What Boat for the Money (40K)

[DeltaBound]

Time to buy a new boat. I would like to buy brand new and at least a 19 footer. I have 40K to spend that's out the door with California tax and license. What quality boat can I buy? Thx.

[Kellen]

For the money the Triton Tr196 can't be beat. You get a high quality, completely finished off Triton boat with a 200 Optimax for well under $40,000. That will leave you a lot of money to spend on rods and reels.

This one is currently marked way down...

http://www.aimmarine.com/AquaBoss2UB/aq ... year%20ASC

[Kelly Ripa]

I thought the tr-20 looked like a better deal

[Matt M.]

BassCat P4. Awesome boat.

[JohNNy Utah]

EVERY answer you recive on this board is going to be biased toward what ever boat that particular person has. Personally, I'd tell you to buy a Champion but that's just me. It's your hard earned money and if you don't check out all options ($40,000 worth!!!) you're just plain nuts. Where will you fish the most? How often will you fish? Will you fish large or small tournaments? Club tournament? Where will you store it? Inside or out? Will it fit? What do you have to tow it with? How much tow life is still in that vehicle? All questions that need to be answered. Good Luck.

[Ray L.]

Go and test drive with pro staffers from all the boat dealers and then make a decision.

[B Becker]

being biased is an understatement.....and Ray's comment about test driving is a must....when I was a non-boater I got to ride in all kinds of boats.....my first boat was a Champion.....can't say anything really bad,....but now that I'm with Skeeter, I will never look back....don't believe what people say about Skeeter being a rough ride....they have come along way.....am I biased?? probably, but who isn't going to brag about their baby!!!! Plus the company support, whether you are sponsored or not, is outstanding....that is a major plus....if you are in the Vegas area, I would be more than happy to take you out....

[Schneider Fishing]

I like my Champion 188. One of the things I've noticed about Champions is that they are able to put 25 more horse power on their boats than anybody else of the same length. For example my 188 is 18'6" and runs a 200 hp motor. The Ranger's, Skeeter's and Tritons in the 18 foot class all run 175 hp. I've ridden in Champion's, Ranger's, Bass Cat's, Skeeter's, Nitros and Tritons. Most everybody makes a quality boat these days.

When I choose my Champion I was torn between it and the Ranger 519. I thought the Champion would give me a better rough water ride on the ocassions I got out to Mead and Havasu and that would be import for my children. Aim Marine wasn't around at the time so Skeeter's and Triton's weren't a consideration.

Both Ai at Aim Marine and Rick at Angler's have been nothing but professional, helpful, curtious, and kind towards me. It again would be a tough choice.

Consider what type of fishing you will do. Are you going to make long runs in rough water or are you going to fish smaller lakes in good weather conditions. Some boats are better fishing platfors, others are better in rough water rides. If you are going to fish the pro circut then you better look at the Ranger Points thing. Take your time. Ride, drive and decide.

Speak with the owners of the dealerships. You'll need to think about where you live and how close you are to the dealership. You will not only be buying the boat but you'll also be buy the dealership.

If I were going to buy a boat today I would look at Angler's Marine in Anaheim with the Champions and Ranger's and also Aim Marine in Lakeside with the Skeeter's and Triton's.

I am not on anybody's boat prostaff but if you want to try out my Champion 188 some time at Diamond Valley or Perris send me an email and we'll see if we can work something out. You might be able to come to a tournament some day and get a few of the guys to take you for a quick spin.

[Kevin]

I'd buy a slightly used (1 year old) Ranger Z-20.

[mark poulson]

All the new boats are great.
I would look hard at the motors. Think about gas mileage. A four stroke might be a good choice. The Evinrude is supposed to be great. I don't have one, but a friend does, and it gets up and goes.
Anyway, tryout as many as you can, and talk to as many Owners as you can. The more you know, the better you'll feel about the choice you make.

[DL]

When you are doing your research talk to as many people as you can about their experience with the dealer they bought from. You will get varied responses but do your HOMEWORK. If you get caught in the rush and excitement of buying a boat you can lose sight of the ultimate goal...to get the boat you want at a fair price. All too often people are roped into a deal the dealer says is the best they can do...when ultimately it is not ....and they are preying on your excitement with the new toy. Be diligent, patient, and know the interest rates and AS MUCH info as you can dig up before you even step foot on the lot...

[rmcollins3]

Be sure to factor in the extended warranty on the motor. This can often add a few thousand dollars to the overall price, but you definitely want to get an extended warranty on whatever motor you go with.

[not4un]

the new evinrude has i believe a 7 yr warranty

[macinckirk]

This is just my 2 cents worth, But I have ran Skeeters from 1995 till now and I'm on my 3rd boat, And I would never own anything but a Skeeter, Now I have nothing to do with them so this is not someone that has to say this.
But back in Indiana I had 2 ( a 1995 and a 1999 ) at 1 time so that may tell you something, on how I feel about there boats and the Company.
The water back there makes most all the lakes here look like ponds and I have been in all of the other brands of boats and the Skeeters run Big water great the ride is Great and they are built for fishing and thats what your looking for. I will also say that I have Never had a problem with there Boats at all!!!

I'm also Sold on Yamaha Motors the 1 and only problem I have had with there Motor's in 10 yrs was the problem I just had with the oil tank and float. So I would say to you that its like buying a car, everyone will have good and bad to say about any brand. All you can do is get what you feel you would enjoy to fish out of

Thats just my 2 cents

[L.Mickelson]

Just my opinion, but I have seen two good Ranger Z series in the classifieds. One is Ron C's (he's asking a little more than your budget but has been trying to sell it for a little while, don't tell him I told you so), also I see one from Brett Ehler in the classified. I don't know if he still has it but both of these guys take great care of their machines. I'm really partial to Rangers but I also guarantee you won't be disappointed. Ranger builds one of the best boats on the market and they hold their resale value.