I am looking at a 16ft Pro Select.

Have any of you ever owned one or had any experience with one?

I would be using it mainly as lake boat and possibly the sound once in a while...

Thanks in advance for the input!!!

Sylvan and Smokercraft are the same boat. The have different names for their models,kinda like GMC and Chevy. I've had a Smokercraft 15' Alaskan split seat since 97' and really like it. I fish the sound more than I do lakes,and it's held up really well. I'm looking at a bit bigger boat,and will probably get another aluminum,and probably another SC.

My brother has the same boat as I do,but his is an 85'. It leaks alot,but has never been anywhere other than the sound,and has really been abused. When I say alot,there will be 2-3 gallons in the bottom after a day of fishing.

I take way better care of my boat and it doesn't leak a drop.

Good Luck in yur search.

Personally, I'd avoid riveted boats. Every one of those holes is a place to leak. I used to have a duroboat, which is very comparable in size, weight, and features, but isn't rivited. Great boat.

But lots of guys have smokercrafts, and lots of them are obviously just fine. If it hasn't been beat to hell, it's probably a good boat.

I would agree with avoiding the rivited boats. I have a 15' duroboat 1996 model that dosent leak a drop. It handles the sound real well. And moves out pretty good with a 25hp.
I noticed at the sportsman show the even the navy bought some duroboats (not sure what for).

I had a 14ft Smokercraft split seat a few years ago. I sold it. Recently I decided to get another aluminum boat. I went to the boat show and the sportsman show..... I ended up buying another Smokercraft split seat, the only draw back is they don't make the 14ft any longer in a split seat. I have never had a problem with any of their boats. Smokercraft like some of the other companies mentioned has a lifetime warranty on the hull, rivets and all, so...... They are all good boats (mentioned) its just what meets YOUR needs that counts. I'm happy with mine.

Wabowhunter-

I have a 19' Pro Select that is a '95 and I love it. Very safe and sturdy boat. As for leaking rivets that is something that occurs a lot less than most people think. More often than not a leak will come from the live well system than a rivet. Remember rivets also hold planes together and you don't see a lot of them falling apart.


Jsteel

Lifetime warranty on all the rivets,can't be that bad.

I have a 17.2 Smokercraft. Execellent boat. Very seaworthy. Been out to Duncan Rock at Neah Bay and anywhere in the Sound in all sorts of rough weather. Rarely get any water over the bow. Mounting downriggers can be tricky (custom brackets?). Probably one of the best/versatel boats around for salt and fresh water fishing. One thing to remember is that aluminum boats are very light, especially the shorter ones. They are very "tender" in the water and do not like much extra weight in the rear (ie. motors, batteries,D/R's or gear).