boat advice....

[cyang1]

i am looking to buy my very first boat this spring. sportsman's show and boat show are coming up. i've been doing a lot of online research- there are soooo many boats to choose from. any recommendations on what is a "good quality" boat out there? aluminum vs. fiberglass? new or used. i'll mostly be bass fishing and looking to spend under 15,000.

[WaveWacker]

From a alum. boat stand point I I'd stick with what in my mind is one of the big three. Lund, Alumacraft or Crestliner. I would have to say that from a pure boat standpoint each one is good quality. It is all going to come down to how you like the individual set up of each and the price. For a Lund I'd say that you'd be looking at a Sportsman's or Classic series boat. Alumacraft, a Dominator or Navigator series. Not sure of all the ballpark prices for a Crestliner.

I could give you a couple of good glass boats, but not sure of anyone that is going to keep you into that 15G range as a package deal.

One thing to keep in mind with the price is I'd highly recommend to put the max. horse power motor on the back. Prices of those can vary greatly as well. There was a big push for 4 stroke motors (and I have one) but in recent times there have been dramatic technological changes in the 2 stroke models of all brands.

I would also not skimp on electronics (which can be added later) or trolling motor. If there is a question on a couple of different thrust motors always go big! You won't be sorry.

Just my 2 cents

WW

[MJBo]

For fifteen grand go used for sure. You can get yourself a great boat nicely rigged if you get a used one, but for that money you're not gonna get what you want new.

I just got a new alumacraft nav 165cs last year and I love it. My buddy got a stratos bass boat the same year and he loves it. If your a bass guy I'd check out the 2000-2004 statos (they tend to be a good buy) and make sure its got the max horse and all the extras.

I think the bells and whistles make the boat for the most part.

[dfv87]

I would have to voice a vote for used also. You tend to be able to get more bang for the buck. You may for that price get into a glass boat. You also need to define what your wants/needs are for example, fishing only or some skiing/tubing, walleyes or bass or both, Big water ready or smaller lakes with shallow landings. I recommend 4 strokes, I wish mine had one! Less noise, less smoke, use less gas etc. I bought a used Lund and so did my brother in law and both of us are thrilled with our buys. As with anything used you have to really look at it and assess if it has been taken care of, but the MAJOR boat manufacturers make quality boats pretty much across the board. I would get something within the past 3-4 years at the oldest though as they change technologies and could make some of your stuff obsolete. I also agree on the MAX HP for the boat. They are really designed to have that much HP to get the best performance out of them. Good luck in your search.

[sparkyaber]

I was in the same situation last fall- The most important thing is to find out what you will use it for- If it is just bass, and on smaller lakes, you can get really nice glass bass boats that are just a little smaller. I needed a pleasure/fishing boat to satisfy my need for fishing and the wifes' need for fun. I had it narrowed down to two model lines- triton fish/ski (notice the fish is first, which means it leans a little more to fishing side, as compared to their SF line). and ranger reata series. These two boats were almost identical in the way that they were designed, I looked at all other brands of fiberglass fish and ski's and these two either had the layout that I wanted or just had a better build quality. Then I just kept an eye on the online classifieds (way cheaper than buying new) until I found a 2003 triton fs 190 with a 200 hp opti on the back. After a short drive to Oklahoma , she was in the garage. The main thing is research the heck out of the boats,(like going to as many dealers as possible, and asking questions here) and narrow it down to a few boats that will fit your needs, and then just sit back and wait, if you are going to get a used one.

The drawbacks to this is, 1. you have to wait for the right deal to come along. 2. Buying something used is always a gamble.

Good luck,

[CodyDawg]

I have a little different take on the MAX hp issue. Unless you feel the strong need for speed, I dont agree. Very seldom will you go more than 40-45 mph on the lake. i had a Lund ProV with a 150 on the back that was too much motor for the boat. I didnt feel safe letting hardly anyone else drive it because it was soooo responsive. Skiing and tubing became very throttle sensitive issues or you would rip the arms off the little guy you are trying to pull. In big waves once I bumped the throttle and threw my wife from the front to the back. If you put a 40 hp on your console boat, your throttle goes from 0 to 40 hp over the same range of motion that the 225 hp goes from 0-225. Thus each 1/16 of the throttle represents a lot more power. Plus, if you go new, each extra pony costs additional $$$. Stuff to think about. But you gotta get over the faster is better mentality.

[caseymcq]

I would have to agree with WaveWacker on the Max Hp idea. If you are going with an aluminum boat with a tiller the max hp is going to probably get you in the 30 to 35 mph range. You may have more of a problem putting the boat on plane with a weaker motor. You won't get any better mileage out of a smaller motor because it is going to have to work harder to push the load. It doesn't have to be a faster is better mentality. It can be an are you going to dig with a spoon or a shovel mentality. You want the best tool for the job. Go with the max hp.

