Overwhelmed 2024

slonezp reply :

I am in the market for my first bass boat. I've been fishing out of a tin 17' fishnski for the last 6 years and will be making my last payment in Jan. Time for an upgrade. Let me start by giving you guys a little background. I primarily fish a river system with numerous small lakes that's about 10,000 acres. Avg. depth 4ft max depth 30ft. On that body of water I fish maybe 7-10 tourneys a year. I also get out on Lake Michigan 6-8 times a year, as well as a # of small lakes. I try to get to KY Lake once a year. Most of my time is spent fishing alone, the tourneys are fished with my son and I take out my dad a few times to fish for whatevers biting. Price range will be 30-40k. I know what I want as far as options but would like to know other "must haves" Boats I have been looking at are Legend, Ranger, Skeeter, and Bass Cat. I'm thinking 19ft dual console, 150-200hp. I don't need to go 80mph. Prefer 2 stroke Merc. Minn Kota TM for sure but can I get by with 24v or do I need 36v? I have a Powerdrive2 Ipilot now which I really like but will I want that option with a Talon or PowerPole? As far as electronics right now I have basic but hear great things about side imaging. Would I want the SI at bow and console? Do I want GPS, chartplotter, lakemaps capabilities? Jackplate??? I have an idea what it is but do I need one? Auto bilge. On board charger. As far as livewells the one in my boat is as basic as it has a fill and a drain, Do I need a pump out option? Blah blah blah. Am I missing any must haves? Will all the brands I mentioned ride well on big water? BTW the tourneys I fish offer bonus bucks from Skeeter and Legend.

I appreciate any and all help.

Paul

Triton21 reply :

I really like my Triton. The largest body of water I have had it on is Ky Lake. My boat has handled 30mph N winds there and no problem handling the whitecaps and rollers.

I have also had my buddies 19ft Triton there with same conditions or worse with no problem.

Driest ride I have ever been in is a Triton.

Kelley

bassman018 reply :

I know you dont want to hear this, but imo you should keep your current boat, You will finally actually own it, and yoiu wont have another financial burden. You will probobly become overwheled if you buy a new boat and have 40,000 to deal with ove the years, it wil be quite a while to pay that off, I would save up, and actually own what you put your money towards.

slonezp reply :

bassman018, Not that I don't want to hear it but after fishing out of a fishnski I realized it does neither well. The kids are older and I want to simplify my fishing. The lack of storage, deck space, etc has led me to this decision. Trust me. If I was happy with the boat I'd keep it.

I will put Triton on my list for potential boats. I guess what I'm most interested in is the options that I "need" I've been researching the boats' websites and most of the mfgs have similar packages, and warranties. Where can I skimp and where should I go all out? Who has good customer service? I've been looking at the Legend 191alpha and Ranger 191 but don't have any dealers in the area which IMO may be a big issue when it comes to service. Skeeter has a relatively local dealer but I have some reservations from what I've heard about them. If I'm going to drop 40k I want to get my moneys worth. I don't think I'm overthinking this but maybe I am.

SeanW reply :

I own a bass cat. Ive owned many boat, both new and used. I will never buy new again unless its on a Pro Staff deal. Its really a waste of good money. You can get alot more boat in the used market. You can easily get a Cougar in the 30k range just a few years old. Legend is also a great boat, Ranger, Skeeter. You will find better buys on a Legend or Skeeter, at least around my area. One you didnt mention that is a great boat is a Champion. You can save some money and still be able to up grade some things if you want.

The other option is to buy a prize boat certificate at a discount. There are plany of legend certificates around. Then you still get the boat as you want it and its brand new, but ya save some money.

By the way, the Bass Cat is an awesome boat and will be my first choice when I get my next boat.

slonezp reply :

What options should I be looking for? As far as electronics good stuff on bow and console or can one be better than the other? 24 or 36v on the trolling motor? There are so many different options and everyone claims they make the best boat is what is overwhelming to me. Thanks for the help

Triton21 reply :

The electronics will probably be outdated by the time you get the boat on the water. By all means go with the 36 volt TM. It is better to have more power than you need than not enough especially if you are going to fish big water.

