Opinions on 17' Alumaweld Talon

[C-Money]

I have always dreamed about owning an Alumaweld. Anyone have any experience with the 17' Talon? They look great and have lots of room. Getting close to for filling my dream.....

[gasman]

I too dreamed of owning one, but then changed my mind and I am now the proud owner of 18' Raider 

After researching and looking at the different boats comparatively, the Raider and Hewes were above the Alumaweld.

The storage was more ample, and the side width were probably the breaking point. The sides on the Alumaweld were not very wide and I felt I was looking for something a bit more beefier, but that just me.

I am planning on more saltwater usage and in my opinion the Alumaweld is more suitable for the river. Dont get me wrong, I see lots of them on the salt, its just my .02.

[lokidog]

I have an Alumaweld Stryker 19.  Hewes are definitely built a bit beefier than the Alumawelds.

An extra foot or two can make a huge difference in useful space, especially if heading out on the salt.  If you are looking at a late spring/summer Sound boat or lake boat, and it's a good price, it would probably be a good deal.  One drawback to the other boats is that they are heavier and you will likely burn more fuel using it.

Does that boat have a 60 hp on it?  Might be a little light if loading up.

One other thing to consider is that aluminum boats seem to have a pretty low cargo/passenger rating.  My boat is rated 5 people and 750 pounds where my 12' Livingston is rated for 4 people and 700 pounds, I think.  I'm not sure why the rating is so low.  The Talon 17 appears to be rated for 4 people.

[h2ofowlr]

I had the 17' and it was a nice boat, but when I put two others in it, it was way to small and we were walking over one another.  The 19' is a lot easier to work with.  I would go the larger just speaking from experience.

[steeleywhopper]

My buddy has a 17 or 18ft and it's rough with 3 guys for moving around. Go bigger...

[RadSav]

I spent quite a bit of time with a 16'.  And as others have mentioned, it gets small in a quick hurry.  Nice little boat for two on rivers and lakes.  And even with the rather small prop motor rating it still gets along quite good.  May have something to do with the thinner walls and lighter weight.  The 18' doesn't punish you as much in chop and IMO worth the extra change.  Doesn't give you much more options for power, but the extra 20 horses can make a difference when adding a third or small fourth.  The extra 6" of beam in the 18 will feel like two feet when stepping up.

You get over a foot more beam on the Stryker!  And a much beefier side wall.  You will notice a big improvement in how it rides in heavy chop.  The down side to the Stryker is it still has a small prop limit and the extra weight in the beefier construction can make them handle like a floating slug.  But you do get used to it and the extra room is a very welcome addition.

If I were ever to go back to a 16' boat I'd save some money and get one without the fancy windshield.  I like having a column instead of being stuck at the tiller.  But a simple center post will give you a lot more usable space and without the parachute you will find it holds troll and keeps you on drift longer.  WAY cheaper too!

[rasbo]

I have a 17.6 stryker,1998,its really a talon size.Two people are as many as you can fit and be comfortable,its a great boat,I love it

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

As soon as you get it home you will have 2 footitis. You will wish you had the 19 footer. Unless you fish alone a lot.

[Hilltop123]

The best advise I can give you is:
1. Don't be in a hurry to purchase.( I know easier said than done)
2. Look at every brand, you possibly can. (I had to go to Ore. to finally see a Boulton)
3. Budget...stick to it.
4. Budget allows, add a foot.
5. If you can, buy it in Ore....they have a nice way of writing up your invoice, so you don't pay tax on a $10,000 outboard. In Wash. you register the hull and trailer, not the motor...but the state will gladly collect tax on the outboard expense.
The tax savings alone, paid for the down riggers,  fish finder, and other goodies.

