Banger68

Still waiting for mine from the dealer. Ordered the wrong part ... going to be another couple weeks.

Hidden Valley in Normandale is opening this weekend I think. But it is well away from the lake (not dragging the boat by hand).

Around $50K

The pickings are getting slim now.

- many members have strong opinions on the 2 stroke VS 4 stroke debate - look back far enough and somebody has fished the spot your going to.

Sharp rig. Enjoy!

That is awesome being able to see your boat come together peice by peice. I'm excited enough just getting one off the dealers floor. Getting the step by step must be really getting you anxious.

This is not my 1st boat. It's my 1st new boat. I did some looking around for used but I didn't find what I was looking for or the price difference between the used and new didn't make it worthwhile. I admit that I didn't beat the bushes real hard though.

There is a 7' compartment, but nothing to hold the rods.

Sounds like you are going through the exact process I just went through. The one thing I found odd about the Pricecraft was the lack of proper rod storage. I decided on 2 stroke, but it took me awhile to decide.

I got several quotes at the boat show. Then I went around to the dealers and they all beat that quote when they know I was also looking elsewhere. There are a couple incentives from Mercury and Minn Kota that I got for my boat. You tend not to get these in the fall as much. I was fairly picky about what I wanted (options, colours, ect) so I bought in the spring. If your not so picky might be able to swing a deal in the fall leftovers. A few other thing to watch out for too. Interest rates will be going up this summer if you are getting a loan and there is a chance the US dollar going to start comimg back. That will drive up the price of anything that has to be ordered.

Could you give me the address for the Long Point Forum? More info the better.

Thanks everybody for your opinions/comments. I decided on the Sylvan Expedition Sport 1800DC. Admittedly there are other boats out there that are better fishing boats but the Sylvan seemed to offer the best balance between fishing and sport/cruise. I'll put up a couple pictures when I pick it up.

How comfortable have you guys/gals found the small jump seats (in Starcraft, Smokercraft, Tracker, ect) in rougher weather?

I made trip to a Starcraft dealer today. There isn't a model with the rear bench. They have a model line called Starweld, but they are not available in Canada yet.

My van has the tow package with the aux tranny and oil cooler. But I fully agree and would never tow without the tranny cooler.

I was looking at an 18 combo at Bass Pro on Sat. It has the little jump seats at the side instead of bench. All of these little seats were not well padded and probably uncomfy if it is a little rough. It did not have any enclosed rod storage (thought wass odd on a Tracker) and the sides were pretty wavvy where they were welded to the transom. But they do have alot little touches that are nice and it come with 4 removable seats.

I'll have to go have a look. they have a model that suits my need. Didn't notice it at the boat show.

I did look at Crestliner. But it like others doesn't convert to a cruise/watersport aswell as the three I mentioned. The Super Hawk was probably 4th on my list. They look like a real nice fishing boat though.

I have been talking to Dan at Port Colbourne on some of the Sylvans they have.

I've been comparing for a couple years now. It's hard to find a boat that does all well. Tough to get a balance, The Alumacraft do not suit the non-fishing mode as well as the boats I mentioned. The Sylvan, Legend, and the Princecraft are all very close in dimensions. Have a look.

Thanks, but it isn't in the driveway yet.

I agree that it appears to be the better finished boat. But the 17' doesn't have proper rod storage which I found odd. But is it $3k-$4k better? Not sure. Do you own one?

All three are bow riders that convert into fishing platforms. I've been trying to make sure I don't fall into the underpower trap. But the next step up from 115 seems to be a $$$ one.

After a couple years of looking I think I'm finally going live a dream of mine to buy my first new boat. I'd like to get opinions/discussion on a few things. This will not be just a fishing boat but also a family boat (skiing, tubing, and cruising) I boat in Lake Erie (bit in Lake Ontario, and Huron), the Kawarthas, and in some small lakes up on the Bruce Pen. So I've decided that 17'-18', full windshield, and rear folding bench are some of the main options that I need. I've think I've narrowed it down to three. Sylvan Explorer Sport Legend 18 Xcalibur Princecraft Super Sport Anybody have experience/own these? For the next while I will be towing with a minivan, and is one of the reasons I’m staying with an aluminum boat. It has the tow package and the boats are well within its tow rating. Anybody have problems at launch ramps with FWD with this kind of weight? I’m planning on getting a 115 hp Optimax or E-Tec. That should give me plenty power for a day out fishing or water sports. Anybody have experience on maintaining these engines? I keep getting conflicting reports on what has to been done for each brand. Welcome any experience/opinions. This is a big deal for me and I do not want to get something I regret in a couple years. Thanks Bill