Howdy y'all. I would like some opinions on two boats I'm looking at buying. I'm up in the Panhandle (Amarillo) and there are not a lot of lakes nor boats to choose from and keep constantly having bad luck trying to go look at boats in OKC and DFW areas. Just me and wife fishing (fun fishing) so 18' range is what I prefer to fit garage. Both of these boats are phenomenal shape and are about $1k over NADA average retail but I'm ok with that considering the hassle it will save and the condition of these boats and time of year, etc. Literally old man owned and used on small lakes around here a few times a year.

1. 2003 Triton TR-186 dual console, 03 Mercury 150HP XR6, 74lb TM, Minkota Talon shallow water anchor, Hydraulic steering, original electronics $10,000

2. 2006 Procraft 192 Superpro single console, 06 Mercury Optimax 200HP, 71lb TM, tandem axle trailer with swing away tongue and surge brakes, original electronics $12,000

Both have tarps and around 100 hours on motors at most. Will verify on the EFI Optimax.

I've heard the Triton's are fast so maybe the 150HP won't matter? I'm ok with both prices so which way would you lean? Thanks!

I own a 03 TR186 and I love it. Very solid riding boat. The XR6 is a great motor, little cold starting but finally have a method that works good on that. 10K is a great price got mine last August for 11K. I don't drive fast but been up to 53-54 with the previous owner. 35-40 and it is smooth as silk. PM if you have any questions for me.

My I have had DC and SC and definitely prefer a SC for fishing. I like my current Triton better than any other boat I have owned and the Optimax is better than any other motors I have owned being quieter, better fuel mileage and using less oil. Even though the DFI oil costs more it uses way less. I'll never have a boat with a single axle trailer again and will always have trailer brakes. Hydraulic steering is also a must for me. It doesn't say if the Triton has a tandem trailer or if the Procraft has hydraulic steering. Triton never used wood in their boats, I doubt a 2006 Procraft has a wood transom but it would be a deal breaker for me if it did.
The Triton may be a bit under-powered if you like to go fast but should perform ok if you don't plan to hot rod it. My old 18.5' Nitro tournament model SC would run upper 50's with an old carb Black Max 150.

If it was me I would have to get the Optimax/Procraft AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T HAVE A WOOD TRANSOM....

Your wife isn't going to love the single console.

Go with the Triton

Both nice rigs and priced reasonably if in good condition. As for around 100 hours on either, take that statement with a grain of salt. No way of checking on the XR6 but can on the Opti. No matter which you choose have a mechanic check the motor at a minimum.

And make sure you do a compression test on the one you choose before buying. Critical.

Thanks for replies gents, y'all bring up some great points to consider. I'm sure I'll be served well with either. It's probably just going to come down to what I like the best and my gut feeling.

Just wanted to say I have an 05 Triton TR-186 with the Mercury XR6 and I love it. It handles really well and will do about 60mph with me alone in it. I've been fishing it for a few years now and like it better each time I take it out. Also the XR6 is a much simpler motor than the newer ones so it's easier to work on...

+ easier to check compression and change plugs. Although after changing plugs on my Optimax it was not quite the chore I expected. Optimax has several advantages. Quieter, uses a lot less gas, much easier starting, and a mechanic can verify hours. Not sure about construction on the 2006 Procraft but I do know the older ones were junk. I prefer a all composite boat but even a well constructed and maintained boat with wood is OK. Case in point my 1986 Ranger that I had for 30 years.