Discover why Smoker Craft boats are a top choice for anglers with durable aluminum construction, versatile models, and great value. Explore the 172 Millentia and more.
Smoker Craft boats have carved a niche in the boating industry, particularly among anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable, versatile, and cost-effective aluminum boats. With over a century of history, this family-owned company has built a reputation for durability, innovative design, and exceptional value. This article delves into the strengths and considerations of Smoker Craft boats, with a special focus on the 172 Millentia model, to help potential buyers make an informed decision. We’ll explore construction quality, performance, model variety, pricing, and real-world user experiences, supplemented by data and insights from boating communities.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship: The Smoker Craft Story
Founded in 1921 by John Smoker in New Paris, Indiana, Smoker Craft began as a lumber company rooted in craftsmanship and quality. In the 1960s, the company pivoted to manufacturing aluminum fishing boats, a move that established its place in the boating industry. Today, Smoker Craft, Inc. remains family-owned, emphasizing integrity and community in its operations. The company’s mission—“The best value on the water from our family to yours”—reflects its commitment to delivering high-quality boats at competitive prices.
Smoker Craft’s evolution from lumber to boating showcases its adaptability. By embracing aluminum construction, the company combined lightweight design with durability, appealing to anglers who need reliable vessels for diverse water conditions. With a focus on innovation, Smoker Craft has expanded its lineup to include fishing boats, utility boats, and pontoons, catering to a wide range of boating needs.
Why Choose Smoker Craft? Key Strengths
Smoker Craft boats stand out for several reasons, making them a compelling choice for both novice and experienced boaters. Below are the primary factors contributing to their popularity:
1. Durable Aluminum Construction
Smoker Craft boats are built with high-quality aluminum, typically 5052 H34 alloy, known for its balance of strength and malleability. This material ensures lightweight yet robust hulls that withstand the rigors of frequent use. Key construction features include:
- Single-Piece Bottom: Enhances handling and reduces weak points in the hull.
- Double Rows of Rivets: Strengthens seams for added durability.
- Reverse Chine Design: Found in models like the Starcraft Fishmaster (built by the same parent company), this feature softens landings in rough water, improving ride quality.
These elements contribute to boats that are both durable and capable of handling varied conditions, from calm inland lakes to choppy big waters.
2. Performance and Handling
Smoker Craft’s Performance Hull System is designed to optimize ride quality. This system reduces noise, minimizes buffeting, and ensures a smoother experience on the water. User feedback, such as from Jim Hudson on FishingMN, highlights the 172 Millentia’s ability to handle big water like Lake Superior, achieving speeds up to 45 MPH with a 115 HP Mercury Optimax engine. The reverse chine and thoughtful hull design allow Smoker Craft boats to perform well in rough conditions, though some users note that aluminum boats, in general, may ride harsher than fiberglass counterparts.
3. Versatility Across Models
Smoker Craft offers a diverse range of models to suit different boating needs:
- Fishing Boats: Models like the Pro Angler, Ultima, and Millentia series are designed for anglers, featuring aerated livewells, ample storage, and rod lockers.
- Utility Boats: Compact models like the Resorter are ideal for smaller lakes and rivers.
- Pontoon Boats: Smoker Craft’s pontoon lineup caters to family-oriented boating, blending comfort with functionality.
This versatility ensures that whether you’re fishing bass on inland waters or trolling on large lakes, there’s a Smoker Craft model to fit your needs.
4. Competitive Pricing and Value
Smoker Craft emphasizes affordability without compromising quality. The company’s boats are often priced lower than competitors like Lund, Crestliner, and Alumacraft, making them attractive for budget-conscious buyers. For example, a new Smoker Craft 172 Millentia with a 115 HP engine typically ranges from $30,000 to $40,000, depending on options and dealer pricing. This is often lower than comparable Lund or Crestliner models, which can exceed $45,000 for similar configurations.