Kelley

Chaz Hickcox reply :

Quote
I own a bass cat. Ive owned many boat, both new and used. I will never buy new again unless its on a Pro Staff deal. Its really a waste of good money. You can get alot more boat in the used market. You can easily get a Cougar in the 30k range just a few years old.
By the way, the Bass Cat is an awesome boat and will be my first choice when I get my next boat.

I will Have to agree. I just bought my first Bass Cat this fall, used 2004 Pantera IV for about $18k. It had roughly 300 hours on it, not a lot but not a little either, great Maxxum Pro 101 TM and a 200 Merc Opti that is impeccable. All I can say is that when I was a kid my dad had a Ranger and I just got out of a Javelin. I have been in a lot of boats that my friends own, Skeeters, Rangers, and Tritons, but that Bass Cat is probably the best ride I've ever had. As far as storage, I have so much I don't know what to do with it all. It's amazing. Those guys over at Bass Cat literally thought of everything for those boats and their customer support is awesome. Go to Basscat.com and look in their owners board and their used bass cats for sale section. I also forgot to mention, but I had gotten mine with a 55 Gal drum of oil for the engine. Now that was specific for the seller, private party, but was a great addition. Bass Cats ride on a rail when you've got em trimmed down in a creek, and the hull design actually makes for a tremendous hole shot. Basically the back of the hull is flared a little and acts almost like planer boards. Look at the picture and you'll see what I am talking about. She handles rough water really well, better than my buddy's Skeeter. Overall the best boat I've owned by far.

Also a good experience was reclending.com for the financing. No matter what you are buying or who you ar buying from Tim and the rest of the guys up there will take care of everything for you. They will even get you into a really good aftermarket warrantee for your engine. Not to mention those guys are anglers too, so they know what you're for.

5bass reply :

The guy who mentioned buying used is right. You may not get every option you want but you'll save tons of money and get 'more' boat. I'd never consider buying new unless I won the lottery or just had the extra money laying around to pay straight cash up front.

As far as the options if you do buy a brand new one.....

Dual console - my opinion is no, passenger console takes up a lot of space but then again, it may be necessary for you if you fish with your son a lot.

Merc 2 stroke - excellent choice

Minn Kota TM - good choice. If you buy a 20'+ boat, I'd go ahead and get the 36v. It adds extra weight with the 4th battery in there but the power is nice to have.

Power Pole - if you fish lakes shallow enough and you have the extra loot, I say go for it. You can always take it off and sell it if you dont like it.

SI at bow and console? - Yes. Both.

Do I want GPS, chartplotter, lakemaps capabilities? - Yes, these are valuable tools on the water.

Auto bilge - yes, definitely

Jackplate - hydraulic yes, manual no. You can dial in a hydraulic plate 100x easier. Really not necessary but taking off in shallow water is nice and it will help you get peak performance from your rig.

Pump out option - yes. good for recirculating new water in and out and filling your bag at weigh in.

Onboard charger - yes, definitely.

Rough water ride? - I'd look at Champion first

EDIT: As you can tell from the responses so far, most people are partial to the boat brand they currently own. I suggest you go to several different dealers and get test rides on a few of the brands you are looking at and decide for yourself. Dont limit your choices. Try as many as you need to and make the right decision FOR YOU. It's your money. You are also buying new. The dealers are at your mercy....they want to sell boats.

To get started in the hunt, you should first decide what is the most important thing you want in a boat.....the one thing you will not compromise. If that happens to be ride quality in rough water you should get names of boats known for a good rough water ride and look at them first, then move on to the 2nd most important thing you want. The process of elimination will get you the best boat FOR YOU. You can get the bells and whistles on any brand of boat.

fishn hard reply :

I own a Allison and it is the best built boat on the market hands down no one can argue that point But the there pricey. My second choice would be the BassCat They are very nice boats and the ride is second To the Allison If I ever get rid of my A boat i will be in a cat

5bass reply :

Quote
I own a Allison and it is the best built boat on the market hands down no one can argue that point

Why not? Everybody has an opinion.

fishn hard reply :

Quote

Quote
I own a Allison and it is the best built boat on the market hands down no one can argue that point

Why not? Everybody has an opinion.

