Northwest Fishing Reports

I am currently looking at upgrading to an 18' aluminum fishing boat and the Weldcraft Rebel and Alumaweld Blackhawk seem to fit my needs. I'll be test driving both over the next couple weeks. I'm doing a lot of fishing/crabbing in the Puget Sound area w/some river and lake fishing thrown in throughout the year. Does anyone have strong opinions on either one?

Thanks in advance!

If you can swing the price difference, go with the Weldcraft. I think you'll find it is a bit better suited to fishing big water with more width and freeboard. Weldcraft generally finishes their boats better than Alumaweld, so take that into consideration as well. My biggest issue with Alumaweld was their inefficient use of space, however they have improved that aspect of their design over the past few years.

I agree with G-Man, Weldcraft is definitely a higher quality boat and will hold its value better should you plan to sell/upgrade in the future.

I dont have one (yet), but when I was looking at the alumaweld vs weldcraft at the sportsmans show and boat show, the Weldcraft is a cleaner, much higher quality boat. I like the high sides on the Weldcrafts, and i like that they dont try to cover up the welds with thick paint like Alumaweld does. After I get my new boat paid off, im going to try to convince the old lady to let me get one of the Weldcraft Anglers in a 20' model. I know Tom Nelson from 710 espn radio loves his 28' cuddy king, and John from Johns sporting goods ordered a 24' cuddy king after riding in Tom Nelsons. Also, theres probably a reason why theres always plenty of alumawelds on craigslist, and never any weldcrafts.

No brainer....the weldcraft would be a better buy

Weldcraft for sure. Have you looked at River Hawks?

Hi BC,
I own a 2009 Weldcraft Maverick 186, and love it. I'll keep this pretty short so not to bore you, but I did a lot of research prior to the purchase.

It fits my style of fishing...from walleye to salmon and Riffe, Potholes or Roosevelt. It's also the best performing aluminum hull I've personally been in. There are many aspects that I really like about (and a few I don't) compared to other manufacturers, but I do not want to turn your post into a pissing contest. There are numerous manufactures out there that sell great products really depending on what YOU like...but to simply answer your original question...my screen name says it all for me!

You're doing the right thing by asking for opinions and feedback, but it's just one data point in the mix. Hopefully you can line up some test rides as you down select.

Please feel free to PM me, I'd be more than happy to discuss in more detail and help answer any questions you may have.

Mav

Thanks for the feedback everyone - this is very helpful. It's validating some of the things Iv'e been seeing comparing the two, but also opening my eyes up to additional things I should be looking at. Thanks so much!

Weldcraft, Duckworth, Northwest, are all the same mfg now (Renaissance Marine). I bought a new Duckworth 187 advantage in Feb. this year after comparing to the Alumaweld and others the choice was easy.I love my Duck, it's max use of space and deeper,wider than most in it's class. Alumaweld seemed to try to wow with Bling to distract from lack of Function.

If the rebel is in your budget, you can get another two feet for the same price in the blackhawk. I rode in an 18 foot rebel and bought a 20 foot stryker with heavy frame top for much less. With a Yamaha 115, Yamaha 9.9 power tilt/start, extra wiper, wash down, HDS 9 dsi, two electric Scotty's, lowrance DSC vhf, rogue trailer and rigging was less than the weldcraft without the goodies. Did everything from banks lake to Westport with it.

I love my 2005 18' North River Seahawk which I bought new. I would have gone bigger but the 18 with a transom mount was the biggest I could get in my garage. Where you store the thing is always an issue. I like storing it under cover, dry, safe, secure and cheap.

There are some pretty strong opinions on this, but I would go with a transom mount like I did. The offshore mount does give more room, but my Seahawk has enough of room even with the transom mount. A transom mount makes it much easier to just attach a threaded rod between the two mtrs for steering. Like yesterday morning at the Shipwreck, sheets of rain and I see these guys with offshore mounts hanging over the transom steering their kicker while me and my bud are dry and cozy under the top with back and side curtains, sipping coffee. Each to his own I guess.

storage of the boat is defo up there when deciding how big you can buy but I believe that depends on your neighborhood and how safe you can look things up. I for one would not buy based on if I could park it the garage as ive already had a 20' 26 with trailer and swimstep and that weren't big enough mine was under canopy.
I also think off shore brackets are the way to go that way a 18' boat truly is an 18'er as for hanging over the transom there are steering and throttle options or the ultimate TR1.
weldcraft is a better boat IMO you could also shoot an email to mike boulton you will be surprised how they fair off in price compared to the ones mentioned here.

On a side note, I recently went to 3rivers and checked out the two formula V's both looked like crap from heavy use or being uncared for, also a duckworth there that was pretty nice and decently cared for. I only mention this because after spending whatever it costs you be bummed if half of your two year old boats paint is bubbling as most manufacturers only give a year warranty on paint you might be better getting price reduced and getting it wrapped in vinyl. So fit and finish IMO is worth the difference in cost.

when you do buy your new tub let us all know and share your experience with the forum. Good luck!

Update: I went with the Weldcraft 188' and love it! Smooth ride (the reverse chine really helps especially in the chop), plenty of room for 4-5 people, stores well in the garage and fairly easy to get in and out by myself. The quality of the boat continues to clearly stand-out. I'll be taking it out again this Fri, so maybe I'll see you out. Thanks for the advice everyone!