Best value used 19' bass boat?

[jamescaird]

I've been watching the used market to get an idea of what boats depreciate a little faster than others (meaning cheaper used), but have good quality, etc... I'm looking at a 19' boat, 200HP outboard, mainly been watching basscat, champion, and ranger... what are considered some of the "biggest" 19' boats out there in terms of forward fishing deck (I fish alone alot)... I also value stability while fishing and good handling...what particular boats should I really watch out for? Want something 5 years old or less. Won't be my first boat but it will be my first bass boat....don't want to make a mistake and buy the wrong boat

[Terry Smith]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices. I own A 18' BassCat and I love it. The thing I would do is ride in all of the model boats that you are looking at if possible. Ask the owner there honest pro's and con's an honest owner will tell you what they like and what they would like to have just A little different on there boat.

Good Luck, Terry

[MT]

I have a Basscat p4 and I love it. 19ft5in fast and great in the rough stuff. Deck is big and wide. You cant go wrong with a p-4 or a Pantera Classic. Hope you find what you're looking for. There's a couple on the classified page BTW! Mike

[Timber_Effects]

james, I just got an EXTREMELY good deal on a 18'-4 1992 champion w/a 175hp Evenrude (I know you'll get a 19') and I love it. LOTS of front deck and it rides very nice.

just my two cents

good luck to you,

Dean

[ash]

I have a 19' BassCat Classic with the flipping deck the deck is huge and does me extremly well. I think all three of your choices are solid choices. I would also build a matrix of which engines you prefer 1-3 then boat hull 1-3. So you know what it is you want and wont settle for.

I love my kitty for ride, stability while fishing, running larger water etc...

[Matt Moreau]

Nitros have the biggest front deck...96'' Beam wheras most others are 90-92''. Thus the wider beam will also be more stable and they have more storage room. Just not as fast! You cant beat a 901 for the ride in my opinion. I have been in all the brands you mentioned though and i like them all. So it is personall pref. on what you like better. Rangers have the best depreciation, tritons and basscats are the fastest and a champion is somewhere in the middle.

But i would atleast consider a Nitro. They are great boats and the 9 series have a lifetime warranty.

[cleb19]

I just got a 07 Sabre (Basscat) and let me tell you what man that boat is BAAAAAADDDDDD!!!! plenty of room handles rough water and with the 175 on it, it makes you face plenty numb look into all of them but my choice will always be a basscat now....


cleb

[RobO]

Cool reference to Shackleton in your username.
What a great survival story.

Rob O.

[D Phelps]

I am selling my Bass Cat PIII and it is 19'3", just over six years old with a 200 HP Optimax and is in great condition. Check out the classifieds and contact me anytime.

[LEN B]

Ranger
519 or the 520 Go down and look. I have a 392 that is 19'3 Just the right size. The 500 seem to be good all around. Just my 02

[scsiman411]

If you get the chance, look at a Pro Craft. I love mine. Its no Bass Cat or Legend but great bang for the buck.

[Slippy]

let me throw my .02 cents in. Skeeter zx 190 or 200 with a 200 HPDI. Very stable fishing platform.... not the fastest but with a 200 on it it will almost hit 70.

[gcopple]

i got my 2001 basscat pantera classic (19ft. 200hp merc) for $9500! one trip to the shop and $700 later my boat is as good as new for about $10,200. it is great and my next boat will be a cat also.

george

[scsiman411]

Thats one hell of a deal Mr Copple, Im green with envy

[Popper]

I have a 519 DVX Ranger (19ft) and love it! This boat is as stable as they come during top end speeds or at idle. She rides the rough waters nice and soft when you know learn how to drive the boat. The rod storage allows you to place 10 rods port side (up to 8ft with no problem), and 7.5 footers on the starboard side. With 8 rods up on deck I still have plenty of room to move around on the front deck. There's plenty of storage if you take the time to organize your tackle and belongs, and still have room for your Ams. These boats are normally equipped with 200hp motor and range between 67-70mph depending on your load (fast boat for her size!) Since purchasing this boat I've never look back and just love fishing on this platform.


Ed

[Scrappinjack]

I bought a 1999 Nitro 896 Savage with a 200 Merc last year and I absolutely love it. At 19'6" it has sufficient length to handle most of the water conditions I encounter, though I admit that I have not run it very much in rougher conditions. However, for the most part, I do find the handling to be quite consistent and comfortable all through the speed range. Maybe not as responsive as the high-end Rangers, Bass-Cats, etc. but certainly no disappointment. The 200 Merc is a real workhorse and has proved to be reliable, fast enough, and virtually trouble-free. In fact, my local shop has had to do nothing more than routine maintenance since I've assumed ownership. The front deck is roomy and storage space is more than enough to neatly house the rods, tackle, and various gear for my son and myself (a couple of tackle whores). Any downgrade I would give the boat might be it's tendency to porpoise at slower speeds and a bit stiffer turning under full power than I was used to in my previous Ranger. Otherwise, I would recommend it for at least a look-see to anyone seeking a reliable, well-performing used boat. (Note: During a trip to Clear Lake last summer, we were running right alongside friends in brand new Bass Cats and having no trouble doing so.) Good luck.