Smoker Craft 172 Millentia
Ready for Fishing or the Family
By Capt. Bob Smith
Lake Wawasee in Indiana proved to be a great place to test Smoker Craft’s 2007 172 Millentia. She is an attractive boat with a durable design that is ready for just about any body of water. The Millentia is the Cadillac of the line and is the basis for all the other models.
At the Bow
Starting at the bow, the 172 Millentia is already wired for a Minn Kota Power Drive trolling motor with foot control. The connection at the bow has a main engine trim switch conveniently located within reach. The bow casting deck offers a adequate room for working fish whether you work from a standing position or sitting in a casting chair. Pop-up cleats keep the sides clear of line tangles, the wide gunwales offer a handy foot hold, and the storage dry box comes with clips for storing the bow light. Over on the port side is a 30 gallon livewell. True to its fishing form, there is a large lockable rod locker in the center, as well as it has vertical slots to organize several lure boxes.
Redesigned Helm
With the raised helm design, the Millentia offers two more features. First, the higher windshield provides great protection from the cool, chilly morning air. Secondly, by raising the helm the critical gauges are positioned higher, creating an unobstructed view. Another pleasant feature is the battery charger connection which passes through the front of the helm. This is really convenient. The helm has a three-spoke wheel and uses aircraft style paddle switches with lighted ends for easily finding the switches when the sun goes down. The stereo is mounted just below the dash in easy reach of the driver. Under the helm, Smoker Craft has taken advantage of the space by placing one of the trolling motor batteries here.
Over on the companion side, is a large dry glove box for all your papers and keeping the cell phone and wallets dry. This side also gets the extra leg room thanks to the raised helm design.
Cockpit Features
Cockpit room is really great for this size boat. Side panels have great toe-kick space built in and under gunwale storage is plentiful. Seat bases are powder-coated to give a long, corrosion-free life. Smoker Craft even powder-coated the bottoms! All the floors are vinyl coated for easy care and the snap-in carpet provides great comfort for bare feet.
The aft section can be set up for pure family fun with two fold-down seats complete with drinkholders for the cool beverages. In fishing mode, the seats flip over to form a large aft fishing deck with a 30 gallon livewell in the center. The main battery is tucked under the starboard side storage bin and on the port side is more dry storage. If you choose to use the casting chair, there is still easy access to the bins and room to fish all three sides.
Specifications
The 172 Millentia measures 17’2” length overall and has a stable 91” beam. She weighs 1325 lbs without the engine, has an interior depth of 26,” and can handle up to 6 people or 1400 lbs. This model is now rated for 135-hp and carries 24 gallons of gas. Her 5 keel design and Hydra-Lift hull has a bottom gauge of .100, a rib gauge of .100, and side gauge is .086.
Performance
This model performed well with the 115-hp Honda Four Stroke on the stern. She handled smoothly and was on plane in just 3 seconds and passing 30 mph in only 6.3 seconds. She cruised most economically at 23.7 mph and reached a top speed of 42.6 mph. At cruise you can expect 135 miles on a full tank of fuel.
If you are looking for a great fish and family fun boat that is durable and easy to care for, the Millentia 172 is a great choice.
