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Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats #10640351 02/23/15 07:06 PM
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klockness Offline OP
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This is all pending I sell my Tracker 160 but I'm looking into a 16-17 ft bass boat. Something small enough to pull behind my v6 explorer but big enough to a have a 7'+ rod locker and a little more stability than my tracker. Around 90hp. I've found Skeeters, Ray Craft, Nitros, Champion, Stratus, Triton and a couple of Rangers from the mid to later 90's and a few newer. I'm trying to stay under $6k for something that is ready to hit the water.

My question is what boats/motors that fit that description are dependable and what should I stay away from. The classic example is everyone loves to hate on Nitros. Please let me know why I should stay away from Nitro or whatever and what years were suspect. Obviously I'm not expecting anything finished like a new Ranger I just want something that is less likely to rot or break on me costing me tons of money.

Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10640480 02/23/15 07:33 PM
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Jimfishes Offline
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When talking about buying used for under $6k you can forget brand most of the time. The key is how well the boat and motor was cared for over the years. The brand X boat that sold for big bucks new might not be something you want because it was used and abused. The brand X boat that was a lot cheaper new might be in like new condition and sell for same as rough condition boat. There are key things to check on used boats regardless of brand once they reach a certain age. There are things you check on an outboard regardless of age. PM me your email for the checklist if interested.

Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10640832 02/23/15 09:08 PM
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klockness Offline OP
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PM sent. I bought the last one used so if nothing else it's been a learning experience. That said I'm always willing to learn a little more so if you have some things to check that I haven't thought of I appreciate the help.

Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10640999 02/23/15 10:15 PM
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I have a 97 Nitro 18 ft dual console with a Mercury 150 xr6. I've never had a problem with boat or motor. I do take care of it and bought it new. I used to pull it with a Ford Explorer really depends if there's a lot of mountains in your area that you have to climb it is underpowered. If it's flat then you'll be fine

Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10641268 02/23/15 11:32 PM
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I don't climb any mountains. I'm more worried about the transmission and heat on 3 hours trips which is the farthest I take it. The explorer is an 05 with 100k miles on it. Of course the ramps are a slight concern too. Nice to know I could go a little larger if something comes up thanks Rick.

Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10641280 02/23/15 11:34 PM
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Team Brown Stripe Offline
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I've pulled my dual console 18' Ranger with my V6 explorer since I've owned it (5 years) and never had any issues.
Just make sure the tongue weight is good, turn off overdrive and you should easily pull an 18-19' boat.



Youtube video of my tired old fishin motor on the Dyno thumb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiI-UfMEUw0
www.XtremeMarine.us


Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10641834 02/24/15 01:35 AM
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hopalong Online Confused
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champion 184 in the late 80's models are excellent boats, best rough water ride you will find in a boat.

plenty of storage and you can pull it with the v6.


" Hop, set the hook"!
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10650277 02/26/15 07:32 PM
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klockness Offline OP
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Thanks for the info. I think I'll keep looking for a good clean boat up to 18ft. Any input on motors from that time? I've seen several mariners, mercury XR_, and a few from several other brands. I know several motors were starting to have fuel injection in the time. Any that were good or that I should stay away from?

Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10650319 02/26/15 07:46 PM
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I'm not sure your gonna find any older models with rod boxes that'll fit 7ft poles or more, back then they were using 6ft poles and shorter, unless you tear up the front deck and make custom rod boxes, rangers made solid boats in the 80s and 90s and still do, I have a ranger single console 95 18 footer with 95 mercury 150 efi and it's solid as can be. Just make you extended deck and put rod strap on it and strap down your poles and just use the already rod box into storage.


bannana2
Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: Jimfishes] #10650833 02/26/15 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted By: Ol Man River
When talking about buying used for under $6k you can forget brand most of the time. The key is how well the boat and motor was cared for over the years. The brand X boat that sold for big bucks new might not be something you want because it was used and abused. The brand X boat that was a lot cheaper new might be in like new condition and sell for same as rough condition boat. There are key things to check on used boats regardless of brand once they reach a certain age. There are things you check on an outboard regardless of age. PM me your email for the checklist if interested.


Can you send it to me as well? Tks in advance.

Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10654005 02/28/15 12:20 AM
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Ranger that sounds disheartening about the rod lockers. One of the main reasons I'm looking is for rod storage. Is that true for most models of that time? What about the single consoles they seem to have longer side lockers on that side from the pictures I've seen.

Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10655385 02/28/15 03:07 PM
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Generally, you want a single console unless the boat is at least 18-20 ft long. The dual consoles in shorter 16-17 ft boats limit the length of rods you can put in the rod box. It can also be difficult inserting and removing the rods into the rod box with the shorter dc boats. My advice is to choose a single console if you decide on a boat less than 18 ft.

Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10656098 02/28/15 07:05 PM
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Keep in mind too Ranger went to composite transoms in like 87 so wood rot won't be an issue either. Also they're pretty tough too. Mine is 25 years old and only rated for a 175hp motor and I've run the [censored] out of it with around 240 horsepower and a 12" paralift jackplate and it has no signs of slowing down either.

And old man river is correct mine is dual console 18' and anything over 6.5' has to stay strapped on the deck but the wife feels safer and more comfortable behind the console and that's why I bought this boat was because I wanted her to have a good time too. My last boat was a 16' Dyna Trak single console and she hated it went out 1 time and wouldn't get back in and it would only go mid 50s... I would rather have my wife enjoy and participate in my hobby with me and deal with the short comings of a dual console (Heavier,Slower, and an extra console with windshield to fish around) than to leave her at home. fish
Plus if she enjoys going in the boat it makes life easier when I want to spend money on parts or equipment! thumb
And with this hobby there will be plenty of needs for parts and equipment!!!


Youtube video of my tired old fishin motor on the Dyno thumb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiI-UfMEUw0
www.XtremeMarine.us


Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10656902 03/01/15 12:29 AM
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Originally Posted By: klockness
Ranger that sounds disheartening about the rod lockers. One of the main reasons I'm looking is for rod storage. Is that true for most models of that time? What about the single consoles they seem to have longer side lockers on that side from the pictures I've seen.



my champion 184 handles my 8' rods with ease, rod box goes all the way to the front of the bow


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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats [Re: klockness] #10657118 03/01/15 01:45 AM
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There is a 1988, 17-1/2 Winner in the Boats 4 Sale for $4,000. It is a cherry so you might inquire about it. Very clean and nicely kept.

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