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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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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
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.
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10640480
02/23/15 07:33 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,226
Jimfishes
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,226 |
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.
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10640832
02/23/15 09:08 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
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.
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10640999
02/23/15 10:15 PM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 228
RickS
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 228 |
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
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10641268
02/23/15 11:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
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.
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10641280
02/23/15 11:34 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,165
Team Brown Stripe
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,165 |
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.
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10641834
02/24/15 01:35 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 120,568
hopalong
Pescador Loco
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Pescador Loco
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 120,568 |
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"! hopalong 99,999 TexDawg 99,999 FJB! not my president by a long shot!
lake fork FISHERMANS COVE MARINA/reservations - 903 474 7479
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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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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
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?
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10650319
02/26/15 07:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,210
RangerBass21
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,210 |
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.
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: Jimfishes]
#10650833
02/26/15 10:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,526
DFW-fisherman
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,526 |
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.
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10654005
02/28/15 12:20 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211
klockness
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 211 |
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.
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10655385
02/28/15 03:07 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,226
Jimfishes
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,226 |
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.
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10656098
02/28/15 07:05 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,165
Team Brown Stripe
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,165 |
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. Plus if she enjoys going in the boat it makes life easier when I want to spend money on parts or equipment! And with this hobby there will be plenty of needs for parts and equipment!!!
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Re: Looking into Nitro and other smaller used fiberglass bass boats
[Re: klockness]
#10656902
03/01/15 12:29 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 120,568
hopalong
Pescador Loco
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Pescador Loco
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 120,568 |
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
" Hop, set the hook"! hopalong 99,999 TexDawg 99,999 FJB! not my president by a long shot!
lake fork FISHERMANS COVE MARINA/reservations - 903 474 7479
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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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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 85
Z119
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 85 |
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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