February 25, 2011
Thinking of getting a new fishing rig this year? Good news: It's a buyer's market.
By Gary Lewis
If you're in the market for a new boat or motor this year, you are in luck. This maybe the best time in recent memory to go shopping for a bass ride, drift boat, raft or a walleye sled.
Whether you are looking for your first boat or your next one, there are dozens of choices in every category, some with options never available before. Today's boats are more comfortable and more space-efficient than most anglers can imagine. Advances in outboard motors make today's powerplants more powerful and more fuel efficient than ever. Best of all, it's a buyer's market.
READ: Four Outboard Motors You Should Know About
Each year the manufacturers roll out their new models. Here, with your first look at what's hot and what's new, is your Game and Fish guide to the latest boats and motors for 2011.
READ: Tips For Buying a Boat Trailer
Alumacraft Competitor 175CS
Alumacraft's new Competitor series includes the Competitor 175 Sport, 175CS and 175 Tiller.
The Competitor 175CS is a 17-foot, 8-inch side-console design with a width of 95 inches at maximum beam and a maximum depth of 43 inches; 23 inches to the floor. Rated for a maximum 150 horsepower, the 175CS is 25 inches high at the transom. The steering system is hydraulic. The fuel tank holds 38 gallons and the boat dry-weighs 1,285 pounds. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price is $21,199 with Evinrude motor and trailer. alumacraft.com.
Check out the 2011 Bass Cat Eyra on page two
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2011 Bass Cat Eyra
This boat gives anglers the flexibility to choose between an economical 175-horsepower and a radical 285-horsepower engine with the ability to push the needle to 70 mph. A 20-foot, 2-inch boat, it weighs in at 1,650 pounds with a fuel capacity of 52 gallons. Built of fiberglass with a vacuum molded transom, the boat retains its handling characteristics and employs a new running surface, redesigned for better air flow and entrapment to make the most of a gallon of gas. A new console was designed to accommodate a Humminbird 1197 or Lowrance HDS-10. This console offers the optional NexSysLink gauges with an LCD display of multiple functions and BCB integrated touch pad. The on-deck tackle storage was redesigned with removable stainless wires that adjust to fit varied Plano-, Flambeau-, or Falcon-style tackle boxes. Located within the center tackle storage is an integrated net scabbard. Dockside, lighted handrails and pop-up mooring cleats make securing the boat easy. Minimum storage length is 25 feet. basscat.com.
Check out the ClackaCraft Fly Pod on page three
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ClackaCraft Fly Pod
Redesigned for 2011, the 16-foot fiberglass Fly Pod offers fishing comfort and convenience in an easy-to-row drift boat. Storage is enhanced with passenger pedestal dry boxes and walk-on dry storage boxes that can hold 10-foot, two-piece rods, tables, chairs and other bulky items. Non-skid box tops and the rear brace lets passenger change positions front to back on the water. Bi-directional built-in rod holders permit four rods to be carried completely set up, ready to fish. A transom tray for the rear angler is another added convenience. The rower's bench seat has been replaced with a pedestal storage box. MSRP, $9,495 with boat, trailer, oars and anchor. clackacraft.com.
Check out the Koffler Drift Boat on page four
Koffler Drift Boat
Built of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, Koffler's 17-foot, high-side, wide bottom drift boat is a good choice for running heavy white water in big rivers. Features include a bow shelf, a mug holder knee rest, a magnum storage seat and three padded metal seatbacks with cushions. The oarsman seat is adjustable and includes tackle trays to keep gear close to hand. Built to last, this Koffler comes with brass oarlocks, a full gunnel guard, diamond plate floors and Zolatone interior paint. Dierk's side-mount anchor system is included, complete with anchor nest, anchor and rope. MSRP, $7,250. kofflerboats.com.
Check out the Kootenai Valley Inflatables B14R on page five
Kootenai Valley Inflatables B14R
KVI's 14-foot B14R inflatable uses an elevated lightweight self-bailing floor and over-sized diminishing tubes to provide maneuverability made for low water, narrow channels and technical rocky rivers. The tube material is a professional grade 1000 denier PVC, the floor is a heavy-duty 4000 denier. Top wear-patches and raised side and bottom rub-strake make this raft sturdy and durable. Tube diameter is 26 inches. The beam is 77 inches. Fifteen D-rings and six soft handles make transport and handling easy. Bow-stern rise is 34 inches. The raft weighs 134 pounds and is rated for a maximum payload of 1,800 pounds and a 5-horsepower motor. The frame is easily modified to accommodate elevated seating for fishing or bench seating for passengers. MSRP, approximately $4,200 for boat, anchor system and oars. kvirafts.com.