;D ;D

TBendBassin reply :

yea i would disagree.. my buddy has an allison and doesnt compare to my ranger at all!! i mean the only thing it does is it is faster and thats it!! my storage, ride, handling etc. is all better.. i mean its a really nice boat though, anyways if it was the best boat ever built like you say dont you think you see more of them on the lakes and in tournaments

fishn hard reply :

What kind of Allison is it and the reason that you don't see alot of them is because there not a cookie cuter boat that is built with chopper guns Allison builds about 30 to 40 boats a year how many does ranger build and i will bet that your buddies boat is not a 21ft boat ether hear is some pics to compare to the ranger http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d829b3127ccefa0478fb024e00000030O08IcOGzlyybg9vPhg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7cc29b3127ccec2853d7fe6c100000010O08IcOGzlyybg9vPhg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7cc29b3127ccec2846a5b072a00000010O08IcOGzlyybg9vPhg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d829b3127ccefa04590d423000000030O08IcOGzlyybg9vPhg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0dc29b3127ccef9044f56436200000030O01EYuG7hw4Yg9vPhY/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Way2slow reply :

Unless you're wanting a new boat, I would put feelers out at all the banks within 50 miles or so. This time of the year, and the way the economy is, boat repo's are extremely common. About a month ago at a large action company, I saw 180 of every type bass boat one could want from $50+K Rangers down. There were so many Tritons, you would have thought you were in the plants back yard. Actually, they probably don't have that many at the plant. Like new 20' and larger boats going for $12K - $18K. Sub 20 footers were going for as little a $5K. Most were 1 - 3 years old.

The next week they were doing Harley Davidson's. They all ready had 300 on the yard and more were coming.

Things aren't that pretty right now for a lot of people and those high dollar toys so many financed their life away on are being the first to go.

TBendBassin reply :

i dont know the exact model ill have to ask him but its the one that is setup like a center console where the two seats are right next to each other

fishn hard reply :

that would be the 2003 model Ive never rode in one of those i can only speak for the 21 footers

slonezp reply :

After hearing some responses sounds like 1-3year old boat is the way to go. I'll be hitting up the fishing/boating shows in the next 3-4 weeks to get a first hand look. Thanks for the responses.

Catt reply :

Quote
the reason that you don't see alot of them is because there not a cookie cuter boat that is built with chopper guns Allison builds about 30 to 40 boats a year

The reason is you can't get more than 30-40 people to buy one

Dual console - my opinion is yes, unless you absolutely don't care about your fishing partner.

Merc 2 stroke - excellent choice

Minn Kota TM - excellent choice. Get as much power as you can afford

Power Pole yes if you fish a lot of water 8' or less

SI at bow and console? - duh

Do I want GPS, chartplotter, lakemaps capabilities? again duh

Auto bilge even my jon boats have auto bilge

Jackplate - hydraulic yes, manual no.

Pump out option - yes.

Onboard charger - definitely.

Rough water ride? - Champion first & then Bass Cat tied with Skeeter

jdw174 reply :

Dual console: Yep if you fish a lot with a partner. Nope if you fish mainly by yourself.

TM: If you're going over 20' get the 36v. I just installed a 24v MK Fortrex on my older TR20 (19'6") w/80lb thrust and it's a dandy.

Motor: I'm not a slave to brand, but if money is no object I'd have to go with the new Yammie SHO 4-stroke.

PowerPole: If you have a lot of shallow water to fish and things like pad fields or matted grass where you might want to maintain position then I vote yes.

SI: Definitely at console, same at bow if you can swing it. If not, then at least get one on the bow that has down imaging/downscan. You'll see things a whole lot better that way.

GPS: Absolutely. Also get a Navionics chip to go with.

Autobilge: YEP

Pumpout: Yep again.

On-board charger: Yes, yes, yes. (Did I mention YES?) I've been running the same DualPro 3-bank unit 24/7 for 12 years and it's still going strong.

Rough water ride: Best rough water boat I've ever been in was a Champion. Heard good things about the 'Cats and several others.

5bass reply :

Quote

Quote
the reason that you don't see alot of them is because there not a cookie cuter boat that is built with chopper guns Allison builds about 30 to 40 boats a year

The reason is you can't get more than 30-40 people to buy one

fishn hard will appreciate that comment ;D

Bass Dude reply :

Someone mentioned Champion. They are now the Stratos Elite series. Still nice boats, but wanted to give you a heads up on that.

BTW, I have a Stratos and love it. I think any quality brand is going to suit you fine. The main thing is keeping in your budget and do your homework.

