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Looking for input on my last boat purchase
#12338405
07/14/17 01:07 AM
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 175
Monkeypuncher
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 175 |
I'm looking to buy my last boat as I'm retiring soon. It will be used for fishing only, mainly catfish, crappie, whites, and occasionally bass. I live on a shallow cove at Cedar Creek, so lm looking at aluminum. I will be fishing alone 90% of the time, so 18-20 feet is my choice. I'm mainly concerned with be able to get up from the driving position easily. My bass boat was just too low. Any suggestions?
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Monkeypuncher]
#12338455
07/14/17 01:36 AM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,179
ShinerInTx
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,179 |
I would look at a Lund type boat, also aluminum center consoles.
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Monkeypuncher]
#12338679
07/14/17 03:31 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,340
Bobby Milam
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,340 |
I'm thinking about keeping my bass boat but also buying a cheap pontoon when I retire for when I want to be comfortable and not climb out of my seat in the bass boat. A center console would be nice and easy to move around in.
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Monkeypuncher]
#12338986
07/14/17 01:29 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 31,274
HasBen
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 31,274 |
Given your comments, I would be tempted to look at something like this configuration. Easy up and down, good visability, lot of room. Lots of options out there. https://xpressboats.com/bay/
"Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an eyewitness."-Mark Twain
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Monkeypuncher]
#12339019
07/14/17 01:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 25,822
T Bird
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 25,822 |
Center console all the way.
Okie by birth, Texan by choice. USAF "Thunderbirds" Alumni 1985-1989
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Monkeypuncher]
#12339024
07/14/17 01:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,665
Muzzlebrake
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,665 |
Ranger RP190 CC is a nice rig. SeaArk Pro Cat is a Cadillac but with the Cadillac price. Built like a battleship. http://seaarkboats.com/boat_models/view/63I really like the big Pro Cat 240. http://seaarkboats.com/boat_models/view/58
Last edited by Muzzlebrake; 07/14/17 01:56 PM.
From Genesis: "And God promised men that good and obedient wives would be found in all corners of the earth."
Then He made the earth round...and He laughed and laughed and laughed!
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Monkeypuncher]
#12340311
07/15/17 02:03 AM
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 175
Monkeypuncher
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 175 |
Thanks for the input. You all have hit the boats I'm looking at. Really like the seaark, and the center consoles.
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Monkeypuncher]
#12341273
07/15/17 08:16 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,514
CHAMPION FISH
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,514 |
2 guides on Tawakoni run those Xpress boats. They look pretty durable.
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Monkeypuncher]
#12344961
07/18/17 01:28 AM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14,082
Stump jumper
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14,082 |
I saw lots of Express center console bay boats for sale when I bought my Champ. I heard that the Express CCs ride rough in a chop. Of course when you retire you can pick your days but still may run in to one like Saturday on Twok. I limited my choices to a 22 bay Skeeter then Champ and Ranger. There was a real nice Skeeter 20 in Granbury but I think it sold. Check Craigslist and boat trader daily. The good bays go quick. Also check Houston and Beaumont but you have to be careful is salt water use.
2200 Bay Champ/200 Mercury Optimax 2017 Tundra TSS 4x4 Crewmax 5.7L
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Stump jumper]
#12345353
07/18/17 11:24 AM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,413
TCK73
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,413 |
Sea Ark would be my choice out of the ones you mentioned. Xpress makes a nice boat, but I have welded several of them back together when they crack in different areas.
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Re: Looking for input on my last boat purchase
[Re: Monkeypuncher]
#12371332
08/03/17 08:48 PM
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 175
Monkeypuncher
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 175 |
Update: thanks for all the input. I decided to buy the Excel 21catfish pro. It fits my needs perfectly.
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