Okay I am at the last stage of buying and torn between these two.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/community/aboutus/retail-detail.jsp?detailedInformationURL=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcontent%2Fcommunity%2Faboutus%2Fretail%2Fretail_stores%2Fboat_info%2Ffw%2Ffw07_14188.jsp

or

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/community/aboutus/retail-detail.jsp?detailedInformationURL=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcontent%2Fcommunity%2Faboutus%2Fretail%2Fretail_stores%2Fboat_info%2Ffw%2Ffw07_17641.jsp

Any input would be greatly appriciated, thanks in advance...

I personally am biased towards deep-vee center consoles over aluminum boats, just because they handle so much better in bumpy water.

However, its going to depend an awful lot on what you're going to need the boat for. What sort of uses did you have in mind?

General fishing and 6-8 trips to the Gulf Coast (bay)per year

Ugh - cant see you enjoying the aluminum boat in Galveston or Corpus Christi bays if the wind kicks up.

Personally, I'd go with the center console ... might suggest that you shop around a bit more on other brands as well. In that size range, you can get dealerships to compete on price & options. I assume from all your posts that you have a fair amount of experience with boating in general?

If you'd like to try the ride in a center console, I'm taking mine back out to LL a few times in the coming week. Let me know & I'd be glad to have you along.

If that's the case go for the Blue Wave. Proven boat at the coast. May ride a little wetter in swells and wind but should hold up better in the salt. Which trailer is galvanized? Pick that one.

i am not a fan of Deep V boats because you can not go as shallow in the m.
But on the other hand they will cut through rough water like melted butter.
i know a guy that has a 24 foot Blue Wave. It is a very good boat.
he has the seats put in the back like bass boats do when you are running. makes it very nice
i would go with the Blue Wave.

Catfish Salsa hooked me up with a friend of his that had a Blue Wave. It was the best boat I have ever been in. It wasnt a deep boat but at 22 feet I was so impressed. I have my eye on the Magnum (not because of the name).

I dont see you in the other boat based on the things I know about you.

CC all the way.

AAhhh Hal I am so confused... You and Jason keep telling me to wait maybe I should just wait.

Did you get my e-mail?

HI XYZ,I have a sylvan deep v 17.6ft with 90hp and 4hp kicker..
This is my 3 boat and this one is the best.On texoma if the wind
comes up I JUST trim the bow down and she will cut the waves..
The 4hp burns about 3/4 gal of gas for 6hrs of fishing.IF the 90
will not start or your batt goes dead the 4hp will get you home.
Boat wt 1260lbs + engine ,batt,30gal gas,,etc etc price$17-19k
LOOK FOR ONE USED AND SAVE $7000..I WOULD NOT PUT MINE IN SALT
WATER..Stop by at mckinney airport..

CC all the way. Just so versatile!!!! (my opinion)

There is, or was, a used Blue Wave CC for sale and also a couple Lowe's for sale locally last week. I found both at boattrader. I think the Blue Wave was 22' and at Granbury while a 17' Lowe and an 18' Lowe were at Ray Roberts.

Thanks fishhead..

All of you have been super on the advice...

For you, I'd recommend the CC. It should handle a good wind on the local lakes like RR etc. The Lowe 175FS is tailored too much for the ski/pleasure part in my view - but it looks like a nice hull with higher sides. (do they make a 175FM?).
If weight is a concern the Lowe 165FM is very nice for the size. I like a smaller boat because I have to pull by hand my boat around the yard to store it, but that's my deal.

Erik they do have a 17 FM and I like if but it is more expensive the 17.5 FS they have is a 2005 model and they are giving me a really good deal. My concerns are with weight and gas use on my vehicle. The only thing taht keeps me from the CC is the fact that I will have to get a new vehicle withing 6-9 months as I feel my small SUV will take towing the CC hard.

Ron do you have a boat for sale?

Fish I am looking at the Lowe's 17

Its easier for us when you narrowed to only two choices Definitely go with the CC for gulf fishing and lakes for white/hybrid/striper. You can enjoy fighting the bull reds or larger fish much better on a CC.