Smoker Craft Big Fish or Voyager, Anyone own one or ridden in one?

[fishnFanatic]

I'm looking at purchasing the Smoker Craft Big Fish (14 foot). Both the Smoker Craft Big Fish and Voyager models have the same hull (a very blunt bullnose design). I have seen an incredible number of people posting both these boats for resale after only a year or two of ownership, which has me wondering is there is something problematic with the boat. Does anyone have any experience with either one of these models? Wondering if the blunt bullnose design is problematic? In any event if anyone could provide any feedback, either good or bad, it would be appreciated. Thanks

[mephisto_lake]

I think it's more about everything being open last year and this year, the market currently is flooded with boats people bought during covid, last year didn't use because everything was open up now trying to recoup some money for a boat sitting in the driveway.

[markwang]

First, I don't have much experience with boat and haven't ride in much either, but here is my personal experience.
I picked up my 2022 big fisherman 16, suzuki 25hp. last year April, and launched it 50+ times last season. I got the tiller model so more realestate for fishing or just move around. I've had it via 4ft waves once to get into a bay and it's doable, certainly not desired. 2ft waves and below are fine all day.
re- "very blunt bullnose design". yes, I figured most of the v-shape are above the waterline, so it seems to me they are more for protection upon hitting a wave but doesn't provide much comfort for riding the waves. that being said, it's not too bumpy as it doesn't go that fast with a 25horse.
quality wise I don't find any defect for the short time I had it. It's a pretty basic boat so not much can go wrong.

I don't know why ppl are selling theirs, but the only reason I'd sell mine is if I want to upgrade.

This post has been edited by markwang on May 10, 2023 - 08:41 pm

[longfish]

I have the Voyager and have had it for I believe around 20 years and have been more than happy with it. I have a 25HP Mercury on it and it handles the water well. When windy best to have two of you as the nose wanders but all tinny do that in the wind.....It has no leaks and is in the water from May to September every year for at least three days a week and about 6 hours a day. You can fish three in it but depending on equipment two is perfect.

Arnie

[Andy14]

I've had the big fish for 25 years and personally I find it to be the best boat in it's size and class..... very dry and high sitting boat