I've been looking for a good sized tin boat that I can use for coldwater trolling big waters here in the Northeast. I found a 1994 Crestliner 1750 Sportfish that has a Volvo Penta 120hp I/O motor that has been certified by a marina (for whatever that is worth). I've never considered an I/O powered boat for fishing before, but this hull would work, it's a decent package with a what appears to be a very nice, solid trailer and the price is right where I need it to be. I know that no matter what any marina says, something that passes an inspection today could fail tomorrow. I'd be welcome to any feedback you guys have before I make this potential mistake later today!! My concerns:
1. It's still very much winter here in NH, so I can't water test this vessel which I do not like. Since I have never owned or serviced an I/O boat, can I get some bullet points to visually inspect when I go to see the boat this afternoon?
2. Trailer has rollers which I always thought were a no no for tin boats but I'm told this was the factory original trailer. Problem or not?
3. It's the small Volvo Penta, 120hp, I'm sure it will be fairly slow for a 2000 lb tin boat. Any ideas what I would expect for top speed?
4. Any idea if I will be able to troll this boat 2 mph without dragging buckets or drift socks? The boat is a good deal for me, but if I have to buy a kicker motor and bracket it will negate any cost savings.
If anyone has any experience with this kind of boat or motor, specifically in regards to fishing coldwater species, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Picture of the vessel in question:
1. It's still very much winter here in NH, so I can't water test this vessel which I do not like. Since I have never owned or serviced an I/O boat, can I get some bullet points to visually inspect when I go to see the boat this afternoon?
2. Trailer has rollers which I always thought were a no no for tin boats but I'm told this was the factory original trailer. Problem or not?
3. It's the small Volvo Penta, 120hp, I'm sure it will be fairly slow for a 2000 lb tin boat. Any ideas what I would expect for top speed?
4. Any idea if I will be able to troll this boat 2 mph without dragging buckets or drift socks? The boat is a good deal for me, but if I have to buy a kicker motor and bracket it will negate any cost savings.
If anyone has any experience with this kind of boat or motor, specifically in regards to fishing coldwater species, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Picture of the vessel in question: