Bass Boats

[SluggoMaster]

I was looking at buying a new Nitro bass boat, either the 17.5 or 18.5 boat. Does anyone have any opinions on Nitro, as compared to other boats in the $13k - $18k price range? The other question I have, is it worth getting the Optimax over an ELPTO or would you go with the EFI?

Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[RossT]

Yes, it is worth going to an Opti or Efi. Going with a direct injection outdboard (DFI) like an Opti or Yamaha HPDI will give you improved saving in fuel and oil. HPDI's and Opti's idle quieter and have remarkable throttle response. Direct injected outboards typically smoke less too. But you will also get much more back at the time of resale. Four strokes and DFI's are not the future, they are becoming the norm. Rather than going for the slight savings right off the bat, consider the long run benefits.

Now looking at boats. Have you looked into a Ranger 185 or Skeeter TZX190? If you look around you can get some good deals on 1-2 year old boats, like a Ranger. Get in each boat and see how they are constructed, laid out, and the qaulity of companents that are used.
If possible ride and drive each boat, some may run faster, but may not be a very stable fishing platform. If you buy a Nitro you are limited to Mercury motors, if you buy a Skeeter then they are rigged with Yamaha's. Ranger, Champion, and Stratos boats offer Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, Johnson, and Evinrude.

While brands like Ranger and Champion are known for their qaulity, Nitro has been known to lack in that area.

Look at classic bass dot com for a listing of used bass boats in Minnesota, there are also some "certificates" that allow you to order in a new boat for sale.

Email me if you have any questions regarding boats. Good Luck!

[SluggoMaster]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have not made a site visit to a Skeeter dealer yet. My dad and I fished out of an old skeeter for years, and I am definately getting something that is at least 18' long.

Down in TN, where I'm from, it's a LONG right back to the launch in whitecaps down the Tennessee river. I hope to move back down there in the next few years, and I want a boat that will last me for quite a while.

I know spring is the worst time to shop for a boat, but I would like to get as much use out of one that I can. The only reason I was looking at new boats, was the financing. I don't know if I would want to purchase a used boat and finance it too. I was going to put quite a bit down, but not the entire amount. There are too many things that can be wrong with engines to finance one, and then have to sink a couple of grand to fix the motor at a later time.

[cobrawrangler]

I have a Certificate for a 2004 Triton TR185sc w/ a mercury 150XR6 w/ trolling motor, depth finder, prop, and batteries for $16,000. You pick the colors and order it at your nearest dealer. If interested call me at 612-408-2975

[Guest]

I would also agree that the EFI's and DFI's are better, however, how long are you planning on keeping the boat? How much are you going to use it? Tourneys? pleasure? These were some factors I added into the equation when I purchased a bass boat last July. I tend to keep a boat 2-3 years. Some small money tourneys here and there along with of course pleasure fishing is what my intentions are. I use hardly any gas doing these things. The # thing in my book is quality. Cars,trucks,boats, down to the clothes on my kids' back. I've learned not to skimp out anymore on cheap generic stuff. I bought a 2001 BassCat Sabre/Merc 150XR6. I researched for almost 2 years before I bought it. Drove down to St. Louis, well worth the drive. No dealers up here in MN. But down in TN I would bet they're everywhere. I can't tell you that BassCat is the greatest thing since sliced bread because I've only had it 8 months. But what I can tell you is my previous boat was an 18' foot Skeeter. And it's a complete 100% night a day difference (favoring the BassCat) The ride is extremely dry (had it on Mille Lacs) I'm not a speed demon but if I want to go fast, it's all there. The thing that impressed me the most was the warranty. Transferable lifetime structural warranty. Bottom line, get what you want and what you can afford. Do yourself a favor, look around. Don't buy on impulse or looks. Check things out/research.

[swampbuck]

You should also consider the new Crestliner 1850 CMV. this is an 18 foot boat rated for 150. It has a semi deep v that handles great in rough water. It is really laid out nice for bass fishing wiht a high, huge deck, and large center rod locker. This boat will fit in your price range at well under 20K loaded.

[Mark Christianson]

Cobra

Is this a boat you won, or are you talking dealership stuff?????

Hmmm
I am wanting to go to an 18.5 ft bass type boat, but I wasn't planning it quite yet.

Sometimes the stars line up when we are not ready.

[cobrawrangler]

Biglakeba$$
this was won in a Fishers of men Regional.
If your looking no triton dealer can come close to this deal. If interested call me at 612-408-2975
Thanks,
Keith

[Mark Christianson]

I may be giving you a call tomorrow.