I'm not a fan of the dual console. They add weight and take up a lot of room too. Who cares about your partner, they're not paying your boat payments!! ;D

fishn hard reply :

Any boat you get will be a good one just get what you think is good for you. there all good boats just some ALOT ALOT Better then others :D :)

And by the way I drive a Allison because i can drive a Allison 8-) 8-)

David P reply :

Have you checked into purchasing a 1-3 year old boat? You can get some crazy deals on boats right now that are fairly new. Guys are unable to make their payments, or guys with pro staff deals selling their fully tricked out 1-2 year old boats. I'd definitely give that some consideration.

Just an extra thought. If you're going to finance a boat, get most of the features you can, you don't wanna go regretting getting too little (or at least that's how I see it).

Side note, lot of guys purchase a dual console, then regret it terrible, some come out so it's not a big problem aside from a wasted $500+, but think about that too. There's way more space on a boat without that second console. I hate mine with a passion and have contemplated taking a saw to it.

South FLA reply :

Buy USED, like everyone else said, but make sure you check the engine out skeg to cowling with a fine tooth comb, compression test it and water test to make sure it is preforming like it should for that particular boat/motor combo.

My used boat search went on for 6 months until I found exactly what a I wanted Ranger Intracoastal and the condition I wanted it in, saved about 15-18K of new purchase price and used the extra savings for upgraded electronics and power pole. If I were in the market for a bass boat the top three boats that are still manufactured would be

1. Bass Cat

2. Ranger

3. Triton/Skeeter/Stratos

All are great boats though and only you know what fits your budget and liking.

scrutch reply :

Quote
Dual console: Yep if you fish a lot with a partner. Nope if you fish mainly by yourself.
TM: If you're going over 20' get the 36v. I just installed a 24v MK Fortrex on my older TR20 (19'6") w/80lb thrust and it's a dandy.

Motor: I'm not a slave to brand, but if money is no object I'd have to go with the new Yammie SHO 4-stroke.

PowerPole: If you have a lot of shallow water to fish and things like pad fields or matted grass where you might want to maintain position then I vote yes.

SI: Definitely at console, same at bow if you can swing it. If not, then at least get one on the bow that has down imaging/downscan. You'll see things a whole lot better that way.

GPS: Absolutely. Also get a Navionics chip to go with.

Autobilge: YEP

Pumpout: Yep again.

On-board charger: Yes, yes, yes. (Did I mention YES?) I've been running the same DualPro 3-bank unit 24/7 for 12 years and it's still going strong.

Rough water ride: Best rough water boat I've ever been in was a Champion. Heard good things about the 'Cats and several others.

X2 for the Yammie SHO. My pro buddy just got his last fall and all I can say is... HOLY SMOKES! I'd have one if it didn't cost more than my entire boat to upgrade.

If you can afford it, GET IT.

Triton21 reply :

Quote
Have you checked into purchasing a 1-3 year old boat? You can get some crazy deals on boats right now that are fairly new. Guys are unable to make their payments, or guys with pro staff deals selling their fully tricked out 1-2 year old boats. I'd definitely give that some consideration.
Just an extra thought. If you're going to finance a boat, get most of the features you can, you don't wanna go regretting getting too little (or at least that's how I see it).

Side note, lot of guys purchase a dual console, then regret it terrible, some come out so it's not a big problem aside from a wasted $500+, but think about that too. There's way more space on a boat without that second console. I hate mine with a passion and have contemplated taking a saw to it.

I saved over $26,000 on my Triton 21 that was used 1 year on a TV show.

Kelley

Chaz Hickcox reply :

Beautiful Jaguar for sale, I'm not sure where you're at in regards to Tennessee but this boat looks pristine and it's a Jag with a 225 HO for $18,500. Most guys will travel quite a ways to sell a boat. I bought mine from a cat up in Vermont and met him halfway just south of Philidelphia. Depending on the hours on the motor that is a great price for a 20' boat.

Look here:

http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/10072

slonezp reply :

Keep overwhelming me! Fishing/boat show 4 weeks and counting.

Green Hornet reply :

You may want to consider Phoenix Boats. They offer a lot of standard items that other consider options. Plus, they have a removeable 2nd console that comes off in a matter of seconds. You can have your dual console boat whenever you want, and switch to single console when you fish by yourself.

448

Overwhelmed 2024

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