For months I looked and demo'd tin boats. The biggest thing I learned after months of looking, is that there is no such thing as a perfect tin boat, or any boat for that matter. Anyhow none of them are equal in every aspect, so I had to figure out what it was that I REALLY wanted or needed as base to build on from there. Im happy with what I finally decided on. Good luck with your search! I look forward to see all of the coming videos.
its been said before and will be said again we need 6 boats to be perfect. But inm y csae Im looking for the last (retirement boat) so Im trying to buy once, the current issue is no one has boats in stock, heck Id drive a few states away to view a boat im interested in, I just cant bring myself to buying something unseen.
It depends on the brand of boat. I fished out of a Ranger RT198P a lot this summer. It's camo, and doesn't have carpet in it. It wasn't bad at all. I fish bare foot every chance I get
Ken- you always want your bilge compartment open when charging your batteries. Your batteries off-gas when charging, and it can cause corrosion issues on your terminals and wiring.
No unfortunately not. It wreaks havoc on switches, breakers and all rigging quickly. I have a buddy that I was prefishing for a tournament and one of his trolling motor batteries got hot and roaster his wiring- when I checked his bilge compartment I was shocked at how bad everything looked. I asked him if he kept his hatch open when he charged his batteries? His answer was “never”.
One thing I really like about that G3 over my 2010 Polar Kraft is the rub rail. Why would any boat builder not have a rub rail on a boat? My particular boat still has wood, not sure if it is treated or not. Can't wait to see the rest of these videos!
I'm hoping you are able to get a lowe 188 or 198 in this test series. They seem about as nice as one should reasonably go and still leave in the yard with just a cover on it, a no worries boat ! I have a southfork 1648 currently and what has made it such a great boat is the I don't care or worry factor.
Hi Ken good review helpful all ready. I did not think about getting in the boat with that side angle and trailer step under the boat . Unfortunately In order to have my new boat by April here in the north I ordered a 2022 Lund 1975 Renegade 150HP. They made some changes to the 2022 model that will work well for my Type of fishing Keep up the great reviews I will still be tuning in. Merry Christmas
Hey Ken, just found your channel and really like the review of the G3 you did. I’m also in the market for a tin boat. Been looking for almost a year now. Just haven’t found one the way I would want it set up with the storage boxes in the front deck. I prefer to have the tackle storage in the center box of the deck with the rod boxes on the pot & starboard sides. This way the weight of your tackle is in the center of the boat not on one of the sides. Anyway I’m going to follow your channel to see more of your reviews. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Cheers!🥂
Really enjoyed your review and have a question. I am very interested in the 1710 G3. I’ve been told they ride very rough in choppy water. What’s your opinion?
Rick I guess the question is “compared to what?” It’s a small-ish boat and it’s what I think would be described as a modified V. I spent a day in the 1810, compared to a glass boat it’s going to bang you around in big water. Compared to similar shaped Rangers or other tin boats I think the ride would be really similar. Only so much performance you can get out of that hull configuration
Love your boat search videos. I know you had an issue with finding a vexus glass boat to test out I do have a vexus AVX 1980. I could see about taking a vacation to Texas this next year if you would want to run around on one
@@KenSmithFishing sounds good bud offer will always be there heck I have been wanting to head down there to try to catch some bigger bass decent ones up here in wisconsin but nothing like whats down there
I have a 2022 ranger 188p on order right now. I spent just about as much on electronics and extras. Three 12 inch, ultrex, power poles, mega 360 and mega live
One thing I don't like about the G3 is there are no seals on the boxes. Since they don't have retention latches that secure the hatch down on a seal, you'll have to dry bag anything you don't want wet.
Have you found a Ranger RT198P yet? We have two 2021 models here just east of Nashville near Old Hickory lake. The 19' Ranger w/150 ProXS has really surprised me. I always said I'd never venture from Fiberglass for a bass boat. These boats have completely changed my mind. Dad purchased one earlier this year, and grandad just recently purchased another identical to it w/the 150 4 stroke. If you can, that would be a really good boat to review. I believe you'll really like how it handles, especially rough water.
Also, dad's camo/Pro XS boat has a set of power poles. Runs 56-57 mph. Grandad's boat is still at factory, runs 55-56 mph. Both loaded with 2 people. Pro XS has a 23 pitch Tempest Plus, Mercury 4 stroke (still rigged factory) has a 22 pitch Tempest Plus.
Great start to the series. If you can find a new Lund Renegade you should add that to your list. The most interesting layout of any tin bass boat and way cheaper than the magnificent Pro V Bass.
