Boat Rebuild or New Rig?

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12-16-2011, 03:57 PM
slabbandit

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.
12-16-2011, 04:13 PM
gabowman

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.
12-16-2011, 04:17 PM
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.
12-16-2011, 04:25 PM
xring

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.
12-16-2011, 04:30 PM
windstone

Quote:

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.

X2 or the lowes, got a stinger175 and love it.................
12-16-2011, 04:53 PM
MEATGETTER

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.
12-16-2011, 05:13 PM
slabbandit

All good ideas! Yea, I really liked the looks of your rig Jerry.
12-16-2011, 08:16 PM
Fish Tales

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.
12-16-2011, 08:52 PM
Cray

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.
12-17-2011, 08:58 AM
Crappieawlogist

get yersef a noo' un!
12-17-2011, 11:53 PM
BigRiverMarine

Check out the Excel 1751 Stick Steer!!! Absolutely the finest Stick Steer boat on the market. The Excel 860 Crappie has an extremely low deck that won't bother you to get on, and the boat like Jerry's is the Excel 1860 Stalker SC. It has an extremely low deck as well!! These are great boats, and I have them in stock. I'll beat ANY deal, just come see them before you buy!!!!

I also have Xpress and Alweld.

Give me a shout.

BRM
12-18-2011, 11:44 PM
BigRiverMarine

Thanks for the kind words cray and Meatgetter!!!!

BRM
12-19-2011, 07:04 AM
NIMROD

:fishBite the bullet and buy new, gotta spend your guber mint check on sumpin!:fish
12-19-2011, 11:55 AM
MEATGETTER

nimrod you need a new one too yall both bye one, brm will make you both a heck of a deal !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12-19-2011, 11:58 AM
creekslick

Buy one get one half off.:angel:
12-19-2011, 08:10 PM
Turtlebait

I'd do a rebuild and build it like I wanted it.....I've never seen a new boat yet that was buildit like I wanted.IF I ever buy another new one it would be custom buildt....
12-19-2011, 09:12 PM
MEATGETTER

mine was custom built by excel like i wanted it, and its a fishin machine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12-19-2011, 10:07 PM
slabbandit

I definately have some changes in mind if I go that way.
12-19-2011, 10:09 PM
BigRiverMarine

Quote:

Originally Posted by creekslick

Buy one get one half off.:angel:

They're both half off. I double the price and give ya half off. LMBO. Call me ifn ya want a deal tho.

BRM
12-20-2011, 04:46 PM
McCrappie

I saw a picture of xrings new steps on his boat and I think its a great idea and setup. If you can buy a new one go for it. Craigslist is a good place to sell your old boat.