War Eagle vs. Xpress

[carolinadrifter]

I’m looking for real world opinions on the War Eagle 648 and the Xpress 16DBX. The express has about 10” more in beam. I’d prefer the high front deck with storage under neath and no gun box. Open concept. Price will be similar powered with a Yamaha 40. Main uses would be fishing and gigging around the Wando River/ ICW north of Charleston. Fishing and hunting lake Moultrie and Marion. Occasionally hunting the tidal rivers. It will also be my kids primary boat to learn on and take out themselves once they are older. My dad has an 1860 war eagle CC so I’m pretty familiar with their build quality. I’ve never been in an Xpress of any kind.

[willyworm]

Xpress wins on construction alone. Unless something has changed War Eagle still makes cross ribs and the aluminum between the ribs will bow. Whereas Xpress hulls have longitudinal ribs.

I'll find the link to my old thread of mods, etc on my Xpress. I run a 1651 open floor plan, mid deck with a Yamaha 60 that's pumping out 70+hp.

All I gotta say is whatever outboard you hang on said Xpress you better run a 4-blade prop or else the HydroDynamic hull turns like shit.

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[SCHUNTINFANATIC]

Xpress

[willyworm]

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[DuvnDux]

Xpress, I’ve owned three (98, 03 & 12) all 16 footers.

[Buckin Bronco]

I had the xpress 1651 and currently have the war eagle 548. The xpress was great and rode well. Could take some serious abuse. However it was just too big and heavy. I was hunting the timber out west and had to ratchet it through two trees to get to where we needed to go and when we got back from the trip I sold it to buy the war eagle.

War eagle doesn’t have as much storage and can be a little rougher bc it’s lighter but in shallow water it’s a lot easier to drag and it was like going from driving a school bus in the timber to a sports car.

I think it depends on what you’ll use it for.

[Gone South]

Primary use of fishing and gigging I would go for 10”more of beam. Also if it were my boat I would go with more hp, those are some heavy boats.

[Palmetto Duck]

2nd willyworm on the Xpress. We rode a bit during one of the last Swamp Runs. I bought an 08 new with a 50 yam 2 stroke and it has been flawless. No WAY you should pick something with 10” LESS beam. On a 16’ boat that is a shit ton. That alone is reason enough and what Wworm said about construction.

[Cooney]

I’d check out a Reaper before I made the decision.

[Coastal Woodie]

There's a good looking 1648 War Eagle with a high deck and duck bill on marketplace for $6,000 in North Carolina.

[Saltydog235]

Anyone know anything about the Prodigy Boats from Jasper, GA? I'm still shopping for a bigger tin boat for bays, I just can't make up my mind.

[FEETDOWN]

I have a WE 648LDV with a Yamaha 40 and I love it, but I agree with Gone South, I'd love it even more if it had a 50 or 60 on it.

And I would do this as well.....

I’d check out a Reaper before I made the decision.

[carolinadrifter]

There's a good looking 1648 War Eagle with a high deck and duck bill on marketplace for $6,000 in North Carolina.

You got a link? I’m not on Facebook

[wob]

Anyone know anything about the Prodigy Boats from Jasper, GA? I'm still shopping for a bigger tin boat for bays, I just can't make up my mind.

I know they look pretty slick, and are priced accordingly.

[Coastal Woodie]

You got a link? I’m not on Facebook

I saw it yesterday but can't find it now. I could be over looking it so I'll check again in a little bit.

[Buckin Bronco]

Anyone know anything about the Prodigy Boats from Jasper, GA? I'm still shopping for a bigger tin boat for bays, I just can't make up my mind.

If you’re into spending $30k on a metal boat then they’re your company.

I used the xpress fishing Wando and coastal areas and it was good for that especially with the amount of room it offers. I’ve reached a point though where id prefer a light weight bare bones Jon boat.

[wob]

If you’re into spending $30k on a metal boat then they’re your company.

I used the xpress fishing Wando and coastal areas and it was good for that especially with the amount of room it offers. I’ve reached a point though where id prefer a light weight bare bones Jon boat.

You must have seen one without an engine for that price.

[BuckyTownsend]

Prodigy quoted me $28k on an 18ft with a 60hp tiller. That was several years ago precovid before the price of boats went stupid….

[Buckin Bronco]

Shoot ten years ago I bought the 16ft xpress and trailer out the door for $4500. Crazy where things are now.

[Saltydog235]

Shoot ten years ago I bought the 16ft xpress and trailer out the door for $4500. Crazy where things are now.

Yeah 20’ basic you’re looking a $45K now. A dealer quoted me $77K on an Avid 23Mag and tried to make it sound like a bargain as his MSRP was around $100K, except Avid lets you build/price on their website.

Boat dealers are filling up and not selling much now with high interest rates and high prices. They’re going to have to come way off that 35% markup before I’m buying. My little Triton 1860 will just have to do for a while. Boat prices are nuts.