I'm looking for help on electric only lake boat choice

[swh]

Hi guys

I am new here on the forum and thought that this is the place to get some good inputs on my project. I am looking to get a boat with trolling motor for a 2000 acre electric only lake, but choosing one seems rather difficult. I've been looking at a 1448 AW Grizzly (mod V) and in the other end of the spectrum a Starweld 1674 (V hull), which could do double duty as a coastal cruiser later on once I can afford the engine I can't really get a grip on the efficiency of one hull versus the other and maybe it doesn't really matter? After all, none of these boats have true displacement hulls. My primary concern is with regard to selecting the proper size and hull for the main purpose, which is electric only. Secondly weight capacity is a problem as I figured 600 - 900 amps is the minimum needed and that challenges the 1448 and even a 1648. Loading and handling is of concern too.

Electronics will be a 101 lbs Riptide ST with I pilot and a battery bank sufficient to troll all day with 55 lbs of average thrust - should keep me going in the wind too. It will be loaded with 200 - 400 lbs passengers too.

I know people don't recommend overloading. Does that force me to go 16 feet and may I just as well pick a V hull with 'low' deadrise then? I kind of just want a 1448 due to expenses, but moving up to a 16 feet I feel I may as well get the V and be able to go bay and light inshore later on.

Batteries 450 lbs
Motors 75 lbs
Guys 400 lbs
Tackle and food 50 lbs
Interior 25 lbs

Total 1000 lbs +/-

I'm from Denmark so options are limited and prices sky high plus it's going to my first boat ever. Prices in USD to put things in perspective: 5.500 for a 1448 and 10.300 for the V (1674).

Best regards,
Stephan

 

[Captain Ahab]

Welcome to TB - Denmark as in the Country? That is awesome!


I would go with a 16' Mod. -V hull style with as much beam as you can afford

 

[cva34]

My moms GG Parents came from there late 1800s...I grew up in Danevang,Texas ..I mess with boats LOTS but ,never electric only..So I will not be much help..Just remember cross wind is a major factor.The higher the sides the more wind drift you will have..But don't cut yourself short cause then there's the problem water sloshing in...WELCOME ...cva34

 

[TheMaestro]

Welocme! Given the total weight you listed, plus people, plus the amount of room you need, I think the 16' is the best choice. You may not have the speed, but it will certainly handle the load. Im assuming you'll have motors on transom and bow? That'd be the way to go... Expensive, but youcant beat aluminum!

 

[Brine]

Coming from the electric only lifestyle.... and basing it off of your situation, I would suggest a 1652 Mod-V.

 

[swh]

Thanks for the inputs.

Denmark is indeed a country and many Americans seem to have some sort of Danish heritage, we even had a TV show with some competing for such insight

I had a conversation with the outboard retailer and came to the conclusion that taking it on and off is not really a great option, so I'm not looking for double duty anymore. Just a proper electric only hull. I get the feeling people are going to endorse the 16xx Mod-V, so I'll try to further explore my options.

I could get an Alumacraft 1650 for 500 more than a 1648 Tracker AW, but I can only get an 80 lbs Riptide on that deal. How would that affect performance compared to a 101 lbs in reduced mileage? I am not sure about warranty handling either. Do I have to care when it's not even going to plane? I reckon you can tow these bad boys without a trailer and only scratch the paint, no?