Fishing boats in the spotlight

Aluminum powerhouses, jet-propelled thrills, and more from the Montréal Boat Show…

By Patrick Campeau

Spring and summer are just around the corner and the waters’ surfaces will soon give us access to some incredible fishing hotspots. We will then be able to sail off on great adventures featuring big predators just waiting for our lures.

At the recent Montreal Boat Show which was held at the Palais de Congres in late February, I met with a number of manufacturers and representatives who presented their hulls and the various features that set them apart. Here’s what they had to say:

Chaloupe Commère

For Pierre Lefrançois of Marina Bo-Bi-No in Laval, the Commère company makes one of the toughest rowboats on the market. A.D. Métal Artisanal Inc., a family business established nearly 35 years ago, specializes in general welding and the manufacturing of metal products. In 2021, this firm based on the street des Entrepreneurs in Quebec City extended its expertise to the construction of aluminum rowboats.  These are renowned for their exceptional strength, performance and durability. Offered in a dozen configurations, Mr. Lefrançois presented the Verchère 16 model, priced from $5575. This lightweight boat offers excellent value for the money. Made from 0.125 in. (1/8 in.) aluminum, it is easy to repair by a welder in the event of damage. With no spacers to solidify riveted boats, it’s easy to clean. Hull welds are guaranteed for life. Interior or exterior paint is available as an option. For more information, visit https://chaloupecommere.ca/

Highfield JetBoat

Service manager Stéphanie Dubois from Desjardins Sport in St-Jérôme introduced me to the brand-new Highfield Velox 420. In her words, this jet boat redefines adventure on the water. Powered by BRP’s Rotax 90 HP engine, this compact yet powerful boat is designed for those who want to roam and explore the waves without restriction. With over 54,000 boats delivered worldwide since the brand’s inception in 2011, Highfield Boats is a leader in the RIB sector. 

“From its corrosion-resistant hull to its intuitive controls, this jet boat is built to last and perform. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a passionate fisherman, you’ll love it”, says Dubois. It’s the perfect combination of the durability and lightness of an aluminum hull with the cutting-edge performance of a jet propulsion system. Technically speaking, this model can be configured as you wish, with an overall length of 4.44 m, an internal length of 2.79 m and an overall width of 2.07 m. The tube diameter is 47 cm and there are four air chambers. Weighing 481 kg, it can accommodate eight people or a total load of 550 kg. Its 55-litre fuel tank gives you appreciable autonomy. To find out more, take a look at: https://www.highfieldboats.com/boat/the-velox-range/

Princecraft

For Dominik Grégoire, president of Desjardins Sport in St-Jérôme, one of the most beautiful boats for fishing enthusiasts is without doubt the Xpédition 200 WS. In fact, he equips two members of his promotional team with this 6.1 m, 664 kg upside-down hull which can accommodate five passengers and a powerful 250 HP Mercury Pro XS engine on its transom. The instrument panel features all the essential information on tachometer, voltmeter, speedometer, trim and fuel level. Made from 5052-H36 marine aluminum alloy, the bottom is lined from bow to midship, as well as at the chine. Elevated fishing platforms in the front and at the back facilitate a variety of techniques and approaches. Passenger-side fishing rod holders, tie-downs and nine-foot storage with tubes secure your poles. A bow plate for an electric motor with plug and socket lets you add a front-mounted model. Several spaces and nets are ideal for storing anything that needs to be kept out of harm’s way. ProFlo Plus bow and stern livewells will keep your fish alive after they’ve been caught. 

“We’re proud to present a boat of this quality and performance made right here in Quebec”, says Mr. Grégoire. For more information, visit www.princecraft.com.

Smoker Craft

Founded by John Smoker in New Paris, Indiana, Smoker Craft began producing its first aluminum fishing boats in the 1960s. They quickly established a reputation as a market’s choice. Its lightweight design combined with exceptionally strong construction is a delight for rod-handlers. According to Mike Reesor, National Sales Manager for Smoker Craft’s fishing division, “the Adventurer 188 DC will awaken all your senses and allow you to enjoy your fishing trips to the fullest”. At 18’11” long, this fishing machine will move at remarkable top speeds thanks to its Vertex Performance Strake (VPS) hull which generates a better water intake for the motor, especially if you fit it with a 175 HP. It seats seven comfortably. Its 38-gallon fuel tank will allow you to spend long hours on the water chasing the big specimens you’ve been dreaming of. With wide beams, marine-carpeted decks, a vinyl cockpit, an aerated livewell at the stern, central rod storage, floor storage and a rail system (IGTS), this series is ready to thrill the fish to the rhythm of your lures and aspirations. To find out more, take a look at https://smokercraft.com.

