Vexus boats

[wicklundrh]

Here are a couple examples:

Last year we were fishing a tournament in Alpena Michigan. During the week (prefishing) we launched out of several different locations in order to maximize our time on the water. Based on the size of my boat, the motor, and the amount of fuel I carry, I knew the maximum distance I could travel, fish all day, and return to the port of call. We had tournament fished this location the year prior and the fishing is the same. The big fish are in deep water and several miles North and South of the launch. In fact, it is more than 30 miles to the fishing grounds. Running wide open, I can run about 40 miles one way and comfortably get back to port (80 Miles round trip). The bigger boats can run about 120 miles round trip. I can run fully loaded and wide open at 45mph. They can run around 60 comfortably.

We have to be realistic. We troll all day long so that takes it's toll on the total fuel amount and consumption. We work very hard to FIND fish in locations that other competitors will overlook. Why? Because they can run to the popular locations and I simply cannot. We compete against 100 boats. I know the area they fish and can catch big fish there. We put more than 25lbs of fish in the boat in pre-fishing. The problem is getting there and back. On day one of the tournament, I ran 5miles, I worked hard for 5 GOOD fish. Good fish for that area. I culled 4 others and ended day one right at 20lbs. The problem. 19 of my other competitors ALL ran out to deep water. Some of them only had 4 fish but still outweighed me. At the end of day one, I sat in 20th place. Not bad for not being able to run to where others go. My only hope is that on day two , the fish scatter for those teams and I can stay on active fish in a short location.

Day two was much of the same. I again put just shy of 20lbs in the boat in the same location. Unfortunately, those same guys ran 40 miles, caught fish, and outweighed me!

South Dakota last year in the National Walleye Tour. The fishing grounds were more than 100km from the launch. Guys had to run wide open for over an hour, get fuel, get to the fishing grounds, fish, run back, get fuel, just to make it back. There is no way I could ever make that run. Period. If the math was done right, I would have had 2.5 hours of fishing time in that location.

These are examples where high dollar boats pay big. BUT... any other day, when I am not limited by where I can launch, and time, I am happy with what I have. Sure, I would love to have the bigger gear to be competative, but it isn't in the cards right now. This year I decided to take a step back and evaluate what I am doing. I've tried very hard to do more with less. Alot more with less. Like I said, I can compete, I just don't have the equipment to be competative.

Off subject but good information. I will be interested to see what Vexus comes up with to compare to the ZV21 Nitro and the 621 Ranger in a deep V and if the price is considerably less. For my money as it stands right now, the BEST value in the boating market for HIGH END boats is Warrior!!!

[yobuck]

In 1986 i bought a brand new 24' 240 offshore model Grady White with twin 150 hp Yamahas, 50 gal auxiliary tank, outriggers, full canvas, sitting on a new Load Rite trailer for $35.000, i still have the bill of sale from the dealer. I could have had the 25' Sailfish model
with twin 200s for $9.500 more. Priced any Grady Whites lately?

[wicklundrh]

In 1986 i bought a brand new 24' 240 offshore model Grady White with twin 150 hp Yamahas, 50 gal auxiliary tank, outriggers, full canvas, sitting on a new Load Rite trailer for $35.000, i still have the bill of sale from the dealer. I could have had the 25' Sailfish model
with twin 200s for $9.500 more. Priced any Grady Whites lately?

I think it is the same with a lot of things. Many of us remember buying brand new vehicles for less than 10k. Heck, some of our first houses were less than 30k. Now, I can't purchase a new truck for less than I purchased my first house. Wish I got to see some of that inflation in my paycheck!