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Dec 30th, 2023
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 Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10182042
08/02/14 12:58 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172
hopalong
Pescador Loco
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Pescador Loco
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172 |
what I am pointing out to you is with any of the champions I listed or any other champion you get a boat that is easy to drive and will be forgiving during your learning how to handle a bass boat.
some of the other brands will chine walk at speed, some will be harder to fish in wind, some will be wet in rough water and ride even rougher. get a good boat to learn in and plan on keeping it for a long time.
Last edited by hopalong; 08/02/14 12:58 AM.
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10182523
08/02/14 03:45 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 26,161
patriot07
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 26,161 |
if this is a first boat go find an older champion 184 or larger, you can get mid 90's 188's for less than you budgeted then you can load it out like you want it.
champion is great in rough water, drives like a sports car on plane, is the only boat I know of that you can spin 180* at full open throttle, great boat for first timer as they are easy on the driver (and yes I own one).
you can get older champs that are in excellent condition and will last ya a long long time, mine is 32 years old and I will still put it up against any of the new 18' boats.
some brands are not as easy to drive, chine walk, hard to handle in rough water, wet in rough water etc.
start with a boat that will not only last but makes learning to drive etc. easy. what i am afraid of an old boat would be if the motor brakes or something happens to it.. i am not a mechanic or now anything about it. whats the average price or Maintenance on a old boat motor. a trip to the shop to get it repaired would be 1k? to 2k? New boats break too. You can get an older boat for $15k and have $10k for repairs, tackle, etc. and still be in your budget. An older boat that's in good shape with $10k to spend on repairs will last much, much longer than a new boat with nothing to spend on repairs. We've spent $1k in repairs on mine and my dad's 17-year-old Triton (a carb job and new VRO about 4 years ago) and it runs great. Don't be afraid of older boats.
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
- Soren Kierkegaard
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10182557
08/02/14 03:55 AM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,666
Bradshuflin aka hunter'sdad
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 9,666 |
bought my 03 Skeeter 18ft for less than 10k one owner and it almost looks new he had all the.scheduled maintance done and all the receipts for them. if you look hard you can find a.very nice boat under 10k
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10182885
08/02/14 01:27 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172
hopalong
Pescador Loco
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Pescador Loco
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 121,172 |
with your budget of 25-26k I would be looking for a boat in the 15k range, this leaves you enough to put good electronics on it, add bling if you want to and still have a reserve for the inevitable breakdown. parts break/wear out/need replaced from time to time.
you will not find a new boat in the price you set as I stated before so find one that you like, that runs good and use it as a learning experience.
as an example I like to think I take pretty good care of my equipment but my stator went out and I just had my front graph go bad on me, not due to neglect but just how things go with a boat.
your best bet as a novice owner is get a boat that you can learn to drive easily and will fill your needs well then like the rest of us you will find a bigger better faster more blinged out boat that will get you wanting another.
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10183062
08/02/14 02:46 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,733
militarybrat
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,733 |
I have run an 18' Skeeter for 18yrs no need for anything bigger. I do know 1 thing though Any wind 15 mph and above here in texas you will get wet no matter what bassboat ya get. As far as good ride in rough water that does not exist in bassboat hulls. I like Hops advise I looked real hard at the 18 Champ just could not get past the blue jewel color of the Skeeter I bought. My first bassboat was a 16' 1976 Monark McFast (allison hull design copy) 850 Merc (85 hp powerhead about 60 propshaft hp). I loved the way that Monark slid around turns reminded me of dirt trackin a car.
Who ever said nothing in life is impossible.
Never tried slamming a revolving door.
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10183140
08/02/14 03:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 85,927
John175☮
MACHO MAN
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MACHO MAN
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 85,927 |
it seems like now they are z117
Mine is a 2003 but everything is still rock solid. I can replace my motor for what a 20-21 footer lower unit costs... The new Ranger is a z117. There is a 2014 z117 listed on Lone Star Bass for $22,500.
