Boat looks real good!!! Been lookin around at boats and like to here others coments about the boat they chose and why? Especially when there are alot to choose from. So why did you guys go with the Raptor? Thanks
When we started looking, our current boat was a 2001 NorthRiver Sportster. It was 20' long, and the floor was only about 68-70" wide with a 10-12* Vee all the way through. Needless to say, you got beat up when there was choppy water. So, we knew we wanted a longer, wider, deeper v boat that could still run the smaller rivers we like to fish. So, next step was compare the different brands that offered models close to what we were looking for.
ThunderJet - IMO, overpriced. Would have had to go V-8, and by the time you upgrade to the 3-stage pump, the price really starts to climb. Would have paid more for a TJ than what we paid for this Willie.
Alumaweld - Not bad boats, but they are mass produced so their finish work is lacking. Price would have been about equal to the price we paid for the Willie, and not nearly the options.
NorthRiver - We didn't look that hard at the, but would have probably been more expensive than a Willie, and IMO, no more "boat for your money" than a Willie.
Weldcraft - Wasn't that impressed and would have cost more than a Willie.
So, all things considered, once it came down to it, it was really a no-brainer to go with the Willie. Then it was a choice between the Raptor and the Predator. Again, easy choice going to the Raptor for the deeper entry V for running the Columbia.
