Bass Fishing HomeBass Fishing Forums

Go Back   BassFishin.Com Forums > Serious Conversation Only > Bass Boats, Trailers & Setups

Poll: Favorite Bass Boat
Poll Options
Favorite Bass Boat

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 10-07-10, 11:58 AM   #26
walkeraviator
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
walkeraviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,119
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gonefishin3 View Post
Skeeters a great boat but I dont like the deck lay outs on them much... Champions another good boat and so is Triton, but I bought the Ranger so I gotta go with what I picked
Im curious what about the Skeeter deck you dont like... I always saw that front deck as one of its biggest selling points...
walkeraviator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-10, 02:09 PM   #27
IowaBasser
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
IowaBasser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ames, Iowa
Posts: 360
Default

I voted for Nitro. I don't currently have a boat. A good friend of mine has an Allison - it's crazy fast and he loves it. (His wife loves to fish) I'd like to get a boat in a year or two, but I doubt I will get a bass boat. I'm looking at more of a sport boat for the family. (My wife hates to fish, but likes to ski and cruise) It looks like a good compromise for us. For now I'm stuck borrowing my dad's walleye boat.

NITRO 189 Sport
IowaBasser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-10, 11:30 PM   #28
bamabassman
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
bamabassman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: cedar bluff, alabama
Posts: 15,292
Default

Please don't get a Nitro, go to a fish/ski by anyone other than Nitro. Sorry, I have looked at Nitro's over and over. Just not a very stable rig in my opinion. Just my worthless 2 cents. You can get a REAL nice used rig for what you buy with a new Nitro.
__________________
so many lures, so little time.
bamabassman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-10, 11:54 PM   #29
IowaBasser
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
IowaBasser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ames, Iowa
Posts: 360
Default

Thanks for your 2 cents on the Nitro - I just like the set-up, with the stow away space for the trolling motor, and the rear deck for casting or sun-bathing, and room for 5 or 6 people when the kids want to go inter-tubing. I haven't seriously begun looking yet.
IowaBasser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-10, 12:16 PM   #30
woody
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
woody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Jonesville, Indiana
Posts: 3,597
Default

IowaBasser, here's my 2cents.

That boat is underpowered with the 115. Go with at least a 150.


-Mark
woody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-10, 02:26 PM   #31
lilmule
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
lilmule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Buchanan,Tn
Posts: 2,685
Default

Stratos 476 fs while shorter runs quite nice with a 115,while not a light boat is less weight ,costs less,and is better built for a low end entry level pkg than a nitro.

By the time you build that nitro it will be about 26-27 k,as it wont do well for sking with a 115.

The stratos hp rating is 115 it will do well with one in comparison.Get the 115 hp,boats within or near their hp rating run better

An no dont own a nitro or a ski boat or a stratos, buddy of mine had the larger version fs it did ok, particular if it stormed nice top to slide under.
The ride however in any fs isnt quite as good but tradeoff for more family options
Propped with about a 19 P four blade it will pop two skiers up,and run about 50 mph,and get much better gas mileage than a 150.

Last edited by lilmule; 10-09-10 at 02:38 PM.
lilmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-10, 08:16 PM   #32
walkeraviator
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
walkeraviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,119
Default

My 2 cents is that new fish and ski boats suck...all of em. Older ones are more fishing friendly my dad has a 96 stratos 278FS and it is much better for fishin than the new stratos FS boats
walkeraviator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-10, 12:44 AM   #33
lilmule
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
lilmule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Buchanan,Tn
Posts: 2,685
Default

Agree the ride isnt as good but multi purpose and its what he wants not what we want.
Its not strictly a fishing boat,fish-ski family wife kids etc
How often are the wife and kids-dog in your bb,wanting to ski,sightsee,tube and generally ride around?
They are slower attract all sorts of critters as well,like you im a bb owner,generally alone or with a fishin bud,they just arnt built for everyone,guess thats why so many models of boats are out there.
I posted it due to it being a better deal all around than a nitro is all,dont own one,but do envy the attempt at all in the family enjoying it.
lilmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-10, 05:56 AM   #34
walkeraviator
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
walkeraviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,119
Default

I wasn't knockin fish and ski boats.... just pointing out that one could save a lot of money and get a better boat by buying a used fish and ski over a new one. And actually Dads boat rides super dry and only rides rough in super choppy waters we encounter on windy days out on KY lake. As for speed... it will do 60mph with a 150 Evinrude Intruder... but we never run it that fast. Keep it under 4000 rpm and you get really good gas mileage running about 35mph... and that old outboard will run 3 large adults in the boat and still pull two pretty big guys on a tube...

