Rizzo

Salty...and I think thats one thing both boats have going. What I seem to be hearing is that Yamahas are #1 and Suzuki's are a close 2nd

oops and forgot one thing. Can't seem to really find anyone that services alumacraft boats should there be a problem with it. Bay City in Hamilton is no longer carrying them and I can't seem to find anyone else. Anyone know a place that would provide warranteed service on the boat should the need arise?

well said Wayne! At the price point I'm looking at there will always be something left to desire...hence my difficulty making a decision. The good news is, I like both boats so hopefully happy either way. With the aluma I worry that the 70 might be inadequate, with the Smoker I worry the aluma is the better quality boat!

you guys are killing me! Of course its the more expensive one. Nobody concerned about the 70 hp on a max 90 boat? This is one thing that was concerning me about the alumacraft

used to fish pike and bass until I caught my first musky. Now I understand everything else is bait

I wish I had your ability! That's why I'm stuck buying new, I'm too afraid to take a chance on the potential problems a used boat might come with. Good luck!

Thanks to all who have given advice on my other questions, helped me decide on Smoker Craft instead of Lowe, and Suzuki instead of Merc. Was just about to buy the Smoker...and then went to Bay Cty Marine and saw an Alumacraft Competitor 165 Sport with a 70 hp Yamaha. Now just some background - want it to fit in garage which both of these will. Both have full windshield that I also want. The smoker is a bit wider (4 inches) but the Alumacraft a bit longer (8 inches I think) The Smoker is a real sweet looking boat on a sharp looking trailer that will be close to max hp (a 70 suzuki on a max 75 boat). The alumacraft is new as well but from 2012, less flashy in appearance, but looks to be built like a tank (did not see the trailer). It has a 70 Yamaha (also new but 2012) on it but the boat maxes out at 90. Upgrading to the 90 is not an option for financial reasons so I'd be around 80% of max. The 2012 alumacraft/yami is $500 dollars more than the 2013 Smoker/Suzuki. For the most part the boat will be used for fishing on St Clair, me and one other guy. Possibly a little bit of "gentle" tubing - my kids are young and not very courageous. Thanks in advance to anyone who gives advice or opinions, after this I'm buying one of them!

ah beach blanket bingo. Before my time, but still caught a couple Frankie and Annette flicks

slowpoke that boat is MAMMOTH! I'm definitely calling you on the windy days.

Thanks guys for all the info...you have given me the confidence to go with the Suzuki!

my bad...I think the suzuki is only 50 pounds lighter than the Merc., not 100 lbs

...nobody offered the yami

rumour has it there is a suzuki shop in cambridge (I'm in Kitchener). Apparently the zuki is more than 100 pounds lighter than the merc which I assume is a good thing on a 16 foot boat

Just about to buy a new boat...and then got the option of Mercury 75 4 stroke or Suzuki 70 4 stroke. Any feedback greatly appreciated!

...well you did admit you were a sick son of a gun. I will not hold this against you, welcome aboard nonetheless.

don't remind me, been at the past 3 but gonna miss this time. Hope everyone else enjoys it!

thanks for all the input! Looks like I'll do the smokercraft and max it out at 75...that was almost unanimously mentioned and I didn't even ask! Thanks for all the advice. Wife not too thrilled but she just bought 2 new pairs of pants so we're even aren't we?

Need a new boat because I plan on fishing St. Clair this year. I've narrowed it down to these 2 choices, likely put a 60hp on either one. Both have a full console (I'm tired of getting soaked in December). Any input anyone could give on either of these boats would be much appreciated. Although I usually cast more than troll, I expect that might change once I start fishing St. Clair.

...and there is my problem. I have limited days available, so would hate to not go due to moderate weather (plus its fun looking for a new boat!). length of the boat won't be much different, but plan on getting something a lot heavier, with a deeper hull and wider beam. If that translates to a couple extra days on the water its worth it...full windshield might be a consideration too.

ouch...after Lew's comment I did a bit of a search on this site. Don't think I'm gonna roll the dice on a Tracker! Hey Cast Away, how far off from fitting are you? Couple of inches (ie would a 17 fit?). I assume you do have a swing away tongue on it?

Uh oh, did I just open a "tiller-like" debate? Forgot one tidbit of info...I'm also tired of being out in the elements in Nov/December. For a proper top, would I need a full console boat or are there covers that can be added to side consoles that can keep us dry when waves are crashing into the bow and sleet is falling from above? With my current boat, trolling in a bit of chop we would both be covered with ice within an hour or so.

Looks like most of my fishing this year will be in L St. Clair now that we have moved out to Kitchener. Currently I have a 16' Princecraft that I don't think will cut it (not a very deep hull). My problem is storage space. It will need to be in my garage which I just measured out at 19'7". I assume this is pretty standard size for a garage, so I'm wondering what size boat I could fit in there with a swing away tongue...16.5? 17? Anyone have experience with a similar size garage? Secondly, any suggestions on specific boats in that size range that would be better in big water than what I currently have. I did see a 2005 Deep V Tracker for sale for a reasonable price. Any thoughts on Trackers? Thirdly, anyone want a nice litttle princecraft side console (2003) 50 hp 4 stroke let me know! Thanks for all the input.

We spent a week on Pigeon last year on the east side near Peterborough, place called Cadigans Camp. Cottages were "rustic" but they had a nice beach for the kids, and you are close to Peterborough where there is lots to do, including a free zoo/splash pad. Me and my buddy fished a couple of hours a day and nailed a few muskies, and in the heat of the day we'd take the kids out and catch all kinds of panfish. One night we took the kids for an overnight camping trip on Big Island. We felt it was a good "family" vacation with a bit of fishing thrown in for the dads early am and late pm

...was gonna go today but was lazy instead...regret. Looks like you guys did great!

yup...found it out by stumbling across the musky hunter the other night..