New aluminum boat / Silver Streak Carmanah

[trophywife]

I doubt that corrosion issue is specific to Silver Streak boats. It's pretty much universal that you don't want carpeted bunks (basically a sponge) with aluminum boats

this, but the worst is pressure treated bunks with carpet.

 

[Jiffy]

At those prices anything glass without moisture issues and a working 4 stroke and trailer for under 15k is a bargain!

Lol, You have exactly described my 2010 Honda Fit (the car equivalent)

 

[SaintSix]

i just recently sold my 2021 18ft carmanah because i was living on the island and moved to Alberta, mine was a hardtop, had it been a soft top with a walk through window i probably would have kept it, its was a super stable boat and i felt very safe in it. for trolling in lakes holding your rod you might find you sit high in the water compared to a open lake boat. but the main reason i didnt keep was i know in Alberta i like to be able to go on the bow and cast, i cant do that with a hardtop and solid window. i ordered the boat new from silverstreak and and built it for island life. re-sale was supper easy had offers in the first couple days and it was sold in less then a week. prior to this boat a I owned a hewescraft 190 Sea runner hard top. and i can tell you they are not the same class of boat. now my next boat im looking at for both alberta and salmon fishing will be another silver streak, 16ft challenger. they really do build a awesome boat.

 

[Max123]

If you are still looking, there is a nice hard top for sale:

Give you an idea of price, plus options:

18 foot Silver Streak - boats - by owner - craigslist

Beautiful 2024 Silver Streak Carmanha. All factory options plus Raymarine quantum radar gps,Scotty down riggers , Scotty prawn puller never used. Fishing rods, vhs radio, complete AM FM sound system...

comoxvalley.craigslist.org

 

[northshorebb]

If you are still looking, there is a nice hard top for sale:

Give you an idea of price, plus options:

18 foot Silver Streak - boats - by owner - craigslist

Beautiful 2024 Silver Streak Carmanha. All factory options plus Raymarine quantum radar gps,Scotty down riggers , Scotty prawn puller never used. Fishing rods, vhs radio, complete AM FM sound system...

comoxvalley.craigslist.org

Price out a new one, this one seems way over priced. A new Racerocks 18 hardtop with a merc 115 and a couple options (bare bones) can be had for $70k before taxes. A Carmanah is the same hull as a Racerocks with some more options standard.

 

[Beersocks]

Hello, longtime reader, first time poster. Straight to the point:

Looking for a new boat to be used for inland lake fishing chasing walleye, perch, lake trout, and the odd slimy pike across the prairies and into Canadian shield areas. Lakes size and location varies, some examples include - Alberta, (Lesser Slave, Wabamun), Sask (La Ronge), Manitoba (Wekusko/Tramping, Clearwater, Rocky), Ontario (Lake of the Woods). Looking to get into a boat that is near indestructible and low maintenance as it will be used hard during open water season and parked outside under a tarp during Edmonton winters.

Current boat I have is a 2008 Bass Tracker 17 Pro Team mod v hull, 50HP Merc 2 stroke. Decent boat for 2 people, however it is quite limited. On a choppy day waves come up over the bow/trolling motor and swamp the front deck, also there are no sides/freeboard which makes for a dicey ride when I bring the wife and 2 sons out fishing. Have used/owned Lunds, Crestliners etc over the years and none of them really impressed me that much in terms of longevity and durability.
Truck used to tow is a 2012 Ford F-150 V8.

Been looking at a Silver Streak Carmanah soft top to fill both roles for family fun weekend fish/camping as well as a no nonsense fishing machine used by retired Army guys that treat fishing trips like a military operation. I have never seen this model boat on a lake or in a dealership parking lot here in AB so the only information I have to go on is pictures and online posts people write. I did talk to the owner Andy on the phone for a few minutes about customization to accommodate a bow mounted trolling motor and extra battery storage, all doable. However $80K plus is a lot to drop on a (type of) boat that you have never fished out of.

If anyone has owned/used a Carmanah for lake fishing and tournament fishing I'd love to hear about the pro's and con's and overall functionality.
Transom live well, no wood all aluminum construction, open rear deck, 16 deg deadrise are some of the features that really stand out. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

I bought an 18’ Carmanah ST with an F115 for family use and fishing in remote regions of Ontario, some of which includes big water. Craftsmanship is top level, the boat is tough as nails and is laid out in a practical, no-nonsense manner. My local Yamaha tech was very impressed as are most lakers and people in the know, including law enforcement (long story).

I’m of the notion that usually the smallest boat for the job is the best boat for the job. I’ve had seven guys in my boat and it planed off without hesitation, like nothing. If I did this kind of thing often then an 18.5’ Challenger would be the better boat. Less tender, etc. But the Carmanah is better suited for my needs. Confidence-inspiring in 3-4” waves, and fantastic in following seas. The boat doesn’t take on much water. Docking in the wind has presented some wide-eyed moments in marina settings. This cannot be overstated, even coming from a life-long boater.

I didn’t paint the boat partly due to comments I read on forums, including those by Whole in the Water. Boat is spendy enough as-is so wanted value in functionality vs aesthetics. I do recommend spending NOW vs later on anything that isn’t an easy add-on above the waterline.

I put extra money towards an F9.9 kicker with a tiller handle for walleye trolling and getting into shallow areas with my son. A high-thrust kicker with connecting rod would be the better choice downrigging. Be sure to get an extra gas line, fuel pressure regulator and cut-off valve for your kicker if you’re NOT ordering a kicker direct from SS. I don’t have a bow-mounted trolling engine but do have a second battery, both of which are in the stern.

I have cable steering (non-hydraulic) and upgraded to an adjustable steering wheel which includes a clutch kit. Glad I didn’t miss this detail.

After seeing one in person (highly recommended) I made the wise decision to spring for the transom exit door. It’s a HUGE convenience for me as we’re in and out a lot with kids and grandparents alike. Also glad I didn’t go for a hard top. The walk through to the bow is super handy and keeps you cooler on a hot day.

If your family use will involve waterskiing/wakeboarding you might want to spend big on the radar arch/tower with the tow-hitch, especially if you’re using a kicker. I planned on using a tow rope that connects to both sides of the stern but my kicker gets in the way. Maybe your bow-mounted motor will suffice but it’s a PITA with a kicker and I don’t believe there’s another tow-bar option from SS besides the arch.

Buying a trailer through SS will save you another PITA. Offshore bracket can make for tricky tongue-weight adjustments in a DIY scenario with a trailer that might typically fit an 18’ boat.

One thing you might underestimate coming from your current boat is the reality of a much higher freeboard. Again, great for a downrigging set up but if trolling with kids (or anyone under 5’) it’s a reach. Less of an issue jigging or casting for pike or bass. When stationary my kid will sit on the bow or stand on the offshore bracket. (FWIW I went with higher bow rails and recommend an upgrade to anchor bracket/set-up depending on your bow-mount motor situation).

Hope this helps. Ask away if you’ve additional questions. Insight is important for such a big purchase, hence me joining this forum.