I have done days and days of research on whether I should pay the extra dough for the welded Grizzly model, or just buy the riveted wide model for around $600, new. I understand the welded boats are a little more durable, and in this case with the Trackers, I like the V hull design vs the flat bottom, but there is a big difference in price. Here is how I would be using the boat, with some additional thoughts.

 

1. Boat would be used almost 100% exclusively in freshwater. I also cant see a situation when it would sit in water, i.e. sit at a dock for more than a day or so.

2. I live by lakes that are no gas motors, so this boat would mostly be propelled by a trolling motor. Would a gas motor cause more stress on a rivet than a trolling motor would?

3. I would want a boat that is comfortable for myself, my old lady, and my pup. The welded Grizzly models are much wider, and seem more comfortable for everyone who may be traveling in the boat to move around. Thoughts?

 

Let me know what else you all would need. Thanks!

A mod V will be more versatile than the flat, unless you need a really skinny water boat!

 

As far as welded vs riveted, as long as you don't plan on scrapping the bottom too bad, there isn't much difference these days.  Contrary to popular belief, rivets are pretty easy to fix.

 

Gas motor makes no difference on the hull, as long as you stay at or below the max HP limit.

 

If you want comfort(stability), go with the absolute widest bottom you can afford.  For standing, 42" minimum.

 

Jeff

Jeff has pretty much got this one covered. I will add that a motor is going to add more stress to the transom than a trolling motor will, but they are built to handle that stress, so there's no need to worry about adding an outboard. 

For $600 brand new, youre looking at a 1232 or a 1036. Neither boat will be "comfortable" for 2 people and a dog. The grizzly boats are 2400 atleast without a trailer. My suggestion would be the 1542 it's wider and longer and can handle rougher water than the other flat bottoms. I bought mine for around $2,200 brand new tax, tag, title, out the door.

$2,200 With trailer or do you use a pickup?

$2,200 With trailer or do you use a pickup?

With trailer.

I have to agree to agree with the 1542, I have the same boat that I use for reservoir fishing. It's pretty much the perfect size, it's small enough that it still moves good with electric motors but has enough room for two guys to fish comfortably. I do feel that if your going to be putting a gas motor on it, I'd go welded, because I do believe that the beating and banging it will take will loosen rivets and they will leak over time.

I want the mod v. Because I'm thinking the wave action when resting and under way will not slap against the front like it does in a flat bottom John.

Am I rite? Never been in a mod v before.