WTB: Crestliner, Lund or Tracker which one

[basscat]

Ok, here's the story, my neighbor a few houses down wants to buy a new boat, it's to fish the local lakes. He's about to retire in 2 years, I think he said he'll be 66.

He's had a few boats before and sold them, they were all fiberglass salt water type boats up to a 25', but never owed a tin boat.

He's looking for something he can carry his grand baby in, she's 2 years old as well as his son and daughter in law and maybe a buddy.

The boat can either be in the 17' or 19' range maximum. It will be of a new boat purchase, he's never purchased anything used, I can tell by his cars or trucks too, lol.

Of the 3 boats mentioned (Crestliner, Lund or Tracker), what are some of the pro's and con's of each?

You don't have to be an owner of these and second hand experience or internet news is fine. If you have such a boat, great.

What would be your ideal boat to fish Castaic, Pyramid, DVL if money (or the monthly payments) were not a problem?

[shinbob]

Well, in terms of reputation for quality, it's generally Lund > Crestliner > Tracker. Coincidentally, it's that same order when it comes to price as well, funny how that works.

Lunds are riveted, while Crestliners and Trackers are welded, if that's important to you. But it's not really clear that one is always better than the other. Lund owners say that welds aren't flexible and can crack, and welded boat owners say that rivets can loosen and leak. I believe there's some truth to both sides.

Lots more Crestliners and Trackers in the local area, until recently there wasn't even a Lund dealer in southern california.

Otherwise, it really depends on what your neighbor wants to do with the boat. You might want to check out walleye central, lots of posts there about multi-species tin boats.

If money were truly no object, then I would frankly go for a Ranger fiberglass multi-species boat. 619 series if he mostly fishes and wants to have a little watersport fun, and Reata if it's the other way around. Tin boats get blown around by the wind, and don't ride as well in the chop.

[P.A.W.]

If he (I) were going to fish big waters as in Midwest or south US then I'd say Crestliner or Lund. But for the little reservoir lakes around here I'd have no problem recommending a Tracker V hull. You say money isn't an issue so if he's the kind of guy who wants bragging rights or just the feeling of having "the best" then a Lund or Crestliner would be top choice. For sheer $ value the Tracker would be up there. Any of the three would give him years and years of use and satisfaction. I think, since any of these would perform anything he needs, that he needs to see and feel them all first hand and go by first hand impression. Can't imagine any real hidden caveats.

[Dsrt Tortise]

If I were shopping for a new boat like You described I would go straight for either a Lund or Smokercraft. Both of these boats are leaders in there respected price ranges. You can now get a Lund locally in Southern California at Last Chance Performance Marine at Hemet CA. They have a great selection and some there that are not on their web-site. I would pick a Smokercraft over a Alumacraft had I the choice because they have developed most of the innovations you find in the aluminum boat market that Alumacraft and Tracker among many others have copied .

DsrtTortse

[TroutOnly]

..............crestliner................

[muskyman]

crestliner