B bring
O out
A another
T thousand

[C-Money]

Great feedback, I thank you all! I put money down on the Talon, and I am pretty excited. I am going for a test drive with the dealer Thursday morning....cant wait! Sounds like it may be a bit cramped for room, fishing with my wife, a 6yo & 9yo. It has a 50hp Mercurey, and an 8hp kicker. I was a tad worried about the 50 being under powered. The dealer assured me it will do fine, and still pull a tube with the kids on it. The test drive will answer a lot of questions...I hope. If it goes well, I'm taking the boat home. I noticed the low passenger weight rating, 4 people, and I think 600lbs. Well I take 1/2 of that, and the wife and kids take up a good chunk of the other half. I do wonder why its so low on passenger weight. My Nephew is gonna take my old boat, could not talk myself into trading it as it was my Grandpas boat. Please keep the tips coming, I enjoy the feedback. C   

[h2ofowlr]

If you can at least throw a 60 hp on it you will appreciate it.  You will find you cavitat and loose power on corners while pulling a tube with a 50.  The salesman needs to get out and test this personally.  He may provide better advise vs. just trying to make the sale.  You may be disappointed if towing unless just going straight.

[LabChamp]

I would go super v if I was going with alumaweld. Especially in something around 17 or 18. Every bit of fishing space on board is useful and you loose alot with the wind shield. I also prefer a boat you can walk around

[RadSav]

If you can at least throw a 60 hp on it you will appreciate it.  You will find you cavitat and loose power on corners while pulling a tube with a 50.  The salesman needs to get out and test this personally.  He may provide better advise vs. just trying to make the sale.  You may be disappointed if towing unless just going straight.

I would be surprised if the dealer would exceed the 50hp rating due to liability.  Sounds like they have it at mfg upper limit.  The 18' will go to 80hp, but not the 16'.  I think the weight rating has a lot to do with the narrow beam and rear center of buoyancy.

[lokidog]

You get over a foot more beam on the Stryker!  And a much beefier side wall.  You will notice a big improvement in how it rides in heavy chop.  The down side to the Stryker is it still has a small prop limit and the extra weight in the beefier construction can make them handle like a floating slug.  But you do get used to it and the extra room is a very welcome addition.

I'm not sure I would call them a "slug".     Living on an island, I have to load all of my construction materials in my boat and I do not like making extra trips.  That being said, I have had huge loads (PM me for info) in mine with the 90 hp (it is, I believe, rated to 120) and still managed to get up on plane.  At capacity, for weight, it jumps on plane just fine and has no handling issues.

However, a 50hp in the 17' with 600 pounds of people and gear and another 25 gallons of gas might be a different story.

C-money, with two kids, who will undoubtedly get larger, I think you will find the 17 will get tiny quickly.  Also, one of those kids may want to bring a friend on a future outing and there you will be stuck with 4 people max for the boat.   

[RadSav]

Both the Strykers are rated at 80hp prop.  I think 115 and 135 w/jet.

[lokidog]

Both the Strykers are rated at 80hp prop.  I think 115 and 135 w/jet.

Tell that to the 90 on my boat.....   

It's actually the other way around for power rating, higher prop than jet.

[RadSav]

I've been messed in the head all these years?  Go figure  

Wife has been telling that for nearly 20 years, but I just figured it was because she's a happy challenged indian woman.

[C-Money]

Man.....I am 4 hours into a 36 at work.......This shift is gonna drag!! I wanna go get the boat thing done and get fishing!!!! I'm ready!! 32 hours to go!

[antlerking]

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Posted: 3 days ago
 
2004 Alumaweld 17 Ft Talon w/ dual Mercury 50& 8 H.P. Outboards - $14995 (East Wenatchee)
 

























© craigslist - Map data © OpenStreetMap

2131 SUNSET HWY

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condition: excellent
 Rare find this clean 17 Ft Talon All welded by (2004) Alumaweld powered with 50 Mercury outboard and 8 Mercury kicker w/steering kit. Features convertible shade top, side curtains, poleholders, cannon downriggers, Lowrance Fish/depth finder, Vhf Radio, dual bench cooler seats, Captain/Passenger swivel seats with storage, bow storage box and single axle trailer w/ spare tire.
 