As far as NEW fish and ski boats go... I like Ranger if you can afford them...
walkeraviator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-10, 02:21 PM   #35
lilmule
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
lilmule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Buchanan,Tn
Posts: 2,685
Default

Agree again I buy used,as for 60 with a 150 it is slow compared to a fast bb at 70 with the same motor.And ky lake wont always let one run wot,another reason i downsized in hp 200 wasnt needed on ky lake in an allison,july and aug one can get it up there at times,rest of the year my lil 140 isnt utilized entirely,and it does with about 120 actual hp as rated at powerhead about what that used f and s you are referring to.
It does however take someone and a friend who knows something about boats to buy a decent used one,suspect since its a family thing he wants new and a warranty.
9 months out of the year it is windy here on ky lake ,july aug 10-15 mph with some late aug and sept being 5-10.
I do know where the lake narrows down under the bridge and the current is greater that with it blowing 40 steady and gusts to 55 my lil allison will go forward on 70 pd thrust,went out on plane in 30 mph came back in off plane,and felt like an idiot for being out in 7 fters,they bob like a cork even thou small.But thats unreal and unsafe.
Same wind broke barges loose,sank two of them as well.
I owned a 373 191/2 ft f and s Ranger for ten years,ran good on the ohio river but not here,solid well built ran 59 on gps with a xflow 150 on it,you cant sink one,but hull slap is quite annoying.They do however resemble a dual console bb a lot more than modern ones.
lilmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-10, 01:25 PM   #36
IowaBasser
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
IowaBasser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ames, Iowa
Posts: 360
Default

Living in Iowa... I fish a lot of smaller lakes. At 40 mph, it usually only takes me 10 or 15 minutes (at the most to get) anywhere on the lakes I fish. My Dad lives on a private lake, and they have a 35 mph speed limit. Hell, a lot of small lakes I fish are either electric motor only or no-wake! So 115 hp is really plenty for me. A friend of mine has an Allison with a 200 or maybe even a 225 hp motor on it? He races it once or twice a year just for fun. I'm not sure how fast it is, but I'm guessing it goes close to 90 mph or more with his racing prop. They fish the Mississippi, so they travel 40 miles or more up or down stream occassionally. Still, with all the crap floating in the Mississippi they don't run more then 40 mph.

If I fished bigger waters where I needed to travel greater distances or had to deal with bigger waves I would consider the bigger motor, but I think a 115 is just fine for me.

Realistically when the time comes, I probably will buy used. I'm just looking at new boats to see what's out there; where'd I put my lottery ticket, I need to check this week's numbers!
IowaBasser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-10, 02:17 PM   #37
Vegasspider
BassFishin.Com Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 570
Default I agree

I totally agree. I have owned four Rangers over a period of 15 years and I now have a 2009 Z9 Nitro and will never go back to Ranger. I think I can say what I want about Ranger since I owned more than one and was a total loyal owner. But, their price and attitude to customers fails by a long shot. If you think I am kidding, go to an FLW event and look at all the noses in the air! They can have it. One of the biggest things I have with Nitro that I never had with Ranger, I can see myself fishing from this boat five years no problem. If I could not go Nitro, I would go Skeeter. We have a bay boat that is basically a Skeeter bass boat hull. Nice rugged piece. The fit and finish of the Nitro is better and the ride is dry and gets to plane with no issues. there is a deal in Southern Cal that now sells both. I can see paying up to $20k more from a bankrupt company with a bad attitude when Nitro being Bass Pro isn’t going no ware.... I get compliments all the time on my Nitro and by people that don’t even fish. Besides, look at the bassmaster top tens from this year and notice all the Nitro’s. And of course, if it’s good enough for Kevin Vandam then I am sure it will fit my needs.


Quote:
Originally Posted by jasonfish320 View Post
Looking at the poll results tells me we have a lot of Ranger fans on here. Don't get me wrong I think they make a great boat, but I think it's their history and reputation that gives some people a false pretense about them. There's a lot of really good boats out there..especially nowadays..I have ridden or driven in Nitro's, Tritons, Champions, Skeeters, Rangers and Basscat boats. I cannot speak for the others on the list, but out of this group I can say that Nitro's Z-Line is very very nice, with a lot of nice features and not as much $$...I think that Nitro has really turned things around with this line. Also, just in my opinion...the best bass boat I have ever been in was a BassCat Puma..lots of room, lots of power and great ride...only problem=they are steep in price.. on a side note- I love the look of the new Eyra, and love the single console
Vegasspider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-10, 02:44 PM   #38
lilmule
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
lilmule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Buchanan,Tn
Posts: 2,685
Default