For $15,000 and new you could probably get a Alumacraft Navigator 165 with a 60hp Yamaha 4-Stroke EFI. I have an '05 Navigator 175 with a 75hp Yammy 4-Stroke EFI. I love it. The motor is extremely quiet. They also have a feature that allows you to adjust the idle speed so you can troll way down. You could get a Lund 1600 Explorer for about the same price which is another great boat. I am a little partial to Alumacraft though

If you are going used you may be able to get a really nice boat for that amount that might already be rigged.

Good luck in your search.

[eyepatrol]

I'd have to agree with pretty much everything the guys have said here. A new boat for $15,000 may be tough to come by unless you go smaller. A used boat for $15K can get you a bigger boat. You really need to think about what you're using the boat for though. If you plan on taking any family out especially for skiing, tubing, etc., then you'd probably want to look at the fish & ski, or sportfish, or tournament sport type boats. If it's always going to be you and a buddy, then you could probably look towards the prototypical bass boat with big casting decks, etc. I would also either max out the hp or get something close to it. Fuel mileage may not be an issue as stated in a previous response, but the difference between a 150 and 135 would save you a few bucks, if $15K is the top number for you. You won't be disappointed with any of the big 3 aluminums...Lund, Crestliner, Alumacraft. Glass boats...Ranger is what I'd consider the Caddy of boats. Other high quality boats would be the Triton, Stratos, Champion, etc. Fiberglass tends to run smoother in the waves than aluminum in my opinion.

If you're comfortable with the idea, look at used first as you can sometimes run into some pretty darn good buys. If you're looking new, and thinking aluminum, go to Crestliner's HSOforum. They have a "build & price" your own boat on their site. I think it's mostly for just the boat and main motor, and electronics along with bow mount, etc., I think would be in addition to the boat price.

Definitely go to the boat show though. I've been told by others that you can find the year's best deals at the boat show if you're able to go new. Be sure to let them know you're looking at other boats too...a little incentive for them to knock a few bucks off. I myself will be looking at buying a new boat next year. I'll be either going with the Ranger 1850 Reata or the Crestliner 1850 Sportfish as I love to hardcore fish, but my wife wants comfy seats to kick back in and read a book. I'll be going to the boat show next year and when I'm there, I'm going to tell the salesmen that I'm there to buy a boat that day, and whomever comes in at the best price is going to get my money. For me, it's no different than buying a vehicle...if you can beat this guy's price, I'll buy from you, if not, I'll buy from him.

My $.02 worth.

Good luck!

[blakjack23]

I was in your same...uh...boat last year. I was looking for a bass rig in the 10-15 price range. Surprisingly I found a 98 BassTracker PT185 with a 90hp Merc on the back for $6500 and I picked it up.....in Tennessee. It has everything I need and I spent half of what I was looking to. Very smooth ride and lots of space at 18.5 ft long, rod lockers, livewell, 45mph, trolling motor, electronics.... It was in like new condition and it only had 18hrs on the meter when I picked it up. She ran like new all year long. After my buddy fished in mine he went out and picked up a PT175 (the 17 foot model). Just cause you have that as your limit doesn't mean you won't find what you need for cheaper. If you are up for a drive you can find lots of good deals down south.

[Lindy Lee]

Being you are looking into your first boat definetly buy used so you can see the differnce between what you think you want in a boat and what you actually need in a boat. That way you can save some more money and will be more educated by experience to buy the boat you really need. If you do go new put the max ponies on the back, you will get your money back if you go to sell it in the future. Better to have them there then wish they were there.

[cyang1]

Thanks for all the great advice!

[TSCTSC]

My 2 cents worth :

For less than 15 grand, it would be hard pressed to get a reasonable new boat - assuming reasonable to you is defined as steering console, at least 16 foot, V hull, 4 stroke with at least 25 HP.

A lund 16 rebel with console with a 25HP 4 stroke would put you in at around 10K already. But these a good value with good resales.

For a few K more above 15K, say 17-18K, you could get a 16 Lund Pike with a 90 HP 4 stroke with a trailer if you find the right dealer and right deal.

I am not sure if 15K would get you a Lund explorer 16 foot complete package including taxes though. Might still go above 15K.

First and foremost :

If you are a fishing nut,

Buy as big a boat as you can afford, as as big as you can store or trailer.

Buy a boat that will let you do what you think you are going to do with it and a lot more. This is because, once you have your own boat, you may start fishing more lakes and larger lakes and if you buy a lesser boat, you may start to feel challenged on the larger lakes. On the other hand, if you are absolutely sure about where you will fish and will not fish, then buy the boat that you need.

