Lund 1875 Pro V SS Review

Founded in 1948 when G. Howard Lund began building aluminum duck boats, the Lund boat company has established a solid following in the freshwater fishing market. With a reputation for quality and innovation, the company’s top-of-the-line Pro V models, in particular, have become synonymous with serious fishing – and particularly among anglers who pursue a variety of different species.

The 1875 Pro V comes in three different versions; one with a full walk-through windshield, plus both single- and dual-console editions.

Introduced in 1988 as a pair of 17-footers, the Pro V series has grown over the years to now encompass no less than five aluminum and four fiberglass models, ranging from 17 to 21 feet. Perhaps the most popular of all is the 18-foot, 10-inch 1875 Pro V SS. So much so that for the 2016 model year, Lund offers the 1875 Pro V in three different versions of its own – an IFS SE derivative with a full walk-through windshield, along with both single- and dual-console variants of its base SE edition.

All three 1875s ride on a heavy aluminum IPS II hull with double chines, for enhanced handling, stability, and improved control. The bottom is built from thick .100 aluminum plate, while the side walls are constructed from .080 aluminum. The front half of the bottom is double-plated for additional durability.

Three pedestal-mount seats can be positioned wherever they’re needed, with bases located in both the front and rear decks, plus four positions in the main cockpit.

With the exception of the walk-through windshield on the IFS SE version, the interior layouts are basically the same, with a raised front casting deck, open cockpit, and an open stern with an abbreviated rear casting deck. This configuration provides the optimal utility in a multi-species fishing boat, providing raised casting surfaces along with a deep cockpit for offshore trolling. It also allows one to move throughout the boat without stumbling over gear.

The elevated front casting deck conceals a vast amount of storage space, plus a 12-gallon aerated live well.

The raised front casting deck conceals a vast amount of storage space beneath, including a 12-gallon aerated live well complete with an interior light. There’s a deck pad at the far forward bow, providing an ideal spot to mount an electric trolling motor, with a convenient 12/24 volt electrical connection. The front deck is normally carpeted for extra grip, but like the main cockpit, may be ordered in a hard-wearing vinyl instead. While it can be a little more slippery when wet, vinyl doesn’t show wear like carpet will, and is much easier to clean at the end of the day.

The helm is neatly laid out, with plenty of room for aftermarket electronics.

The single console SS model includes a helm panel for the driver with full instrumentation and no-feedback tilt steering. There’s also an Infinity AM/FM/MP3 stereo with Bluetooth connectivity and a pair of speakers. Being a fishing boat, the 1875 Pro V’s dash is built low enough to allow the installation of a large multi-function display without blocking the driver’s vision.

Dual console SS versions add a second console to provide the passenger with more protection from the elements, plus some additional storage space. The “double bubble” windshields on the dual console version are replaced with a full walk-through windshield in the IFS SE variant, providing even greater comfort when heading out early or late in the season or in inclement weather.

Secure storage for smaller items can be found in the consoles, as well as in a large locker located in the starboard gunnel.

Between the consoles at the edge of the front deck is the opening for the 1875 Pro V’s primary rod locker, with secure space for 10 rods mounted directly above the trolling motor batteries. You’ll find additional locking rod storage space in the port gunnel, plus storage for other gear in a matching compartment to starboard.

The main cockpit floor is open for maximum versatility. The 1875 Pro V comes with three deluxe fishing seats, with four seat bases in the cockpit (plus one each in the raised bow and aft casting decks) allowing the seats to be positioned wherever they’re needed. Grab handles in the gunnels are a welcome touch, as is Lund’s ProTrak mounting system on the gunnel edges, allowing the easy installation of rod holders and other accessories without the need to drill holes.

Across the stern there is a smaller, elevated rear casting deck, which conceals an 18-gallon aerated live well, also with an interior light. The wide gunnels are flat aluminum, making it easy to install accessories like downriggers.

The smaller rear casting deck also offers some built-in storage, plus an 18-gallon aerated live well.

One of the most interesting features in the 2016 Pro Vs is the inclusion of what Lund calls its Stowaway boarding ladder. When you need it, simply pull the pole-like ladder rearward out of the transom. Once fully deployed, an integral hinge allows it to bend down into the water, where you can flip down its peg-like steps. It’s a nice safety feature that doesn’t eat up any space at the transom when not in use.

Rated to handle outboards to 200 horsepower, the 1875 Pro V is a boat that does best with maximum power (indeed, Lund also lists a minimum horsepower rating for it, at 135 ponies). With a 175 or 200 bolted to its 25-inch transom and filled with a full tournament load, it’s an honest 50 mph boat. That’s impressive.

Secure storage for smaller items can be found in the consoles, as well as in a large locker located in the starboard gunnel.

Lund enjoys a strong reputation in the freshwater fishing community, based largely on boats like its 1875 Pro V. Serious multi-species anglers will find a lot to like here.

Lund 1875 Pro V SS

Length: 18’ 10”

Beam: 95”

Weight: 1,500 lbs.

Fuel capacity: 40 gal.

Passenger capacity: 6

Maximum Power: 200 hp

Info: lundboats.com