Thinking about getting a new boat, HELP?

[BubbaLunk]

I would like to get a new 2007 or a 2006 boat that is between 16-19 ft. long, and its only purpose is going to be for fishing, I have been looking at some bass trackers, some small nitros, some polar krafts bass america and center consoles, some G3 eagles and cc's, xpress bass series and cc's and several small mako center console boats. I would like for the price to be no more than 15,000 and it has to have trolling motor and the charging system. Is there any ideas or opinions out there that can help me narrow down my search, and is there anyone in the SC, and NC region that will be willing to make a good deal.

[patchino22]

You should be able to get a nice setup with that amount of money. Wish I could help you out, but I am not on that level yet. I am sure some of the vetrans on this site will give you some good advice though. Good Luck with your search!

[traphuntfish]

mine is a basstracker it is very nice i dont know how much it cost cause it was handed down but i know it was bought new around 1999

[BubbaLunk]

I have been looking and I am not opposed to buying a used boat, and by the price I meant maximum of 15,000 I would really like to spend only 9 or 10 on it, any ideas on something like that, and I do like the Bass Tracker, you can get them new and well equipped for 12 or 13. might be a good possibilty.

[3dkicker]

My suggestion is to get out and fish in a couple of the boats that you are interested in. See if the owner will let you run the big motor (take a boating course first!!!) so you can test them out for yourself. I spent a few years fishing out of the back of a boat in a local club before I bought mine and I knew which features I would want the most. Also be sure that you are ready for the maintainence/upkeep and repair costs.

[zooker]

owning a boat cost as much as owning a second car.this aint counting the price of the boat either.. to be honest there is only a couple places i would recomend. as there customer service is outstanding.. david fritts has some of the best customer service i have seen yet.. they also have quite a few used rides..another has gone over to mostly speed boats and offshore rides.. but is carolina boat center..and the last is anglers choice marine in va..i know they have a bunch of used rides.. i have personally delt with all of them.

remember service after the sale is the best thing.. ya i know fritts is higher than some others around.but the service is better than theres..

bassnman 30 and bcjensen both members here. have bought boats from fritts...

i bought my ride from carolina boat center - back when they were selling stratos/yamaha- they since have changed moter and boat brands and still did my warranty work when my moter blew.infact they still had my warranty records and have moved twice..


zooker

[BubbaLunk]

That is funny because I actually have been in contact with both Fritts and Carolina boat, because I called Fritts about some Stratos' 176 xt and they said they were going to discontiue the Stratos line and only sell Ranger, and it is obvious that I can afford a Ranger, so I talked to Carolina about some G3 boats and Polar Kraft boats and there were extremely helpful. Do you know anything about Mid State Marine in Kannapolis, because I was talking to them about a 170 TX Bass Tracker with the 50 two stroke , He told me that if I was interested that he would get me out the door with the charger system for the boat for 12,700 taxes and everything. Do you think that is a good deal and would any of the places I named above ever consider coming off sticker price, or are they pretty stuck on the sticker price.

[BassinBandit]

A goodplace to look at used boats is Bassboatcentral.com. They have good deals and you look for ones close to you. There is a 93 Basscat Pantera w/ 2000 150 evinrude ($9500) or 98 Basscat Paqntera w/ 2000 200 merc ($14,000), and (the one I like the best) Nitro Savage 896 w/ a 01 merc 200 ($12,500). Now I dont know if I can say this on here but I really like Foothills marine in Morganton NC. They are great to deal with. Most Tracker boats (unless used) has a set price on it.

[leroy]

also check at www.boattrader.com Good site to comepare etc.

[everettvet]

[quote=BubbaLunk;157817]That is funny because I actually have been in contact with both Fritts and Carolina boat, because I called Fritts about some Stratos' 176 xt and they said they were going to discontiue the Stratos line and only sell Ranger....quote]


Stratos is a nice boat. If they are discontinuing the line, you might get a great price. Also, that might not mean that they are stopping the service of Stratos boats.

[Bender]

I have not heard anything about Stratos being discontinued, or did he just mean that he is not going to carry them anymore? I need to call my dealer today anyway so I will ask him.
In any case I have heard nothing but good things about the 176 XT, here is some good pictures of one in use: http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=193212

[BubbaLunk]

I meant that Fritts is going to quit selling them, but that is the boat that I plan on getting, and I am going to get the 60 mercury four stroke on it, and it is going to be white and blue. That is the boat that I want unless I can find a new center console for near the same price.

[zooker]

bender
the 176tx is there #1 seller this year.. no he means fritts will not carry the stratos line next year-which starts in october- when i was there they had a 06 188 vs ranger with a 150 opti sitting next to an 06 185 pro xl stratos with an 150 opti.. same excate boat differant labels the ranger was $10,000 more..

zooker

[BubbaLunk]

he told me that they were basically giving away there Stratos boats, and I would love to buy one of them he said it was a 27 or 30 thousand dollar boat and they were selling them for like 20, and trust me if I could afford the 20 grand I would, But I think that the 176 XT will be great for my first boat.

[zooker]

bubba
get it with the 70 horse -trust me- you will thank me for it..

zooker

[BubbaLunk]

Would that be athe 70 2 stroke, or do they make a 70 four stroke, because 4 stroke is straight gas, and 2 stroke you have to mix oil right? I would like the idea of the 4 stroke for better gas mileage and easlier up keep.

[zooker]

bubba
all new 2 strokes have oil injection you put oil in a tank by it self. then it injects it into the carbs you can run regular pump gas no oil mixed with the gas -after break in-

4 strokes cost alot more. don't use 2 stroke oil but do use a 4 stroke oil -not the same 10w 30 you car uses either-you have to change this oil after so many hours. every one i have seen requires a pump to pump the oil out..

and when -not if- the 4 stroke breaks the boat shop guys eye look like slot machines rolling up $ signs..they cost out the but to repair..

zooker

[BubbaLunk]

Thanks for the info zooker I wil keep that in mind.