I have a dilemma

I blew the outboard on my 96 Nitro a few years ago. I have been saving my pennies for the last two years to buy me crappie boat. I now have 10k saved and was ready to pull the trigger on boat until this Corona Virus showed up. I'm a single guy so I am the only one responsible for my household. I think my job is pretty safe but these are trying times we currently live in. I'm not sure if I should hold on to my cash until this storm blows over. I may be able to get a great deal on a rig from someone who finds themselves in bind due to this crisis. The spawn is upon us and it is driving me crazy not to pull the trigger on a new boat. I do have a little two man Pelican that will get me on the water so I am not without any boat.

I am pretty sure my job is secure due to the type of work that I do. We have just been informed that Dallas county is now in a stay in place ordinance. This means I have more time to think about fishing. I'm a less than a hour from Lake Fork and about a hour and half from Lake of the Pines. There are like the crappie mecca's of Texas the fish will be shallow next week. Dreams of slabs are dancing in my head. Knowing that I am going to have cabin fever next week makes it even worst. Thanks for letting me vent.

A boatless soul during the spring spawn :biggrin

Save the money and fish from the bank or the Pelican. The fish are all close to the shore now anyway. $10K won't go that far for a boat and winter is the best time to buy anyway. Just my 2 cents worth.

:hesaid:hesaid

I have a feeling, depending on how long this lasts, Craigslist and such will be filled with boats, campers, side by sides, etc. The luxury items.
I know it won't be easy, to wait, knowing that money is there! Think of the gas money you'll save also!
I'd just use the pelican, get back to the basics of fishing. It'll also let you know exactly what boat you want.
Have you decided not to repower ?

I was gonna repower but quality used outboards are as expensive as newer complete boats. I'm open to doing a repower if I find a decent deal. I think I will just buy me a used 5hp outboard and use the Pelican until I can find a great deal. Like you stated I think the economy is going to get worse and there are going to be some great deals to be had.

I would not spend that 10,000. at this time. Keep socking it away and maybe after the virus you'll have a couple thousand more.
Stay safe.

Alan

Save your money.
Fish with what you have.
Get what you want AFTER you can pay cash for it.
Easy for me to say,because I’ve lived that way for 65 years and it’s worked for me.
Only payment I’ve ever had was a mortgage and don’t even have that now.



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I wouldn’t spend the 10 K now. Find a boat you really want, I mean really meets your needs/wants, save till you have enough and then buy paying cash. Maybe you can get a decent small motor 9.9 to put on the NITRO to get you by in the interim THEN if your new or next boat will support it mount the small motor along with the main outboard giving you an outboard option for lakes with restricted outboard horsepower. God Bless..

USA FLAG+Cross+

I am biased as I have fished in some of the finer bass boats for a long time but after buying a center console I will never go back. I had visions of going to the coast but being able to be on the lake in 10 minutes pulled me away from that earlier thought. That plus falling back in love with crappie fishing. I have a Texas made FreedomBoats Patriot that is 18’ and fully rigged with Ulterra, Helix 10, Garmin 8610xsv LiveScope and all the bells and whistles. Extra wide, superbly comfortable and sports an awesome and affordable Bimini top for those hot Texas days. Four great lakes in proximity allows me to indulge in my passion. Good luck and buy what you really want.


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The spawn is upon us and it is driving me crazy not to pull the trigger on a new boat.

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Take the emotion out of the decision.

Cash in hand gives you the power take advantage of possible deals or needs coming down the road.

If the job stays good thru current events, use the time and cash to make it 15 or 20.

My 2 cents

Good Luck

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Originally Posted by MikeF

Take the emotion out of the decision.

Cash in hand gives you the power take advantage of possible deals or needs coming down the road.

If the job stays good thru current events, use the time and cash to make it 15 or 20.

My 2 cents

Good Luck

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A 10k boat will serve my needs. I fish by myself 98% of the time so a 16-17ft Bass Tracker or center console boat will work just fine for me. I have owned 3 boats and have never bought a new one. Most of my fishing is done within two miles of the ramp. If I save my pennies it will be for a Live scope set up. I think I will just put things on hold unless a killer deal shows up. Thanks for the comments.