Boat Debate?

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 7:43 am

Sounds like a great idea Frank. I'm sure the local Ranger/Champion dealers will be all over it. Glad to see you step up. Rick G.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:54 am

RICK G....KEEPING IT REAL.

Terry Smith · Post by **Terry Smith** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:12 am

Its funny how almost no one stuck to the 3 original boats that the guy was asking about Skeeter, Ranger, and Triton. HMMMMMMMMMM I think some peoples EGO's are bigger than their boat YA THINK

Terry

912nitro · Post by **912nitro** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:00 am

ranger slogan........."STILL BUILDING LEGENDS ONE AT A TIME"

now thats something Larry the cable guy could be proud to say.........

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:16 pm

I've been off this topic for a while - been out on the water for a few days.

I started with 2 or 3 maybe even 4 posts.. just suggesting that the guys test drive ALL brands of boats... then I watched post after post after post bashing boats and saying how their boat is the greatest thing since slice bread. There is nothing wrong with thinking your boat is the best... nor mentioning it anywhere you want... but the guy should still test drive everything he can and then make a decision.

That was my point all along and I am sticking to it.

Buy whatever - I really don't care... but, if anyone buys a boat without test driving as many brands as he can then he/she is making a big mistake. Every boat is a little different and every person is a little different some will like one brand and others another brand.

The ideas mentioned about having a boat testing day at the Rally are pretty good. Maybe we'll get as many boats together as we can and pick 20 people at the rally to test and rate them all. I wasn't planning on going to the rally so I will figure all that out while I am down at ICast.

P.S. - All the boats these days are great. Even though most of you think I hate Rangers - I don't I personally like several models of Rangers (520 and many of the older models) - I hear the new Z20 is better as well (I won't be finding out). I really like Champs a lot... I like Skeeters pretty well and Tritons have all the bells and whistles.. I honestly just like my Legend the best, but that is just me and you'll need to test drive one to see if you like it, I can't be the judge for you. However, I fished with Ryan Klesko (1st Baseman for the S.F. Giants today) and I quote "This boat is awesome. It's the best riding boat I have ever been in." and best of all he said that on his own free will while we were running through the narrows on Clear Lake with about a 2-3 foot chop.

Darkman · Post by **Darkman** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:09 am

I own a 1980 seaswirl runnin on a 1979 yamaha big 75 2 stroke(dig that BAAAAAYBEEEE) this such a hot topic I didnt want to be left out.

Erick Prado

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:02 am

Take a ride with me if you dont think size counts HAR JAR PAR

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:26 am

Do you honestly think Klesco would have said it was a piece of pooh. No, he was being nice and said what 99 out 100 would have said.

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:52 am

I understand that many peop;e will com[liment you an your belongings because they know you are proud og them. But I have had yhat same comment made to me about my boat by many long time owners of other brands of boats.
Some of whom are sponsered by the major brand manufacturers.

The truth is that I know that these people will continue to be brand loyal. Just as people who drive Cjevvies or Fords probably wont switch to some other brand.

I Drive what I drive because I like that Brand best.

I was sponsored by Hawk because my son reccommended me to them. When I was approached by Legend it was because of an article that I had written for Bass West Magazine. Not because I am a great fisherman. When I was approached by John Hoagland Vice President of Mercury Motors it was for the same reason, and neither one of them knew that I owned a Hawk or that I had any kind of sponsorship with them. I was also approached by Forrest Wood with regard to a Ranger deal at the Forrest Wood open at Clearlake. I took the Deal with Legend because Of my experience with my Hawk. If Legend had not offered me a boat deal I would still be Driving a my 2000 model Hawk just as my son Jim Jr is still doing with his 21 foot hawk. Prior to buying his forst hawk in 1998 he checked out and drove virtually every brand of bass boat that he could find dealers for in Northern Ca. and Ended up buying the Hawk from Delta Sports Boats in Antioch.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:54 pm

Have you personally driven a 21X2 or 521 lately, not 8 years ago. I think you'll find these newer boats do not drive even close to their older brothers.
I myself am sponsored and run 2 new boats a year. I have never told anyone that just dropped 30k opps you screwed up ugly boat. I respect people's decision and Prove my info with test rides.
The Triton 21X2 will ride just as well as your Legend any day of the week. Its a completely new hull for Triton and its slower, yes its slower than the TR series (GIVE & TAKE).
But if you fish big water and are always taking a beating get 21X2. If you dont mind a little lighter boat with a shallower draft and 77-80mph buy a TR series. I guess my point is, its not the 90's anymore those champ/hawk/viper hulls are no longer dominate big water boats. Get your heads out of the sand and play catch up, because your not just getting passed on the water.

