on several as well. The earlier ones also had issues with the bottoms coming apart. Everyone has they preferences but for my money and experience I would broaden your search a bit. To answer your initial question........I am a glass over metal guy.
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  9. #29
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    I have a CS J16. I love mine, because i got it basically raw and set it up the way i wanted it. That's one thing the CS has over many boats, the customize-ability.

    On the con side, because it is a skiff, if you fish any rough water (read, any lake with wake boats) a skiff is gonna be a roller coaster ride...it isn't smooth in rough water.

    On the pro side, I launch and land alone (usually) and its easy, plus i can get in some super skinny water that a v or mod v wont even consider.
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  10. #30
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    Thanks for all the posts about different boats. Please keep them coming as I still have a little time before I buy.


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