Starcraft

The 20’ 6” behemoth that is the Mariner XPT is in a class of its own. With a 250 HP engine, it can take you to the most productive and the most remote fishing grounds thanks to its huge 42-gallon internal tank. It boasts a long list of interesting features such as twice-baked urethane paint, a double-riveted spine with lifetime warranty, Vertex Performance Strake (VPS) hull, integrated washdown system, cup holders, full wrap-around windshield, four fishing seats and five bases, folding back benches, bow and stern livewells, etc. The console is equipped with a Jensen AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth, circuit breakers, fuel gauge, voltmeter, speedometer, tachometer, adjustable hydraulic steering wheel, etc. To find out more about these hulls developed by the same family for
five generations, visit the site https://starcraftmarine.com.

Legend

In the words of Benoît Grenier from the Legend store in Sainte-Marthe sur le lac, “The XT series is the perfect marriage of innovation and comfort. Featuring spacious decks, thoughtful storage solutions and cutting-edge technology, these boats are ideal for avid anglers and adventure-seeking families. Available in Chilli Pepper Red and Sapphire Blue colours, the XT series ensures that every voyage is both elegant and enjoyable”. The captain’s 360-degree Ergomax swivel chair ensures total comfort. The owner will be delighted by the oversized storage compartments, four battery storage spaces, lockable rod locker with tube holders for six rods in the floor and those on the sides, six cupholders, an aerated 75-litre livewell located in the back, etc. The 18 XT measures 17’6“ long by 90” wide. Made from 0.100 aluminum, it can accommodate a 90, 115 or 150 HP Mercury on its transom depending on your preference. Its internal fuel tank holds 95 litres of gasoline. Numerous options are available when you place your initial order. To find out more, visit www.legendboats.com.

Lund

This major manufacturer of over 10,000 boats annually has redesigned all the consoles in the iconic Pro-V series. “The Lund 2075 Pro V fishing boat is designed to meet your expectations and those of serious professional anglers who consider this top-of-the-range tournament boat to be the benchmark in deep-V fishing boats. We’ve thought of everything from cockpit mobility to rod and tackle storage”, says sales representative Dany Keighan. The legendary 20’ Lund 2075 Pro V when powered by a 300 HP Mercury Pro XS can reach a top speed of 100 km/h which is remarkable for an aluminum hull weighing 2243 lbs and measuring 102” wide. It can accommodate up to nine fishing or water sports enthusiasts. The fuel tank holds an impressive 62 gallons. The hull is 0.125” thick and made of 5052 H34 grade aluminum for its ratio of weight, flexibility and strength. It is doubled at the front to 0.225”. IPS2 (Integrated Power Strake) technology which combines deflector moldings and an inverted spine to give the boat higher floatation, greater performance and stability and less splash. To find out everything you need to know and not miss anything, visit www.lundboats.com.

G3

“If you’re looking for a boat that stands out from the crowd, you will love the G3 Gator Tough 18 CCJ”, says Marc-André Loyer, Regional Sales Manager for Yamaha’s Marine Division. This high-performance Jon boat which is made entirely from welded aluminum, measures 18’ 1” and weighs just 939 lbs. So you won’t be surprised to learn that it moves very fast with a 115 HP Yamaha. It has a 14-gallon fuel tank and can accommodate a total of six anglers or migratory bird hunters. Among its many features are lockable storage, Mossy Oak Shadowgrass or Mossy Oak Breakup camouflage colours, a 0.100” thick hull, a center driver’s seat and two fold-down rear seats, analog gauges, an aerated livewell, an 800-gallon-per-hour bilge pump, convenient compartments and everything you need to hook up an electric motor and sonar. To discover the other options, visit www.g3boats.com.

Alumacraft

According to the representative I met at the show, “From bow to stern, the Competitor has been designed as a blank canvas to allow you to easily add the accessories and technological equipment best suited to your fishing style”. The 185X model has an overall length of 20 ft 2 in. and can accommodate six people. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a rear drive with steering bar, a side console or the sport version with wrap-around windshield. For engine options, you can choose a Mercury from 115 to 200 HP or a Rotax S engine with no visible parts attached to the rear panel which blends in perfectly with the boat. The double-veneered 2XB hull significantly reduces sound and vibration. The console has been redesigned for better integration. X-Pod extensions surround the engine on both sides to provide additional storage. There are two rod compartments, an eight-foot one on the bow and a 10-foot one on the port side.  The bow and stern livewells feature LED lighting and timers. The new bow control center allows you to install a 12” sonar and is equipped with a tool holder, cell phone holder with USB charging station and a recessed trolling motor pedal. To see other features, take a look at www.alumacraft.com.