Howdy TFF'ers:

I've never had a boat, but just got approved to finance a brand new Tracker Pro Team 175 @ 5.80% interest. I applied just to see if I could get approved and did.

Love to fish, but I learned the poor old school way of fishing from the banks and in creeks. Been boat fishing a handful of times, but have never been lucky enough to be the one with the boat.

Now I've got 700+ scores an office at work and reruns of Bill Dance are looking attainable after 20 years! What should I do? I'm not rolling in dough, but could afford the payment comfortably, but boats are _________________. Fill in the blank from you experienced boaters.

Should I sign the docs and scratch the itch or just save the money and buy Bill Dance DVD's?

I would not buy a tracker new. clean used perhaps.
Look for a 100% all-aluminum boat - no wood decking.
which is almost every other brand.
Clean used, motor in warranty you can probably afford 18 to 19'

And if you feel comfortable with owing the money, I would go with Alum like a Ranger RT178, Rt188 (clean used) , crestliner 18 or 19, Triton, Lowes.
perhaps xpress or G3 used. but these last two, IIRC are more expensive.

Thanks for the heads up Timbertoes. Are Tracker boats not quality or are the other brands you mention just higher quality?

Lots of people like their tracker boats.
I had one like a tracker, Fisher brand, with wood decks. If you saw it now, you would see the work and cost it needs

however do a lot of searching ! bass boat central forums also has a tin boat section to search.

Excellent, thanks and will do. Will also try not to get lost or 'conned' along the way.

Boat loans are a good thing if managed the right way. If you take a longer term, PLEASE PAY EARLY, EXTRA AND OFTEN. Don't get stuck making the minimum payment unless you have a skinny month. If that happens, jump right back on the extra payment method as fast as you can.
Let us know if we can help.
Thank you,
Ken
(517) 930-2721 - Cell

Sounds good Ken. I appreciate the advice.