Small Fishing Boats and Motors: 1998

For years, we've watched fishing boats get bigger, faster and more powerful. And while that trend continues in 1997, there is another move taking place, one that has nothing to do with performance, at least in the traditional sense of the word. The move is toward comfort and convenience.

From 20-foot fiberglass bass boats to 15-foot aluminum multi-species models, boat manufacturers are building in more luxuries and conveniences that not only improve the comfort of the boats, but also their fishability. Things like roomier decks and more comfortable seats, larger stowage lockers and livewells, better security and more sophisticated electronics.

You see this trend most in the large and increasingly competitive fiberglass bass and multi-species segments, where the demanding environment of tournament angling has brought about rapid advances in design and quality.

But the aluminum boat manufacturers have also responded, building boats that not only fish better, but also look and feel better, with bright, painted hulls, plush seats, high-tech consoles and expansive fishing decks.

The other by-product of the increased competition is diversity. With all the choices available, any angler can find a boat that fits his needs. The only difficult part is deciding where to start. Here's a look at some of the choices for 1997.

Fiberglass Bass Boats

Nitro Savage 896

The 896 is one of four models in Nitro's popular Savage line designed for serious tournament anglers, though with a few updates. Among the updates are the new Summit Upgrade Package, which includes a new special engine cowling, wishbone hull stripe, remote oil fill, Lowrance X-55 fishfinder, compartment lights, Dual Pro battery charger, livewell pump-out system, aluminum mag wheels for the trailer and a limited edition jacket. All of this is on top of a heady list of standard features, including a 50-gallon fuel tank and loads of built-in stowage, including dual rod boxes, cooler, and rears compartments with lift-out liners that make it easy to access the plumbing and fixtures. The Savage 896 also features a unique transom design that eliminates back-wash. Like all the Savages, the 896 is packaged with a trolling motor, Hummingbird flasher and custom trailer.

Fisher FX19 Tournament

One of Fisher's new pro-style tournament packages, the FX19 is available with single or dual console layouts and features a custom command console with speedometer, tachometer, volt meter, fuel gauge, trim gauge, water pressure gauge and Lowrance fishfinder. The aerated livewell is divided and has a recirculating system and timers. There's also plenty of stowage on board, including two large carpeted boxes with all-welded aluminum lids and gas shock supports. The boat also features an insulated cooler, passenger rod stowage and driver glove box. The standard package comes with Mercury XR6 or Mariner Mag III 150-horsepower outboard and MotorGuide FX60 12/24-volt trolling motor.

Astro X 2000

The X 2000 heads Astro's new X Series line of performance fishing boats, all of which feature rugged, hand-laid AME fiberglass hulls, Zercom Real-Time sonar, MotorGuide Brute trolling motors with Gator Mounts, X Series livewells and Dual Pro on-board battery charging systems. The X2000 was designed with tournament competition in mind and boasts a patented running pad designed to increase lift for better performance. The standard package includes a custom Astro trailer.

Procraft 205 Dual Pro

The 205 Dual Pro was built for durability, with a hand-laid hull featuring bi-axial knitted fiberglass, FRP stringers and high-density PVC transoms and pads. Like the rest of Procraft's Pro Series boats, the 205 Dual Pro comes with Zercom real-time sonar, a MotorGuide Brute trolling motor with Gator Mount, Pro Series livewells and a Dual Pro on-board battery charging system. The dual console design has two convertible bench/bucket seats. Two 24-gallon fuel tanks provide plenty of range.

Skeeter ZX300c

You can tell immediately the ZX300c from Skeeter was designed with the tough, competitive tournament environment in mind. With a 21-inch centerline designed to cut through waves and chop, the ZX300c can handle up to 250 horsepower on its composite hull. The boat also boasts several over-sized stowage compartments, a wide casting deck and a new contour bench seat with a flip-down center.

Champion 161 SC Tournament

With the 161 SC Tournament, Champion has introduced a tournament level model in a convenient 16-foot-1-inch package that fits easily in the average garage. Despite the convenient size, the 161 still offers features and luxuries you'd expect only on top-of-the-line boats, including a deep- V hull designed for a soft ride in rough water. Other features include carpeted stowage, hydraulic lid support on the engine box, new tournament bench seats and rack and pinion steering. The single console is fully instrumented, with large easy-to-read gauges, and the boat also boasts an 18-gallon fuel tank, 15-gallon livewell and a 6 1/2-foot rod holder. The front deck offers 24.82 square feet of casting space, while the back deck is 21.71 square feet.