All welded aluminum boats such as these are rare finds so please call for more info BOB FEIL BOATS show contact info ask for MARCOS.
 
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post id: 4486192651

[lokidog]

If that is the listing, you might think again, especially with the Mercurys.  You do not see many Mercurys out here for a reason.  My Mercury 9.9 kicker has had many issues even though it is hardly used.  I had to replace the tilt tube last summer, NOT STAINLESS (WTH?), and other parts due to corrosion including the transom bolts.

Good luck.

[hollymaster]

As soon as you get it home you will have 2 footitis. You will wish you had the 19 footer. Unless you fish alone a lot.

This 

[C-Money]

It would seem that my "dream" boat choice is unpopular with some. That's ok, I enjoy all kinds of feedback. No doubt, 2 more feet would be great. As long as the test drive goes well, I'm writing a check and going fishing.

[RadSav]

I would seem that my "dream" boat choice is unpopular with some. That's ok, I enjoy all kinds of feedback. No doubt, 2 more feet would be great. As long as the test drive goes well, I writing a check and going fishing.

I don't think anyone has said it is a bad choice.  They are nice boats.  I think those posts were more of a warning that as a family boat it does have it's comfort issues and limitations.  Best to go into a purchase of that size with your eyes wide open.  It could be an expensive learning experience if you didn't.

Hope all goes well and you enjoy it for a lot of years to come

[lokidog]

I would seem that my "dream" boat choice is unpopular with some. That's ok, I enjoy all kinds of feedback. No doubt, 2 more feet would be great. As long as the test drive goes well, I writing a check and going fishing.

I don't think anyone has said it is a bad choice.  They are nice boats.  I think those posts were more of a warning that as a family boat it does have it's comfort issues and limitations.  Best to go into a purchase of that size with your eyes wide open.  It could be an expensive learning experience if you didn't.

Hope all goes well and you enjoy it for a lot of years to come

 

[Romulus1297]

Just make sure the test drive is in the river and not in their parking lot.

[lokidog]

Just make sure the test drive is in the river and not in their parking lot.

As well as the weight equivalent of a full tank of gas, fishing gear, cooler, two adults and two teenagers.... 

[C-Money]

Test drive went great! Went over everything with a fine tooth comb. Dealer filled both gas tanks, glad of that! Brought the boat home. Took wife and kids out, ran great and had power to spare. What a boat! Could not be happier! Was a little windy, but we managed to get on a few fish. My son got his first walleye, a 19". Bass perch and a few walleye, was a great evening.

[Antlershed]

Both the Strykers are rated at 80hp prop.  I think 115 and 135 w/jet.

Tell that to the 90 on my boat.....   

It's actually the other way around for power rating, higher prop than jet.

That's because the 115 power head will only be 80 hp with a pump. You are essentially limited by the weight of the power head.

[full choke]

Test drive went great! Went over everything with a fine tooth comb. Dealer filled both gas tanks, glad of that! Brought the boat home. Took wife and kids out, ran great and had power to spare. What a boat! Could not be happier! Was a little windy, but we managed to get on a few fish. My son got his first walleye, a 19". Bass perch and a few walleye, was a great evening.

 
Have fun and enjoy your new boat!

[Buckmark]

Test drive went great! Went over everything with a fine tooth comb. Dealer filled both gas tanks, glad of that! Brought the boat home. Took wife and kids out, ran great and had power to spare. What a boat! Could not be happier! Was a little windy, but we managed to get on a few fish. My son got his first walleye, a 19". Bass perch and a few walleye, was a great evening.

Those smiles are priceless!!!
Congrats and have lots of fun....

[lokidog]

Awesome, glad it's working out for you.

Once you burn through that tank of gas, I would suggest keeping just the amount you need with a small cushion in the tank.  This will help keep the back of the boat from being quite as heavy as having a full tank.  I also keep a 5 gallon can in the bow area which I can use for ballast, moving it from one side to the other as well as helping keep the weight distributed evenly front to back.

