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The SmokerCraft 162: It's metal - but it's not heavy!
Smoker Craft Pro Angler 162 XL: Fighting Season
Why are fiberglass boats more popular than aluminum in many parts of the country? The number-one reason, silly as it may be, is because they look better. But if you need a rig that’s easy to trailer, easy on the wallet, and easy on fuel consumption, the chances are good aluminum would be ideal for you. Wait a sec—you also need protection from the chilly wind and spray, rugged construction, lots of interior depth, and a deep V in the bow? Hmmm… that sounds exactly like SmokerCraft’s Pro Angler 162 XL.
The protection comes from an oversized, wrap-around windshield. The ruggedness comes from SmokerCraft double-riveted seams (that are backed up with a 10 year hull warranty plus a lifetime seam warranty) and decks built with marine-grade pressure-treated XL-plywood, which comes with a lifetime warranty against rot. On top of these assurances, SmokerCraft adds in a six-year stem-to-stern warranty. And the decks are coated with vinyl non-skid which helps you maintain a solid footing even when wet. Voids between the deck and the hull are pumped full of urethane foam to provide floatation, deaden water noise, and boost hull stiffness.
What about the design? The gunwales are higher than you’d expect in a boat of this size, and you won’t worry about taking the kids out for a day on the water. SmokerCraft calls the hull design a “Hydrolift rolled V,” which incorporates multiple strakes and a deep V entry with a 10-degree transom deadrise. It handles waves well, but when I put the boat into high-speed turns, I discovered the best attribute of the design: this bottom grabs the water and carves hair-pin turns on a dime. The prop never blows out, the stern never slides, and you maintain 100-percent control, even at WOT.
Fishing-wise, the boat is almost ready to roll right out of the box. It holds 25 gallons in its bowdeck livewell, has a six-foot rod stowage box, two movable fishing seats with five pedestal positions, and comes pre-wired for a trolling motor with dedicated battery stowage under the foredeck. No doubt you’ll want to add a slew of rodholders, and a fishfinder; my one grip is that there isn’t a large fishbox or cooler.
And now, (drum roll, please) as for the economy—it’s nearly insane. With 50 horses sitting on the transom cruise was right around 20-mph and top-end hit 28.8, and sure, more ponies would get you to the hotspot faster, but at these speeds the boat got between 7.2 and 7.8 miles to the gallon. Yep, you read that right, this boat can get close to eight MPG. Can a fiberglass boat of the same size match that? Not likely; check this rig out and you’ll be aluminumazed.
Why are fiberglass boats more popular than aluminum in many parts of the country? The number-one reason, silly as it may be, is because they look better. But if you need a rig that’s easy to trailer, easy on the wallet, and easy on fuel consumption, the chances are good aluminum would be ideal for you. Wait a sec—you also need protection from the chilly wind and spray, rugged construction, lots of interior depth, and a deep V in the bow? Hmmm… that sounds exactly like SmokerCraft’s Pro Angler 162 XL.
The protection comes from an oversized, wrap-around windshield. The ruggedness comes from SmokerCraft double-riveted seams (that are backed up with a 10 year hull warranty plus a lifetime seam warranty) and decks built with marine-grade pressure-treated XL-plywood, which comes with a lifetime warranty against rot. On top of these assurances, SmokerCraft adds in a six-year stem-to-stern warranty. And the decks are coated with vinyl non-skid which helps you maintain a solid footing even when wet. Voids between the deck and the hull are pumped full of urethane foam to provide floatation, deaden water noise, and boost hull stiffness.
What about the design? The gunwales are higher than you’d expect in a boat of this size, and you won’t worry about taking the kids out for a day on the water. SmokerCraft calls the hull design a “Hydrolift rolled V,” which incorporates multiple strakes and a deep V entry with a 10-degree transom deadrise. It handles waves well, but when I put the boat into high-speed turns, I discovered the best attribute of the design: this bottom grabs the water and carves hair-pin turns on a dime. The prop never blows out, the stern never slides, and you maintain 100-percent control, even at WOT.
Fishing-wise, the boat is almost ready to roll right out of the box. It holds 25 gallons in its bowdeck livewell, has a six-foot rod stowage box, two movable fishing seats with five pedestal positions, and comes pre-wired for a trolling motor with dedicated battery stowage under the foredeck. No doubt you’ll want to add a slew of rodholders, and a fishfinder; my one grip is that there isn’t a large fishbox or cooler.
And now, (drum roll, please) as for the economy—it’s nearly insane. With 50 horses sitting on the transom cruise was right around 20-mph and top-end hit 28.8, and sure, more ponies would get you to the hotspot faster, but at these speeds the boat got between 7.2 and 7.8 miles to the gallon. Yep, you read that right, this boat can get close to eight MPG. Can a fiberglass boat of the same size match that? Not likely; check this rig out and you’ll be aluminumazed.
Boats.com is now where you'll find boating blogs by Lenny Rudow, going up at a rate of one per week. Or tune in to Texas Fish & Game Magazine online, where you'll also find weekly Rudow boating blogs. Enjoy!
Fishing Gear Guru is linked and ready. Click here to read gear reviews (rods, reels, lines, and more!), how-to species-specific fishing articles, and general fishing tips.
Another cool site with some good general boating gear reviews: www.Talkofthedock.com - check it out.
Near Baltimore, MD
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Disclaimer:The information presented on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice of any kind. The information herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a marine surveyor or other professional advisor. The information is provided "as is" with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or warranty of any kind, express or implied.
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