Looking for a new boat

Most of you on this board have read my post in the past and I am posting on behalf of my best friend, Cliff. He is Chunknwind on this board and does not post very often for he does not to get to fish very often with his work schedule completely opposite of mine (plus I have this gravy job that I can take off any time I please). That is about to all change for he is about to take the plunge. Not the marriage plunge but the "Buying a Brand New Boat Plunge". I am calling all that I know to see what is available to help him out and wondering if anyone has any other suggestions. He is in the line for an 18-19 foot fiberglass with all the trimmings. Stratos, Triton, Skeeter, Bullet or whatever that will fit in his garage and trailer must have break away tounge. Looking for the top of the line electronics, nicely equipted trolling motor and higher end motor (Prefer Yamaha or Evinrude and would like to stay away from Mercury). Any response is most appreciated.

The 188V- series from Ranger, is a nice size fishing rig. It comes with a break-away tounge trailer that is also armor coated. The boat comes standard nicely rigged, but if wants he can order it and have it "PIMPED OUT" anyway he wants... Hot Foot, Recessed TM pedal, blacklight plugs in the gunwall and so on.. You can also have any Motor you want Installed, different makes offer various warranties. Something else to think about. They also use Lowrance electronics. I would suggest putting a list together over the makes he might be interested in and do an across the board comparison... Good Luck. :7

Can he wait until the boat shows? I know of several guys who made some good deals there. Good Luck to ya.

If he waits for the boat show he can make a deal with a dealer to get every accessory there is and let them display his boat at the show. I know of a guy that got a heck of a deal like that

When are the boat shows around Lexington or Louisville area? I would say he would even go to Cincy if needed.

If he cant wait I would go NOW as alot of dealers are sitting on 06 models that can be had cheaper since the 07's are out.

The Louisville Boat Show is around the last week of January...and I agree with what some of the other folks on here said, you can get some pretty decent deals at the boat shows sometimes...

i know every one has their favorite boat brand but your friend really needs to look at ride and drive as many brands as possible i bought a new 18'7" champion /yamaha 150in 04 and i am very pleased with ride and handling it rides better than any comparable boat i've been in

good luck
thomas

The perception is wait for the boat show, which is when manufacturers have a lot of incentives. But I can tell you first hand that the bills get a little harder to pay in the fall and winter for dealers like me. We will make better deals now than any other time of the year for 3 reasons:

1. Left-over units, we have over 40 right now!!
2. It's our slowest season and cashflow is everything to a business 3. The boat shows are our busiest time of the year and we can afford to turn down uglier deals then due to the number of boats we will sell anyways.

My advice would be to buy a leftover or a 2-5 year old boat if you are looking for the best deal.

Please give us a chance to earn your business, you won't be disapointed.

Matt Plapp
Plapp's Pro Outdoors
[url]www.plapps.com[/url]

AS Matt Plapp stated, now is the best time. He will get a better deal now, save on the 07 price increase, and still have time to use it and get it broken in before next spring. I work for Plapps and will personally see to your friends needs. Give me a call.
Richie Young
859-647-1234 store
859-240-0043 cell

Hey, Richie, you got any hot deals for a college guy who is a full supporter of Ducks Unlimited?? Ha ha ha!!! Shoot any woodies last week? Talk about a lot of water! My little swamp was more like a lake, but still full woodies!

Seriously though, if you guys get a good trade-in with a good yamaha motor, let me know! Thanks.

Regards,

Scott Brown
The L-Raisin' Anglers
The University of Louisville

Scott,
i only went out 1 day and it poured the whole time, didnt even see a woodie. I had scouted the area 3 days before and saw a ton of them. Not a good start for the season. Give me a call at the store this week, we have several new trades. I might even throw in a custom goose call!:D
Richie Young
859-240-0043