Fiberglass Multi-Species

Tracker Targa 2000

Designed to handle the biggest water with comfort and style, the Targa 2000 features a deep-V hull that uses Unimax construction to bond the hull, deck and liner together for added strength. The Targa also includes the latest in creature comforts, including dual consoles, dual lockable rod boxes, dual fishing seats and two large aerated recirculating livewells. Rated to handle up to 225 horsepower, the Targa 200 boasts a 50-gallon fuel tank and cockpit seating for four with under-the-seat stowage. The standard package includes a 150 horsepower Mercury or Mariner outboard, a 12/24-volt, 50-pound MotorGuide trolling motor and dual axle trailer with brakes.

Ranger 519svs Comanche

The 519svs Comanche is the new performance leader in Ranger's Comanche line and is designed to offer comfort and performance in the most demanding water conditions. The 519svs boasts an integrated 12-inch engine set-back for better holeshots and speed and two 28-gallon fuel tanks beneath the seat for consistent weight distribution. The front deck features a recessed control panel on the bow built to house true flush-mount depth-finders, along with two 7 1/2-foot rod boxes. The wraparound cockpit has improved seating and handy storage compartments. The rear deck has a divided livewell with a double aeration system.

Skeeter 1850

The Skeeter 1850, which comes in either single or dual console designs, was built to provide not only a smooth ride in rough water, but also a stable platform when you're still or trolling. It also boasts a long list of standard features, including aerated baitwells and livewells, and plenty of stowage space in its top-loading tackle and stowage boxes.

Starcraft Tournament 180

The Tournament 180 is built with a high performance hull designed for both speed and comfort. It also features a number of practical fishing features like elevated casting deck in the bow, moveable fishing chairs and lockable rod stowage. Aerated livewells and coolers are on both the port and starboard sides, along with dual consoles and windscreens. The driver console features tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauges and lanyard safety switch. The Tournament package comes with a 135-horsepower Mercury or Mariner outboard and custom trailer.

Aluminum Bass Boats

Fisher Marsh Hawk 170

The Marsh Hawk 170 was designed to offer the best of both worlds. Its reverse chine hull allows for fast planing, a smooth ride and precise handling, while its decks and cockpit offer luxury, convenience and space. The single console design includes elevated casting decks fore and aft with Moeller fishing chairs, lockable stowage and lockable 7-foot rod box. The standard package comes with a 40-horsepower Force outboard and trailer.

Crestliner 1750 Tournament Pro

With the new Crestliner 1750 Tournament Pro, you may find you don't have to make a choice. After all, Crestliner says the 1750 was designed to offer the smooth ride and rough water comfort of a big bass boat with the handling and convenience of a smaller boat, thanks to its versatile V-hull design. It features roomy casting decks fore and aft, deluxe consoles, built-in rod holders and plenty of stowage. The trolling motor panel in the bow has a handy courtesy light. Its dual livewells come with Crestliner's patented Intensive Care Unit livewell system and auto timer that automatically mixes and aerates the water every few minutes, keeping fish alive longer.

Starcaster 1700

The 16-foot, 9-inch Starcaster 1700 runs on a computer-designed, high performance hull built to plane quickly and hold steady in turns. It features fore and aft 13-gallon livewells, along with elevated casting decks, lockable rod stowage and complete instrumentation. The standard package includes custom trailer, MotorGuide 730-36 trolling motor, Lowrance X-25 depthfinder and a 40-horsepower Mercury or Mariner outboard.

Spectrum 17 Dominator

Featuring Spectrum's Dyna Plane hull, the 17 Dominator has the manners and rough water handling of a much larger fiberglass bass boat. It features large, elevated casting decks fore and aft with fishing chairs, bench seat with stowage, locking rod box and bow stowage compartment. The standard package includes a 43-pound thrust MotorGuide trolling motor, Humminbird Wide Eye and welded tubular-frame trailer.