Im with Edward looking for a new boat, the 1810 is one of them, also interested in the Xpress X18 and the Seaark Stealth 190 and there is very little info on the web about them.
Check out SeaArk.. Crappie Model with built in Ice Chest...Huge Livewells 3 across Also can get pods added for extreme shallow water. On my Wish List Bsde price 28 G compared to Ranger 178 C at 23 G
A buddy of mine has the same boat and has been really unimpressed with the quality. Strange how two guys can look at the same thing and have such varied opinion
IMO, The only real advantage to an aluminum is the shallow draft. They bang hard in rough water, (hence, the "ass packer" not bass tracker), . The cost after upgrading from the cheaper dialed back equipment that comes standard puts a guy up in to the 50K range. Better of buying a 2 yr old 21 glass boat with a big motor. Just imo.
Ken, just wanted to say I really loved your glass search, and now this tin search vids. Thanks and have a great holiday
Thanks Mark
For months I looked and demo'd tin boats. The biggest thing I learned after months of looking, is that there is no such thing as a perfect tin boat, or any boat for that matter. Anyhow none of them are equal in every aspect, so I had to figure out what it was that I REALLY wanted or needed as base to build on from there. Im happy with what I finally decided on. Good luck with your search! I look forward to see all of the coming videos.
Divin I’d love to pick your brain if you’d talk to me, if so email me at kensmithfishing@outlook.com please
its been said before and will be said again we need 6 boats to be perfect. But inm y csae Im looking for the last (retirement boat) so Im trying to buy once, the current issue is no one has boats in stock, heck Id drive a few states away to view a boat im interested in, I just cant bring myself to buying something unseen.
Camo is really Hot in the summer. You should also look at metal thickness of the boats you look at. Love your content!
Tim learning about that now
I completely agree on looking at the thickness of the metal
It depends on the brand of boat. I fished out of a Ranger RT198P a lot this summer. It's camo, and doesn't have carpet in it. It wasn't bad at all. I fish bare foot every chance I get
I'm boat shopping, I'll be watching them all
Also looking for a tin boat. Looking at Xpress H17 or XP185 Catfish.
Thanks J!
I am in the market for a boat like that and that’s one of the models I have looked at. Looking forward to the whole series.
Thanks Edward
Ken- you always want your bilge compartment open when charging your batteries. Your batteries off-gas when charging, and it can cause corrosion issues on your terminals and wiring.
Does the venting back there not do that?
No unfortunately not. It wreaks havoc on switches, breakers and all rigging quickly. I have a buddy that I was prefishing for a tournament and one of his trolling motor batteries got hot and roaster his wiring- when I checked his bilge compartment I was shocked at how bad everything looked. I asked him if he kept his hatch open when he charged his batteries? His answer was “never”.
One thing I really like about that G3 over my 2010 Polar Kraft is the rub rail. Why would any boat builder not have a rub rail on a boat? My particular boat still has wood, not sure if it is treated or not. Can't wait to see the rest of these videos!
PK doesn't have a rub rail????
Add seadek to that boat on your own for a nice touch
Yep
Be sure to check out the Crestliner CSX1860, very nice tin boat. Mine has a Yamaha 90hp on it and it will scream down the lake!
Kelly I just have to find one!
What is timing of the rest of the tin boat reviews and will the comparison chart be made available?
Paul just piecing it together best I can, much harded to get a hold of vs glass boats, but yes I'll have same grid
Ken, is this a pad hull boat? Is pad hull vs non pad hull something you care about in deciding which boat you'll choose?
It is not, and I don’t know yet
Does this boat have room in the back for power pole pumps?
Good question Mark, I didn’t see that much space in the G3 but I’ll check on it.
I'm hoping you are able to get a lowe 188 or 198 in this test series. They seem about as nice as one should reasonably go and still leave in the yard with just a cover on it, a no worries boat !
I have a southfork 1648 currently and what has made it such a great boat is the I don't care or worry factor.
Still looking for a Lowe
Hi Ken good review helpful all ready. I did not think about getting in the boat with that side angle and trailer step under the boat . Unfortunately In order to have my new boat by April here in the north I ordered a 2022 Lund 1975 Renegade 150HP. They made some changes to the 2022 model that will work well for my Type of fishing Keep up the great reviews I will still be tuning in. Merry Christmas
Kevin I think you just told me you are as old as me!
