Hey guys, i'm thinking about buying another boat. In the past I've owned a skeeter, champion, and a ranger. While these boat were really nice, the price tag was pretty high.

I've noticed that some of the other boats like nitro's,stratos', cobra's,or javelin's are less expensive for similar equipped boats. I was just curious what others thought that have owned some of these boats.

I'm probably going to look at year models 97-2002. Thanks in advance for the help.

Nothing at all wrong with the four you mentioned in the last sentence but if you want a boat that will retain its resale value better I would stick with the first three but add BassCat & Legend to your list of options.

I don't run any of the ones you posted about so I don't have a dog in the fight but I know a little about boats and resale since I have owned 27 of them over the years. I am currently on my 7th Bullet.

I love my friends nitro

There are lots of brands out there. If there are any to be found you want to look at a Charger. They build a solid boat and have for years.

The old saying "You get what you paid for it"!

I would say find some people that have what you might be looking for and go fishing, Pay for the gas and trip and you guys get out on the water for a day and see what not only fits your eye but your fishing,handling,towing, ECT style.


I have been in a lot of other peoples boats the last few years and each boat I get into seems to really fit the angler that uses it.

Of the 3 you mentioned, I'd go with Nitro. I've had one and one of my best friend has an 898 and I think they are as good as any out there. You forgot to mention Triton - you might look at those also. I have one now (TR 196) and love it. I think they are every bit as good as Ranger, Skeeter, Champion, Legend, Bullet, etc.... But it is like the same old argument - what is better - Chevy, ford, dodge??? You decide.

From the four you mentioned I would go with a Cobra. Although they are no longer in production they still hold a good value and are one of the best boats ever built.
I have a `01 Cobra and absolutely love it. Handles great in smooth or rough water, and will turn like it`s on rails. I have a Mercury Pro XB 250 on the back which will push it from the mid 70`s to high 70`s. Fast, stable, lots of storage and a front deck so big you could land a F22 on it.
You need to drive a few and find what fits YOU the best.

They quit making Javelins in 2003. I bought a 2000 Javelin last year (my first boat) and have enjoyed it very much. The only thing I don't like is, I wish it had more front deck. The back deck is huge but the front is kinda small compared to other boats.

BTW, I let Ken A. drive it last summer on Fork and I don't have a hot foot so I thought Ken was going to put a hole in my floor board trying to make it go as fast as his Bullet.

I have owned 1 nitro (bassboat), 1 Cajun (Bassboat), 1 Stratos (Fish and Ski), 1 Pro Craft (Fish and Ski), and now an Astro.

I liked my Pro Craft the best. Essentially, it's the same as the Astro, but it was newer.

Thanks for all the input..,I knew I was going to miss a few boats....I definitely want to look at a pro craft...

Buy this one
http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...n_6#Post5588161