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
Printable View
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.
Sent from my SM-S727VL using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
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.
Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk
A boat that will suit your needs is what you want. Just like buying a new pickup or a new rifle.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
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
budget?
number of anglers?
amount of tackle,rods?
budget?
size..ease of launch-retrievel ?
budget?
Make sure you get a 4 stroke.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
Everyone has provided some good advice for your boat shopping mission. When I made my decision as to what to buy, it was performance, comfort, affordability and versatility.
I considered Ranger, Alumacraft, Triton, Crestliner, War Eagle and others. I chose the Triton 18tx with a 115 ProXS CT four stroke mainly because of local service at Chatlee Marine.
If I need anything service related: Chatlee Marine is only 20 minutes away and the next closest service center for the others were 45 minutes to well over an hour away.
Good luck to you and I know it will be fun looking around and making your final choice. I look forward to hearing what finally follows you home.
I would want a boat with a yamaha 4 stroke and a wide beam. Then my only requirements are a good spot lock TM, mega side imaging and livescope.
Congrats and good luck!
Hennepin marines open house is first weekend in March, great customer service and one the nations top Lund dealers
I got another spare boat ya know. I'll see if I can't find the pics! lol
Another Loss for Slab! doh. That would be too funny.
Whatcha got?Quote:
Originally Posted by Slab
I saw that open house. I have a Crappie tournament on Saturday so I'll be heading there on Sunday to check them Lunds out. I really like the Impact series.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bals gib
Budget doesn't matter for the right boat.
I have some parameters I have to abide by.
Deep-V- I fish all types of water; Illinois River, Local 300 acres lakes, power plant cooling lakes, on up to Canadian Shield and Boundry waters. Deep-V is a must.
17' long boat- I have a 20' deep garage. 18' and bigger won't fit. Not all 17' will fit, depends on trailer. For example the Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk is 22' with swing away tongue. Both the 17' Lund Impact and Alumacraft 17' Competitor are right at 20' with swing tongue.
The misses wants a windshield. None negotiable.
Seating for 6.
Those are the main requirements.
If you go talk to the owner Nick and tell him that his favorite cousin Josh sent you so you want a real good deal!! I might even see you there on Sunday I’ll be the guy chasing around my three little rugrats!!! LolQuote:
Originally Posted by Hanr3
Attachment 366910Quote:
Originally Posted by Hanr3
Older and before they widened it, Tracker Pro-v16
My friend Andy has one too, it's wooden.
Attachment 366911
LolQuote:
Originally Posted by Slab
BassPro is 10 minutes from my front door. I've checked out there boats. Buddy bought the V-16 Guide and then moved to your neck of the woods (Florida). Nice ride.
I'll have to pass on this one, thank anyway.
Slab I have the same tracker but with the walk thru windshield and let me tell ya you gotta be skinny to fit thru the opening!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Slab
I'm getting a new boat as well check out Xtreme Boats out of Florida. I going for the Pro 162 SS (Stick Steer). And yes I am going to drive from Oklahoma to Florida to get it. Hand made, custom built and they also build the custom aluminum trailer for your boat.
I think I’ve seen one of those around here.
Did you get the stick steer with an actual stick?
I’ve seen one that has a small steering wheel mounted to a box on the gunnel.
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
Yes I'm getting the regular stick steer, the hydraulic steering is way cool but it puts the boat a little out of price range. The Pro series are a full V design and their Brute series is a mod V design. The Pro should be a little smoother on choppy water.
Picked mine up about 5 years back. They build these things like a tank. Hopefully by end of year or early next year I will install hydraulic stick.Quote:
Originally Posted by kwbybee
Regards
Attachment 366969
Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app