Northwest Fishing Reports

Hi There,

Im doing some research on welded aluminum boats with the intent to buy within the next 6 months. Im looking at welded aluminum boats like weldcraft, duckworth, raider, alumaweld, etc. Im anticipating my budget to be around $30,000 for something 18-20ft with 90-115hp 4 stroke. Am I in the ballpark for something in this range out the door? Any idea on what these boats are going for? cant seem to find much online without requesting a quote and even then they give you an msrp/list price...

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
RJ

My boss bought a smokercraft 2 years ago. He really likes it and they have prices on their site. Personally I would go glass but I also know a lot of fishermen in the NW fish out of aluminum boats.

http://www.smokercraft.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yup, Cabelas has 18ft duckworths with 90 hp and trailer for $30,000.

I would recommend going to the outdoor sportsman show at the Puyallup fairgrounds (I believe it is in February). You will find a variety of welded aluminum boats and you will find several 18 footers priced below $30k. Last year there was a gorgeous 18 foot Raider with a 90hp 4 stroke for around $25K. You will hear a lot of noise about which boat is best. My observation is that they all pretty much cookie cutter. So long as the length, beam and freeboard are similar you will find that the differences are minimal. Manufacturers today use the same materials and for the most part the same manufacturing methods.

True reverse chines are the deal breaker for me. Big difference in how the boat runs on the water. Don't forget the tax if you live in Washington.

Cabelas in Marysville has a website where you can get quotes on new boats. I've had my 2005 18' North River Seahawk for nearly 10 years, my fifth trailer boat and I like it a lot.

http://www.cabelas.com/browse.cmd?categ ... t105879780" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One more suggestion, get the swing away trlr tongue, sure makes storage easier.

Boat dealer are like the car dealers of the 80s IMO . Cableas are great when it comes to posting prices at the store. And a few dealers will in Oregon, 3 rivers don't.

At cabelas the River hawk 19 ft boat is in that price range and they have really improved it. Comes with a 90 or 115 yamaha and the 19 ft is the smallest in the river hawk with the transom extension for more room in the boat. The seattle boat show is Jan 23 - Feb 01. That is when to get the best price I think at a boat show that is. Last year you got a gift card with a purchase as well.

Appreciate the feedback everyone, thank you.

Talk to Mike at Boulton boats. He's owner and builder and they do an awesome job. Bought at 20ft Fish Hawk from him and saved lot's over other places by not having dealer prices. Built to your specs, color choice and budget. Went and picked it up and he gave me personal sea-trial on the local lake and tour of the factory, awesome experience. Boat is really solid with great features. http://www.boultonpowerboats.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
They should be in your price-range...