The Smoker Craft Pro Angler 171 has one of the widest beam in class at 7' 8” (2.33 m). That’s a good thing.



Pro Angler Layout

The features start in the bow with the optional trolling motor. You have several choices. If you prefer a 48” (122 cm) shaft then you can opt for either a 40 or 55 lb thrust. A 55 is also offered with a longer 54” (137 cm) shaft, and finally a 70 lb thrust with a 60” (152 cm) shaft is available. The Pro Angler 171 comes to you pre-rigged with a bow plug and dual batteries (one for the outboard, one for the trolling motor).

Moving slightly aft, we find two deck storage compartments, with the first of 6 seat bases nestled in between. Behind that is a 25 gallon (94.64L) aerated livewell, and then tackle storage abaft that.

The helm is nestled into a starboard side console and includes a standard windscreen. Basic instrumentation includes only a speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge. Rocker switches for the horn, livewell, and navigation lights are wired into circuit breakers, where we would normally expect fuses.

The cockpit deck is covered in vinyl for “hose-and-go” cleaning at the end of the day. Four seat bases can be seen (although the helm seat position is fixed), and two storage compartments (rod storage to port, empty storage to starboard). The aft deck houses another seat base.

Simple is as Simple Does

That pretty much does it as far as amenities are concerned. Anything else you’d like, you’ll need to bring with you, but bear in mind where anything else will go. If you fancy a carry-on cooler, you may just have to limit yourself to two people, which isn’t a bad idea either.

Since everyone will need fishing basics, a so-called Power Pack is offered as an option, and includes a Lowrance X-50 fishfinder, 40 lb thrust trolling motor, and mooring cover.



A basic helm is offered on the Pro Angler 171. A speedo, tach and fuel gauge are all that you’ll have to concern yourself with. The fish-finder is offered as an option with the trolling motor and mooring cover.



There are two movable seats, with five seat positions, two of which are elevated. Note the upper decks are carpeted, and the cockpit deck is vinyl covered.



At the bow is a 25 gallon (94.64 L) aerated livewell. Note the reinforcing square-channel in the cover.



Two storage compartments lie on either side of the cockpit. To port (above) is rod storage, and to starboard, is empty storage ready to fill with operational items, such as dock lines, fenders, fire extinguisher...etc.

Seat Positions

With only three seats, you may want to opt for additional seating if you intend to maximize the boat capacity of five persons (which is too many as far as we’re concerned.) Otherwise, three is a comfortable number, and thus, that is the number of seats included in the Pro Angler 171. That will leave one person fishing from the cockpit deck as there are only two pedestal bases in the elevated fore and aft decks. As stated above, the helm seat if fixed, the remaining two seats can be moved between the five other pedestal base positions.

Warranty

Smoker Craft stands behind their boats with a lifetime warranty on all riveted seams, a 10-year hull warranty, the treated decks are also benefiting from a warranty for life, and the carpet gets a 5-year warranty.

Sometimes, the basics are all we need to get by. It keeps things straightforward, and unhurried, which for most of us looking to put the complications of life on the back burner and just get on the water to enjoy catching a fish or ten, that can be just the ticket. But if you want complicated, there are boats for that… for the rest of us, well… the simplicity of the Smoker Craft Pro Angler 171 will do quite nicely. And with an MSRP of $20,299 including a 90 ELPT EFI, the payments won’t break the bank either.