I never buy anything new. Can't stand the depreciation once it's out the dealers door. I have always searched and found exactly what I want in a year or two old car or boat, sometimes you get lucky and find someone desperate to sell and take a big loss. There are some beautiful boats out there that are a year old. Sell your boat, trading in is for suckers, you never get what it's worth. Look around, take your time, and you will find the right boat. Sounds like your happy with yours so no need to rush it. Either way, good luck, it's a tough decision, especially when you have something you like.

Great post. You only get to go around once but be responsible! How about newer not new? That boat would look just as good with hydraulic jackplate, pro Xs or sho, power poles 2 or 312 inch touch screen electronics new ultrex minn Kota side scan 3D. Can't a good fiberglass shop make it look new and new carpet and seats, lights in boxes with the good all steel locks and gas piston shocks, LED TRAILER LIGHTS AND LED lights in gunnels. It's a ranger so all the seats can be remade by ranger and might be able improve cockpit sea s for smoother ride.

Asking that question on this page is the same as walking into a AA meeting and asking how to not start drinking.

It's all perspective.
Can you afford a new boat/payment comfortably? If yes, you have to decide if it�s worth it to you.
As far as your current boat, I�m sure you realize that there�s guys out there that�d kick someone�s @ss to have a boat that nice.
I have a 1999 Cobra 201d bought used in 2004. At the time it was as close to my �dream� rig as I could ever afford. It�s paid off now and still as close to my dream rig as I�m probably EVER going to be able to afford. And I love it the same as day one every time I�m in it.
So�.back to the first question��.. Can you afford a new boat/payment comfortably?

I ain't gonna spend that much money to fish in 25mph wind, in fact I probably ain't gonna fish in 25mph wind period. Been there and done that and it ain't fun even in a 22ft. boat. I'd rather put new line on my reels on those days.

1. Pick the boat you want. Final price. Payment amount. Trade in amount from dealer. Keep Ranger
2. Leave dealership, deposit payment amount into savings on way home. Keep Ranger
4. Continue to Deposit payment amount into savings each month. Keep Ranger
5. 6 years/Pat self on back for saving all that money. If you would have bought new youd be looking at a 6yr old boat ,wanting a new one.. Keep Ranger.

Oops I skipped #3. Keep Ranger.

1. Pick boat you want.
2. Buy it
3. Enjoy it, you earned it.

I faced this dilemma this time last year. My 1993 Cajun with a Johnson Fast Strike 150 was a great boat and motor. I ordered a brand new Ranger from Texas Boat World in Harker Heights. I looked at repowering the old boat but by the time I did that and re-carpeting and fixing 23 years of nicks and dings on the hull I was 25K toward a new one. My new Ranger is awesome they have come along way on boats since I bought my Cajun. The fuel mileage is amazing and the storage on my new boat is great. I have peace of mind because of the warranty.

Pull the pin get a new one. You only live once. And most importantly THANK YOU for your service to our great nation.

I think he already made up his mind before he made the post. It was a smart ploy to sell his boat. Tell us how much you want for it. It is a dam good looking boat to be 20 years old that's for sure!

I'll trade ya straight up for my 'yak if you want it gone that bad