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Member
Posts: 514
Location: Darboy USA | I'm in the market for a new boat and my list is getting smaller, pretty much down to these 2 boats now. Both boats will have 150 Opti's so motors will be the same. Based on the fact that I will fish some small tournaments on Bago and Green Bay, am I that much better off in the glass? Does the extra foot in the FH give me any advantages?
What about speed and maintanence of the boats? I'll also be fishing with the family in the boat so keeping the glass boat free of dings could be an issue when using anchors, etc?
Any thoughts or experience in either rig would be appreciated. Thanks. |
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Posts: 3899
| I've spent a substantial amount of time in the Fish Hawk, and some time in the Triton. The 1850 is bigger, for sure. But it doesn't ride nearly as well as the 177. I was impressed with the 177. It fishes bigger than it is. Meaning, it handled the waves well, tracked really well, plenty of room for two for trolling boards, nice livewell size, good storage. I was quite impressed with it.
The biggest issues with the 1850 will be the ride, and the wind blowing it around.
Each boat should get to 50, the 177 a bit more, maybe 52-53. If it was my choice, I'd probably go with the 177. But I'm sticking with my 1890 Tuffy.
Good luck with your choice. See you on the water. |
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Posts: 1382
| Anchors will ding the glass so yes, be careful. Both are good boats. Crestliner will have a bit more room and more storage and it's a little more utilitarian. It may have a slightly better ride in certain types of waves due to its slightly longer reach. Triton will be a little better ride in some situations and quieter and a little quicker. Those are probably the main issues. |
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Posts: 192
| The Triton will probably be a little deeper on the inside vs the Crestliner. I have little kids, so that was an issue when I switched to fiberglass. I have heard that the Fishhawk's storage up front is not very waterproof. The Triton storage up front should keep your things pretty dry. I have a glass boat and anchor a lot. No dings yet, just have to pay a little bit more attention before you lift the anchor in. I also have a storage bin in the boat that I use to keep the anchor in. Keeps it from bouncing around, and keeps the carpet clean. My Dad did have a 1650 fishhawk and liked it very much. He is now thinking of going back to the fishhawk, only a 1750 or 1850 this time. |
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Member
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Location: Darboy USA | Thanks for the replies guys, very helpful. It gets to be overwhelming nowadays with all the options and prices getting thrown around. Hard to make heads or tails of what the best route is. I'm leaning towards the 177 at this point just based on what I'll be doing with the boat, have been in the 205 quite often and love that boat, just don't have the dough to buy one!
Any other tips or info would be great. |
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Posts: 105
| I run an 1850 Crestliner and was on the bay in some big waves last June. Fill that font livewell half full of water cut the speed back a bit and you will cut through those waves just fine. Leave the livewell empty and you WILL get a bumpy ride that is forsure. It will be a wet ride no mater what but she handled the water fine. No problems with the wind either when trolling. Couple adjustments and a windsock a time or two and it was fine.
My vote, go for the additional room and get the crestliner. My top end with a yamaha 150 F4 is 52.5 GPS.
Tom |
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| Can you get a full windshield on the 1850? You can on the 177, and I actually liked that when I was in it in the late fall 2 years ago. Could be another factor to consider for the rest of the family.
I wasn't meaning the 1850 would have wind issues while trolling, but when up front on the TM. The ones I were in tended to be susceptable to the wind, and more imput on the TM to keep on the break or structure. The 177 sits pretty low and level, so that seemed to be a plus for it.
The 1850 is a nice boat, and I think better for muskies than walleyes. But I'm a glass guy again, so my nod goes to the 177. |
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Location: Darboy USA | Did the full windshield take up too much room in your opinion? I'm leaning towards the double bubbles just for a little less room taken up, but still some protection for my passengers. Did you troll in the 177 at all? How was it room wise and having say 3 guys in there? I know most boats are tight when setting lines for trolling so probably either way 1 guy has to sit on the bow I'm sure. Did the one you fish in have the storage pods in the back? Those would be nice, but then I'd lose more floor space back there as well. Any other tips or suggestions? Thanks for the input Shep. |
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Posts: 3899
| IMO, no, the windshield did not take up too much room. Make sure you get one of those big plastic clamps to hold the cent wndshield open to the solid side.
Yes, one day we trolled muskies with 6 lines out all day. I got my first 50+ that day. There was plenty of room for two back there, but 3 is too many, even in my boat. I usually have one of the 3 in front watching, or whatever.
This was a 2006? 177, and I'll have to look a som pictures. I'm pretty sure it had the storage pods in the back, and a decent livewell. I don't care for those pods, but then, I don't like them in the Rangers, either. |
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| Haven't actually been in either boat so really can't comment. Did however check the 177 out on Triton's website. Looks nice, suprised to see however that this boat weighs 1950 lbs. Seems like alot for a 17.5 footer, may just be an indication of how well its constructed.
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