Figured my buddies here would have more input than other forums on the TFF. Have a Hurricane Fish and Ski type boat and its turn out that we mainly fish now and take it out to pull kids tubing once or twice a year. Took me three months to research and settle on that boat 6 years ago, trying to shorten that cycle this time.

We mainly open water fish (sand bass, hybrids), occasional LMB on a few lakes up north on summer trips. Need to be able to fish 4 comfortably. Would also like to be able to seat 5 or 6 if possible. Thinking 21 or 22ft, 150 motor...preferably Yamaha. Stable and fairly dry. Want quality, low patience for trips to repair shop.

Thoughts on the two or three boats I should focus on? I like the Skeeter ZX2200, but wondering if there is a "very similar but $8,000 cheaper" alternative.

Second dumb question - any thoughts on low hassle way to get what my Hurricane is worth? Second boat I have ever bought so a newbie at that as well. Didnt know if I trade it in when I buy the new one if I am going to get fleeced, if the consignment guys are worth trying, etc.

Thks

NauticStar 2200 or 2400.... Id recommend the 200 hp yamaha. You dont want to be underpowered. They tried to sell me a 150 for my Nauticstar 2200....IM very glad I went with the 200

BOSTON WHALER!!! Sorry I just had to put that out there, heres one I foud on graigslist that looks like a winner.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/2274575315.html

Are you looking for a new or used boat?

there is a used Polar on the boats section here with like 10 hours on it for 29k I think--they make excellent boats.

you can buy this one.....l
l
l
V

BlueWave makes a solid boat, give them a look.

MO

I use a sea hunt 22 ft. check it out on my web site. built very good .bought here in dallas.lots of storage and biiig front deck.

Looking for new or used with low hours (e.g less than 75 hours).

I looked at a lot of them and still made the big mistake of buying a LARGE center console with an out dated 225HP 2 stroke.
Prioritize the items most important to the person that is going to be using the boat most.

Look for a 4 stroke or the latest 2 stroke technology you can find.

If I were back in the market I would look long and hard at a Gator Bay, Joe Read has one and the ride is great and it has a ton of storage.

Snaggin Steve has a Sea Hunt and it is an awesome boat as well.

I have a Sea Hunt from Jerry Whittle Boats in Lewisville, Tx ( Dallas ). I have owned it since second week in January & am very pleased & have not managed to tear it up yet. Lots & Lots of storage & Lots of room to fish. Good ride & can handle the rough waters well so far. MOST important: A REAL value compared to others with no missing features. Call Gary Carpenter @ 972-221-7070 at Whittle. Great guy who will work hard to earn your biz. Good Luck.
PS: BX22 Pro is the way to go IMO

Danceswithquail,

PM sent.

I have only this to contribute:
Make sure your trolling motor is big enough and the shaft is long enough - at least a 85# with I-pilot up to 100#
Motor - like George said - get as big as you can afford and a 4 stroke again if you can afford 150hp min -
And since I am spending your money put a GPS up front as well..

Happy shopping!

Since you mentioned having a Hurricane before I will add that you may wanna look at the Tahoe at Bass Pro. It is a center console deck boat. You will have the best of both worlds.

++ on the Blue Waves. I have 2003 190 DLX and like it. Make sure you check over the bottom very carefully before buying. Even the best boats can develop bottom problems if they sit in a boat slip for months on end....

Don't ask me how I know this...