She said yes- Boat Shopping!

The misses gave me approval to buy another boat. Which got me to thinking.

What features do I want in my new boat?

Well, what features do I want in my new boat?

:dono

Whatever you had, that you liked, in the old boat ... then add "features" or upgrade those that your old boat had. You know what types/styles of fishing you like, what works for you that you're comfortable doing, so upgrades to the devices that you use could be a starting point. :twocents

Wide open layout is most important to me. My favorite for fishing is a tiller layout followed by side console. Had a center console bay boat and absolutely hated walking around the console. Have an 18' Suntracker Bass Buggy now and absolutely love fishing off it. But not conducive to long runs for tournament style fishing. But dang roomy for just a fishing trip. Enjoy your adventure in picking a new ride. Lots of boat shows going on and coming up. Can't wait to see what you pick and see the final rigged masterpiece.

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I like a side console, live well, big rod locker, STORAGE, Storage, did I say storage, four stroke, gas sipping motor, front wired for a 24 volt TM, live well timer, v hull to some extent for cutting through chop, self centering trailer for easy solo loading, no carpet unless I add it where I want it.

I love my current boat, but it has restrictions.
As of this moment the below boats peak my interest and check all my boxes;
Lund Impact 1775 Walk through with Mercury 115.
Alumacraft 175 Competitor Sport with Evinrude 115.
But I don't like the price tag.

Look for a boat a few years old, low hours that has been garage kept. You should save money and get some extra equipment too. Congrats and good luck.

I agree with the other posts very much, get what you need to allow your fishing trips to be enjoyable, and low maintenance and affordable enough that you don't have to worry about it when you aren't fishing.

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A boat that will suit your needs is what you want. Just like buying a new pickup or a new rifle.


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While you’re looking at boats to fill the need, look at the tracker 19’. The 175 is one of the best selling boats around but the 19’ shows it up badly. More storage and width come along with the extra length, and it performs well with a 115 on the back. One guy I know here bought one a year ago for his retirement boat and got it with vinyl flooring. A very nice package and they can be found on the used market if you look. Good luck.

I would tend to say a boat needs to fit the way you like to fish most importantly .
i don't like much open water crappie ketchn so I want a small aluminum rig that I can squeeze around things .
some want to troll and spider rig , larger fiberglass rig
i do know flatter bottom boats ride rougher and some I have been on will flat beat you down.
sure is tough to buy things like trucks and boats wisely....luck to ya my friend