Check out the Lund 1600 Fury on page six
Lund 1600 Fury
New from Lund for 2011 is the 16-foot, 2-inch Fury, rated for a maximum 40 horsepower. This workhorse weighs 520 pounds and is built with a wide bottom for stability coming up on plane. Interior space was maximized by widening the beam to 73 inches at the console. The super deep-V at the water entry point provides for optimum handling in rough conditions. The bow is double-plated and seams are doubled riveted. Maximum capacity is 1,250 pounds with seating for five. The patented Sporttrack System allows an angler to mount rod holders and other accessories without drilling into the boat. MSRP, $8,295, includes 25-horsepower motor and trailer. lundboats.com.
Check out the Ranger 220 Bahia on page seven
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Ranger 220 Bahia
Measuring 21 feet, 5 inches, and rated for 150 horsepower, this new bay boat is available with a wide range of precision-matched outboards. The 220 Bahia features a 7-foot, 6-inch port-side rod locker, eight stand-up, rocket-launcher-style rod tubes mounted at the console and a wealth of integrated, gel-coated storage on the front deck and at the stern. The custom design is further equipped with stainless steel compression latches, two baitwell-livewells, a fish box and built-in anchor storage. At the console, the 220 Bahia offers a full array of gauges and rocker switches as well as a custom, marine upholstered leaning post with six additional rod holders, a plex windshield and generous space for large-screen electronics. Passenger seating is integrated in front of the console atop the livewell in addition to seating atop the livewell at the stern. The Bahia's aluminum trailer is equipped with LED. lights, aluminum wheels and a hub-lubrication system. Overall storage length is 25 feet, 4 inches. MSRP, $34,680 with 150 OptiMax outboard. rangerboats.com.
Check out the Stratos 210 Champion Elite on page eight
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Stratos 210 Champion Elite
Measuring 20 feet, 10 inches, the Stratos 210 Champion Elite with its V-Wing hull design, has a 50-gallon fuel capacity; it's rated for 300 horsepower and is available with a host of precision-matched outboards. Standard features on the Stratos 210 Champion Elite include a Humminbird 728 with color GPS at the console; Minn Kota Max 80 24V trolling motor with recessed foot pedal; Minn Kota 10x2 onboard charger; 5-inch digital multifunction gauges: LED-lit storage, console and bilge area; tackle organizer; and shock-mitigating Aqua Flex bucket seats. Equipped with port- and starboard-side rod lockers capable of holding 7-foot, 6-inch rods and honeycombed with other lockable storage, the rig is available in single- and dual-console configurations offering additional features like a step-up cooler and fold-out foot rests. The Champion Elite Series models come paired with a custom-built Road Armor-equipped trailer equipped with LED lights, aluminum wheels and a hub-lubrication system as standard equipment. stratosboats.com.
Check out the Tracker Targa 18 DC on page nine
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Tracker Targa 18 DC
The Targa 18 DC is a dual console model with windscreens on both sides and a rugged deep-V hull to handle big water and rough weather. It is 18 feet, 4 inches long, with a 102-inch beam and an 88-inch bottom width to provide a smooth ride and stability at rest. Widened gunnels have room for rod storage inside. There are two large-capacity livewells with baitwell inserts. A Lowrance Mark 5X sonar unit and a Minn Kota trolling motor are standard equipment. With 38-gallon fuel tanks, the Targa eighteeners can range far and wide with outboards up to 175 horsepower. There is also room to hang a kicker outboard on Targa's all-welded aluminum transom. Two fishing seats with five pedestal locations make it easy to configure the seating for any kind of fishing situation. The fixed helm and passenger seat provide maximum comfort, featuring tackle trays, built-in coolers, an elevated casting deck with storage below, plus storage in-floor and in port and starboard compartments, including lockable, extra-deep, top-loading in-gunnel rod boxes. trackerboats.com.
Check out the Triton 20XS SC on page ten
Triton 20XS SC
Sleek, at 20 feet, 9 inches long, with a 95-inch beam, Triton's 20XS SC is built for off-the-line power and top speed. Rated for 175 to 250 horsepower, this Triton weighs in at 1,926 pounds with a 53-gallon fuel tank.
Built for maximum storage below decks, the 20XS has a livewell capacity of over 42 gallons, front storage of 300 quarts, a built-in 28-quart ice chest and two rear storage boxes, one of which could be used as a baitwell.
Other fishing features include rod buckles, drink-bait holders, oversized rod lockers, a built-in measuring board and a Lowrance HDS-7 with GPS. For comfort, a three-spoke steering wheel, padded seats and a padded dash are standard. Bow and stern lights are removable. The bilge pump is automatic. Non-skid step mats and retractable boarding ladders and passenger grab-handles are a few of the safety features. The trailer comes with aluminum diamond tread plate, and front and rear illuminated step pads, aluminum wheels, disc brakes, an oversized bow step and recessed and waterproof lighting. Minimum storage length is 26 feet. tritonboats.com.
