Need input on AW Aluminum boats

Southfork/Alumacraft/Grizzly? Shopping for plain Jane welded semi-V aluminum boats for marsh/coastal fishing (1756 - 1654). Got prices on these 3 this weekend and all are close to the same $$ give or take a few hundred. I would really like to hear the pros and cons from you guys.
Also, I would like to hear of "Beware of dealers" if you've had a bad experience. After the posts about the dealer in Crowley....I'm gun shy. I am in the Rayne/Lafayette area so I went to Abbeville for the 1st two makes then to Henderson for the last one. If you don't want it posted...please just send me an email.

Check your e-mail. PB

i got a 1652 alweld semi-v with 40 tiller tohatus direct injection and i love got it a lake area marine in lake charles talk to gerald link he will take care of you i paid $9200 for mine with trolling motor 55pound thrust saltwater min kota

I have a G-3 19'6" with a 115 4-stroke yamaha. Very comfortable and stable fishing platform. Most fishing room in any 19ft boat I've seen, due to small center console. (Why doesn't everyone go to the smaller version). Negatives-rough,wet ride in anything other than slick. Overpowered. 90hp would be perfect.

I have the alumacraft1756 tunnel hull and love it. The only complaint I have is the dealer I bought it from. I bought my boat from Lafayette Power Sports and they are crooks as far as im concerned. If you are interested in alumacraft give the sportsman your business and you will be well satisfied. I only wish I would have gave Mike at the sportsman my business instead of the jokers in Lafayette.

I went to Power Sports twice and walked around for quite a while. No one even came out of the building to see if I needed help. I could only imagine the level of service after the sale.

check out the lakesports at brauex and daigle in peirre part nice boats

I shopped around a long time before I bought my G-3 HP190. I spent about 4 hours in Power sports over three trips, looking and climbing all over the boats...and not 1 person asked if they could help. I had to ask someone for a price quote, and stood around for thirty minutes and no one got back with me.
Now with that said, I have done some business with Himel Marine in New Iberia and could not be happier. Bobby goes out of his way to help, Chris Hulin busts her hump to help out as well. Good folks, great, affordable service, in my opinion.

Im happy that my post has stopped at least one person from buying a boat there. Also do not rely on reports from the better business bureau. When I logged on to file my complaint there was only 3 others on this business.. Big surprise to me! I guess people just lay down and do nothing, I spread the word!

If you look at the Lakesport, make sure you don't get their trailer. There's(Rivertrail) is said to be galvanized but only some of the metal on it is. It will start rusting the first time you use it in saltwater. Good Luck.

I recently purchased an Xpress HD 22B from the dealer in Crowley. So far, I am very pleased with their service. For example, Xpress shipped my boat with the wrong rims for the trailer. Within one week they shipped the correct ones and I stopped by and they H&M put then on while I waited. Remember, if you do enough business you will have unhappy clients. Also, I find Xpress boats are give you the best bang for the buck.

I have a couple of questions on this topic.

First, what are the pros and cons of the flotation pontoons? Seems like a good idea, but there is always a downside.

Also, I haven't seen any comments about Alweld, SeaArk, or Southfork boats.....just curious.

Bought a 18' X 56'' Mod Vee/Tunnel Alweld from Lake Area Marine, Lake Charles. Had pods,Jack Plate,low profile CC, 24 V Trolling motor and 50 hp Tohatsu installed. Was tempted to go w/ a 90 hp, but Gerald talked me into the 50, I can, for real, go where others can't (150#'s lighter). It'll run low 30's. Putts around in 6-8" of water, gets 6-8 MPG depending on RPMs, and can handle a little chop pretty good.

Jerry's Marine in Sulphur done me right 10 yrs ago when I bought my Weldcraft semi-v from them.15 X 44" 25hp Mercury. They stand behind their products, or used to when I went there and they keep records a long time after your purchase too. I still have it and wouldn't trade it for nothing in da world except maybe a brand new one again just like it !!!!

I've owned a 19'6" G-3 for 2 years, love it. It stays at Toledo
Bend. I recently purchased an 18' Scully with a 150 Yamaha Pro Max. I only thought the G-3 was a sturdy aluminum boat. This thing is 3/16" and built bullet-proof. I bought mine used, but it certainly is worth looking at. They are built in Morgan City, and have a good web-site. Good fishing