Looking to get a new boat some point during the year. Any suggestions of makes and models, please suggest them.
What I'm looking for most is: GREAT rod storage, good price to boat ratio (something that is worth how much it costs) comes loaded with lowrance units and trolling motor. Looks appealing. Good service from dealer/manufacture. Comes default with a fast motor. I'm clueless when it comes to this, never bought any vehicle from a dealer before, my truck and boat both came from craigslist used.

No doubt about it: This one Ranger

iv owned 6 Rangers and 1 Champion and 1 Skeeter...by far the Ranger's were better!

The obvious choice for you is a Skeeter from Fun & Sun,because its close and they are a quality dealership with a Texas made product.I bought my last new boat there and was well pleased.I'm sure you'll quickly find all new boats are very expensive!! Just my 2 cents.

A kayak. Soon enough you won't be able to launch a boat anywhere

I was a RANGER Man for over 20 years,

All boats have their following anglers and users. They all have something the others don't have. It is mostly personal preference. You will hear stories good and bad about all service centers/manufacturer. You asked about the extra's. Again that is personal preference when you order a boat. You can get the electronics you want, the engine you want when you order. You can make it as expensive as you want or as affordable and you want.

Looks are in the eye of the beholder. After watching Phoenix boats for the last 5 years, After riding in one and driving one, I am convinced its the best boat I have ever owned. The ride, the handling, the storage the best boat I have had. I believe Phoenix comes with Lowrance electronics, Minn Kota Trolling motor, you can get any engine you want, and they have a wide variety of models to chose from. You asked about speed, that also is in how you set it up. I have the 921 Pro XP with a Yamaha 250 SHO, I have had it to 74 and that was fast enough for me, I think I could have gotten more.

Its best that you ride and drive all the brands that you are considering in buying to make sure its what you want. If you ever get over here to Fork, I would be happy to show you around the Phoenix and let you drive it. Good luck in your venture

But Papa, man did you see the price and the details on that Ranger? Man.....that's a heck of a price for a 'new' Ranger. Just been returned from the factory with all new carpets/seats/etc.
Man....would love to have that one. Not even mentioning that GREAT engine power plant!!!

For the price to boat ratio I like slightly smaller slightly used boats. 18 footers with 150-175 horse engines, these boats can be had for $20-25K. Think Nitro Z7 or Skeeter TZX 190. For the average guy these boats are more than sufficient. Buy in the fall. I got a near mint 2013 skeeter tzx 190 last fall with a 175 horse and just 20 hours on the engine for about 8K under fair market value by bargain hunting. On the upside you'll save $30-40K over a new 21 foot 250 horse Skeeter/Ranger. On the down side you'll only be able to go 65 mph instead of 72, and if the wind is blowing at a full gale you'll probably have to stay off the bigger lakes. (Neither of the later two were a big deal to me, so I just pocketed the $40K.)

ONE ADGENDA! THE LEGEND V20, the ultimate bass rig.

http://legendmarine.com

If you plan on selling it and getting your best return. Ranger or skeeter. Re sale value go look at used boats and stay away from your price reduced again model. I have friends that fell for the cheeper rig and cant get out of them unless they give it away. You can buy a 2014 Ranger demo and be registered as first owner for mid 50s run it a year or two and loose very little money.

Get a POS!!! In fact. I wil make you a great deal on my POS! Hah. You don't want a nice, new, shiny, reliable boat. Nah. You want my boat!

Hah.

I'm gonna buy a Legend when I buy a new boat this year. They are finished out better, inside and out. The details. Legend pays attention to the details. The don't cover them.

This is just my findings. I look at boats differently than most. I look behind the drop in trays and see the "guts". I'm a custom car builder by trade. So the fit and finish is important to me. And the construction quality is important to me as well. Legend builds a GREAT product. Maybe not the prettiest. But then it's a boat. Not a girl. Lol.

May want to look at the Nitro Z8 or Z9 packages. Good trolling motor, HDS-9 touch on the front and back, 8' blade, and a Mercury motor. Best bang for the buck. JMO

Skeeter ZX series are offered in a package deal now with Lowranve touch 9's, forttex trolling motor, a power pole,and Yamaha outboard for a great price! Also like stated above think about resale values man.

All boats are good these days go with what you can afford and what you like! Also a dealer close who will treat you right and make the buying process about you and your wants/needs!

What he said^^^ fully rigged out. Good luck to you and whatever you buy!

If money is an object then go with a Stratos, it's a good and fast boat for the money. If you have a little more money you can get the Champion which is also a Stratos now but with a little better ride and a few more extra's.