Should I persue it??

[eyepatrol]

Okay, I know in other posts in other forums I've said that we're waiting until next spring to purchase a boat and I've discussed thoroughly on whether to get new, new non-current, used, model, etc. But today I came across a boat I feel might be just too good to pass on and would like some thoughts. First off, it's a used, 2004 Alumacraft Tournament Sport 175 with a '04 Yammi 150hp 4-stroke ("very very low hours"), Minnkota 65AP, Lowrance X51, Lowrance X125, 3 bank on-board charger, Shorelander trailer with swing tongue and spare, transom saver, 4 rod holders, travel cover, 4 seats, and stereo with cd player. That's what I know right now. The OBO price being asked is $18,500 (previously listed at $20K).

What do you guys think? Pending a review of the rig, but if it's problem free, would this be a great deal? Seems as though it would be to me.

[eyepatrol]

Being I was in a similar position last year when I was working on selling my boat, I completely understand what you're saying BB. He wasn't comfortable going down to $17.5k but would consider $18k. Last year I tried to sell my rig for $15k and ended up selling for $14.5k, but refused lower offers. I was happy, the buyer was happy, like you say, it's a win-win. Similar situation here.

[eyepatrol]

I'd like to jump all over it, but my other half is really hesitant about doing so. She likes the price and boat, but she's not a big fan of the timing. We did talk about it for a while last night, and I'll bring it up to her one more time tomorrow to see what she says. But I know exactly what you mean COSD. Earlier this summer we were looking into a crew cab truck. I found a GMC with quadrasteer (something I had always wanted). Told the dealer on a Saturday that we'd be there the next weekend to look at it and likely buy it. Called him the Thursday before, and it was sold on Monday. Ended up getting a different crew cab, but had more miles and was a couple grand more (and no quadrasteer). Second time I've had an interest in a truck and we've put it off for that extra week and then it's gone (not my choice either). Oh well, that's how it goes sometimes.

[Down Deep]

Basscatcher. This is getting really amusing I don't think that I've ever had as many laughs as reading the threads on this boat purchase. You must be a truly happy soul. If you ever get up to the Duluth Area, let me know, I would love to spend an afternoon with you popping a few bass or walleyes.

[HaywardBound]

basscatcher...I feel for you...I know how bad you want that boat! (I was in your shoes 2 years ago)... But I also see the other halves point..?

She is thinking of 'back to school', and you are thinking of the October moon and fall fishing (best ever fishing) Hint, hint. This is normal.

Ok, is that just me? Don't let my wife see this...(I may be wrong about your wife's thinking...)

[Kevin Turner]

Quote:

---

the best deals are "Win" "Win" deals, when both parties feel like they made a good deal. I think it is time to make a decision, either do the deal or move on. If you press the seller you probably won't own this boat. He met you half way. Don't expect anything more. He probably feels like a winner at this price, and you should as well. He does not have to sell to you. Either you like the boat or don't.

---

Well said....

And remember this: A once in a lifetime deal only comes arounds every two weeks.....

[cold one sd]

I was looking at a new F250 diesel last year and didn't but it because my wife started grumping about us not needing a new pickup and especially not a noisy diesel. She doesn't like Lunds because my brother owns one and she doesn't like 2 stroke outboards because of the smell. I bought a new 1800 Fisherman this spring with a 150 4 stroke and she was grumping about not buying a pickup. I think I am getting this figured out. I just leave her home and listen to the complaining after the fact. Might not work for you though.

[eyepatrol]

How's the Verado treated you this year?

[hanson]

I've been reading this for awhile too.

My gut feeling basscatcher is that you are hesitant to pull the trigger on this one. Let it go. There will be others that come along, maybe even a better boat at a better price.

This is the time of year to buy but you'll also be buying something that you will see little to no use out of until next May, unless you plan on fishing the rivers this fall & winter.

I think if you and your wife wanted that boat, you'd own it already and we wouldn't be chatting about it on here.

The difference between 18,000 & 17,500 is peanuts in my opinion. That price difference should no way be the deciding factor since its so close already.

Good Luck to ya!

[eyepatrol]

If I had my say, we'd be picking it up Saturday. And I agree, $500 is "small potatos" when talking these amounts.

[harvey lee]

I would agree with Hanson 100%.If you think it is the boat you want and if the wife is willing to go along with it,then the 500 difference is nothing on a purchase if it is what you want.If you have problems with the purchase then forget it and wait for another boat or another time.Lots of deals to be had at most times of the year.

[Koldfront Kraig]

The Tournament Sport 175 is Alumacraft's top of the line in that size boat. Equivalent to a Lund PRO V 1800 IFS. Lots of standard features that a Lund Exploror doesn't have. Including thicker aluminum in the 2 XB hull.It also has a walk through windshield.

Price a new one to double check then look up NADA to compare their pricing.

