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[RainbowMan]

Thanks for sharing the info and insights. I found this topic very useful as I've been in the market for the past 2-3 months. I think I'm now down to a couple of options but need to get your view to this as this is going to be my 1st boat:

1- Lund XL Rebel 1625 with 40HP Merc

2- Alumcraft 16 with 25 HP Honda

The main usage will be in the local lakes and upper Fraser for family fishing. I have 2 kids who love to go on a lake for fishing and they are still years before considered as adult children  I don't think that I'll be using the boat in the salt but if I do, it will just be for crabbing in the Burrard Inlet/Indian Arms area or chasing the pinks in the Lower Fraser in the odd years. Towing shouldn't be a problem with my V6 SUV but I'd like to understand the difference, pros and cons between the Merc and Honda/Yamaha motors. Obviously with Honda you get what you pay for but is it going to justify the extra $$, compared to Merc for the kind of usage that I will have?? Do you guys have ideas/suggestions for any other type of boat other than the ones that I've listed above??

[Jewelz]

The boat that sits on the top of my list right now is the Alumacraft V16 with optional floor and side console. Powered by a Tohatsu 20hp.

Take a look at Legend boats and Polarkraft.

[RainbowMan]

Take a look at Legend boats and Polarkraft.

I did look at the Legend Xcalibur series. WIth a 40 HP Merc it could be a good fit for my need but I didn't hear good reviews about the durability of the boat plus the resale value may not be as good as Lund or Alumcraft. Is that true?

[Jewelz]

That I don't know.

[canso]

I would pick the lund since it has a 40.

a 25hp wont get your family on plain.

[wacker]

We have narrowed it down to 3 boats; Alumacraft Fisherman 145CS, Polar Kraft 1578 WT SC and the Legend 14 Prosport SC. We have done away with the jon.

 If anyone else can suggest an aluminum boat with a side console for around $9000 that I haven't thought of, please share! Thanks.

I would not recommend the legend brand... friend of a friend has one and managed to punch a rib through the hull while pounding waves in the chuck. Apparently all that legend would do is a half my friend patch job as part of their warranty.

[RainbowMan]

Thanks for the heads up. I have heard similar things from other sources. Any idea how Lund will deal with a similar situation while the boat is still under warranty?

[Jewelz]

I would pick the lund since it has a 40.

a 25hp wont get your family on plain.

Really? I was only thinking of getting a 25hp at the max.... so I should look into getting a bigger engine?

[Driller]

A 25 HP two stroke is pretty good.  It will push a 14 foot boat along good with a full load.  Always go for the most power the boat will handle.  IF its rated for a 30 put a 30 on it.

[Jewelz]

If you had a choice between a 50hp 2 stroke and a 30hp 4 stoke, both at the same price, which one would you choose?

[canso]

50hp 2 stroke

[Driller]

50 HP 2 stroke.

[RainbowMan]

I don't like it that Lund and Legend are both forcing Mercury engines. With Alumcraft you still have a choice to pick your own choice of engine brand. I have heard that Yamaha motors are the most reliable among the 3 major brands. If that's correct is it going to justify the price difference for an average user (150-200 hours/year)??

[RainbowMan]

What do you guys think about the ALumcraft boats and how do they compare to Lund and Princecraft in terms of durability and fishability in tidal waters?