Darkman · Post by **Darkman** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:59 pm

my sea swirl is blue and white....way cool
when I'M on the water its like........Go speed Racer, Go speed racer
but I actualy hear Queen sing.....Flash...AAAAaaahhh, well you know how it goes.

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:44 pm

Eric, your killin me

Flash aaahhhhh. I remember that movie.

Greg Kosich started this post with 3 boats in mind, then he narrowed it to 2, the X2 and Z20. As far as I've seen its still those two boats. I am personally looking at these 2 makers for my next boat. I currently own a Triton TR-196 and have no complaints about it, I just want a bigger boat.

Greg, take both out, pick them apart with a fine took comb, factor the Pro's and Con's then decide, do what your heart tells you, not what others want you to do.

L

MPOLLARD · Post by **MPOLLARD** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:17 pm

Lance, Thats the best advice someones giving out of these 80 or so post.Guy ask about 2 boats and gets 20 different boats.All the boats are great boats and all have a purpose better then another.When I get a tow vehicle it really doesn't matter if I go with Chevy,Ford,Dodge or Toyota.Same with boats they will all do the job.It cracks me up when some of these guys say I have ridden in alot of these boats,(ridden not drove)and mine is the best.I know driving a boat and ridding in one is to different stories.I have a Nitro 901 and have past and been past by all the brand boats metioned above in rough water.Does that make mine better or worse then your boat.I think not.It is the driver of the boat.I have ridden with some people who would make a 10' ft Boat a smooth ride in rough water and been with others who would make a oil tanker a rough one.

So just take a test ride in the one's you are interested in and choose for yourself.

Then you to can get on the great debate of who's boat is better.

MPollard
www.gfmarine.com
www.savephace.com
www.savephace.com
www.teampollard.net for Central Valley Real Estate.

drew · Post by **drew** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:36 pm

Good point. In your second to last sentence do you mean test ride or test drive?

MPOLLARD · Post by **MPOLLARD** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:39 pm

Test Drive,Sorry...

MPollard

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:39 pm

The best boat that I have ridden in this year other than the legend was a 21 foot Ranger with a 250 horse motor. It rode almost as good as my legend but we were on Shasta at the Stren Series FLW tournament and we didnt really have any truly rough water.

I have come away from all of the AC Pro Ams and the stren tournaments this year with a back that was sorer than it was before we started and I never come away from a day or three on the water when I am driving my Legend.

I am totally will ing to ride in anyones boat who would like to demonstrate it to me. I promise to be totally open minded truthful about my opinions.

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:34 pm

And I just happen to be a person who digs fast boats. Do I think it helps to catch more fish? only perhaps if it gets me there quicker so that I can stay longer and keep my bait in the water more time than a guy with a slower boat. That being if all other things are equal

Lance · Post by **Lance** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:25 pm

Greg,

Look at this site for some info. About half way down you will see all the boat makers.

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/

tryingtofish · Post by **tryingtofish** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:00 pm

JIGS TACKLE wrote:CALL LONG BEACH YACHT SALES IN LONG BEACH. THEY HAVE A 2000 RANGER 522 WITH A 250 MERC ON IT REPO.YOU CAN GET IT FOR $ 18,000 PLUS OUT THE DOOR I AM SURE, WE ALMOST BOUGHT IT JUST TO HAVE IT !!!! MAN 22 FT YACHT !!!!

JIGS

I ended up buying this boat for $14000 out the door
Had a compression test and a leak down test everything checked out good. First real bass boat I have and damn she is big

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:14 pm

wow, congrats on the sale, that is dirt cheap!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:33 pm

Thats a smokin deal and a really good boat! Congrats on the purchase!

CN · Post by CN » Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:07 pm

What the heck.I think bigbass111 made a very valid point.I have a 2000 519DVS and have seen the z boat's.Mine was one of the last 20"6" model's.Now I beleive they are 19' something.

I have seen the deck space,both front and back,on these new one's and there's no doubt in my mind I have more boat.

Yes the spec's may be equivelant but they do appear smaller.Not to mention the freeboard in my opinion is way to low sometime's you see the transom and there cant be more than what 4" of clearance.Just the other day when I picked up my boat after being serviced my mechanic and his partner were measuring the the back deck space.It was 79" by 59".

He has been in this business for many year's and seen every make made and was just amazed at how roomy it was.Guess my point is does this matter at all or is just rough water ability and speed all that matter's.