Tracker Pro Team 17

Tracker claims its Pro Team 17 is the best-selling fishing boat in America. It's easy to see why. The Pro Team 17 not only comes in a convenient size for stowage and trailering, it does so without sacrificing key features like roomy raised decks (with pedestal seats front and back), a large, divided aerated livewell and plenty of stowage, including a lockable 6-foot-6-inch rod box and under-the-seat compartments. The standard package includes a 25-horsepower Tracker Pro Series outboard by Mercury, Humminbird LCR and a 37-pound thrust trolling motor by MotorGuide.

MonArk Pro Modified 170

The reverse chine hull on the Pro 170 was designed to provide fast lift and quicker planing. Featuring three-across bench seating with stowage underneath and pedestal seats on the raised decks fore and aft, the Pro Modified 170 also features lockable rod stowage to port, MotorGuide trolling motor and Humminbird Wide One Hundred fishfinder.

Aluminum Multi-Species

The new Lund 1660 Pro V S.E. offers tournament caliber features in a boat that will still fit in your garage. The Pro V SE runs on Lund's Pro-v Hull, with an integrated I-beam stringer system and twin-plated bow to provide a smooth ride in the roughest of water. Featuring a redesigned interior, the Pro V S.E. has dual livewells and aft baitwell, each with Lund's ProLong system that allows you to fill, recirculate and drain both wells from the driver's seat. The Pro V S.E. also has an updated console for 1997, with a new dash, standard tilt steering and a wraparound windshield. The 21-gallon fuel tank provides decent range. The Pro V S.E. is available with a color-matched 115-horsepower Johnson or Evinrude outboard or factory pre-rigging for outboards from all major manufacturers.

Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk

The 1750 Fish Hawk runs on Crestliner's Tru-V, all-welded UniWeld hull with a 10/20 year warranty. Available in tiller or console models, it boasts a 26-gallon fuel tank, a 27-gallon livewell and bow trolling panel with motor hook-ups, courtesy light and sports for accessory gauges and fishfinder. There's also loads of stowage and plenty of creature comforts, including plush carpet, form-fitting seats with easy-release bases and easily accessible rod stowage.

Ranger 106st Cherokee

The newest model in the Cherokee line, the 106 Stick Steer was designed to get you into places a deeper-V could never get to. Featuring an open layout with a centrally located aerated livewell, the 106 can be launched just about anywhere and comes with a MotorGuide 743 trolling motor and Lowrance X-25 fishfinder in front. It can be custom matched with a wide range of outboards ranging from 9.9- to 40-horsepower.

MonArk Pro 1700

Designed to not only provide a smooth ride in rough, open waters, the Pro 1700 was also built to be easy to use, with complete and easy-to-read instrumentation on the console, along with a Humminbird fishfinder. The roomy cockpit features seating for four and there are raised casting decks fore and aft. The Pro 1700 also comes with extra large livewells (over 41 gallons) and stowage areas.

Princecraft Super Pro 178 BT

The Super Pro 178 is one of two new Super Pro Series models introduced by Princecraft this year and features a tiller-controlled layout. The hull, which has a reverse chine and extruded keel, is made of H-36 marine grade aluminum and finished with a two-tone high gloss acrythane, eliminating the need for maintenance. The package comes with a 40-horsepower Johnson or Evinrude tiller-controlled outboard with electric start and oil injection, electric-fill aerated livewells, Lowrance X-22A fish/depthfinders, three pedestal seats and lockable rod stowage. The 29-gallon fuel tank offers decent range. A color-matched trailer is also standard.

Starcraft 170 SC

One of Starcraft's popular Superfisherman Series boats, the 170SC features a deep-V hull design with a reverse chine and center keel for a comfortable ride in rough water. It comes with three moveable fishing chairs with six different locations, a locking helm seat, elevated casting platform in the bow and another elevated position aft. There are 7-foot, lockable rod boxes both port and starboard, and large aerated livewells both fore (23 gallons) and aft (13 gallons). The 170 SC comes standard with a 75-horsepower ELPT Force outboard, Lowrance X-25 depthfinder and custom trailer.

Fisher Hawk 200 FS

The versatile 200 FS was designed to serve off duty as a ski boat or cruiser, but it is obvious Fisher kept the emphasis on fishing when it designed the boat. This is clear from the elevated casting deck in the bow, the three fishing chairs with composite frames and five seat locations, and the type and variety of the on-deck stowage, which includes a built-in tackle box and a 7-foot lockable rod box.

