Boat Rebuild or New Rig?

I have an '88 model Tracker Panfish 16 Stick Steer with a 35 Merc. It's been a very good rig but is in need of some real TLC. I'm trying to decide if I want to put a bunch of money in fixing her up again or look into a newer rig. I've just had both knees replaced since August so I'm really looking towards something that limits how much stepping up or down I'll have to do in a day.
I really like the looks of some of the crappie rigs with the lower front decks. Looks easier to get up and down off of. Also the livewell should be reachable from the front seat. I'd appreciate any ideas and/or pictures.

Slabbandit, I bought a walleye type glass boat last spring and the only step up it has is getting on the front deck. That deck is large so once youre up there then youre up there. I hardly ever spider rig or dio any casting so I mainly longline from the back of my boat. The hull not having a deck on the back makes it real nice as you dont have your rods so high up and you get to sit "down in" the boat. The reason I'm telling you this is because if you are thinking about getting something else by all means look for a boat that does NOT have a casting deck on the front (unless casting a jig is your thing). Rod holders sit much lower allowing your rods stay horizontal with the tips much closer to the water, boat waves dont rock you so much making you feel like youre gonna fall out, and everything is at arm's reach without having to reach to the floor of the boat for everything. Walking around in the boat is much much easier too (I highly recommend a deep V wide boat myself). One alum boat that comes to mind is a 17' Tracker Panfisher if youre wanting to see what I'm talking about.

New 2012 Tracker Pro Guide V-175 Sc, Abilene TX - 100363465 - BoatTrader.com

As long as your motor is still good I'm sure it would be much cheaper to fix 'er up (and even lower your front deck tooThumbs Up) but it should also bring you in some decent money to help pay for another ride too. Good luck with your decision.

SlabBandit IMO after 24 years I think you deserve a new boat, go get ya one that you like and is comfortable for you. I fish out of a 17 foot Lowe Stinger I love this boat, most stable aluminum 17 foot boat I have stepped in.

Slabbandit, I can relate to your condition, and I'd second the motion to buy one more, rigged the way you want it and enjoy the golden years,,no matter how bad they suck...lol

I have a triton that I love,,EXCEPT trying to get up and down from the front casting deck,,and even into and out of the boat although I did help that with some ho'made steps on the front of the trailer.

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Originally Posted by CrappiePro

SlabBandit IMO after 24 years I think you deserve a new boat, go get ya one that you like and is comfortable for you. I fish out of a 17 foot Lowe Stinger I love this boat, most stable aluminum 17 foot boat I have stepped in.

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X2 or the lowes, got a stinger175 and love it.................

hey david i have a excel 1860 best boat on the water !!!!!!! ask nimrod how he likes it he fished and run it all over the lake for aweek.

All good ideas! Yea, I really liked the looks of your rig Jerry.

I just sold my 93 pan fisher and got a 17ft. Triton tc17. I love the boat, it has plenty of room to move around.
Like you my pan fisher was in need of a overhaul so I bit the bullet and got a new one. Glad I did.

Take a look at War Eagle stick steer. I recently bought a 754 because of a bad leg. Love fishing out of it. Get in sit down and I'm fishing. Live well on the side and can reach it from the seat, cast and spider rig no getting up and down. Also. Look at the Excell boats BRM on here sells in West Memphis.

get yersef a noo' un!