Once again does Ranger make the best boat,I have no idea nor do I care.But for some of us to just sit here and not respond can be hard at time's.Said this before also,I cant remember how many fight's I got into when I was a kid protecting my sister becouse everyone picked on her.

How come nobody ever comment's when I ask what about the history Ranger has and what they have done for Bass fishing.Hell they have been around for allmost 40 year's probably longer than some of the people responding,well except Jim.

And before you respond Jim I am 53 year's old and one more thing come take a ride in my 26' Grady White then you will actually see a boat that can handle 6" roller's

GOODNIGHT AND MAY GOD BLESS,tell me who's saying that was.

hydrate2o · Post by **hydrate2o** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:48 pm

Cooch. I have a 521vx, man I like em all! Last time I checked the bass didnt mind what i was in. Be more than happy to have you drive and stay in the front seat. I will supply all the Hydrate you can drink. I have been in Ron Diacons Skeeter and it was great, he drives a little to fast for me, Kent Browns triton is awesome, he is the Jeff gordon on the water but I was very confident in him and his boat. Fished on Cascade Lake in Idaho with Ken wick caught some serous smallies and the boat was very nice ( basscat), had a champion that took the waves like champ, he actually has a 520 but was using a friends boat. I agee with you try them all and buy your preference. I just want to catch a dad gum double digit bass. I will recommend C and C marine though as Mike is very professional and will treat you very well. I actually caught my biggest bass out of a canoe 13 pounds. That was an experience.

fishinfool74 · Post by **fishinfool74** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:18 pm

"WOW" Over 120 post on a simple question, Skeeter 20I, Triton 20X2, & Ranger Z-20. He had no interest in a Legend, gee I wonder why? I think they all make a great boat, but I have now moved Legend to the bottom of my list. All I ever hear is a Legend guys pushing how Legend is the greatest, the best, and on. The name Legend is getting old.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:20 pm

I have now moved Legend to the bottom of my list.

I guess your name says it all!

FYI - most of us were just telling the guy to test drive as many boats as he could! Which is the best advice the guy received on this thread. Say what you want, truth of the matter is I can care less which boat the guy buys. I don't get a penny if he buys a Legend - for me I was just trying to give the guy some good advice. I am one of probably a few that has ridden in almost every make and model of boat ont he water and was just trying to get the guy into a boat he will love! I stand behind my statement. "test drive them all"!

CharlieS. · Post by **CharlieS.** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:30 pm

Now that the boat debate is done...how about let say..hooks? Line? Motors? Fast food? Just joking all..Charlie
GOODNIGHT AND MAY GOD BLESS,tell me who's saying that was.[/quote] I believe was Red Skelton

fishinfool74 · Post by **fishinfool74** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:38 pm

Sorry Tom, I guess I struck a nerve. I agree one must ride and drive as many as they can.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:42 pm

No reason to be sorry!

It's all in good fun! If I took offense to everything said about me, I would be down the street in San Quentin by now!

I do love my boat... but, it may not be for everybody. The best thing to do is test drive them all. That's all I ever tried to get across on this thread. and if you go back over the posts you'll see I kept saying that over and over until other guys started bashing Legend unwarranted. Some of which were very close to receiving a letter from a lawyer because of erroneous and false statements or just out and out lies!

Let's face it... all the boats these days are great... all the way from Trackers to the near $70K Rangers. Just make sure you have a Merc on it! LOL OK you evinrude guys let me have it!

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:42 pm

CharlieS. wrote:Now that the boat debate is done...how about Fast food?

Doubble Doubble Animal Style, Grilled in extra maustard with both grilled and fresh onions, extra sauce and extra lettuice.......

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:45 pm

It's In-N-Out and Del Taco for me!

Double Double Animal style - Step up to the big leagues... 4x4 Animal style! Nah it's really double double spread only for me!

1/2 Lb Combo Burrito

or for those of you who know what it is... Tommy Burgers in the LA area.... wow... tastes great, and comes out fast and furious! LOL

CharlieS. · Post by **CharlieS.** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 3:54 pm

Thomas!! Just double that order and Im on my way,lol--cept add a couple cokes to wash it down,lol...assuming Im not real hungry this should work(sick) Charlie

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 11:04 am

We are probably foolish to be telling these guys how great the Legend is

Its kind of like telling other guys where you are catching the big ones and what bait you are useing.

We dont want to give all of these guys the same advantages that a Legend driver has.

Mike Phua · Post by **Mike Phua** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:58 pm

I think I'm gonna throw up!

MP

DeltaDan · Post by **DeltaDan** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:10 pm

You Vegetarians are so senasitive............

