Our First Impression
This is a brand-new model for 2011, and believe it or not,
they were able to get three fishing stations on this 15-footer, which is very
impressive. Proving you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a quality
fishing `toon, this Fishmaster is set up to hook a lot of fish.
Consumer Test
Geared to be a great fishing pontoon, we love the layout on
this compact `toon. In the bow are two solid fishing stations, complete with a
great folding fishing chair, two places to store your rod and a place for your
beverage. And since the same fishing chair is used for the captain, you can
swivel around and take advantage of the same setup in the stern, giving you six
total rod holders.
A vinyl floor is a nice added touch to this model, which
will help make cleanup simple. Opposite of the helm console is a comfy bench
seat, complete with a rear-facing lounge, and below the seat is a livewell that
completes the fishing package.
The fiberglass helm console flows well with this boat,
especially for being a value-driven model. One of the few options is the Humminbird PiranhaMax fish finder,
and on a boat like this you really need a nice system like this to take
advantage of the fishing features. The stainless steel spoke wheel is also a
nice touch, and the rocker switches are labeled well for easy use. There are
plenty of options available to customize this Gillgetter to your specific
needs, but if we had to be picky we'd like to see a stereo as part of the
standard equipment as well as a 12-volt outlet.
Inspection Test
The 23-inch diameter pontoons are chambered with a full-length
keel, and the weld quality on the splash guards as well as the rest of the
undercarriage earned high marks from our inspection team. The cross-members are
on 24-inch centers (12-inch centers in the stern) and are screwed to the
plywood deck. Gillgetter doesn't compromise the quality just because it's a
compact design.
From inside the bow gate to the rear rail there is just over
nine feet of usable deck space. There are three gates on this model, and on the
floor of the port side entry is a spot for the removable emergency ladder,
which is a great added feature.
We found no dangerous or sharp edges on this boat, and
overall again our crew had nothing but positive feedback concerning the fit and
finish work on this Gillgetter.
Performance Test
Obviously this 15-footer won't be winning any speed races
anytime soon, but that's not what it was designed for. She's a 15 mile per hour
pontoon, and the four-stroke Mercury 25 will get you to your favorite fishing
hole just fine, while the money you save on gas can be spent on new tackle.
Who Should Buy It
Don't let the price fool you; this Gillgetter has a lot to
offer, especially if you thought you'd never find a solid fishing pontoon under
$13K. We love the layout on this fishing masterpiece, proving you don't need to
spend a lot to get a lot.
This `toon earned a high value rating at our test, and
across the board, the Gillgetter held its own in our rating system. Really the
only category it didn't score high in was performance, but that's because this
boat wasn't built for speed with the 25 hp engine. You can't help but
appreciate the high value score that indicates you get a lot for your money
with this one.
St. Louis, Mich.
Phone: 989-681-0037
Website: www.gillgetter.com
