Trading for a bass boat

[shiltsy]

When I bought the Skeeter Fish & Ski (SL 190) a couple years ago, it seemed like a great cross between bass boat and family/ski boat. It's really been great, but I've found that I use it 98% for fishing and 2% with the family.

I just put out a "C L" listing to see if anyone is looking to give up bass fishing and trade their boat for this one. I need bigger rod lockers and casting decks. Wish me luck!

[NTW]

Good luck!

[shiltsy]

Ok, well, not much interest in trades, but I've got a couple of serious potential buyers. Here's the question for the experts:

As I look for a pure bass boat in the $13k-$14k range, I can either stick with a slightly newer (03-04) entry level bass boat (like a 19' Skeeter/Ranger) OR I can get something a little older (2000) that is a 21ft with larger motor.

I'm working to get rid of my SL190 because the casting deck and rod storage aren't sufficient. Do you think I'll have the same gripe with a smaller bass boat?

Any feedback would be great to hear!

[bassfshin24]

I have an 18 1/2 ft Triton and I have plenty of deck room and rod storage. I probably keep around 10-15 rods in them. I will be looking at getting a 21ft boat in the next couple of years though.

[mabr]

IMO. Hitting close to 20'would be the way to go. The ride alone is worth it to me, plus the storage that comes with it.

[bassfshin24]

If you can get into a 20' i definitely would go that route. If i could get a 20 or 21ft i would right now. The ride is sooo much better on rough water.

[Larson15]

It all depends on the kind of lakes you fish. I personally prefer a 19ft with a 200. Seems to be a good all around size for small and big water

[olski]

I would say go as big as you can unless you small lakes with small landings at least 75% of the time. If you go with 19 or less you probably want to upgrade to a bigger boat in a year or 2. IMO.

I had a 18 footer that handled big water better than some 20 footers I have been in. Now I have a 20 of the same make that is 2 years older and I would make that switch 99.9% of the time.

[shiltsy]

Anyone have thoughts on a 2000 Procraft 20' dual console with 200 merc efi? I found one in the price range... I know it's not a ranger, but is a lot of boat for a reasonable price.

From most of the feedback, sounds like it might be worth going two years older for a 20' boat. I don't fish many lakes that are too small, although many of the landings would have been tough on a big boat last season!

Thanks all... man, the bass fishing itch is really getting ugly with this nice weather!!!

[Cecil]

Never been in a pro-craft. But if you can get a 2000 20' in that range its a good deal

[grab the net]

20 foot boat is a great size for storage, deck space, fishability, good ride and at some point re-sale. You would not be diappointed in 20 foot boat, but you may be in a 18-19 footer. Powered by a 200 hp it will get you from point A to B in good fashion. You already know the quality of a Ranger and I would guess there are some quality pre-owned rigs out there in your price range. I am currently running a 2000 Ranger, 487VS with a 200 Merc EFI, no complaints here, fishes as well now as it did brand new. No opinion on the ProCraft, I have never ridden or fished out of one.

[mabr]

Never been in Procraft, but in an Astro which if im not mistaken they were all made buy the same folks/ Nice boat but not a rough water boat IMO. Had alot of friends that had them and to be honest I dont ever remembering hearing anything bad about them. Ive got a ranger as well and it has spoiled me on ride alone.

But, I never hesitated to buy what fit my budget at the time. Ive owned alot of different brands over the years and I loved all of them. They did what I needed and never kept me from fishing where i wanted with the exception of Millelacs and theres times I wont do that even today.

I say if it fits your budget and it apprear to be taken care of go for it. Heck at least you get to take her for a spin now that the lakes are open. Take it out on a windy day is the only recomendation i would make. They all run good on smooth water.

[shiltsy]

I found a nice deal on Skeeter TZX 200 in Florida... Would you guys stay away from anything that's seen saltwater or just have the motor checked closely?

[TR21HP]

shiltsy,

If possible always get the total hours on motor and a compression check.

Southern states boats are probably going to have more hours on the motor just because there is no off season. Each boat should be looked at individually and don't get hung up on brands of boats. One brand of boat that is cherished up north is not looked at so kindly down south just because there are more options of boats to buy. Also note that bass boats sometimes don't have that many hours on the main motor because you are spending so much time on the trolling motor. I've actaully bought 2 boughts from another state, 1 in Missouri and 1 in Arkansas and in both cases got a good deal and an outstanding boat.

[bassNspear]

TR is right, your going to want to make sure you get all that information on the motor. Again, the southern states use there boats all year around, so there going to have more hours, and see alot more water time then boats in this area. I have seen alot of guys from the south come up in our area becuase we dont use our boats as much as they do

[shiltsy]

Alright, my two weeks of obsessive boat shopping has come to an end. After a heart pounding last two minutes on an HSO-Classifieds auction, I was the high bidder on a 2003 Skeeter TZX 190. I ultimately decided to go with a boat that was a few years newer, had the Yamaha motor I wanted and had a few more features instead of going with a 20' boat with a 200 hp engine.

The Skeeter fish and ski was a great boat, but I'm pumped to have two simple things. Rod storage and deck space.

Now to figure out a shipper from Indianapolis to get her up here.

[Cecil]

and the pics are where?

[TR21HP]

shiltsy,

Check into shipit.com for transport. It is a site that has contractors that bid on your boat - all with insurance and you decide on a contractor and price.

[Reid G]

PICS!

[Superduty]

Congrats on the new boat. You can drive to Indy and back in a weekend or less. A lot cheaper than shipping! You might even find someone willing to do it for you for a few extra bucks...

[shiltsy]

I'll take some more pictures when I get her home, but here are the pics from the auction site...

[TR21HP]

Nice Bug Shiltsy!

The first thing you have to do is to get a recessed tray for that trolling motor then fish till you can't fish no more.

[Reid G]

Very nice Shiltsy! I like it.

[bassfshin24]

Very nice looking rig!!!

[shiltsy]

Funny you mention the recessed tray for the trolling motor. I've already been browsing them online and cringing at the thought of cutting into the deck. If I understand right, the Skeeter deck is some kind of fiberglass/foam combo?

This will definitely be a measure twice, cut once scenario!