CharlieS. · Post by **CharlieS.** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:21 pm

Soooo,its not only me?

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:36 pm

I had no idea that you were that delicate. However I dont think you should get upset over something addressed to some one else.

I would think that you would understand an attempt at humor.

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:41 pm

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 2:48 pm

Are you just trying to make it to 1000 posts Jim? LOL!!!

Don.

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:20 pm

No Don I am just posting replies when I get a notice that someone posted on this thread.

If they quit posting I will quit answering. I see tat i am getting close to the thousand mark though but wasnt paying attention until you asked the question.

This has been a real fun pot stirring thread. Its pretty obvious to me that most people really like the brand of boat that they own, just like they do their cars, or their pickups.

I would sincerely like Legend to still be in business the next time that I want to buy a boat. If I find something better I will buy it. but so far I would again buy the Legend

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 4:50 pm

Hey Jim... I guess I am too much like the fish we are all in search of ----- Big Mouthed! I tell everyone the way I see it.. they can listen or they can tune it out... its up to them. I tell people when, where and how I catch fish... including the 12.61 I caught last week on the 3:16 Wake Bait Jr.------ White in color!

I tell anyone my thoughts on boats, my patterns on the lake (should they be worth telling).. whatever, they want to know. I have no problem spreading the word. Truth of the matter is... a good angler can tell a bad angler exactly what to do to catch a fish and still whip em. So I don't sweat that secretive stuff. There are at least 20-30 guys on here that I have helped in giving them exactly what I know about some pattern, bait or technique - and I will gladly continue to help out wherever possible!

I am guessing I could get all the help Ike, Martens or KVD can give.... and they'd still take me out on the lake and whip me! Hell with them.. there are about 500 guys right her in Calfornia that could whip me just the same!

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:11 pm

Hey Tom,

You and I see eye to eye with that statement. If I had a dollar for everytime some of my friends say that I give up to much info. I just don't see many of these guys as threats as others do.

Some guys are just too secretive. I figure that I am only fishing against 30-40 guys if that. The average angler doesn't have the expereince to duplicate the time on the water that some of us have.

I just enjoy helping people out.

Now as far boats go, my boat is better than your boat

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:19 pm

Ricky - Well we almost see eye to eye. I wish I was one of those 30-40 guys you are worried about. Not yet.... but, I promise someday I will be! It's not that I think they can't compete against me... it is that I hope someday I'll be good enough that they won't be able to... until then, I am going to at least act like I am that good (when it comes to giving out information). However, I do see your point and I wish more of the top anglers (like yourself) felt that way!

As for the helping others out... we are certainly eye to eye there. There is no greater satisfaction than someone coming back to me and saying - "Thanks, I tried what you said and I caught em great!" and especially if there is a kid involved. Getting kids to catch fish is a thrill to me - bigger thrill than even fishing with one of the best anglers in the world or someone famous. It's all about the next generation and getting them off the computer or video games and onto the water!

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:43 pm

Hey Tom,
Just to clarify-I was trying to say that I fish against the fish and while most people can learn a lot by reading and researching techniques NOTHING BEATS TIME ON THE WATER.

Looks like you are putting in your time. Heck, I don't even have a boat right now. I am almost (I said almost) tempted to ask for a ride in a Legend

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:53 pm

You can say that again! Time on the water is everything and I am getting there. You certainly have done your homework and it shows in your events.

You'd love the Legend boat - but, for someone who has a great chance to win an FLW event the added incentives are tough to pass up. However, truthfully there are very few people that actually have a chance to win those events... you would be among the few I would have on my list to win.

See you on the water.... You need to find a boat for this Clear Lake 3 weigh in (2 day) Pro Am in 2 weeks!

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:06 pm

I wish I could borrow a boat. Funny thing is that I just received four cases of oil from Mercury and I don't even have a motor yet.

I can't wait to see my 2 fifty.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:09 pm

Two-Fitty... damn, you might be able to keep up with me! ha ha ha

I am sure someone will have a boat you can use! Sucks borrowing a boat though.... maybe some nice AM on here will let you use their boat.... After all we have about 20 ams more than pro's right now!

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:17 pm

Tom ? Was it a 1up or a Wake Jr like you said on Swimbait Nation. Get it strait.

Don.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:20 pm

you are right.. it was the Wake Jr. Second time in a week I was thinking one thing and typed something else! LOL

It was the Wake Bait Jr! I need to pay better attention. I posted Wake Bait Jr.... on another thread here as well. They don't even make a 1-up in white!

Tags

Notice