10-14-2009, 04:46 PM
You're doing your homework! The tiller is just too hard on the driver, in my opinion. It also limits the horsepower, and underpowered boats NEVER work as they are designed. It also puts undue stress on the outboard because you have to run it too hard. I rarely ever need to run my outboard near full-throttle. It will turn 5500 rpm. 4500 is my cruising speed. That DOUBLES the gas mileage, and is much easier on the motor in the long run.
I also have a center-console fiberglass boat at present. Even at only 16-feet, it rides much smoother than the Lund. I think it's because the hull is just smoother. It tends to slide over or cut through the waves instead of bounce over them. Its more slippery. Also, most fiberglass boats are not as flat bottomed as aluminums. Remember, the Alaskan is a flat-bottom boat except for the very front, and that's not in the water much when on plane. Flat bottoms=rough ride. Sharp hulls=smoother ride. Also, like you said, fiberglass doesn't vibrate like aluminum does when you're taking a beating. Its just more "solid."
As for the Panga, YES!!! If I couldn't have my Alaskan, that would be the next boat. If I ever move to Florida, that's what I'll probably get. They are great! I've never owned one, but I've ridden on a few. They're dry, smoother than aluminum, roomy, efficient, and pretty durable. Check out some of the captains using them in Florida.
If you go to Alaska and visit the coastal eskimo villages, all you see is Lunds. Their lives depend on their boats. If you go to Mexico, all you see is Pangas. I wonder why???
I had a customer who owned one of those Warriors too. I fished in it a few times, and it was a very nice boat. A little too much boat for my needs, but I'd take it!
You've got the right idea. Wet test first!!! Be sure to have some friends with you so you get a real test with the boat loaded. Most any boat will ride nice on a smooth day with two people on board. Add one or two more, some batteries, a full tank of gas, some whitecaps, and some "goodies," and its a whole other craft.
Load it up and get out in some chop!
I've come to the conclusion that there's no "perfect" boat for multiple situations. The good captains in Florida have several boats. You just have to decide what your priorities are. For me, with the Alaskan, its all about durability and ease of use, and the kicker is its ability to get us off the lake when the gale comes up. I don't have to wax it (Hell, I never even wash it!), its easy to lauch and load by myself, it takes a beating, its wide open for fishing (I've removed the lounge seats and 2/3 of the windshield), and has a vinyl-covered wood floor. No carpet to clean, no fiberglass to mark (and then need cleaning.)
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I also have a center-console fiberglass boat at present. Even at only 16-feet, it rides much smoother than the Lund. I think it's because the hull is just smoother. It tends to slide over or cut through the waves instead of bounce over them. Its more slippery. Also, most fiberglass boats are not as flat bottomed as aluminums. Remember, the Alaskan is a flat-bottom boat except for the very front, and that's not in the water much when on plane. Flat bottoms=rough ride. Sharp hulls=smoother ride. Also, like you said, fiberglass doesn't vibrate like aluminum does when you're taking a beating. Its just more "solid."
As for the Panga, YES!!! If I couldn't have my Alaskan, that would be the next boat. If I ever move to Florida, that's what I'll probably get. They are great! I've never owned one, but I've ridden on a few. They're dry, smoother than aluminum, roomy, efficient, and pretty durable. Check out some of the captains using them in Florida.
If you go to Alaska and visit the coastal eskimo villages, all you see is Lunds. Their lives depend on their boats. If you go to Mexico, all you see is Pangas. I wonder why???
I had a customer who owned one of those Warriors too. I fished in it a few times, and it was a very nice boat. A little too much boat for my needs, but I'd take it!
You've got the right idea. Wet test first!!! Be sure to have some friends with you so you get a real test with the boat loaded. Most any boat will ride nice on a smooth day with two people on board. Add one or two more, some batteries, a full tank of gas, some whitecaps, and some "goodies," and its a whole other craft.
Load it up and get out in some chop!
I've come to the conclusion that there's no "perfect" boat for multiple situations. The good captains in Florida have several boats. You just have to decide what your priorities are. For me, with the Alaskan, its all about durability and ease of use, and the kicker is its ability to get us off the lake when the gale comes up. I don't have to wax it (Hell, I never even wash it!), its easy to lauch and load by myself, it takes a beating, its wide open for fishing (I've removed the lounge seats and 2/3 of the windshield), and has a vinyl-covered wood floor. No carpet to clean, no fiberglass to mark (and then need cleaning.)
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