which of three boats should I get??

[bevofox]

I'm purchasing a boat very soon and really need some expert opinion. All the lakes around my house are 25 hp max. So naturally I'm trying to get the best performance. I have my choices narrowed down to a Lowe 160 stinger, a triton vt16. Both of these are aluminum and are very similiar 16 footers. Then I just learned about a Stratus 176xt, which is a 17 ft. fiberglass boat that supposely is taking over for all the premium aluminum fishing boats. The dealership said they are selling alot of these 25 hp fiberglass boats. I just don't think I would plain off with a 25 hp!! He said they havn't had any trouble with plain offs. I don't know if he was just trying to sell me or what. I would love to have a sturdy fiberglass boat, but is it really worth it??

[bothomas]

I've been shopping a lot lately as well, and have looked at that boat. every one I have seen has a 50 on it, that is the 12,995. package thats advertised. and everyone I have talked to thats been on one said to get the higher hp. 70-75

[bevofox]

yes, that 12995 is with a 50hp as advertised. But the dealership I went to yesterday had three with 25 hp on them. He said with the 2 stroke yamaha there wouldn't be any trouble with performance. 25 is the max I can go. that should lower the price a little too!

[zooker]

bevofox
so what your saying is you are looking for a boat with a 25 horse limit

i have been in lowes and triton tin boats the ride is rough as hell and very moist..

i however agree with you a 25 aint gettin 176tx boats on plane. they are just that heavy.. a 25 on them is plain STUPID imo..

i would likly go with the lowes in your situation as they are lighter hull weight than the triton. and likly will be a better preformer with a 25... i know of a guy that tows his lowe-170vw-with a kia..

zooker

[lizardsrule]

Why not get what you want, and add a kicker 25HP to it? The you have the best of all worlds. No lake to big, and you have your 25 HP for those lakes.

Lizards

[millsryno]

I've always been a believer that you should get a boat to which you can max out the HP rating. If you can't afford the fiberglass, than look at the aluminums. The performance seems to much more satisfactory at maximum Hp and the resale vaule is much better.

[getdnet]

I have a 170 Stinger,90 E-tec,72lb 24v Motorguide. It runs at 46mph (gps) with full tourney gear and two fat slobs. It has plenty of room for storing stuff(I use the front livewell for storage also)It is a little rough in big waves but so are all boats that I've been in ( only one that wasn't rough started with R and ends with ANGER. But$$$$$$$$)
Here is why I would buy another Lowe.... I've had mine for three seasons,the first I had some paint peel from the bottom. I was not happy,but lowe paid for the whole repair. Shipping storage fees,ever thing.
Second season, more peeling, Not happy again. Lowe took the boat completely stripped it, reprimed it,repainted it ,up dated the graphics.Shipping ,storage, everything.No cost to me.
This company stands behind they product, Thats why I would buy another.
Hope this helps with your choice.
p.s. mine is going to be for sale soon, I need a bigger/fast one for next season.
Dave.