Rangers are a decent boat well built but like you the customer need to be taken care of,no disrepect your z9 is well built but many entry level nitros arnt,or wernt.
The FLW atttitude isnt due to rangers in general more to their format,they have their office right above me in Benton,Ky,in flw the coangler is just there to help pay for expenses ,no say in where the boat goes and he cannot throw past center of the boat,as a result losing ground to other T orgs.
As for bass pro they put together pkg deals that appeal to the buyer,as for the sales,and sort of spread out all over the outdoor sports to make a profit.Not just boats.
The attitude of both Ranger and FLW tend to make people go elsewhere these days
lilmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-10, 06:10 PM   #39
bamabassman
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
bamabassman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: cedar bluff, alabama
Posts: 15,292
Default

The FIRST rig I bought here when I moved back up here was a fish/ski stratos. 97 model. I liked it just fine when it was just me and the wife. BUT, when I added the dog, or my brother and his son would go with me it was HORRIBLE. 3 men can't fish outta the dang thang, lol. So i traded it for another rig. Electrical problems ALL the time, yes another used boat. So i sold it and got another rig. Smaller one this time, the previous 2 were 20 footers and this one was only 15. That didn't work out for me, it was a bumble bee to tell the brand, it was too small, had no storage to speak of and it was real wobbly out on the water. So....i sold it and got the present rig. Still not a new rig, 97 model again. Cajun to be exact. I love this rig, it is PAID for, lmao. Has the storage i need, nice paltform, and it floats, hahaha. It is now in need of some repair and i wasnt to upgrade the fish finders and i have GOT to get a bigger trolling motor. but after i restore it one day......it'll be jsut fine i think. Has to, wife ain't gonna let me get a newer rig for a long time, IF EVER! Hahaha.
__________________
so many lures, so little time.
bamabassman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-10, 06:54 PM   #40
Vegasspider
BassFishin.Com Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 570
Default

The bass boat is like Harleys. Most of the neg. comments come from those who don’t actually own or ride/drive one. Like all other companies, entry level is just that. What most of the problem is some will buy entry level and try to use it at a tournament level or something else and it's not meant for that. I would put my Z9 up against anything that takes a pounding week in and week out.

Of course, again the bass boat and Harley comment applies to all brands. I can’t tell you how many people say I would never buy a so and so brand and if you ask them if they had a bad experience the answer is always well no but a friend of my brother in law had the best one they make and it was crap etc. etc. etc.

I tell you what I am impressed with and that’s the aluminum line-ups. If I did not have as big as water as I have here, I would buy one in a second. For me here it’s not the size of the water it’s all the recreational boats for the first 2 miles from the ramps etc. I have a buddy fishing out of a Tracker and he loves it.
Vegasspider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-10, 09:09 PM   #41
bamabassman
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
bamabassman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: cedar bluff, alabama
Posts: 15,292
Default

vegass, not to make you mad or nothing ok? But I have owned a ranger, a long time ago, but I am NOT an expert on boats. The ranger I had was an 82 model, made the old fashioned way, lol. It was a great rig and I loved it. The rigs I have OWNED since coming back here have been stratos', bumble bee, and a stryker and now a rajun cajun 205 tourney edition. I have been in several rigs since beening back as well, have been in a skeeter, procraft, basscat,bullet and triton. I have also talked to several nitro owners. So I guess I really can't tell a person anything but what was RELATED TO ME on nitros. So I am sorry for that. You are correct in correcting me there buddy. It is just that every owner of a nitro I talked to has had ill feelings towards them. Maybe it is because they were the OLD nitro's. I dunno. If YOU love that rig, I am behind you 100%. Thank you for correcting me.

One thing we can all agree on with any boat, car or truck or whatever it is out there. Somebody is going to say something negative about it. So I will retract my statements about nitro. I say go out, test drive the different rigs, drive it like you stole it. Then make up your OWN mind. Agreed?

I truly am sorry, hindsight is 20/20.
__________________
so many lures, so little time.
bamabassman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-10, 09:22 PM   #42
falcooon
BassFishin.Com Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 10
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by walkeraviator View Post
I kinda see where you are coming from Jason... but a Z-9 is over $50k if you get decent electronics. And most of the comparable 21ft boats from the other companies are the same price as the Nitro...

This is where Phoenix really shines... for $45k you get the boat the way it needs to be out the door. No adding better electronics or bigger trolling motors... all the other boats run $50k then you gotta spend another 10 grand to get teh upgrades... even nitro...

Nitro starts at $43k... used their website and built one comparable to a Phoenix 721 Pro...

only difference is Phoneix had a 250 yamer and the Nitro a 250 Optimax

Nitro optioned out to $54k
Phoenix...................................$41k

And the phoneix has a removable console, the diriver console is fully enclosed...