Good boating!

[Mfowl]

Congrats on the new boat! Enjoy your time on the water with the family!

[RadSav]

Fish slime and blood the first day out...NICE!

[rasbo]

cngrats on your new boat,nuttin better than a family outting,have fun

[gasman]

 

 

 

I know the new boat feeling, im still enjoying every weekend on it 

Got it hooked up and hitting the sound in the AM after salmon and then crab on Sunday 

[Romulus1297]

Downriggers. You are ready. What is coming up the river? Salmon. Get ready. Congrats.

[C-Money]

It is a blast! Thanks guys! I am very happy with the amount of speed I am getting.....35mph, full throttle and trimmed up with just me in it, It made just over 30 with the family on board. It criuses very nicely with the RPMs backed off and trim adjusted up a tad at 27mph.  We put over 30 miles on running around Moses lake yesterday, and burned a little less than a 1/2 tank of gas. That was great advise about the gas tank, I figure I will fill up before we go to the water, to let the gas tank breath when off the water.  Gasman, I love the new boat feeling!!! So glad I waited to buy "the boat" and did not cave in and buy an "ok" boat. Hope you do well on the sound. Hope to hear a report.

[gasman]

It is a blast! Thanks guys! I am very happy with the amount of speed I am getting.....35mph, full throttle and trimmed up with just me in it, It made just over 30 with the family on board. It criuses very nicely with the RPMs backed off and trim adjusted up a tad at 27mph.  We put over 30 miles on running around Moses lake yesterday, and burned a little less than a 1/2 tank of gas. That was great advise about the gas tank, I figure I will fill up before we go to the water, to let the gas tank breath when off the water.  Gasman, I love the new boat feeling!!! So glad I waited to buy "the boat" and did not cave in and buy an "ok" boat. Hope you do well on the sound. Hope to hear a report.

It was a great morning on the water. No Fish, No bites, but lots of sun and we had a great time 

Tomorrow will be an earlier day, were running to Nisqually for some crabbing 


My buddy that went with me, is looking to get a newer boat and after spending the time on the water this morning, I think he got bit by the bug 

[C-Money]

It is a blast! Thanks guys! I am very happy with the amount of speed I am getting.....35mph, full throttle and trimmed up with just me in it, It made just over 30 with the family on board. It criuses very nicely with the RPMs backed off and trim adjusted up a tad at 27mph.  We put over 30 miles on running around Moses lake yesterday, and burned a little less than a 1/2 tank of gas. That was great advise about the gas tank, I figure I will fill up before we go to the water, to let the gas tank breath when off the water.  Gasman, I love the new boat feeling!!! So glad I waited to buy "the boat" and did not cave in and buy an "ok" boat. Hope you do well on the sound. Hope to hear a report.

It was a great morning on the water. No Fish, No bites, but lots of sun and we had a great time 

Tomorrow will be an earlier day, were running to Nisqually for some crabbing 


My buddy that went with me, is looking to get a newer boat and after spending the time on the water this morning, I think he got bit by the bug 

Nice! Good luck tomorrow! Hope to see some crab pics! We nailed the jumbo perch again tonight, and one walleye. Plenty of fast action for the kids!

[lokidog]

I love catching/eating perch.  All we have here are lingcod....      

[gasman]

Not to bad of a Day C Money   

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Nice boat. Glad you like it. I have nothing against the Talon's. I was just offering up some advice. If you could have swung the 2 foot extra you would have liked it in the future.

[C-Money]

2' would have been great, no doubt.

Looks like a superb day Gasman!! Nice catch!!!

My daughter Got her first keeper walleye tonight, and we nailed another haul of jumbo perch. Lots of fillets for the freezer!

[C-Money]

I wish the weather would make up its mind! I wanna go out fishing so bad, I'm reliving old posts! I wanna go fishing! On the ice or on the water, just make up your mind old man winter!