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what kind of boat?
To all you wise crappie fisherman/fisherwomen. I plan on buying a boat here in the next year when I get ready to return from Korea. My question to you is what kind of boat do yo uall like better, glass or metal? I'd a Triton TR20 and sold it due to the fact that I'm going oversea's. It was a great boat but a little to much for crappie fishing. I have been looking at a few metal boats but have never fished out of any. I know that each person has their own opinion what I want to here what you all think. Also, I plan on fishing decent size bodies of water, that have a lot of boat traffic. ie. LOZ, and Truman lake. Thanks for your help everyone.
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Your preference! I have had both. The aluminum boat has some great features such as, light weight, cheaper, requires less motor, less maintance, less worry about runnig her upon the bank in a strong storm. Glass is heavier for a better ride and is usually a little larger, this size does require more engine thus more fuel. constant cleaning, I feel safer in a bigger boat due to the fact I am getting older and less stable as I stagger around in the boat. I think your question will generate a lot of different views. For me bigger is better, so I run a 18 foot Hydra Sport with a 150 outboard. Best I have used yet.
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I have fished off both and my family has owned both. Had a 17 ft Tracker that I loved. It was great for just my Dad and me but got alittle crowded if more than 2 went out. Also if you are going to have small kids the bigger boat gives them a little more room to move around in it. But that is just my feeling on it.
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Hey guys,Iffen I was going to buy a big boat I'd go look at Jerry Blakes Blue wave guide boat. Super comfortable and would fish all my kids and grand kids.
My wife even liked it. Hope this helps, Joe
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I'm not sure about Truman but if runnin' LOZ a bunch Think big and buy bigger. I think in a alum boat I would get a 2072 with proper power. Dad has a wareagle 2072 with a 115 optimax that will handle a lot of water. Rigged pretty nice for fishing. One advantage with alum boats is you can easily customize your layout. I am looking at a 2072 Sea Ark. It has a little more weight than the War Eagle because of the .125 hull. Cn't help ya much on the glass boats but I see a ton of tritons running around here. Much moreso than Rangers which would be second. If not trolling the brush much and for night stalking I would like a pontoon!!
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I like fiberglass boats,ride better,handle better in rough water.
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where bouts in korea are you at? I was stationed at camp page, up near chunchon back in 67/68. i prefer the roominess of an aluminum boat over a comparable length of a fiberglass boat. I am fishing out of a 20 ft sea ark, being doing so since 1999 and have fished out of quiet a few cc glass boats of friends of comparible length and larger and have yet to find one that was as comfortable and roomy as my sea ark. the heavy glass boats do ride better in rough water tho but the bumpiness of the sea ark aint nothing i cant live with. its also a very stable boat and deep enough that i feel safe in it in any water ive been in yet.
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triton has a new crappie boat out. it is a 19 ft fiberglass boat. it is laid out very nice for the crappie fisherman. set up for two seats up front for trolling. i have a buddy who has one and it is a very sweet boat
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aluminum
Hands down aluminum. You are going to get your butt kicked in some big heavy water at times, but over all they are the only way to go I think. Sure a $30,000+ boat would be great, but I'm out on the water to fish not to worry about getting some blood or dirt from a nightcrawler container on the carpet. Also, like was previously stated you can customize the layout of an aluminum jon to YOUR liking, they require less power and should you hit something then 99% of the time aluminum is going to bend not puncture / splinter like fiberglass.
Also, I ditto the comments on size. Sure the bigger the better, but you can get aluminum jons up to 26'.
I'd recommended Sea Ark or Excel. The War Eagles are nice, but overpriced. Check out Excel out of Arkansas. Smaller builder, but they build top notch boats to your specs for unbelievable prices. All welded and fitted with all the amenities and great warranties.
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boats
Triton has come out with a TA196, It is a crappie boat that is a nineteen and a half foot boat. It is the 196 hull that they use on the tr196, The carpet on the floor and for deck can be removed if you are worried about slime getting on the carpet. The carpet is velcroed to the decks in the front and floor. I mention this boat only because you are familiar with Triton. The boat is laid out nice,and it is a heavy boat,weighing 1910 pounds. Good luck with your choice,and hurry home.