That's not a bad deal.

[cold one sd]

The Verado has been very good. I have had some things come up this summer and I only have about 24 hours on it so far. It runs very well and gets about 5 mpg when cruising at 4,000 rpms. Fuel usage is about the same as my last boat which had a 4.3 liter I/O so there were no shocks there. They seem to be working out to be good outboard. I was reading about a Verado on a water taxi overseas that got 3,900 hrs put in it in about 18 months with no problems. I really don't think that there is a bad outboard out there at this time. Too much competition. I would recomend the Verado to anyone that is interested in one. If I ever get my wife in the boat long enough she will too,

[iffwalleyes]

I think Hanson is right on this. As much as you are struggling with this decision it probably is best to pass on it. This is just me but if I find something I really want I usually don't wait too long to go get it. From your past post is this really the boat you want? Or are you just settling for something in order to try and get one? One thing for sure it is a nice boat I don't think anyone will disagree on this. But as I told you before it is a persona decision not one any of us can make for you. We aren't going to make the payments you are. So you need to be ok with it. I would say that also means the Mrs. needs to be on board with it and if she is against it maybe you should listen to her . After all she did say you could get one in the spring and true you might not get as good of a deal as the fall but the are still some pretty good deals in the spring too.

[eyepatrol]

Good points IFF. We aren't struggling with the brand/model of boat to get....this boat along with a number of other boats are exactly what we're looking for. Any one of a number of brands/models would be fine with us, as they are set up very similar from brand to brand, model to model. The struggle really rests with my wife. Its a long story that I won't delve into, but it has to do with timing on buying a boat.

In short, I've told her I'm comfortable with getting one now or next spring. I'm just trying to look out for our best interests on spending money. This boat presents the best value that I've found to date....meaning its the right brand, right model, right price and with the right equipment (almost anyway). So we'll see. If it happens, it happens. If not, I'll wait until February and start my searches over again.

[LocalGuide]

The Fall is always a good time to search for a new boat too. Some dealers will have some hold overs that they want to get rid of before winter.

Just keep a eye out this fall and maybe you will hit the sweet deal!

Hey look, gas prices are going down! Boat sales might also go up too, but since its nearing the end of the season who knows.

Keep that eye open!

[iffwalleyes]

Quote:

---

Good points IFF. We aren't struggling with the brand/model of boat to get....this boat along with a number of other boats are exactly what we're looking for. Any one of a number of brands/models would be fine with us, as they are set up very similar from brand to brand, model to model. The struggle really rests with my wife. Its a long story that I won't delve into, but it has to do with timing on buying a boat.

In short, I've told her I'm comfortable with getting one now or next spring. I'm just trying to look out for our best interests on spending money. This boat presents the best value that I've found to date....meaning its the right brand, right model, right price and with the right equipment (almost anyway). So we'll see. If it happens, it happens. If not, I'll wait until February and start my searches over again.

---

Man you are in a predicament aren't you ? To get the boat or not get the boat. Have to do it like Jeff Foxworthy said

"Is that a new bass boat in the driveway?"

"Your morning to sleep in sweet pea."

[eyepatrol]

Quote:

---

To get the boat or not get the boat.

---

Ha! That sentence reminds me of a t-shirt my wife and I saw at a convenience store of sorts on I35 on our way up to Vermilion a couple weeks ago. The shirt said:

"To fish or not to fish. What a stupid question!"

[iffwalleyes]

I have the same shirt myself.

[caseymcq]

It sounds like a pretty sweet boat too me... I think you should buy it... I would bet the first time you dip in the lake an pull away from the dock you will be grinning from ear to ear. I have an Alumacraft and I love it.

[eyepatrol]

Well it's settled. We ARE getting this boat! Thank goodness the drama is over! You guys were probably getting sick and tired of reading about it anyway.

Thanks for all the responses. Now the real fun begins by rigging it up with a couple extra items and, most of all, getting it out after those fall walleyes!

[PerchJerker]

Sweet. Congrads on the purchase. I hope it works out great for you.

[eyepatrol]

Pending the test drive to make sure everything works, which it should, I think this rig will work out great for our family. It'll be interesting to see how the ride of this boat compares to the previous boat I had. I've only owned the Warrior, so this will be my first go at an aluminum boat. Plus I've never owned or driven a Yamaha motor much less the 4-stroke this one has on it. So it'll be interesting to see how that performs also.

I'm definitely excited. And with the kids getting older, the boat will get much more use year after year. That's the good part! I can't wait to get my 3yr old son out in it. He always enjoys watching the "movie" (locator). Only one problem with that...he always wants to "change the channel" (push buttons!).

[PierBridge]

Isn't life Great......

Way to go team basscatcher......

[stmichael]

AWESOME!

[Deitz Dittrich]

Take pictures of the new family member and post them when you have time!