5. Comprehensive Warranty
Smoker Craft backs its boats with a robust warranty package:
- Lifetime Warranty: Covers the hull and flooring.
- Six-Year Stem-to-Stern Warranty: Includes components like seats, electronics, and accessories.
This warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring long-term reliability and support.
6. Family-Oriented Values
As a family-owned business, Smoker Craft fosters a culture of integrity and craftsmanship. This translates into attention to detail in boat construction and a commitment to customer satisfaction, as evidenced by positive user testimonials.
Spotlight on the Smoker Craft 172 Millentia
The 172 Millentia is a standout model in Smoker Craft’s lineup, praised for its thoughtful design and fishing-focused features. Below, we explore its specifications, performance, and user feedback, particularly addressing concerns about resale value raised by user “icedoctor” on FishingMN.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 17’2” |
| Beam | 92 inches |
| Weight (Dry) | ~1,300 lbs |
| Max HP | 150 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 24 gallons |
| Passenger Capacity | 7 persons |
| Hull Material | 5052 H34 Aluminum |
| Key Features | Aerated livewells (front and rear), rod storage, vinyl flooring, optional washdown pump |
| Starting Price | ~$30,000 (base model with 90 HP engine, varies by dealer and options) |
Design and Layout
The 172 Millentia is lauded for its interior layout, which users like “icedoctor” consider superior to comparable Crestliner and Lund models. Key design elements include:
- Ample Storage: Multiple compartments, including rod lockers and a dedicated cooler space with a toe kick.
- Dry Storage: A lip around storage compartments helps keep gear dry, a feature not always found in competing brands.
- Comfortable Seating: While some users, like Jim Hudson, noted that earlier models had less sturdy seats, newer iterations have improved designs comparable to Lund and Alumacraft.
- Vinyl Flooring: Easy to clean and cooler in sunlight compared to carpeted alternatives, as noted by user D_Heintz.
Performance
The 172 Millentia is versatile enough for both inland lakes and larger bodies of water. With a 115 HP engine, it achieves speeds of around 45 MPH, as reported by Jim Hudson. The boat’s deep-V hull and reverse chine design enhance stability and handling in rough conditions, making it suitable for big-water fishing. However, users like spudhauler caution that heavy pounding in rough seas can stress aluminum hulls, suggesting careful driving to maintain longevity.
Resale Value Concerns
User “icedoctor” expressed concerns about the 172 Millentia’s resale value compared to brands like Lund, Crestliner, and Alumacraft. Community feedback suggests that Smoker Craft boats may have lower resale value due to less brand recognition in certain regions, particularly in Minnesota, where Lund dominates. However, users like Jaypo note that this makes Smoker Craft boats attractive in the used market, as they offer comparable features at a lower price. For buyers planning to keep their boat for 20–30 years, as “icedoctor” intends, resale value is less critical, and the 172 Millentia’s affordability and quality make it a strong contender.
User Experiences: Real-World Insights
To provide a balanced perspective, we’ve compiled feedback from boating communities, including FishingMN and WalleyeCentral, highlighting both praises and criticisms of Smoker Craft boats.
Positive Feedback
- Reliability and Durability: Users like finman, who owned a Smoker Craft 178 Fazer for nearly 20 years, praise its solid construction and ability to handle rough waters on Lakes Michigan and Superior. Similarly, eyefishwalleye reports a 1998 Smoker Craft with a still-solid transom and floor after 20 years.
- Value for Money: Darin Ingalls highlights the 2000 16ft Millentia as a great deal, noting its stability and performance despite heavy use.
- Layout and Features: The 172 Millentia’s layout is frequently praised, with users like jigginjerk noting its quiet operation and superior setup compared to competitors.
- Big-Water Capability: Jim Hudson and others confirm that models like the 172 Millentia handle big water better than expected, making them versatile for various fishing conditions.
Criticisms and Considerations
- Older Models: Users like 92python and MnPat1 report issues with older Smoker Craft models, such as faulty gas gauges, visible flotation foam, and weaker transoms made of unfinished wood. These concerns are less relevant for newer models, which have improved construction.
