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Which boat would you choose

Posted on 9/29/19 at 1:04 pm
Posted by Dtiger19
Member since Dec 2007
764 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 1:04 pm
Nautic Star
Mako
Given the option which boat would you choose and why?
This post was edited on 9/29/19 at 1:06 pm
Posted by CHEDBALLZ
South Central LA
Member since Dec 2009
21925 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 1:09 pm to
That Nautic Star is going to be a slug with a 90 on it. But it does have an I-pilot and new batteries.

Mako had issues with wiring, I'm not a Mercury fan.

Posted by magicman534
The dirty dell
Member since May 2011
1575 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 1:59 pm to
I have a nautic star and like it. However, it is a heavier boat and needs more power. Previous poster is correct that it will be a slug
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
5150 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 4:36 pm to
Lot of $$ for an 18’ bay boat not to mention, who the fark thinks an umbrella on an 18’ boat is a good eye deer???
Zero reason to buy such a small bay boat.
Can always water test NS to confirm sluggishness, you aren’t going to want to fish more than two so take a buddy. Will add that few of these short boats are probably propped correctly since it’s newbies running them. Add a stern lifting prop in the correct pitch and you might be impressed.
This post was edited on 9/30/19 at 7:15 am
Posted by weisertiger
Lake Charles, LA
Member since Sep 2007
2480 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 4:46 pm to
Mako quality is shite
Posted by FunroePete
The Big Cheezy
Member since Dec 2012
1531 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 4:49 pm to
I really really don't like ipilot trolling motors
If I was choosing I'd pick neither, gun to head nautic star
The most important thing to you should be the motor warranty and mechanic options
I'd suggest browsing thehulltruth and 2coolfishing classifieds for more ideas for expanding your dollars worth.
Posted by Uncle JackD
Member since Nov 2007
58640 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 5:12 pm to
quote:

really really don't like ipilot trolling motors
why? I’d never own a boat without one again.
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
66763 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 5:28 pm to
quote:

Zero reason to buy such a small bay boa


I've put more specs and reds in an 18' bay boat than every other boat I've fished in my life put together. It's so much easier to deal with than a big arse tandem axle wind catching ship.
Posted by Dtiger19
Member since Dec 2007
764 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 5:35 pm to
This will be my first boat and I have basically zero boat driving experience. I figured a 17 or 18 would be a good size to start out and learn with.
Posted by Buster180
Member since Jun 2017
1455 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 6:46 pm to
Keep looking. The Nautic Star is underpowered and the Mako is Bass Pro junk.

FWIW, I have an 18' boat and I have caught all the inshore stuff along with cobia, snapper and dolphin out of it.
Posted by down time
space
Member since Oct 2013
1914 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 9:02 pm to
Both too high of price
Posted by Bigryno7
Nashville
Member since Jun 2009
1459 posts
Posted on 9/29/19 at 11:08 pm to
I saw a 20 ft Skeeter for sale in that price range the other day. It was really nice. Good deals are out there. Just be patient.
Posted by GATORGAR247
Member since Aug 2017
993 posts
Posted on 9/30/19 at 7:06 am to
I had a 21 ft nautic star with a 175 on it and it still only ran about 45 . That boat is way under powered.
Posted by Saskwatch
Member since Feb 2016
16564 posts
Posted on 9/30/19 at 7:38 am to
quote:

which boat would you choose


If it were me I would look for a well kept Kenner in that size range. Alot pop up on Facebook marketplace and Craigslist. The older and better models are rolled gunnel so they are light. You don't have to have a 250 hanging on the back. Less gas and floats shallower. Great boats for marsh
This post was edited on 9/30/19 at 7:41 am
Posted by GeauxTime9
Baton Rouge, La
Member since Dec 2010
6407 posts
Posted on 9/30/19 at 7:42 am to
You can find better boats in that price range. The bass pro owned Makos are shite, stay away from it. Like someone said that Nautic Star with a 90 will be slow as hell. I'd be patient, you can find more boat at that price point. TheHullTruth has a great used boat section. You may have to travel to purchase, but you can find some good deals on there.

The Hull Truth Used Boat Section
This post was edited on 9/30/19 at 7:43 am
Posted by TigerBait1971
PTC GA
Member since Oct 2014
14865 posts
Posted on 9/30/19 at 2:16 pm to
Nobody has even asked what kind of fishing do you want to do and where?

Without knowing that don't listen to what anyone says.
Posted by Dtiger19
Member since Dec 2007
764 posts
Posted on 9/30/19 at 5:18 pm to
quote:

Nobody has even asked what kind of fishing do you want to do and where?

Specs and reds. Anywhere in S. LA really but I’m most familiar with Golden Meadow, Leeville and PAC. Not really planning long runs mostly the marsh in those areas. It will be my first boat so I want to learn the ropes and expand my range and comfort beyond kayak fishing.
Posted by AutoYes_Clown
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since Oct 2012
5176 posts
Posted on 9/30/19 at 6:17 pm to
I wouldn't say 90hp is definitively underpowered for 18ft, especially in the marsh, especially first boat. In fact, I challenge people to find and link 18ft starter boats for sale that are in the same price range whose hulls allow 115hp+. There's just not that many hulls. You'll have to bump up to 19ft to start scratching around 115hp. I think Sea Pro SV1900CC is a good starting point to look for.

I went from mostly kayak fishing to a friend's older 18ft Kenner with 90hp 2-stroke. It was a fantastic first boat and engine size in south Louisiana. We took it from Timbalier to MRGO long rocks and all points in between, obviously water and weather permitting. Shallow enough draft and not enough motor to really get into trouble. Small enough for tight fishing you will be familiar with in kayak.

Here is a performance chart that was similar to the Kenner we ran.

LINK

We "cruised" at 30mph and top speed was 38mph. Its even enough power to pull a tube effectively. I'd say the only real issues we had with the 90hp was that without trim tabs, with 4 big boys on board, 2 would have to get up front to get on plane. A friend in a big go-fast bay boats would get to MRGO long rocks 12 minutes before us. Also speaking of, we would often slow down and wave around faster boats in long, small bodies of water like Bayou la Loutre or Spoil Canal headed towards MRGO rocks.

FWIW, boat was sold when friend moved. I have 2 kids (toddlers) and is only reason I didn't take the boat at the time. I'm going to be boat shopping in the next two years. I wouldnt be afraid of 18ft 90hp if price and condition is right.
This post was edited on 9/30/19 at 6:19 pm
Posted by TigerBait1971
PTC GA
Member since Oct 2014
14865 posts
Posted on 9/30/19 at 7:46 pm to
/\ that is the informed opinion you seek.
Posted by Dtiger19
Member since Dec 2007
764 posts
Posted on 10/1/19 at 6:22 am to
quote:

link 18ft starter boats for sale that are in the same price range

That’s the problem I’m having. It’s either a 20 year old boat with a 20 year old 115 or larger 2 stroke or a newer boat with a 90 4 stroke.
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