Hey Ken, just found your channel and really like the review of the G3 you did. I’m also in the market for a tin boat. Been looking for almost a year now. Just haven’t found one the way I would want it set up with the storage boxes in the front deck. I prefer to have the tackle storage in the center box of the deck with the rod boxes on the pot & starboard sides. This way the weight of your tackle is in the center of the boat not on one of the sides. Anyway I’m going to follow your channel to see more of your reviews. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Cheers!🥂
Thanks for following Walter, I promise I'm trying to get more stuff up, just struggling with the weather to be out in an 18'ish boat the last month
Really enjoyed your review and have a question. I am very interested in the 1710 G3. I’ve been told they ride very rough in choppy water. What’s your opinion?
Rick I guess the question is “compared to what?” It’s a small-ish boat and it’s what I think would be described as a modified V. I spent a day in the 1810, compared to a glass boat it’s going to bang you around in big water. Compared to similar shaped Rangers or other tin boats I think the ride would be really similar. Only so much performance you can get out of that hull configuration
@@KenSmithFishing Thank you for your time. I should have mentioned I was comparing it to a Ranger 18ft. Your opinion is valued.
Love your boat search videos. I know you had an issue with finding a vexus glass boat to test out I do have a vexus AVX 1980. I could see about taking a vacation to Texas this next year if you would want to run around on one
Thanks Dodge, have a few identified locally!
@@KenSmithFishing sounds good bud offer will always be there heck I have been wanting to head down there to try to catch some bigger bass decent ones up here in wisconsin but nothing like whats down there
I have a 2022 ranger 188p on order right now. I spent just about as much on electronics and extras. Three 12 inch, ultrex, power poles, mega 360 and mega live
Really easy to do…
One thing I don't like about the G3 is there are no seals on the boxes. Since they don't have retention latches that secure the hatch down on a seal, you'll have to dry bag anything you don't want wet.
Yes, I'll be curious to see at what price point I start seeing that
is the tin boat reviews on hold until late summer?
no, trying to schedule some now
Enjoy watching your reviews
Thanks Al, appreciate you tuning in
Have you found a Ranger RT198P yet? We have two 2021 models here just east of Nashville near Old Hickory lake. The 19' Ranger w/150 ProXS has really surprised me. I always said I'd never venture from Fiberglass for a bass boat. These boats have completely changed my mind. Dad purchased one earlier this year, and grandad just recently purchased another identical to it w/the 150 4 stroke. If you can, that would be a really good boat to review. I believe you'll really like how it handles, especially rough water.
Also, dad's camo/Pro XS boat has a set of power poles. Runs 56-57 mph. Grandad's boat is still at factory, runs 55-56 mph. Both loaded with 2 people. Pro XS has a 23 pitch Tempest Plus, Mercury 4 stroke (still rigged factory) has a 22 pitch Tempest Plus.
Great start to the series. If you can find a new Lund Renegade you should add that to your list. The most interesting layout of any tin bass boat and way cheaper than the magnificent Pro V Bass.
My 2020 Lund Impact is a fantastic boat, great storage, pole locker is awesome and fantastic in the big chop.
Will do my best to find o e Tim
Yep opening the door on 60 real soon🥳
Let’s hope so, alternative is not good!
Im with Edward looking for a new boat, the 1810 is one of them, also interested in the Xpress X18 and the Seaark Stealth 190 and there is very little info on the web about them.
Tom interestingly even the company websites give way less info on these boats vs glass boats, but we will get to the bottom of info on all
@@KenSmithFishing Great, your videos are well overdue, thanks
Check out SeaArk.. Crappie Model with built in Ice Chest...Huge Livewells 3 across Also can get pods added for extreme shallow water. On my Wish List Bsde price 28 G compared to Ranger 178 C at 23 G
I LOVE the stick steer crappie models but tournament orgs won’t allow them and I might want to fish one out of it
They have steering wheels only difference is 2 live wells and wide enough for 2 persons in front bow to fish. SeaArk 190 Stealth has built in cooler.
Christmas comes early!
Ho ho ho… 🎅
I think I’ll stay with the Ranger RT 188 more quality
A buddy of mine has the same boat and has been really unimpressed with the quality. Strange how two guys can look at the same thing and have such varied opinion
One question Ken. Did you coordinate the camo hat and boat on purpose? 😂
I accessorize…
IMO, The only real advantage to an aluminum is the shallow draft. They bang hard in rough water, (hence, the "ass packer" not bass tracker), . The cost after upgrading from the cheaper dialed back equipment that comes standard puts a guy up in to the 50K range. Better of buying a 2 yr old 21 glass boat with a big motor. Just imo.
Glenn I think they have their "space", but would be hard for me to fish what I fish day in and day out from one