elkchsr -
EMR makes some great boats. I live in Utah and have actually met with the EMR owner and seen their facilities (I was inthe market for a boat last year). I think they build their hulls very heavy duty and I love their leg braces (with the cloverleaf cutout). I have a buddy of mine who reps for them as a guide on the Green and speaks pretty highly of them. At the time I was shopping for boats, a complete EMR setup was quite spendy...comparable to a Hyde. I picked up a brand new Clackacraft for about $1000 less due to those great folks cutting me a heck of a deal to move some 2005's at the end of the season. To me, my decision came down to either EMR or Clacka. Hyde makes a great boat no doubt, but the all metal interior was a no-go for summer fishing on the Green (hot metal and bare legs are a disaster waiting to happen!). As you know, it gets dang hot up there in July and August. The other thing about EMR is I have yet to get a good feeling that they will be around long term. They have moved location twice in UT, partnered up with another company, and just last week I got an email from them talking about some "partnership" with Hyde. I think they build a great product, but I bet that it's been hard breaking into that market in a big way and I wonder if cashflow has been an issue. I don't know if this partnership with Hyde means that Hyde will be building their boats or what. I'm sure I'll hear more soon. All this being said, I would seriously give the Clacka guys in Idaho Falls a call. PM me for details. After a lot of looking, calling, and reserach, I think they are tough, well made boats and the best on the market right now. I can personally tell you they work dandy on the Green <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. If you want, email me or PM me and I can go into more detail. Being an engineer, I tend to research stuff to the an extreme degree before buying...plus I don't get too much into the "brand wars" on boats, trucks, etc. I'll be happy to give you honest, unbiased opinions on all brands I've had experience with.
Tight lines!
