I've got a 1996 Procraft V 200 DC with 200 EFI.I bought it used at the end of the summer and have been refurbing it. It was in reasonably good shape but needed updating. It's black and gold with a crimson pinstripe.
I've had the engine checked out, new seals, filters and everything is great. Strong runner that starts quickly with good acceleration.
It has a manual jackplate but I haven't played with it much yet as I'm a few hours from the closest lake. It has a 24 Trophy small hub on it that is either too tall or the engine height isn't right. I'm only able to get about 52 mph GPS with 5200 RPMS. I have a few other props I'll be trying like a 21 or 23 Tempest.
I'm having a 109# Motorguide and hydraulic steering installed right now. The boat had chargers, batteries, and so on but they were in sad shape. A few banks of chargers worked but not all so I have a new Dual Pro 10 amp system for the 4 batteries.
I also installed an auto bilge right off.
The electronics are old, X55 and X-45 but they work perfectly so I've left them for now. The flasher in the dash works, but needs to be updated also. I added a Marcum LX-5 flasher to the bow, the best flasher on earth. I had a couple for ice fishing with some extra trolling motor kits so that was easy.
Trailer is in great shape with new tires, decent paint. Has a bit of rust and needed new side bunks - done.
My winter projects will be to repair a small tear in the glass mat on the middle rib ahead of the transom (transom is solid and the wood is dry, no rot). I'll do that with glass repair kit. Looked like something rubbed it from the inside. There is a bit of carpet under a console that needs some work and I want to install a 12 v DC plug in through the dash.
The windshields were missing and hopefully my dealer has some that will fit. He also had new ProCraft logo's for the side of the boat.
This is a perfect lesson in boat buying. I've been a Tracker sponsored fisherman for 10 years in the walleye world and have always wanted a bass boat. This was a nice fit and the right brand.
I bought this for 5k figuring on another 3k to get the boat "right". I'm already there. The thing that got me was the hydraulic steering. During the test drive I knew I didn't like the steering but thought I could live with it, after a couple of 20 mile runs I couldn't. In some respects it is smarter to buy those 10-12k newer boats if you can be certain of the shape and accessories.
The boat trailers great, rides nice and takes big water better than I thought. I spent a few days on the Missouri River in SD with 20 mph winds and was able to come back at 15-20 mph and felt fine.
I also have a 1986 18' Lund Alaskan with 50 Merc tiller for duck hunting and winter fishing and just sold my pro staff Tracker Tundra 21' with 250 Pro XS. When I replace my tourney walleye boat next spring I'll add transducers and an antenna to the ProCraft and swap the electronics as needed, probably Lowrance HDS units.
I'll be able to sell my Brute and, 55, and 45 to defray the costs slightly.
It is very sad to me that the ProCraft name is going away. They are great boats with a long history of top-notch quality. My sponsoring dealer, Tyndall Motors in Tyndall, SD has sold a tremendous amount of them over the years. In South Dakota its one of the more common boats seen, I think that's the number one brand in our bass club too.
For those looking at continuing with that style of boat, the Nitro 929 is a closer match than the Z's. The 929 is popular out here on the plains because it's simply one of, if not the best rough water bass boat.
Love to hear from other 200 DC owners.
Todd - Nebraska
