Walleye Fishing Dream Machines
Part Two

by Mark Romanack

Yesterday we examined the features that have made the specialized walleye boat a mainstay of the 1990s. Today let's look at the 1996 models that are in stock and waiting at your local marine dealer.

If a new walleye/multi-species boat is in your future, there's good news and bad news. The good news is there has never been more models to choose from. The bad news is you'll probably have to settle on just one!

Alumacraft

New for 1996 is the Alumacraft Competitor 170 series. Available in tiller, side-console, and deluxe side-console versions, the Competitor 170 is 16-feet-10-inches long and features a 79-inch beam. Recommended horsepower range on the tiller version is 40-60 horsepower and 50-135 horsepower on the side-console models.

A 23-gallon fuel tank is standard in all three models. Other standard features include insulated/aerated livewell and baitwell with timer and light, lockable rod locker, forward battery storage, bow storage, and ice chest in the 170 Sport model. For more information on Alumacraft boats call 612-941-6818.

Champion

Long known for producing performance fiberglass bass boats, Champion added a new member to their line of multi-species boats for 1996. The 180 Fishunter replaces the formerly offered 176 Fishunter with a boat that claims more length, width, storage, horsepower, and fuel capacity.

"Introduced in 1989, the time had come to redesign the 176 Fishunter," says Ken Ellis of Champion Boats. "Our customers are demanding larger boats with more horsepower and fuel capacity. The 176 filled a niche among midwestern walleye, pike, and musky anglers, who needed a performance boat without a performance price tag. The 180 Fishunter guarantees to fill the same niche only with a little more space and a few more creature comforts."

The Fishunter 180 stretches 18 feet down the centerline and is 90 inches wide at the beam. Rated for 175 horses, Champion offers anglers their choice of factory-rigged Mercury, Mariner, Johnson, Evinrude, or Yamaha motors.

At the back of the boat, the 180 features a primary livewell large enough to accept trophy walleye, northern pike, or musky, plus a baitwell for keeping minnows/leeches or walleye, bass, and other fish up to 20 inches.

A deep splash-well keeps out waves and the transom is wide enough to accept a kicker motor. The fuel tank accepts 40 gallons, plus there's room in the bilge area for a six-gallon kicker tank.

A generous front deck contains an eight-foot rod box, plus two large dry storage boxes and an insulated cooler for soda, bait, or food. Batteries, built-in chargers, and other accessories may be stored in the front dry box or in the bilge area.

Available only in a single-console version, anglers will find plenty of space on the console top for mounting a graph and GPS unit.

Perhaps the ultimate walleye muscle boat, the Champion Fishunter 190 stretches 19-feet-4-inches down the center line and a whopping 96 inches wide! This fiberglass deep V padded hull is rated to handle a 225 horsepower outboard for top speeds in excess of 70 mph. The cut down transom design allows ample space for mounting of a kicker motor on either the port or starboard sides of the main outboard.

Available only in a double-console model, the front deck extends to meet the consoles, making for a huge forward fishing platform. Two eight-foot rod lockers plus a huge dry storage compartment are housed in the front deck.

The back of the boat features a pair of oversized livewells with a deluxe aeration/recirculation system. There's additional storage under the driver and passenger seats that doubles as an insulated cooler.

A 44-gallon fuel tank rests in the floor and there is plenty of room in the bilge area for a six-gallon kicker fuel tank, four batteries, and built-in charging unit.

For information on all Champion fiberglass boats, write 201 Spur South, Mountain Home, AR 72653 or call 501-425-9043.

Crestliner

Long respected for their welded-hull construction, Crestliner's 1750 Pro Am Dakota Sport will go a long way towards pleasing anglers looking for a mid-sized boat with a smooth, dry ride. Stretching 17-feet-6-inches in overall length, this model features a 87-inch beam and a beefed-up hull made from .090 aluminum.

Available in both a tiller and console version, the tiller has a recommended horsepower range of 60-80 and the console version 60-140 ponies. Both boats feature a baked-on acrylic finish, 17-degree V hull, Uni-Weld hull, and 10-year hull warranty.

The console version is built to fish with an aerated 24-gallon livewell on the port side and a baitwell in the stern. The front casting deck contains rod storage and dry storage. Battery storage is in the stern and a 29-gallon fuel tank lays in the floor.

Available with a wrap-around style windshield, second livewell, electronics package, and many extras, the 1750 Dakota Sport is also available factory rigged with OMC or Mercury/Mariner outboards. More information on Crestliner Boats is available by calling 612-632-6686.