OK i think i change my vote to Phoenix...

This is BS! I have been pricing this boat and I am at $49k for a basic boat and $54k for the options I want! If you want a rig of some one else's colors or something that has already been run and used by someone else...may be you can get into one for $41k.

For this type of money , I want my own color selection. I want to break in a new motor and not have any doubts... I want a new boat! Make no mistake,,,Phoenix is a good boat but it is the same price of a BCB and others. Special deals, demo's etc not included... When talking value and pricing, keep the discussion on a normal purchase!
falcooon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-10, 10:11 PM   #43
Vegasspider
BassFishin.Com Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 570
Default It's all good

Hey buddy I was not upset and nore was I trying to change your mind or correct you. I just said what I felt and I do know the older Nitros did not come with a good send off. Even the best boat can have cussing under your breath. I was more making the Harley Bass Boat statement. Those who have the most to say often dont even own a boat. O and I am no expert by any strech either. My Ranger had small issues but they were made to be big as they never wanted to take care of it. And I waited 6 months for a title! I will go out on the limb and say, almost all of the new boats are nice regardless of their make.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bamabassman View Post
vegass, not to make oyu mad or nothing ok? But i have owned a ranger, a long time ago, but i am NOT an expert on boats. The ranger i had was an 82 model, made the old fashioned way, lol. It was a great rig and i loved it. The rigs i have OWNED since coming back here have been stratos', bumble bee, and a stryker and now a rajun cajun 205 tourney edition. I have been in several rigs since beening back as well, have been in a skeeter, procraft, basscat,bullet and triton. I have also talked to several nitro owners. So i guess i really can't tell a person anything but what was RELATED TO ME on nitros. So i am sorry for that. You are correct in correcting me there buddy. It is just that every owner of a nitro i talked to has had ill feelings towards them. maybe it is because they were the OLD nitro's. I dunno. If YOU love that rig, i am behind you 100%. Thank you for correcting me.
One thing we can all agree on with any boat, car or truck or whatever it is out there. Somebody is going to say something negative about it. So i will retract my statements about nitro. I say go out, test drive the different rigs, drive it like you stole it. Then make up your OWN mind. Agreed?

i truly am sorry, hindsight is 20/20.
Vegasspider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-10, 10:13 PM   #44
Vegasspider
BassFishin.Com Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 570
Default What?

I am not even sure what you are even ranting about? Did I miss something?

With all due respect what would you consider a normal purchase? Call the Las Vegas Bass Pro they have a Z9 loaded never been in the water $43k out the door.
Quote:
Originally Posted by falcooon View Post
This is BS! I have been pricing this boat and I am at $49k for a basic boat and $54k for the options I want! If you want a rig of some one else's colors or something that has already been run and used by someone else...may be you can get into one for $41k.

For this type of money , I want my own color selection. I want to break in a new motor and not have any doubts... I want a new boat! Make no mistake,,,Phoenix is a good boat but it is the same price of a BCB and others. Special deals, demo's etc not included... When talking value and pricing, keep the discussion on a normal purchase!
Vegasspider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-10, 08:11 AM   #45
walkeraviator
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
walkeraviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,119
Default

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...ro-XP-95666771
walkeraviator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-10, 08:23 AM   #46
lilmule
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
lilmule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Buchanan,Tn
Posts: 2,685
Default

Year end closeouts ,sales boats etc not someone elses colors,just one that thats already made in that color and or options,still new.
Now take that link above decide you dont desire it because wrong color or something about it you do not like,then start the calculator as that boat aint already made,nor sitting waiting on a buyer.
One can often buy a new boat at closeout year end sales for less than what a 1 year old used boat is being priced by those who picked their options.
40 K sounds like a good deal over 50 some lol
lilmule is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-10, 10:48 AM   #47
falcooon
BassFishin.Com Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 10
Default

Again ...there are misc boats out there that are specials. this is a 2010 with an 250 hpdi (no longer made) with a closeout engine special from Yamaha....and the older model of electronics ...it's a good deal but if you want the latest model with a current engine, something new that has not been driven or demoed ....it's a whole other ball game.

Try pricing a new 2011, pick your own colors ... and see what you get. You get right up there at $50k+++!

If I could order a new boat and start out with pricing like this before options, I would write a check!

Picking out the exception to the rule is not the purpose of my post!
falcooon is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Disclosure / Disclaimer
Before acting on the content posted, you should know that BassFishin.Com may benefit financially and otherwise from content, advertising, links or otherwise from anything you click on, read, or look at on our website. Click here to read our Disclosure Policy and Disclaimer.


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:44 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2013 BassFishin.Com LLC