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1860 purchase, which brand?

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mathews8pt

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Looking to upgrade my bowfishing/duck boat this year. I currently have a 1648 flat bottom and it does most of what i want, but the 16" sides make for a scary duck season, even on the smaller lakes around here. I was thinking of going to a 1756-1860 this year. Im afraid i wont feel like a 1756 modv is big enough to justify the much higher cost of this boat compared to my older 1648 that got me around fine for the most part. So, my question is would you hold out for a 1860? Im going to be buying used as well, 2005 ish and newer.

Also, which brand is best if i can find the right deal? I like the looks and layout of G3 boats and i believe they have the widest beam ? Grizzlys seem kind of narrow on the beam, will it make much difference? Ive seen some tritons, alumacrafts, weldbuilts, etc but dont have experience to know the real world differences.

Thanks for the help guys, I hope this boat will last me a while.
 
#2 ·
I'd wait for the 1860 over the 17 for sure. Are you putting platform, lights,kicker,troller or stripper pole on it? As far as brands. Hull thickness is a big deal. I think the Grizzlies are 1/8" now. Triton and Lowe is the same exact boat. Good luck.
 
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#3 ·
Alweld with 30 inch sides. I have a 2070 and love it
 
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#4 ·
I certainly would hold out for a wide 18'. I don't think an 1848 or 1852 would be worth it unless it was really cheap and easy upgrade - basically swapping over the old deck and such. Those are usually riveted anyway at least partially. I would say 1860 minimum upgrade, 1872 wide preferred, especially if you are looking to fish some more people out of it.

Currently we fish a 1648 mod v and a 1448 flat front. I find they are about the same stability wise. I don't think you would gain anything but softer ride and extra temptation to fill the length with another person if you go from a 1648 flat to a narrow 17 or 18 ft mod v type.

As to which brand, I am not qualified for that opinion. Good luck with search and keeping patient. This time of year, I'm sure you are itching.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Jepruitt80 said:
I'd wait for the 1860 over the 17 for sure. Are you putting platform, lights,kicker,troller or stripper pole on it? As far as brands. Hull thickness is a big deal. I think the Grizzlies are 1/8" now. Triton and Lowe is the same exact boat. Good luck.
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It will just be a troller boat. I mainly shoot smaller lakes with little to no vegetation to deal with. 8 50 watt and 2 8 watt leds from my 1648, 4 batteries and maybe a small generator this year. 3-4 guys(ive fished 3 on the flush deck of my 16 with no problems). a 40-60hp would complement it just fine i think. If it did 25mph loaded id be pretty happy i think, i dont typically have to run far from a boat ramp.
 
#8 ·
look for a welded hull, and the thickest hull you can afford. Alweld, weldcraft, and weldbilt, are all great boats I personally have an old SeaArk, and its been a good boat, wished the hull was a lil thicker tho. I would not go smaller then an 1860 tho, cuz your going to fill it up pretty quick with, gennys, bows, coolers, batteries, and everything else.
 
#11 ·
I have an alweld 2070 with 30" sides as well. its REALLY nice to have really high sides when its cold out. keeps some of the spray from getting to you. you can look at lowe and all the heavily marketed brands, but for a few bucks more (sometimes same price or less depending) you can get a custom hull made to fit your need. Allweld, seaark, wareagle, weldbilt, prodigy all can take care of that. One thing to look at as well, if you are planning on having the hull for a LONG time, don't skimp out on $300 extra to get what you want and what will last.
 
#14 ·
Pre '07-'08 G3 boats have plastic wrapped treated wood in the transom. Pre '06 they have just treated wood (no plastic wrap). Treated wood and aluminum DO NOT MIX. '08 and newer have all aluminum transoms.

If the wood gets wet and cant dry, the aluminum will corrode. G3 STRICTLY follows their warranty guidelines and will not back any second owner boats, no matter the situation. Ask me how I know.... :headbang:

Just a heads up in case you didn't know.
 
#17 ·
He would definitely appreciate the 70" bottom over a 54 or 60.
 
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