Fisher

Fisher's SV18DC features a welded aluminum hull 18-feet-4-inches long with a 86-inch beam. This dual console offers an ample front deck and raised casting deck in the stern. Rated to handle Mercury/Mariner 150 outboards, standard packages include a 115 horsepower outboard, MotorGuide electric motor, AM/FM cassette, and Lowrance X-25 fishing graph. The fuel capacity is 30 gallons and the transom is designed to accept a kicker motor for trolling applications. For information on Fisher Boats call 800-622-8181.

Hydra-Sports

A multi-species boat is what Hyrda-Sports calls their new model 171. Ideal for bass, walleye, pike, or musky fishing this boat features a unique interior layout that allows for casting, drifting, or trolling.

The boat measures 17-feet-5-inches long and sports an 85-inch beam. A 30-gallon fuel tank matches up nicely with the 150 horsepower outboard rating.

Features include a deep V hull for a dry ride in rough seas, extended horizontal livewell large enough to hold a trophy musky, built in baitwell, ice chest, rod storage, and plenty of dry storage.

Livewell controls and other switches are mounted on the roomy console. A 12/24 volt OMC electric motor and X-22A Lowrance depthfinder are standard. In addition, the transom will accept an electric motor or gasoline kicker.

Factory rigged, all Hydra-Sports boats feature a five-year hull warranty. More information is available by contacting OMC at 708-689-5422.

Lund

The proudest new member of the Lund family is called the 1950 TYEE Magnum G.S. This fish and ski combination provides all the features needed for serious fishing or water recreation.

Measuring 19-feet-8-inches long and offering a 90-inch beam, this boat fits the gap between the 1850 TYEE and 2100 Barron models. Rated to handle up to a 200 horsepower outboard, this hull is also available in a Mercruiser or Volvo I/O version. A 60 gallon fuel tank (55 gallon in I/O) provides this boat with an unprecedented cruising range.

Standard features include no-feedback tilt steering, curved automobile style walk-through windshield, twin-plated, double-riveted deep V hull, ProLong Livewell system, lockable rod storage, and premium-quality paint and graphics.

Lund's popular 1890 Pro-V Signature stands as one of the most popular walleye tournament boats. The Gary Roach edition is a 18-feet-10-inch long, 91-inch wide tiller rig. Rated to handle a 90 horsepower tiller-controlled outboard, this rig also features plenty of room on the transom for mounting a kicker motor or electric motor.

Other features include a 38-gallon fuel tank, lockable electronics command center, twin-plated, double-riveted deep V hull, ProLong livewell/baitwell system, and lockable rod storage.

This same hull is also available in a console version rated to 190 horsepower outboards known as the 1890 Pro-V DLX.

Ranger

The most famous bass boat manufacturer in the world has expanded its line of multi-species boats in the Fisherman series. Both the 690VS and 692VS are 18-feet-9-inches overall and feature an outboard rating of 175 horsepower. "These models feature a restructured V-entry hull and 'VS' nine-inch engine set-back that boosts performance," says Ranger Pro Staffer Ted Takasaki.

A step-down transom readily accepts a kicker motor for trolling. The 692VS versions features a walk-through windshield, 16-gallon aerated livewell, 12-gallon baitwell, plus carpeted rod and gear storage compartments, 42-gallon fuel capacity, and Teleflex steering.

Ranger boats are factory rigged with your choice of Johnson, Evinrude, Mercury, Mariner, and Yamaha outboards. Other options include MotorGuide or OMC electric motors and Lowrance electronics. For more information contact Ranger boats at 501-453-2222.

Skeeter

Builders of performance bass and walleye boats, Skeeter recently introduced a mid-sized fiberglass boat ideal for bass, walleye, or musky fishing on small inland lakes and rivers. The 1650 is 16-feet-4-inches long and 80-inches wide at the beam. Available in console or tiller versions, the horsepower rating on the tiller is 115 and 60 on the tiller model. Both boats feature a 22-gallon fuel tank, two fishing chairs, raised fishing decks, rod boxes, and aerated livewell with timer.

The flagship of Skeeter's walleye fishing boats is the 1850. Available in both single-console and double-console versions, the boat is 18-feet-6-inches long and offers a 88-inch beam. Rated to 175 horsepower, anglers will find two eight-foot rod lockers built into the front deck, plus battery storage and a baitwell.

Two tournament livewells are offered at the back of the boat featuring a freshwater pumping and recirculating system that operates on a timer. Fuel capacity is 41 gallons, plus anglers have the option of a six-gallon built-in kicker tank.