- Resale Value: Multiple users, including Jaypo and Hoffer, note that Smoker Craft boats have lower resale value compared to Lund, Crestliner, or Alumacraft, particularly in regions where these brands are more popular.
- Rough Water Performance: MnPat1 and spudhauler caution that aluminum boats, including Smoker Craft, may ride harsher than fiberglass boats and can sustain damage if driven aggressively in rough conditions. Proper handling, as advised by TheFamousGrouse, mitigates this risk.
- Build Quality Variability: Some users, like Jaypo, suggest that newer Smoker Craft models may not match the build quality of top-tier brands, though others, like Net_Man, find the hull design and components comparable to Lund.
Smoker Craft vs. Competitors: A Comparative Analysis
To help buyers like “icedoctor” decide, we compare Smoker Craft’s 172 Millentia with similar models from Lund and Crestliner, focusing on price, build quality, and features.
| Feature | Smoker Craft 172 Millentia | Lund 1775 Impact | Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 17’2” | 17’9” | 17’6” |
| Beam | 92 inches | 94 inches | 94 inches |
| Max HP | 150 HP | 150 HP | 150 HP |
| Base Price (Approx.) | $30,000–$40,000 | $40,000–$50,000 | $35,000–$45,000 |
| Hull Material | 5052 H34 Aluminum | 5052 H34 Aluminum | 5052 H34 Aluminum |
| Warranty | Lifetime hull, 6-year components | Lifetime hull, 3-year components | Lifetime hull, 3-year components |
| Key Features | Aerated livewells, vinyl flooring, dry storage lip | Aerated livewells, premium console | Aerated livewells, SureMount system |
Analysis:
- Price: Smoker Craft offers a lower entry price, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
- Build Quality: All three brands use 5052 H34 aluminum, but Smoker Craft’s storage lip and toe kick provide unique advantages. Lund’s reputation for superior hull design is debated, with Net_Man noting near-identical hulls in Smoker Craft.
- Resale Value: Lund and Crestliner generally command higher resale values, but Smoker Craft’s affordability offsets this for long-term owners.
- Features: The 172 Millentia’s layout and features, like vinyl flooring and ample storage, compete well with Lund and Crestliner, with user preferences often tied to specific needs.
Addressing Common Concerns
Resale Value
While Smoker Craft boats may have lower resale value in some regions, their initial affordability and durability make them a cost-effective choice for long-term ownership. Buyers planning to keep their boat for decades, like “icedoctor,” can prioritize value over resale.
Big-Water Performance
Smoker Craft boats, particularly models like the 172 Millentia and Ultima, are designed for versatility. User testimonials confirm their ability to handle big water, but careful driving is essential to prevent hull damage, as noted by TheFamousGrouse.
Build Quality
Newer Smoker Craft models address past criticisms, such as weak seats or transoms, with improved designs and materials. The use of 5052 H34 aluminum aligns with industry standards, and features like stainless steel hinges enhance durability.
Chart: Decision-Making Flow for Choosing a Smoker Craft Boat
This chart guides buyers through key considerations, highlighting Smoker Craft’s strengths in affordability and reliability for fishing and family boating.
Conclusion
Smoker Craft boats, particularly the 172 Millentia, offer a compelling blend of durability, performance, and value. Their aluminum construction, innovative hull design, and versatile model range make them ideal for anglers and families alike. While resale value may be lower than premium brands like Lund, the affordability and long-term reliability of Smoker Craft boats make them a smart choice for those planning to keep their boat for decades. With a lifetime hull warranty and competitive pricing, Smoker Craft delivers exceptional value on the water.
For buyers like “icedoctor,” the 172 Millentia’s superior layout, robust construction, and big-water capability make it a worthy contender. By prioritizing proper maintenance and driving techniques, owners can ensure their Smoker Craft boat remains a reliable companion for years to come.
Happy boating!
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