Which boat????

So... Just say that your wife has decided that you "need" a new boat. A big boat. A glass boat. What do you get?

This is a serious enquiry. My wife has decided that we are going to get a new boat before next spring. I like the BassCat Panterra II. I have fished in a couple of them over the last several years. Course, Skeeter makes a nice boat or two, and so does Ranger. Heck, I like the Nitro Z-8. I have never owned a glass boat, so my knowledge on making this purchase is limited. I am NOT looking for the fastest boat on the lake. I want one that gets me where I want to fish safely, and lets me fish where I want to fish comfortably.

I was thinking maybe an upper limit of $40K. (Is that gonna be enough?)

What would you be looking at? Why would you pick the boat that you suggest?

And yes, I know that used is probably the route to go, but I just want something new.

$40k is a tight budget for new. I'm a Ranger fan but the Basscat's and Skeeter's are fine boats as well. Minimum of 20', would be my suggestion. Rigged out new....55k-65k. You can get a year old, nicely appointed demo-tourney boat closer to 40k.

Of the boats on your list, probably the nitro could be had in z-8 flavor with factory rigging at about that (without tax), but no way in heck id spend that for a nitro with bottom end options when you could easily get a 2 year old boat rigged to the gills for 40 or less.

Hard to beat a ranger for wide decks and smooth ride. But for a 20 footer you'd be looking at 50k with no extras. Cat would be the same.

Go over to BBC and cruise the boat classifieds and you see pretty quick where the bang for the buck is.

Wannabe...

Sadly I also think 40k is lite for a new 20' rig. I would strongly suggest buying slightly used, that's exactly what I did. Their is no need wasting money and I'm sure you can spend it on electronics and such if you want. Ranger, Skeeter, Bass Cat are all fine. I would only consider Yamaha or Mercury outboards. I will say my next rig will probably be a rig like Feelays....comfortable, no carpet to clean and anything built for salt has got to be a little tougher. JMO

i wish i could help but your about $34000 out of my price range and i am tin boat kinda guy anyways

Hydralic Jackplate is a must, talk about taking the ruff out of the ruff water. Been keeping my eyes open for a used one but no luck yet

Check out some of these, pretty awesome 2 year old boats and a couple close too.
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boats4sale.htm

Well...as nice as that new boat smell is, maybe I can convince the wife that a boat that is a year or two old isn't worn out....... But I tell you, you should have seen her face when I mentioned getting a used boat. She looked like someone had shot her favorite puppy...........

You bout as well do as momma wants and go get a new one, ifn momma aint happy you know.

After you've made a trip or two, hauled it down a gravel road, hit a stump, and snagged some rebar it really doesn't matter.

Just show her the price of a brand new 20 footer--she'll be glad to get used

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Originally Posted by KDAVID1

Just show her the price of a brand new 20 footer--she'll be glad to get used

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Has your wife got a fishing license yet??????? You of all of us should know where he's coming from, momma gets what she wants

Momma says new........and RED!!! Apparently color is important too. More important than make and model she says. Of course, Momma wants me to build her a new house near the lake too, now that we are both working in Grenada, and that has not happened yet, either.:Rofl But you are right, Rees. She isn't happy about it, and that is making it hard for everyone around the Wilson house!

im very pleased with my nitro z8 250 merc. its a full 96" wide in front of consoles I don't think the other decks are that wide and it fits your price range ready to go. cant think of anything it doesn't have that the others do. the on board charger is not very good, just replace it. it does'nt have the resale but it does'nt have the cost either [my .02]

Just remind her of how good you are and she got you 'used'....that'll take that sour look of her face when you talk common sense used boat sweet nothins in her ear. Trust me.......And, a few cans of red spray paint ain't much.

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Originally Posted by jimmydee1

Just remind her of how good you are and she got you 'used'....that'll take that sour look of her face when you talk common sense used boat sweet nothins in her ear. Trust me.......And, a few cans of red spray paint ain't much.

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You seem to be a very wise man, Jimmydee!

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Originally Posted by Iwannafish

You seem to be a very wise man, Jimmydee!

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Ain't met her but a couple of times but thinks you mite ought to leave off the red spray paint trick

Well....yeah!!!! Not just another pretty face ya know.

