Lots of Value in a Small Package from Legendary Builder

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

For three generations, the Smoker family has been designing and manufacturing aluminum fishing boats. So it’s safe to say they know what they are doing, and it shows in the newly released 151 Resorter. The 151 is the baby of the Resorter series, featuring an all-welded hull finished off with an attractive paint and graphic scheme and a classy interior.

At the Helm

What’s more is that the little boat comes with a helm console to starboard, giving the pilot greater comfort and deflecting some of the wind while running. The handsome dash has analog gauges for monitoring the engine and toggle switches for the accessories. A comfortable steering wheel and adjustable captain’s seat adds to the pleasure of driving.

Forward Raised Deck

Just forward of the helm station is the bow’s raised deck, built from specially treated lumber covered in marine-grade carpet. This foredeck is the best place to fish from as it provides a comfortable casting chair and access to the optional trolling motor. From this vantage point, you also can access the boat’s livewell and recessed storage locker, both situated in the sole. Your fishing buddy will have to use the aft deck, which is quite a bit smaller, but is fitted with a chair and mount.

Storage at the Stern

Across from the helm console is a second bass chair that can easily be removed to make more space, or can be placed in either of the six standard base mounts that are located throughout the boat. As far as storage goes, the port side gunwale has built-in rod storage racks and a cup holder aft, near the transom. Two concealed storage compartments are housed in the stern. One is for your removable fuel tank to port. And on the starboard side, is a spot for the outboard engine’s battery box, while a carpeted coaming rail and a cup holder finish of the accoutrements.

Despite her small size, the 151 maneuvers effortlessly and delivers a surprisingly smooth ride, even in sloppy weather. Propelled by a 50-horsepower outboard, you can expect to fish all day on one small tank of fuel. But best of all you can do it in comfort and with a touch of class as the 151 Resorter adds some sophistication to the sport.

• Top speed for the Smoker Craft 151 Resorter is 32.9 mph (52.9 kph), burning 5.3 gallons per hour (gph) or 20.06 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Smoker Craft 151 Resorter is 19.8 mph (31.9 kph), and the boat gets 7.31 miles per gallon (mpg) or 3.11 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 33 miles (53.11 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 50-hp Mercury OptiMax.