Everyone's opinon wanted

[wishniwasfishn]

I have around $23,500.00 to spend on a bigger boat. What boat do you think i could get the best value for this amount. I like Nitro's and Tritons, and i think i could get a 901 or a tr19 in about the 2004, 2005 year model, i just would like everyones opinion on what my best value would be. I know that i probaly wont be purchasing another one for quite a while, and the boat i get needs to last me a while. Also what is the most dependable motor out there around that age. Thanks for any advice you guys can give me.

[BassNNutt]

I have around $23,500.00 to spend on a bigger boat. What boat do you think i could get the best value for this amount. I like Nitro's and Tritons, and i think i could get a 901 or a tr19 in about the 2004, 2005 year model, i just would like everyones opinion on what my best value would be. I know that i probaly wont be purchasing another one for quite a while, and the boat i get needs to last me a while. Also what is the most dependable motor out there around that age. Thanks for any advice you guys can give me.

Its all a matter of preference but I would definitely shop around, price of gas some folks may be willing to sell some nice equip. at a fair price right now. I would also keep in mind the RESALE VALUE of certain brands, personally you might want to shop around for a Ranger just for the purpose of resale and dependability.

[shakey_head]

Check out the boats on bassboatcentral.com There are alot of good deals on boats right now.

[silver seeker]

buy one from Canada where its only used half the year. And DO buy a Ranger.

[wishniwasfishn]

buy one from Canada where its only used half the year. And DO buy a Ranger.

I have always wanted a Ranger, but they hold their value so well, you cant find one for the price i want unless its around a 2001, and i want something a little newer.

[silver seeker]

well thats what i mean, older boat not nearly as used (because of the weather) at a good price. I live here.You just got to look for em.

[SmallmouthChaserGLX]

Look into a quality boat that may not have the name of a Ranger or Triton to get more for your money. Bullet or Nitro may be a couple examples but an even better example would be a Norris Craft. Just make sure you get something big enough to fit your needs, has a motor that runs well/gas friendly, and no electrical problems. You get what you pay for and no doubt Ranger, Triton, Bass Cat and Skeeter are the quality but the lesser names can give you just as much or nearly as much quality for less. For 23k in a Norris Craft you can blow nearly every Triton and Ranger off the lake in a 20ft boat if you look, and if you are willing to drive to Tenn to get things worked on they are very friendly and great to deal with.

[18'stratos]

Call John Webb with Marine Works (859)509-6660. Located at Herrington Lake/ Pandora Marina. He can find you a Bullet or whatever you are looking for. Next year I will be buying a Bullet. Performance, light weight, re-sale value, and will have an Opti-Max (Mercury) for fuel economy.
I own a Stratos right now and it is a very reasonable boat. Nothing but good to say about Stratos. For the money you are going to spend you could get a new 18 foot stratos with a Yamaha V-Max. Yamaha makes an outstanding engine. Mine is an 03 and it has only had yearly maintenance performed. (Lube)
That's my 2 cents. Good luck

[MsgMills]

After owning a Skeeter, Nitro and now for the past 3 years owning a 2005 TR196 Triton...I would say spend your money on a Triton...Excellent handling in rough water, smooth ride overall, quick hole shot, great on gas, safety ladder included, and overall big enough to fit two men on the front deck with lots of elbow room.......Go Toon........

[fishman115]

I have a nitro myself handles the water real good rough or not .does not porpoise good storage 2 livewells ect.115 merc. 18' walk through windshield really helps when its cold!!!

[SwampDonkey]

Yeah, for resale go for a ranger or triton! I sold my 01 520 in feb. for $21,000, they hold their value! I think Stratos is a good boat for the money, like a 201, I dont think the resale is very good though.

[CATCHEMALL]

In my oppion if you are looking for a newer boat at a great price look at a stratus really strong. Especially in the tennessee area you are seeing more and more of them. You get a great all around boat for a price you can handle. The main thing is to look for a boat you will be happy with. Dont limit yourself to a certain brand because you will find people with good and bad things to say about every brand. Just find something you are happy with and dont get in a hurry but have the money ready for when you do find that great deal.