Oh god, what do I tell my wife????

Heck, who cares!!!!!!!!!!!

[SluggoMaster]

Cobrawrangler, that indeed is a great deal, but I won't have any cash until next month.

I spent all day looking at boats yesterday, and the Triton is a SWEET boat for the price. Many extras and looks good too! I was really disappointed in the Skeeter boats, as they seem to be cutting corners these days on extras.

I love "glass" boats, but the Crestliner folks impressed me with the Fish Hawk series. I am a hard-core bass fishingman bu I am going to take a hard look at these boats, since they are very spacious, and look great as well.

[Mark Christianson]

Hmmmm
Senkomaster(aka Sluggomaster),

Just so happens my current boat is a Fishhawk.....
I can't own 2 boats if ya know what I mean.

[SluggoMaster]

Which one do you have? Features, accessories?

[Mark Christianson]

Probably better email me.

[email protected]

[SluggoMaster]

biglakeba$$, after looking at the Triton's myself, I'm looking to go that way too! Sorry!!

Why is it everyone has the dang Motorguide motors on their boats? I prefer a MinnKota, but it is a special order on most bass rigs. I'm not sure I'm completely sold on the Optimax, since I would have to do a LOT of running to offset the cost. I would most likely get the EFI instead Thoughts?

[Mark Christianson]

I hear ya.
I do not want a Motorguide, or a 2 stroke carb 150. YUK.

I have been calling around to find options for trading that smokey 150 XR6 for an Opti or a Honda 150.

[SluggoMaster]

So, the XR6 150 is not your pot of tea? It has a sweet price, but the EFI I hope is worth the $1500 extra. Any thoughts on whether to get a Maxxum or a Powerdrive? Thanks!

[RossT]

Sluggo,
Stick with a cable driven motor - a Maxxum. Less hassle than a Powerdrive (electronic steering). You'll find that you can turn faster and easier with a Maxxum.

[Mark Christianson]

No stinky 2 stroke for me.
It is either 4 stroke or one of the new Opti's.

But, they are about $3500 more than the XR6.
Ouch.

[Glenn_S]

Have you looked at Stratos?

We just purchased an '03 185 w/Yamaha VMAX 150. Here is ours:

http://basschat.net/Stratosside.JPG

The '04 model is here:

http://stratosboats.com/proxl/287proxl_ad.html

These come loaded with features, including hydralic steering, AND a Minn Kota Maxxum 65# trolling motor. you can get into these real reasonable. There are several places in the Twin Cities that carry them.

Glenn

[Mark Christianson]

Shoot me an email imbass.

[email protected]

[SluggoMaster]

I finally decided, and ordered a new Triton TR186DC. I managed to find a 2001 BRAND NEW 150HP Optimax for a steal! I'm so pumped, but I won't get it until June.

Thanks for all the replies!

[Mark Christianson]

No fair Sluggo.

Triton has their $1000 rebate end tomorrow, and I am still wavering.

I didn't come into this spring looking for a boat, so now I am just lost.

Where did you get that "steal"????

I want a steal.
I should have just bought cobrawranglers and been done with this whole mess.

[SluggoMaster]

I found that 01 Optimax at the dealer in Elk River (Riverview). It was their last one. Those are some really nice folks up there and they are very willing to work out a deal. I didn't realize that the Spring deal was over tomorrow. I'm glad I went yesterday.

I was wanting to buy a new boat this year, but I spent more than I was planning to spend. However, you only live once, and I will be happy with this boat for a long time, or at least I plan on it.

The only bad thing I've heard about the Triton package is the trailer. Everything I have read says they are squeaky, and sometimes the rivets rust out. Other than that, I cannot find anything else.

Good luck in your search!

[cobrawrangler]

Just talked to Chad at Riverview they have til the end of the month for the Merc/Triton deal, so all is not lost, Get up there and order it!!!

[Deitz Dittrich]

I have a Triton TR186PDC... Its been a great boat for me. Its a 2001, I bought it used and drove to Kentucky to pick it up.. It had like 40 hours on the moter which is a 2001 Johnson 150.

I had a Champion 184DC.. so the Triton is about 2" longer however I lost about 10" in front deck space. I cant lay a full 7' rod down without riding a little on the windshield area. Thats my only complaint.. if that is one even.. Great riding boat! Wonderfull storage!