2009 Smoker Craft 171 Pro Angler

Getting the best boat for any particular purpose also means choosing the right combination of hull and motor. That’s particularly true of aluminum fishing boats that offer a wide range of power options.

The test boat – a 16 foot, 8 inch Smoker Craft 171 Pro Angler – is rated for 140 hp, but paired with the new Suzuki DF70 four-stroke. It is a sensible and reasonable combination with more than enough performance to pursue a variety of fish species. For anglers who want to be comfortable in a wide range of water and weather conditions, the combo may be perfect.

First, boaters need to get over the notion that all fishing boats have to be really fast, an idea promoted by the high-powered boats that prowl the professional bass fishing circuit.

The 171, powered by the 70-hp DF70, is fast enough to catch fish and will appeal to fishing families as well as pros or amateurs on non-bass circuits.

For its part, the engine is quiet (85 to 87 decibels at cruising speeds), shorter than its predecessor (easier to fish around), smooth-shifting (thanks to a redesigned transmission), with a high-output alternator (lots of juice even at low rpm).

As for the boat, it offers plenty of fishing-friendly amenities, including a 25-gallon livewell, a couple of locking bow storage lockers, port and starboard rod storage in the cockpit, carpeted fore and aft casting platforms, and easy-clean vinyl floors. There are three swivelling fold-down bucket seats and a choice of six mounting sockets.

The 171’s beamy riveted aluminum hull has high topsides that help it handle waves and weather with ease, while the windshield on the helm console offers protection from the elements.

Together, the boat and motor work very well. The DF70 (light at 341 pounds) and the 1,180-pound boat result in an excellent power-to-weight ratio. The reverse chines of the Smoker Craft’s Hydra-Lift hull also help ensure peppy performance. The boat hits 20 mph in under five seconds and 30 mph in about 10 seconds. Top speed is 35.1 mph at 5800 rpm, with cruising speeds of 27.1 mph at 4500 rpm and 22.1 mph at 4000 rpm.

Together, the Smoker Craft 171 Pro Angler and Suzuki DF70 create a combo that’s well equipped and fast enough for almost any form of fishing.

TEST BOAT ENGINE
Suzuki DF70, 91.7 ci / 1.5 L , inline four-cylinder four-stroke gasoline outboard producing 70 hp, driving an aluminumprop.

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20 / 4.9 ; 0-30 / 10.2

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
5800 / 35.1

CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
3500 / 18.3 ; 4000 / 22 ; 4500 / 27.2

SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE (4000 rpm)
Helm– 85 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 87 dbA

SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED
Helm– 89 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 90 dbA