Help !! My son/I need a bassboat,but need to bring mom+2=5

[TonyL]

My 11yr.old son/I have been doing the bass thing for the last year , mostly on the Delta , in a 14',15HP aluminum boat.We drool over the bass boats coming in/out of Russos .My son wants one!So do I!!It's FINALLY time to step up.The problem.I'm supposed to have the sense to remember mom+2 daughters who would be joining us on camp outs and enjoy getting pulled around on a tube every now/then .We'd like a tournament ready bassboat(looking at the FP tour down the road),which we'd use at least once a week,but THE OTHERS would be joining us 5-6 times a year,o.k. , maybe more if we had a boat.Any suggestions??New/used?I like the idea of the smaller price of a used boat,but I've heard the stories,I'd love new , but not sure of the commitment , that is what if after in use the new boat isn't right, or lacking something?I think the used boat would be easier to unload-get my money back for another model?I do know that we NEED a BIG big motor and I've been advised on a bigger trolling motor also ,we've been on the other extrreme (small/smaller )too long!!Oh and I don't care for the Rienell type boats , small/low decks - no offense.Any help would be appreciated. thanks in advance.

[not4un]

I personally have owned 2 used Ranger Boats both w/150 hp motors 1 merc and 1 yamaha. Both were 18ft boats had no problems w/either 1. As much as new boats cost these days it is a lot of money to spend when you can get a very nice used 1 for a lot less. As far as the tubing goes for the kids you can pull them behind a bass boat no problem. If you do get a used boat I recommend the classifieds on this site that is where I bought both of mine.

[Rod Martin]

I know older Ranger and Champion Bass boats had a Fish&Ski setup. They were standard bass boats but the rod lockers in front were padded like the old ranger 335 & 375 series. that with a ski pole that fit the back fishing seat hole & add a lower pitch prop for skiing and you should be set up.

[Jason Wood]

Champion used to make a great fish/ski combo boat, don't know if they still do... 2 bucket seats and a full bench seat in the back... Remember that you lose alot of deck space with the extra seating... Plenty of rod and tackle storage even with less deck space... Triton also makes a pretty nice f/s combo, don't know about the price though....

I also sent you a p/m

[Scott Shambre]

It is a roomy fish-n-ski that will accomodate the family yet you & the boy will be more than happy with the performance in a tournament. Call Mike at the C&C in Citrus Heights or Chet down in Modesto to take a look. Here is a link to the Ranger boat page that shows this ride. Hope this helps you.


http://www.rangerboats.com/pages/boats/1850.cfm




Scott Shambre
FOLSOM BASS LEAGUE
www.rangerboats.com
www.mercuryoutboards.com
C&C Marine Citrus Heights
www.okumafishing.com
www.powellco.com (Powell Rods)
www.basscatcher.com (Markey baits)
www.roboworm.com
www.limitlures.com
Susie's Country Oaks Cafe

[Terry Smith]

Call Ryan at Galaxie Marine 530-889-8736 they sell some really nice Skeeter Fish & Ski boats every thing you would need and more. I almost bought one but I went with A BassCat boat instead due to that I would be fishing tournaments a lot more than for family use. Try skeeterbassboats.com if you want to look at some of the models they offer.

Good luck, Terry Smith

Check the classified ads here on this web site there are A lot of nice used boats.

[Randy Yeager]

When I bought my Ranger 520. Wifey had the dealer (C & C Marine) install a mount for a ski pole. It is on the back deck, just behind the hole for the pedestal seat and goes down to an aluminum bracket with a keeper pin below deck. Works great when I get volunteered into pullin toys and I don't have to give up the tourney rig.

Whatever brand you pick out, a dealer for your choice of boat should have a similar bracket you can install.

[madddogg]

I recently purchased a Triton SF-188 from Ryan and Phil at Galaxie Marine in Newcastle. This is an awsome boat. Plenty of room when I'm alone or with a friend yet roomy enough for five. Boat is extremely stable and rides great. Taken boat to Delta, Folsom, Berreyessa and Clear Lake. Check these guys out they won't steer you wrong.

[Phil]

TONY, THS IS OUR OPINION ONLY.
WE HAVE OWNED RANGERS SINCE 1989 TO 2006, YOU CAN NOT GET A BETTER BOAT FOR SAFETY AND RIDE. BUT...IF PRICE IS AN OBJECT AS IT WAS WITH US THIS PAST YEAR, WE SUGGEST GO NITRO, 707-678-1600, IT WILL DO EVERYTHING YOU WANT AND MORE FOR ALMOST HALF THE COST. WE SUGGEST NOT TO GO ANY SMALLER THAN 19' FOR SAFETY AND COMFORT AND FISHABLE ROOM. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND BASSCAT HAS COME A LONG WAY AND YOU MIGHT CALL THEM AT MOSSDALE BOAT SALES , ASK FOR BILL. 209-983-9718. WE WILL HAVE A NEW ONE ON DISPLAY AT JIGS FALL CLASSIC AT DON PEDRO NOV 18TH. AGAIN THE NITRO WAS A COST ISSUE THIS YEAR WITH THE MOVE AND ALL, BUT IS A FINE BOAT. (NOT TO KNOCK ANYONE)!!

