Thread: First crappie fishing boat

I have a 18’ ranger r80 with a mercury pro xs 150hp. Tmotor two lowrance ti9’s finders with structure scan and rod holders, great condition boat and motor have been very well taken care of $7500, only issue is cosmetic the right fiberglass fender has a spot about the size of your hand where it was hit in the parking lot and the bench seat upholstery has a few tears that have been patched with same color duct tape, I have always run non ethanol 89 gas in here with amsoil hp oil, if your serious I can text ya some pics, she’s white with the red ranger stripe and the fiberglass fenders are red, she has been very good to me and I want to give her a good home, only reason I’m selling is I bought a 21’.

Originally Posted by gobbler

I have a 18’ ranger r80 with a mercury pro xs 150hp. Tmotor two lowrance ti9’s finders with structure scan and rod holders, great condition boat and motor have been very well taken care of $7500, only issue is cosmetic the right fiberglass fender has a spot about the size of your hand where it was hit in the parking lot and the bench seat upholstery has a few tears that have been patched with same color duct tape, I have always run non ethanol 89 gas in here with amsoil hp oil, if your serious I can text ya some pics, she’s white with the red ranger stripe and the fiberglass fenders are red, she has been very good to me and I want to give her a good home, only reason I’m selling is I bought a 21’.

This is what I was talking about. Sounds like a good boat.

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Originally Posted by Jman5626

Agreed. I looked at that listing and wished I could afford it. It looks like a great setup.


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Just some input on that boat. Keep in mind that most boats first have to be made your boat, and then they’ll need maintenance. Older boats are gonna need that much more upkeep unless you’re lucky like I was. Getting a good one up front that is mostly set up puts you money ahead. Just my opinion.

Also, if you look into a deep v walk thru windshield type boat, try to look for reverse chines. The chine is where the bottom comes around to become the sides. If this is round it will rock back and forth seemingly nonstop like my 16’ basic Lund did. That’s the reason I sold it. Great boat, never leaked, my back was always sore when the day was done. Just more input.

Anyone have thoughts on a 2005 nitro 898. I am looking into one and was just wondering if anyone has owned one or has thoughts on that boat. Thanks!

I was in your shoes a couple years ago. I was infatuated with spider rigging. I also deer hunt the river so I wanted an aluminum to do both. I bought an 18ft sea ark. Best boat I ever owned as far as the shape it was in and mechanically. It made me go into cussing fits on windy days tho, so I sold it and bought a 21ft Triton. If your looking to get into mainly spider rigging, I strongly consider a heavy glass boat. I was running double chains off my sea ark and was still sailing wherever the wind wanted me to go. That's not the case now.

I have been thinking about selling my 2006 g3 eagle 165. It was my first crappie boat and has been a great one for sure.

Originally Posted by jonken23

Thanks! I am definitely leaning towards aluminum hull.

Always fun looking for a boat! The best boat for you depends on a few things. The lake, or lakes you will fish most often that could help determine what size outboard you want. A good rule of thumb is having the max recommend size for that boat, unless you will be fishing horsepower restricted lakes.

How many people you would like to have on the boat with you? as previously mentioned.

Aluminum is great for towing, if you have much distance to travel. Glass boats handle rough water better though, also previously mentioned a deep v aluminum might be the best of both worlds.

I bought a used aluminum Polar Kraft last spring from a gentleman on this site. 18' with a 90 horse Evinrude. It only had around 100 hours on it for less than your budget. It's not perfect, but I sure have enjoyed it! It's a all welded hull, that is a good quality design. I wouldn't hesitate to add Polar Kraft to your list of possible brands.

Best of luck, and enjoy the process.!


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