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Originally Posted by Rees Guide

Has your wife got a fishing license yet??????? You of all of us should know where he's coming from, momma gets what she wants

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yep got it last week--and that's true--course she never would tell me to go buy a new boat--she beats me up if I buy new jigs--but if she did I still couldn't do it-would be nice-just wouldn't seem right as you see she says EVERY dollar i spend on fishing she gets to spend on shopping--needless to say I aint got that kinda money:biggrin

I'll throw my 2 cents in. I have a Bass Cat Pantera 2 with 200 HP Mercury engine. This boat is 19' 8" (I think).........but I think of it as a 20 footer. It will handle any rough water you will be out in and ride smoothly doing it!!!!! Now, I'm not the type of guy that's just drinking the Bass Cat kool aid. I've had this boat almost 2 years. When I was shopping for a boat, I narrowed it down to a Ranger, a Triton, a Skeeter, a Pheonix, or a Bass Cat. I don't buy a boat to resell in just a few years. It is my opinion that these boats listed above are very well built and worthy of a long term investment, but will hold their value due to their reputation and the market demand for them. Bass Cat impressed me the most as the very best company (family owned for over 40 years) in customer service and loyalty. The product they produce is built from the finest resins the law will allow boat manufacturers to use (yes they police what they can use due to EPA issues). My boat fishes great and looks good doing it!!

I would suggest that if you have interest in the boats mentioned above, that you take a look at BBC (Bass Boat Central). Also, go to BassCat - Total Performance Bass Boats This is the "OWNERS MANUAL" for Bass Cat boats. Look under "Owners Board" at this website and ask any question you can think of. This is a direct link to the Bass Cat Company as well as every Bass Cat owner. Also, under the Owners Board drop down menu, there is "Bass Cats for sale". Take a look there at all the Bass Cats for sale (including pictures). See how they are equipped and how they are priced. There are some real bargains out there right now!!!!!! One thing I am sure of.........If you buy a Bass Cat, either new or used, you will be getting a great boat that will last you a very long time!

Good luck with your shopping....... If I can be of help, drop me a line.

Mike

I honestly cannot think of an easier way to throw away 25 thousand dollars than the purchase of a new boat. A boat is a hole in the water that you throw money in. It means nothing but one friend bought an older ranger (only a 364 with a 150) and I have yet to figure out why I'd spend another 60 thousand for a boat. of course he bought it from someone he knows that has $$$ and kept it maintained and garaged.

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Originally Posted by Iwannafish

So... Just say that your wife has decided that you "need" a new boat. A big boat. A glass boat. What do you get?

This is a serious enquiry. My wife has decided that we are going to get a new boat before next spring. I like the BassCat Panterra II. I have fished in a couple of them over the last several years. Course, Skeeter makes a nice boat or two, and so does Ranger. Heck, I like the Nitro Z-8. I have never owned a glass boat, so my knowledge on making this purchase is limited. I am NOT looking for the fastest boat on the lake. I want one that gets me where I want to fish safely, and lets me fish where I want to fish comfortably.

I was thinking maybe an upper limit of $40K. (Is that gonna be enough?)

What would you be looking at? Why would you pick the boat that you suggest?

And yes, I know that used is probably the route to go, but I just want something new.

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my hearing checked !:Rofl

Me too

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Originally Posted by eagle 1

my hearing checked !:Rofl

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I bought a used 2009 G3 176 with a 25hp high thrust 80 lb maxxum last year. Got a great deal on the boat 6000.00 Since then put on a 70 4 stroke yammi( 25 wouldnt put boat on plane) a 80lb ipilot link, a used 898 hb spider rigging racks and everything else that you need on a boat. I got more in the upgrades than i do in the boat.Now granted I got a lot better boat than I had and still alot cheaper than buying new. but if its not rigged for crappie fishing even a used one can get expensive.

I have a ranger on the classified board.. It is set up ready to spider rig.. You want find a better spider rigging boat than a Ranger 522

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Originally Posted by eagle 1

my hearing checked !:Rofl

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I gotta say, That is the funniest thing I have ever heard any of you gewbers say!!!