THIS IS THE OPINION OF JIGS TACKLE ONLY
JIGS

[basstamer]

there was a pretty nice Skeeter fish and Ski on the classifieds for like 11500.00-look like it was in excellent shape.

[Gary Dobyns]

Send me a message with your phone number. I know of a couple of excellent deals on used Rangers.

[Mark Langner]

I have a 1999 champion 202 fish n ski. I pull the kids behind on the inner tube, my daughter on her wake board, stuff like that. Rear seat pulls out and is replaced with a tripod stainless steel thing to pull skiers...has a ladder on back too. You sacrafice a bit...deck is narrower, V is a bit deeper, storage a tad less, but rides awesome. I get about 63mph with a Merc 200 EFI. Rod lockers are padded and stainless steel rails/handles on the sides for safety. Sits 3 across, plus one in front of each windshield.

They don't make this particular model any longer, but you might find it used. Some day when I get wife permission I want to sell mine for a tournament only boat, for better storage and such, but it's a great boat for me now.

[Mark Langner]

p.s. I'd show you a picture, but couldn't figure out how to add a picture off my hard drive to a message...I can email a pic if ya want...

Mark

[TonyL]

That would be Great Mark!My email is Teespan@comcast.net
And thanks everybody for the ton of info this is awesome , I knew I was in the right place!

[webefishn23]

I have a Procraft 200 Combo with a 200 Optimax. Great boat.

www.procraftboats.com

[lawrencelee]

I have bought used every time & have saved quite a lot of money. I recommend setting a budget limit, then looking for that 1979 fish & ski with 150 hp minimum rating & able to carry 5-7 people.
I previously had a dyna-trak (fish/ski), 17' w/150 yamaha & 75# thrust electric bow mount motor and it was a great boat for my family & friends. We could go water skiing, tubing and just plain cruising the water. This boat was purchased for $6400. It is still in use on the delta. Oh, I kept this boat for 11 years and gave it to my daughter, then I bought a used 98 Champion ($21,000 in 1999) from a tournament angler and still have this boat. I do regret having to part with the fish/ski from time to time.

I found the fish/ski on bethel island at Angels Boat Brokers.

Good Luck,

[Triton 190 FS Owner]

I currently have a Triton 190 FS. It's a 19 1/2 foot fish & ski. This is my second fish & ski model. The previous one was a 17 1/2 foot Dynatrak. The reason that I moved up was to gain more space because the individuals in the family were growing and the amount of "stuff" being taken was growing too. Because of these factors the 17 1/2 footer was getting a little crowded. Both boats provide seating for six people and reasonable storage. Obviously the bigger boat has more storage. When you are shopping for a boat be sure to consider that your family members will be getting bigger and look for a boat that will accomodate the additional sizes and weights.

Good luck in your quest.

[Riplip]

If you can find a Viper Coral you will be impressed...The best F/S design I have seen. 20ft 2in, big front deck, plenty of storage and room for 5-6 adults. Mine is a '98 with a 225 and will pull skiers or tubes just fine. In fishing mode plenty of room for gear and does an honest 71-72mph. Just make sure you buy the biggest F/S you can afford, you will need the room.

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

how is the shallow water clearance on those fish n skis?

saLTIE-

[Mark Langner]

On my champion it's fabulous. I can't give you running depth in inches, just can comment that I've been in some very thin water...

[TonyL]

Excellent question.From the small amount of research I've done so far I've been seeing mostly deep V being advertised??On Fish/ ski .

[Riplip]

My hull is the same as a Cobra 201...weighs a little more, but skinny water is no prob...The real concern when fishing out of a F/S boat is wind signature. The windshield acts as a sail on those windy delta/clear lake days. You need a powerful TM to overcome a little higher (and safer) freeboard and the windshield. But ask me if I like my windshield when it's 42 degrees and raining.

[LEN B]

TONY
I was lucky and found a 1992 Ranger 392 V in the classifieds on this site. It was well taken care of and it was a good deal. And only had to drive about 1 mile to pick it up. You need somthing at least 19 ft and 200 hp plus. Bigger boat + More weight does need more Motor = less stress. Mothers day I had my wife and 3 boys out we fit just fine. What i mean by boys one 15 year old and twins 17 and 6.5.
Went from a 1977 16 foot black & silver Monark with an 85 hp to a
19.3 foot Ranger with a 200 hp and havent looked back. I can get 65mph + But I really dont need the speed.I want the power to pull these guys up. Look new first then look used and take your time. When you see it you will know what its worth and it wont be a guessing game.

[TonyL]

Awesome advice Len , thanks ,and I'm on it.I will also buy from this site and have been advised over/over on a used ranger is the way to go.

[Ken Mah]

Check e-mail

Ken mah