Spectrum 16 Pro Avenger

The 16 Pro Avenger is a big water boat in a small package. Running on a sophisticated aluminum V-hull with a baked-on finish, the 16 Pro Avenger offers a smooth ride in rough water that belies its convenient size. It features an elevated casting deck in the bow with storage and another elevated position in the rear. There are also two stowage compartments in the transom. A lockable rod box is located on the port side, and a big, built-in, 30-gallon fuel tank provides plenty of range.

Grumman 17 Super Pro Deluxe

The Grumman 17 Super Pro Deluxe features pedestal seats on its raised front and back decks. The front deck has a livewell and stowage compartment. The side console offers a windshield, molded instrument panel (with speedometer, tach and trim gauge), plus an AM/FM cassette stereo. The package also includes a 12-volt trolling motor, Lowrance fish locator and marine carpeting.

Sea Nymph FM 146

Economical and functional, the new 146 is one of two new side console models introduced by Sea Nymph this year. It features a double-riveted aluminum deep-V hull with extruded keel, and its relatively light weight (it's just 500 pounds) provides surprising performance. Sea Nymph has also included all the key features, including aerated livewell in the bow, lockable rod stowage lockers, a pedestal fishing seat, elevated casting deck and 12-volt trolling motor harness with plug. The standard package includes a Johnson or Evinrude 25-horsepower outboard motot and a painted bunk trailer.

Outboard Motors

1997 might best be remembered as the year outboard manufacturers took their first definitive steps toward "clean" exhaust.

However, it's not like we didn't see these steps coming. We've known for several years how most of the outboard manufacturers would respond to tighter emissions standards mandated by the EPA. Honda, for instance, signaled its move toward four-stroke powerheads years ago. Mercury and OMC both debuted direct fuel injection technology for their two-stroke powerheads last year. Suzuki and Yamaha have kept their long-term plans closer to the vest, although both introduced fuel injected models last year.

What is different about this year, however, is that these efficient and cleaner powerheads are actually reaching the hands of consumers in significant numbers. Honda has again expanded its four-stroke lineup, this time with tiller-controlled versions of its 75-horsepower and 90-horsepower, four-cylinder outboards. Mercury's 200 DFI model has hit showroom floor, along with a new 25-horsepower four-stroke engine. OMC's new Ficht fuel injection is now available on 150-horsepower Johnson and Evinrude engines. Suzuki has added another EFI model to its already impressive stable of mid-range outboards. Yamaha continues with its mix of four-stroke and fuel injection technologies and also introduced a revolutionary twin prop outboard perfectly suited to bass boat applications.

All in all, it's been a very interesting year.

Honda

Mercury Marine

Technically, the Mercury Marine's 200 DFI technology was introduced last winter, but the Mercury and Mariner engines were in such short supply that few anglers were able to experience the outboards firsthand. This year is different. The Mercury 200 DFI, which is available in both Mariner and Mercury models in 20- and 25-inch shaft lengths, reduces hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by using a high pressure mixture of fuel and air injected directly into each cylinder. The result is a smoother running and more efficient engine.

That might be the most important aspect for the average angler. Mercury claims that fuel efficiency is improved 10 to 20 percent at full throttle, 30 to 40 percent in the mid-range and up to 80 percent at idle. It also uses less oil than the typical two-stroke, particularly at low speeds. (The range is 400:1 at idle to 60:1 at wide open throttle.) The lean fuel to oil ratio also makes the 200 DFI as smooth and smoke-free as a four -stroke.

In addition to the 200 DFI, Mercury also has introduced a new 25-horsepower four-stroke, a unique in-line twin with a reciprocating piston. The motor is a cost-effective alternative to counter-balancing gears or shafts. It also features a sound-insulating foam blanket on the cowling and thru-prop exhaust to make it extremely quiet.

Mercury has also added three new mid-range three-cylinder engines in 40-, 50-, and 60-horsepower configurations.

Outboard Marine

OMC debuted its direct injection system, the Ficht Fuel Injection System, in June, and production models are making their way to Johnson and Evinrude showrooms this winter. OMC claims the 150-horsepower, V-6 Evinrude Intruder and Johnson FastStrike engines offer 35 percent better fuel economy and 80 percent lower hydrocarbon emissions without any sacrifice in top speed. The new engines are also reportedly better on the low end than similar-powered outboards without DFI.