“Do not pray for easier lives. Pray to be stronger men.†-JFK
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10183193
08/02/14 03:39 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,235
Jimfishes
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,235 |
Consider these things first:
1. Where you will use the boat(rivers or big lakes)?---size of boat
2. What will you use boat for mostly(fish or ski/play)?--style boat
3. How many people on average per trip?---size of boat
4. Where will you store the boat?--size/cost to consider
Be sure to consider all these items to help you determine if you need a 17' aluminum bass boat for fishing rivers or maybe a fiberglass 18' boat for fishing rivers and lakes. Maybe you need a fish & ski if you want to take 3 or 4 people out boat riding sometimes.
The only reason I've always leaned towards 18' fiberglass is because I can fish anywhere in these boats and they fit in my home garage. Back when I mostly fished the local river, I ran aluminum bass boats with 50 hp outboards and it was great.
Now I fish the local river and sometimes travel to Toledo, Rayburn, Fayette, Fork, etc., and like the NEW Nitro Z7 I use everywhere I go and it fits in my garage.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider and what is right for one person, may not work for another.
My advice is to try your best to buy a preowned boat that has been well taken care of and take an experienced friend with you when you decide what you want to look at. Do not get in a hurry, the fall season can be a buyer's market. Always take a test ride in the rig because sometimes they run good on a hose even when they have issues. Also, on the water you can check out all the pumps and depth finders, troll motor, etc. and look for leaks. You can also get a better look at the trailer without the boat loaded.
Good luck!
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: Jimfishes]
#10184497
08/03/14 03:04 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,423
buton
OP
Extreme Angler
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OP
Extreme Angler
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,423 |
Consider these things first:
1. Where you will use the boat(rivers or big lakes)?---size of boat
2. What will you use boat for mostly(fish or ski/play)?--style boat
3. How many people on average per trip?---size of boat
4. Where will you store the boat?--size/cost to consider
Be sure to consider all these items to help you determine if you need a 17' aluminum bass boat for fishing rivers or maybe a fiberglass 18' boat for fishing rivers and lakes. Maybe you need a fish & ski if you want to take 3 or 4 people out boat riding sometimes.
The only reason I've always leaned towards 18' fiberglass is because I can fish anywhere in these boats and they fit in my home garage. Back when I mostly fished the local river, I ran aluminum bass boats with 50 hp outboards and it was great.
Now I fish the local river and sometimes travel to Toledo, Rayburn, Fayette, Fork, etc., and like the NEW Nitro Z7 I use everywhere I go and it fits in my garage.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider and what is right for one person, may not work for another.
My advice is to try your best to buy a preowned boat that has been well taken care of and take an experienced friend with you when you decide what you want to look at. Do not get in a hurry, the fall season can be a buyer's market. Always take a test ride in the rig because sometimes they run good on a hose even when they have issues. Also, on the water you can check out all the pumps and depth finders, troll motor, etc. and look for leaks. You can also get a better look at the trailer without the boat loaded.
Good luck!
You are making a good point about a small boat. i dont have a truck to haul. my FJ crusier could do good in a 18 feet aluminum or glass. thats another reason i am avoiding something "big" i have a 3 door garage and theres one space for the boat. i have not measured though
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10185251
08/03/14 04:37 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,957
Bob Landry
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,957 |
Don't sell the aluminum boats short. I just found a leak in my G3, but it was of my doing and certainly not attributed to the way the boat was built. A lot of the guides in North Texas use Xpress and they fish on water with a lot of wind and some pretty rough water, and that's a testament to the build of the better tin boats. I would buy another aluminum boat in a heart beat. The higher end aluminum boats are welded up like tanks and you have to work pretty hard to break one.
