Which prefab duck boat?

ScottS · Postby **ScottS** » Sat Jun 30, 2001 11:26 pm

Greetings,

After a 4 yr hiatus I have decided to get back into duck hunting now that my two boys are old enough to enjoy it with me.

I am in the market for an aluminum boat and I was curious as to which of the boats below you would recommend the most. I am looking for $ value, quality, 17-18 ft length, 25-40 hp and I am looking to spend around $5000 - $7000 (prefer the lower end)

A) XPress
B) Legend
C) WarEagle
D) SeaArk

These are in no particular order and I have no clue what the price range is for these boats. I may be WAY under estimating the pricing on some of these as I haven't priced a boat in years. I would appreciate some guidance from you more experienced boat owners out there.

Thanks!

Scott S

SwampMan · Postby **SwampMan** » Sun Jul 01, 2001 2:21 pm

I have been doing some shopping around myself. I have found that a 16' Xpress is around $900 cheaper than a 16' War Eagle, the boats look identical. The Xpress also comes with a few more options. I don't know exactly what the differences are but when you look at them they look exactly the same. I have also heard that PolarKraft are pretty good boats.

Just my $0.02

[ July 01, 2001: Message edited by: SwampMan ]

DUCKAHOLIC · Postby **DUCKAHOLIC** » Sun Jul 01, 2001 11:52 pm

Might want to look at Duracraft boats also,got two of them and it really is a good boat.

Postby **Micah** » Mon Jul 02, 2001 5:45 am

I'd take a long hard look at the LegendCraft line of boats. I bought one when they were atill making them in an old shop near Don's house. I drove over and watched them finish the construction ogf my boat, and I got to set it up just like I wanted it. Price wise, they're much more affordable than the big brands, and the quality of construction is top of the line in my opinion. I've beat the crap out of my boat over tha past four years, and I am yet to have a problem.

Just my $.02

Micah

BPT · Postby **BPT** » Mon Jul 02, 2001 2:08 pm

I like the Xpress boat alot. I saw one at a boat show one time and it was nice. It was flored, had gun box, seats and a motor(40hp i think) and it was about 5,000. The motor might have been smaller but im not sure. The boat was 14ft. or 16ft cant remember but im still dreamin about gettin it.

ScottS · Postby **ScottS** » Mon Jul 02, 2001 2:33 pm

I just spoke to a local boat dealer here in Birmingham, AL and the XPress 1540 model, with flooring, gun box, seats and tiller steering is $2995.00 without a motor. The 1650, which is what I want, is $3995. I'm going to look at the 1540 this weekend. The thing is, the engine would be about $3000 +/- (depending on what I got) according to the dealership. That will put it up around $7,000 - $7,500 for a 16 footer and a 40 hp engine. Surely I can find something a little better priced as a "rig" somewhere?

Scott Spencer

Postby **GulfCoast** » Mon Jul 02, 2001 3:32 pm

MSU: I shudder to give this advice to a Bully, but call Mike Hale at Hales Marine in Hattiesburg, MS. I purchased a 16 foot Xpress DB package w/40 Yammy, galvanized trailer and about every friggin option I can think of, and it was much less than the price you were quoted. I have never seen better deals than Hales. He will have to order the boat, and you will have to SIT ON HIM till it gets in, but he should cut you a good deal.

ScottS · Postby **ScottS** » Mon Jul 02, 2001 7:13 pm

Hello GC,

Shudder to help a bully dawg? You wouldn't be a Golden Eagle or, heaven forbid, one of those mislead Oxford supporters would you? [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

You wouldn't happen to have a phone number to Mike's would you? Can I tell him you sent me?

Seriously, I appreciate it very much. I was hoping a 16 ft "rig" would be cheaper than $7500. Heck, I'll even settle for a 30 hp if puch comes to shove.

Scott Spencer

Postby **GulfCoast** » Mon Jul 02, 2001 9:12 pm

I have his card at the office. I will put it up tomorrow. Tell him the guy from the coast who gave him the pheasants told you to call him.

LOL, I can't believe you had the nerve to call me a supporter of the Golden Beagles, of the conference rated 12 outa 12 in conference strength by the USA Today. For shame.....

ScottS · Postby **ScottS** » Mon Jul 02, 2001 11:57 pm

Thanks for the suggestions on XPress & Duracraft. I do like the XPress boat but will look at the DuraCraft as well.

Micah - what sort of prices are the LegendCraft boats? I really like what they do (from the website photos) but wasn't sure if a "pkg deal" was something they offered. I don't have a motor so I was wondering if they will include a motor with the total cost or will I be responsible for getting one on my own. It seems like pkg deals are a little more cost efficient (sometimes).

Thanks again everyone. My sons are really excited about going duck hunting so now I need to get busy getting the gear and boat ready. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Scott Spencer

Jeff · Postby **Jeff** » Tue Jul 10, 2001 1:03 pm

I am not sure what you are looking for but one of the best boats I have ever seen is being made by some fellas over in Springfield,La. The boat is one heck of a mud boat/duck boat. It is made of .125 aluminum, it is like a freakin' tank. They are designed for a go devil, but they have a 20" transom so you could easily put a 40 hp. on it. Like I say I don't know what kind of hunting you are looking to do, but this boat is made for your kids to be able to use with their kids. They are one nice boat! If you're interested you can check them out at www.gatortraxboats.com. Even if it's not what you are interested in buying, I'd at least look at them as they are mega nice. On the standard boat market WeldBilt makes a nice boat also, which is what I am currently using.

shiloh · Postby **shiloh** » Tue Jul 10, 2001 2:29 pm

hey msu,
we had a boat made last year @ a place south of vicksburg, ms. the place is called lynn's welding and boat repair. he makes all of the boats for the mdwfp. the bottom and transom is made from 190 ga aluminum and the sides are out of 125 ga. he's been there for a while and knows his buisness. he'll build the boat to your specs. however you want it. he's reasonable on the price also. if you want more info e-mail me. [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

BirdDawgHunter · Postby **BirdDawgHunter** » Tue Jul 10, 2001 2:35 pm

Hale's Marine Center
6631 US Highway 98
Hattiesburg

601-268-0866

duforester · Postby **duforester** » Tue Jul 10, 2001 6:34 pm

thrasher,

What kind of price does he charge for his boats?

DUCKAHOLIC · Postby **DUCKAHOLIC** » Tue Jul 10, 2001 10:07 pm

Thrasher he use to make all the boats for the MDWFP,his price was so high we stopped we can get two Dura Crafts for what one of his cost! But I will Admit the ones we have are some fine boats.

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