Thirdly, used boat probably gives very good value for money because first and foremost, you save on taxes. The other reason is that you will probably make mistakes with your first boat....eg. scratch it or do something to it. It is less painful when you learn on a used boat. But if you go used, I would prefer aluminium versus fibreglass. Only problem with used is that a good boat and motor and trailer is not that easy to find.

Fourthly, do not think that this will be your be all and end all boat. Chances are you will slowly develop your own personal wish list for a boat. Your 2nd or 3rd boat would probably be your ideal boat.

Finally, another advantage of buying used is that you get the boat nearly immediately. No more of the nonsense where you put down like 15K of money and the dealer says that they are all backed up for a month and you need to wait a month before you can get your spanking new boat. Delivery times are also a big issue to consider when you are spending a lot of money and you want to use your purchase ASAP.

[PerchJerker]

For your first boat I'd also suggest looking at used boats. Not sure how big of a rush you're in to buy, but if you have some time to shop and make some low offers you will find awesome deals sooner or later. Especially if you wait until after the fishing opener. Until then used boats will sell at a premium, after that you'll have a better chance of working a great deal.

Also, don't be surprised if in a year or two you're shopping for a different boat. That's just the way it seems to work a lot, you'll think you're getting the perfect boat but as you use them and fish more your wants and needs will change. Good luck and have fun shopping.

[AQUAJOE]

Crestliner 1750 Fishawk with a 90 hp Etec.

[TSCTSC]

Go check out the Minneapolis Boat Show. Closes 22 Jan 06.

For 20K plus tax, u can get very good boats.

For less than 15K,

There is a lund 16 SS classic with a 40HP/4 for about 11K. Go check it out.

Unfortunately, Lund explorers and pikes are at least 16-17K.

Did not see any great deals on CR and Alumacraft there.

U can get great deals for Starcraft and Smokercraft there for about 20K. Similar boats from Lund would cost 35K-40K.

[grab the net]

How many boats have you fished from? Do you have friends with different boats? I would suggest fishing from both an an aluminum multi-species and then from a fiberglass bass boat before you make your choice. If you are a bass guy, I think you would really enjoy a blaster. At least 18 feet long, better ride, more storage, bigger wider fishing platforms. You are looking for a stable casting platform for pitching, flipping, and all the other bass techniques. These are all much easier done from a fiberglass bass boat, lower to the water, more stable, no high gunnels, more maneuverable, won't get blown around as much. Great for panfishing also.

There are lot of good used boats out there in the budget you have to work with. The majority of bass boats are well taken care of by their owners, expecially guys that fish T's even a little bit.

I know that it is difficult at this time of the year, but I would definetly take it out for a test drive and fish from it before I wrote the check.

Max hosrepower on boat is preferred, boat will perform at its best with right HP. Trolling Motor just as important, 24 volt is a must, at least 74 lbs of thrust. Minnkota Max is my choice. When you think about what percentage you use each one, TM 90%, maybe max HP not so important. (especially if gas goes back over $3.00 per gallon)

Another consideration is your tow vehicle, if you have a 1/2 ton pickup or SUV, you can pull just about anything you choose. 4 WD is nice for steeper ramps if you do go fiberglass, as the boat is substantially heavier.

Ranger, Champion, Triton, Skeeter, they all make good boats, just as Mercury, Yamaha, Evindrude and Johnson all make good motors.

Enjoy your search, that is almost half the fun, take your time, don't get swept away on the first one you see or drive.

[prov1900]

Big hp is nice, but not the most important. Spend your money on your trolling motor, electronics, and accessories. If you are into bass fishing, the large hp is really not that big of a deal, unless you plan on fishing the BASS tour. The reason I say this is that I have friends who have nice boats already and are looking to upgrade in the accessories. When you are talking 1500 for a trolling motor (dont skimp on), @800 or more for a great fishfinder(dont skimp on), etc, it is tuff to do later so throw it into the original financing. You can add the best of the best now, not regret it, and not change your payment that much. Go for it. The best thing I did for my family was buy a boat. You will not regret it. If you are married, let your wife throw in her two cents. Get her excited in the purchase. It will pay dividends.

[MJBo]

Take a look at that Crestliner Muskie edition on the for sale forum. Looks like an all around good boat.

[NEANGLER]

Going along with what other people have said I would go with a used boat - you'll definetly get more for your money, especially with all of the extras. I wasn't planning on selling my boat but I happened upon a nice deal at a dealership here in NE. 2002 Alumacraft Tournament Pro 175 CS Merc. 150 with Merc. 9.9 4s kicker, for $15,000. So my Lund Pro Angler has gotta go - wife won't let me keep 2 boats. Try iboats.com or boattrader.com to search for specific brands and models. Good Luck.

[Esoxmn]

With the boat show season getting started, now is a great time to watch the papers for used boats.