Don't worry, there are plenty burners and wasters like myself to keep the used boat market in good shape. Oh, I have a new boat now but if i were looking i would definitely give the Camus a good look, would have to be the Mercury 250 / 300 R engine.

I have been giving a hard look into a Basscat especially the Lynx, if not it would probably be another skeeter.

If someone dropped 80k in my bank account today, I'd have a BassCat Caracal or Lynx ordered by close of business today. Both are wide-body layouts with similar desk space to Ranger and Skeeter.

Watching Ken's boat search videos, the Caymas is very interesting. Phoenix is high on the list too.

Have fun shopping. In the end there are way more well-built boats now than poorly-built ones. Whatever fits his look and layout preference will be fine.

Ranger is still the benchmark of all bass boats.
If I was able I would go Vexus without the side emblem and hand rails and I would stick a 300r on the azz end.

I read somewhere you can order them without both of those now

If I were buying a new boat then Bass Cat, Blazer, Skeeter in that order. I am currently in a Skeeter. If your dad is old school then how much of an upgrade would he be looking at? Most of these recommendations are like going from a 70's VW Beetle straight to a 2020's Ferrari.

I’ve heard the exact opposite on new Rangers AND Phoenix

I'm curious what you have heard bad about the new Merc.

Get the man what HE wants! He obviously deserves it.

Kids always think they know better than their parents.

That is why hearsay is not allowed in court. Because 99.999% of the time is bullshite.

And you'd never get exactly what you wanted... Dan

Own a Ranger...but if I had to choose these would in my viewing preference. (In no particular order)

Ranger
Skeeter
Nitro
Phoenix


Maybe I'd look at the Bass Cat, but it would be lower on the list.

If I were to buy a new boat right now I'm honestly not sure what I would get. However, I can guarantee you that I would test drive an Xpress aluminum boat before I bought anything. I've heard to many former fiberglass only guys brag about them. Also, I would also be less concerned about the brand of motor on the back than at probably any other time in my life. Yamaha, Mercury, and even Suzuki all make a good outboard these days. On a new one having a dealer with a good service center in your area is important. I've had some really bad experiences with the Yamaha dealers in the Tyler area. That alone has convinced me to give a Mercury motor the first look next time I buy.