New for 1996 the 1850DV is a "fish-n-ski" style boat. Built on the 1850 hull, the boat features a walk-through windshield with a livewell and dry storage built into the front deck.

The back of the boat features a spacious interior with four seats and a baitwell. Fuel capacity on the 1850DV is 33 gallons. For more information write Skeeter, Inc., One Skeeter Rd., P.O.B. 230, Kilgore, TX 75663, or call 903-984-0541.

Sea Nymph

Sea Nymph's newest addition in the walleye boat class is the TC195, a deep V twin console. Features include outboard horsepower to 150, two livewells (one in the bow and the other in the stern) plus a Lowrance X-25A graph and pull-out lure/drink tray. Contact OMC at 708-689-5422 for more information.

Starcraft

Starcraft's top-of-the-line walleye boat is the Tournament Pro 180. This fiberglass boat features a dual console, cut-down transom for kicker motor, built-in setback plate, 18-foot-6-inch length and 95-inch beam. Maximum recommended horsepower is 150.

Anglers will appreciate the dual livewells located at the stern of the boat, plus ample dry storage for and aft. Other unique features include flush-fit rod holders, recessed cleats, lockable rod storage, and an optional walk-through windshield. For information on Starcraft boats call 1-800-622-8181.

Tracker

In 1996 Tracker will muscle its way into the fiberglass muscle-boat category with the Targa 2000. The longest boat currently available in the walleye tournament class, the Targa measures 20 feet from transom to bow and sports a 94-inch beam. Rated to accept Mercury and Mariner's powerful 225 horsepower outboard, anglers may also choose from 150, 175, and 200 horsepower engine options.

Standard features include cockpit seating for four, front battery storage with space for three batteries, two rod boxes, two large capacity insulated livewells, 50-gallon fuel tank, plus 10-gallon kicker tank, hydraulic steering, and six-gauge electric motor wiring.

Also new for 1996 are the Targa 17 console and tiller boats. Built from .090 marine alloy the console version is rated to accept the 125 Mercury and Mariner outboards.

Standard features include aerated livewell with timer, Tempress seats, rod box, carpeted floor and gunnels, lure box with trays, ensolite insulation inside storage lids, 27-gallon fuel tank, baitwell with bucket, and large instrument box.

All Tracker boats are sold as pre-rigged packages. Anglers can choose from various upgrades on outboards, electronics, and electric motors. For more information write Tracker Marine, 1915-C South Campbell, Springfield, MO 65807, or call 417-882-4444.

Yar-Craft

Yar-Craft recently redesigned their popular 1990 Michigan. This deep-sided Great-Lakes-style boat features a 19-foot length, 90-inch beam, and whopping 46-inch depth. Recommended horsepower is 120-185. The 1990 hull is a deep V capable of handling rough seas with ease. Customers may choose from 36-or 49-gallon fuel tanks.

A walk-through windshield provides protection from the elements, and a more spacious splashwell allows for ample storage of batteries, charging units, oil reservoirs, and such. Also new, Yar-Craft has added a second livewell and a extra bulkhead storage compartment. Both consoles are wired for accessories, an excellent feature for anglers who plan to mount a second graph, GPS, or marine radio.

Options available include air-injected livewells, livewell timers, a three-drawer tackle box, canvas tonneau covers, and many other goodies. For more information on Yar-Craft boats call 906-863-4497.

Warrior

Warrior Boats has made a strong showing in the fiberglass walleye boat market during the past couple years. The V177 Side Console is one of the major reasons this newcomer has made such an impact. This 17-foot-6-inch glass hull features an 83-inch beam and 150 maximum horsepower rating. A 36-gallon fuel tank with dual pick-ups is convenient when using a four-cycle kicker motor.

The V177 features two livewells, including a 30-gallon well in the bow and a 16-gallon livewell in the stern. There are two rod lockers, plus a locking electronics storage, battery storage, and a 16-gallon ice chest.

Other unique features include a reinforced deck for mounting downriggers, soft touch vacuum-formed dash panel, and dual-cable tilt steering.

For big-water fishermen, Warrior offers the Series 21-21 Dual Console Eagle. This 20-foot-8-inch craft features a 96-inch beam and a whopping 275 maximum horsepower rating.

Built for big water, the 55-gallon fuel tank is complemented by a 30-gallon livewell in the bow and a 16-gallon well in the stern. A battery storage compartment fits neatly into the floor, plus there's two rod lockers and a glove box in the passenger side console. For more information on Warrior Boats call 612-963-5005.


Copyright (c) 1996 Mark Romanack. All rights reserved.

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