2015 Seaark 1872 MV CC Etec-90
Two Helix 12 CHIRP SI's, , MinnKota Riptide ST80/i-pilot Link, Bob's Hydraulic
2020 Robalo R200 CC, Yamaha 150
Bitter Gun Owner
Bitter Clinger
Armed Infidel
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10187436
08/04/14 06:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,781
nax
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,781 |
I'm along the same lines as Hop, except I like Skeeter.  You save a boat load of money right off the bat. With the savings, you can get better electronics and gear. Typically, the older boats (that have been cared for) just need a good detailing and some new carpet to be good as new. As stated, no matter what year the boat is, take it to a mechanic of your choice for a thorough check-over. Oh, and I like the 17-18' boat size because it fits in the garage. I might be able to do it with a 20' on a break-away, but 18' works just fine for me. No storage cost and no weather elements to worry about.
Last edited by nax; 08/04/14 06:06 PM.
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10187541
08/04/14 06:51 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,225
5-20
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,225 |
If you're really going to keep this boat for a long time, I'd think carefully about getting an aluminum boat. Not because they might leak. If you get a quality all-welded boat, you really shouldn't have to worry about the hull leaking at all.
But those boats aren't very stable and get blown around a lot in the wind. As you get older, you might realize that it's exhausting trying to stay on the trolling motor and keep your balance when you're fishing with someone else and that person walks around which will cause the boat to tilt from side to side. It's just a lot more tiring fishing all day out of an alum boat than it is in a heavier and more stable glass boat.
Lots of great 17'-18' lightly used glass boats out there in your price range. You may even want to consider a yamaha 4 stroke motor. Those motors run for thousands of hours if well maintained and they generally last a lot longer than the typical 2 stroke motor. Just be patient and stick to a brand name (stay away from nitro and tracker boats) and you'll eventually find something you're really happy with in your price range. Fall is coming up. That's a really good time to find a terrific deal on a boat and save a lot of money.
Toads for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10189355
08/05/14 02:15 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 502
Blake's Boats
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 502 |
I've got a brand new 2014 Charger 181 for sale loaded out with upgraded graphs and Motorguide 82lb thrust Tour edition out the door for under $25K.
Also have a 2013 PT175 with 1 hour 40 minutes run time for $14,500 obo with upgraded fish finder.
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10190256
08/05/14 08:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,293
tincan86
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,293 |
I was in the same boat as you didnt want to spend the money on a new boat, I went with a Ranger fish and ski 19 footer. The boat didnt have a motor,put my old motor on it only to have it blow two months later. I bought a newer motor and still have less than 3000 in the boat. If you buy a new boat and the motor blows one month out of warranty what will you replace it with? If you buy an older boat like what hop has sugessted for 10-15K less than a new boat you will have money for repairs. You will have repairs so keep that in mind, it doesnt matter if the boat is one minute old or 30 years old it will need repairs
Hope for the best,but prepare for the worst
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10201381
08/10/14 05:45 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 278
JB in Ft Worth
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 278 |
My first boat was a 17' fish-n-ski. It didn't take me long to decide that 17' is too small for my taste. However, a smaller boat is a good idea for a first boat. Smaller is just a lot easier to handle and maneuver - both in the water and on the trailer. I bought the 17' knowing that within a year or so I would either want a bigger boat or I would decide I didn't want a boat. This year I bought a 21' center console and I am so thankful that I spent that first year learning the ropes with the smaller boat.
Personally I would not spend $20K plus on a first boat. You might make a few rookie mistakes that first year or two, so my thought is to stick with something less expensive until you have some experience under your belt. Just my 2 cents, but that was the thought process that went into buying my first boat. Just don't buy anything cheap that is going to need work every time you turn around.
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Re: Boat 17"to 18"...the right choice?
[Re: buton]
#10334465
10/08/14 01:29 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 118
otrdriver2002
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 118 |
I would also suggest you look at a CHAMPION. I still have my 1995 202DC. Been a great boat. One of the best in bad weather rides I have been in. Only boat I know you can turn the steering wheel stop to stop running wide open. Boat will turn on a dime at any speed. Will not start skipping in a hard turn like most boats.
Best todate 12.03 Clyde Lake. 1995 Elite 202 Champion still floating.
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