What did you just say?

[BigGrassBass]

My wife told me I NEED to get a new boat!!!!

So, of course I have a few questions and I've been looking at a few boats online already and would enjoy a little imput.

First know our budget is around $13,000.

I've kind of got it down to 2 different boats that I would like.

The first is the Tracker Pro Crappie 175. It's an aluminum bass/shallow style boat that would work well for me since I fish bass about 80% of the time. My wife likes it because of the seating and the more "recessed" floor. She feels it's safer because of the more "recessed" area and with a young son I can't blame her for feeling that way.

The second option is the Stratos 176XT. It's a glass boat with larger deck and storage space but the wife is not to crazy about it because she doesn't think it's as save with the whole thing being deck and very little "recessed" area for the kids.

Personally, I would like the Stratos. More storage and more "professional" look and performance. Don't get me wrong, I'll take what I can get!

Anyone have either of these boats or know them well enough to sway us one direction or another? Any and all imput is much appreciated.

Thanks,

BGB

[Jim Uran]

As long as your wife isn't reading this ( I hope ). Go with the one YOU want, safety won't be too much of an issue in a few years when your son is up front pitching jigs with ya.

[eyebjim]

The lakewater is not made of acid. Put a lifejacket on the son and get the Stratos. IMHO The stratos is a lot dryer ride. I'm sure your wife will like that about it.

[Nick Kuhn]

I don't like the layout of the Pro Crappie, looks odd and seems too narrow. Is a 50 HP going to be enough on a glass boat though? I guy I work with has an older 17 foot bass tracker with a 50HP on the back. He says with the family on board it gets slow.

[JimBuck]

Agreed. I've been in a friends Crappie boat a few times and it can get a little wet on board when cruising through the chops from spot to spot. I say do what makes you happy.....my biggest complaint about my boat is the fact that I need MORE storage space (89' Sylvan Backtroller) and it's hard to add storage space to an existing boat. Good luck with your choice and congratulations on getting the go-ahead for a new boat!

[glenn57]

hey jimbuck, do ya think your storage issue has anything to do with the amount of tackle and rods you have in your boat? hehe. if its anything like mine, need to rotate depending on what i plan to chase. im sure we arent the only ones!

[BigGrassBass]

It's great to see you guys are backing up MY choice. Of course, you already know who wears the pants around here!

At least I have a little more ammo to use and make my argument!

[Sandmannd]

If I got a bass boat, I would look hard at a stratos. I like the aluminum fishing boats myself for what I do. I think they are setup better for a family as well. Little deaper and up off the water for that little one. That's my 2 cents anyway.

[JimBuck]

It's all too true my friend. I am a bit of a pack rat to begin with so I can't stand to be without any of my fishing tackle. I was thinking about this yesterday. Do they make tackle storage units that are interchangeable and can attach to the boat's existing storage....here comes an idea.

I picture having a rack system within the boat that could hold various tackle boxes. The shelf system within the box could be removed from the box and then properly secured within the rack system of the boat, reliving yourself of all the footprint space consumed by large tackle boxes etc....From there you would be able to customize the shelving system according to types of lures, size and personal taste. My hang up with my current boat is that all of the storage space isn't maximized for my type of fishing. There are various compartments of strange shapes and sizes including a rod locker that won't hold anything over 6'6". My boats a bit outdated in terms of technology but I think plenty of people are in the same boat I am in (no pun intended) with an older model of boat but still want to use it to it's fullest potential.

I apologize if I hi-jacked this thread but the topic really got me going! *personal note: lay off the coffee*

But like it's been said, take a look at those Stratos. Good luck with the decision! I'd love to know what you end up taking home.

[Grant]

My wife told me I NEED to get a new boat!!!!

BGB

BGB, would your wife be willing to tutor mine?

[tisosy11]

Get the one you want and then buy a life jacket and a rope...your son won't get too far away!

[BigGrassBass]

She's one of a kind!

What the [PoorWordUsage] is she doing with me?

I better swing by the flower shop on the way home!

[Grant]

I better swing by the flower shop on the way home!

At Least! - Jewelry store might be better

[BigGrassBass]

So, does anyone here own the Stratos 176XT? I think I got the wife talked in to that one. (the little earrings I picked up on the way home last night didn't hurt! ) But I'm curious on the whole stability factor. I've watched the clips on the Stratos web site and you know how those can be. Just curious if what they say is the way it is.

P.S. Thanks to everyone for the imput. That's the reason I love this site!

[Sandmannd]

I was looking at boats and saw a killer stratos on Craigs yesterday. It's at 13 grand I think. Might be something to look at.

[PerchJerker]

I'm also thinking you may want to slow down enough to look around at used boats. I understand the fun and excitement of buying a brand-new-never-used boat, but the bottom line is you will get a lot more for your money buying used, and since you have a budget of around $13k I would suggest looking at some used boats in that price range and comparing to the two new models you're interested in. Also, this should be a buyer's market given the economy and that we're getting close to the middle of June, which will also help you in the used boat market.

Regarding the two boats you asked about, my vote is for the glass boat due to the ride, stability, etc. Good luck with your shopping and congrats

[MNMUSKIES]

I do not own the exact boat you are looking at but I own a stratos 278. It is a great boat, I do wish it was bigger, but who doesn't want a bigger boat. I have a 6yr old son and a 4 yr old daughter and take them out by my self a lot. They know when they are on the deck of the boat they need to stay sitting down. My son did fall over last yr, he went over when he was laying down on the deck to wash his has off after catching a fish and his buckel on his life jacket caught on the tie down. He moved up to get it unstuck and over he went. He was fine, just freaked him out a little. Other than that one episode it has been great. Here is a pic of what I have

[BigGrassBass]

Thanks for the advice Perch.

I have been thinking about this and you're right, you can get a lot more boat for the money going used.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

A 165 CS Alumacraft goes for about 13K with a 50hp Yamaha.

[moviking]

I bought a 97 Crestliner Fishhawk, with a 90 Johnson that I bought for 6 grand 2 years ago. I would by used again, Cheaper and you get more bang for you buck

[tisosy11]

Yeah, can't wait for when my wife agrees to a newer boat! I'm already looking...