The Ficht Fuel Injection system uses high-pressure fuel injectors, positioned directly over each cylinder. The fuel injectors fill the combustion chamber with atomized fuel after the exhaust port has closed. The system uses very little oil, especially at low speeds, and OMC claims the system reduces oil consumption by about 50 percent. It is also extremely quiet and smooth, with no smoking.

In addition to the Ficht models, OMC introduced two new compact outboards. The three-cylinder, 25- and 35-horsepower Johnson and Evinrude motors were designed to be extremely quiet, with full-length reinforced fiberglass lower motor cover, baffled air silencers and four-point rubber isolation to reduce vibration. They also feature OIS 2000 optical ignition (infrared optics for engine timing); SLOW overheat warning (automatically reduces rpm if the engine overheats or is short of oil); and QuickStart electric start (runs the motor at a fast idle until it reaches optimum operating temperature). The engines are also oil injected.

Suzuki

Suzuki has added yet another EFI model to its growing stable of versatile, mid-range models. The new 140 EFI now gives Suzuki six models from 115 to 225 horsepower with electronic fuel injection. The four-cylinder engine features Suzuki's sequential, digital multi-point electronic fuel injection. The system uses four fuel injectors individually activated in sequence. For the average angler this results in greater fuel efficiency, better power and easier starts.

Suzuki also enters the world of four-strokes this year with 9.9- and 15- horsepower models. They both feature a special decompression mechanism for easier starts and CD ignition.

Yamaha

The biggest news from Yamaha, at least for freshwater anglers, has nothing to do with emissions. Instead, the most interesting new technology is the twin rotating propellers on the new Pro VMax 150-horsepower outboard, the first production outboard with counter rotating propellers. Yamaha claims the dual props — the front propeller rotates in the opposite direction of the smaller rear prop — eliminates steering torque and reduces chine walking. As a result, your boat is easier to drive and handles better. Another added benefit is better holeshots.

Yamaha replaced the C75 and C85 with the new C80, a mid-sized, three-cylinder outboard designed to be quieter and more economical than its predecessors. It features through-the-prop exhaust, loop charging, pulse tuning and a new 2:1 gear reduction gearcase.

Trolling Motors

They may not have the raw sex appeal of 200-plus horsepower outboards, but today's trolling motors are truly ahead of their time when it comes to high-tech gadgetry and innovation. Voice-activated controls? Micro-computer processors which read the depth of the water? This stuff is straight out of a James Bond movie. Better yet, it's available now. They're also closing the gap in terms of power, with more and more thrust available in wider range of styles.

MotorGuide

MotorGuide returns this year with Voice-Activated Controls (VAC) on its Lazer RF trolling motors. The VAC system uses a transmitter on your belt to send a radio signal of your voice to the unit, allowing you to tell the boat to increase or decrease speed, turn left or right, stop, start, move forward or backward and shut down or start. It's a little like having a personal driver when you're out fishing.

MotorGuide also introduced its most powerful trolling motor ever this year, the new Tour Edition, with 77 pounds of thrust in a variable-speed, foot-controlled, 36-volt system.

There's additional power throughout the line. The popular tiller-handled T-Series includes seven models, ranging from a 22-pound thrust, 12-volt unit to the 72-pound thrust, 24/36 volt T72V.

Pinpoint

Pinpoint introduced its second generation of trolling motors that automatically follow a prescribed depth on whatever lake or river you happen to be fishing on. The motors use a microcomputer and depth sounder to follow the contour of a shoreline, underwater ridge or stream bed. An LC graph on the motor head feeds off transducers in the motor to provide a digital read out of the depth of the water, water temperature and battery strength. The motor itself has also been improved, with tougher components and a wider range of power options (35-60 pounds of thrust). A new support bracket has been added that holds the head extender and allows you to mount extended shaft units. An 82-pound thrust, 36-volt unit is also in the works.

OMC

OMC returns with 25 different models of trolling motors in the Evinrude and Johnson lines in bow-mount/hand-control, bow-mount/foot-control and transom mount/hand control styles, with up to 52 pounds of thrust. Six feature OMC's SilentStart system, which offers more precise speed control and less start-up noise.