I am in the process of selling my bass boat and upgrading to another. I was undoubtably sold on a "skeeter" until yesterday, when I was told to invest in a Triton, ...got the lowdown on it.....then low and behold today, was told to check out a Stratos, by a friend who just bought one...... Talk about confusion**** I know that everyone has their "own" personal opinions and ultimately it will be what i like best.......but I really was sold on a "skeeter", but now I'm having second thoughts........any Personal thoughts regarding the subject or some of your "own" personal boat buying mishaps or decisions???????? Bought this ....but should have bought this one.....hindsights twenty twenty......etc......HELP**** So many BOATS.......CAN ONLY AFFORD ONE!!!!!

BUY A CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOSH......now i'm more confused!! ....nobody mentioned a Champion.....
geezzzz.....i thought ya'll were suppossed to help me....too many decisions.............!!!!!

HOW ABOUT A LEGEND GIVE JAMES A CALL AT 940/627/4242. HECK OF A BOAT FOR THE MONEY

Buy what you can afford. I had a skeeter and was pleased with it. Now I have a ranger and there is no comparison. If I was to choose haveing never owned a boat they would be ranger, skeeter, bass cat, champion. I have a older model ranger boat and I can call ranger up and still order any thing I need for my boat and I can get it. Most of the other boats you can't get parts after a few years. There are alot of good boats out there. Just buy the one that meets your needs.

LEGEND!!!!! Okay...the idea of this post was to subtract from the list....NOT ADD!!!!

(head is spinning......

Well, the Skeeters are certainly nice boats, and so are Champions, Tritons, BassCats, Rangers... the list goes on and on.

The reality is that any of the above brands will be a good boat, but it's up to you to decide which one suits your needs best.

Obviously I haven't owned all of them, and currently own a Skeeter myself. I love the boat, but the only drawback to the Skeeter that I have found is the leg room under the console. If you aren't too tall, or don't have real long legs it's not a problem, but I'm 6'6" and the leg room is an issue, but not so bad that it's a real problem.

Just make sure to look at as many as you can (you didn't say if you were looking at new or used).

You will get as many people saying that Skeeter is best, Champion is best etc. but as I said, ultimately it is your own opinion that counts.

Just remember, if you get a boat you want and you are happy with it, then it's the right boat. I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the above mentioned brands.

PS> If you are buying used, make sure to take it somewhere to have it checked, motor and hull. That could save you MANY headaches.

Good luck, a new boat is great.

I'm running a Skeeter now and my son is
running one that I bought new in 1979
so I know that they are good boats,butI also think how a boat is cared for makes alot more
difference than the brand. Buy one you like
and fits your budget,take care of it and you
should have many good boating days.

if you consider Stratos or Champion (new), you might save yourself around $10,000.00 by contacting Mike Prengler (handle is Mike P. Team Champion on TFF). He usually has a couple of used boats in the Trading Post section on TFF. I would be glad to share my recent experience with you concerning boat shopping, just send email.

good luck.

if you consider Stratos or Champion (new), you might save yourself around $10,000.00 by contacting Mike Prengler (handle is Mike P. Team Champion on TFF). He usually has a couple of used boats in the Trading Post section on TFF. I would be glad to share my recent experience with you concerning boat shopping, just send email.

good luck.

First off you do not "invest" in a boat. They a black holes that suck money.

Now there are specialty boats and comodity boats, Ranger, Champion, Skeeter, BassCat, Gambler, and Allison are specialty boats. All others are comodity boats. Look into how the boats are made, there performance, and resale and you will understand my breakdown.

If you want to replace a boat everyyear go Triton, that is their service life. Check any website selling boats the majority you will see are Tritons.

When chooseing a boat you have to determine what is important to YOU, ride (comfort or speed), storage, or fishablity.

Champions ride the best, Rangers have the best fishing platform all others are somewhere in between.

Greatouydoors
I would say go with your gut on this one.ride in a few and drive them also to get a feel for what you like.And if you do buy used have someone check it out before you buy it.This is a very expensive purchase and i would hate to hear that you were swayed by someone to purchase a boat and later you regret it.

I came from a Skeeter into a Triton and will never look back. Found a nice 2 year old boat that was close to 1/2th of the original price and went for it. You can do the same with a Champion, Stratos or Ranger. Layout was a huge factor for me. I'd bet they all ride good.

You are obviously in a very envious position, 1st of being able to buy a new boat, 2nd to shop around and pick out the one you want, 3rd afford the gas to run one these days!! LOl
Having said that, I agree with several other posts on this thread. Take your time, ride in as many different brands and styles as you might be interested in and make your decision based what you want out of a boat. I, personnally would look for a compromise boat that featured logical fishing layout and great livewells, comfortable ride etc.

That is great you are getting a new boat. I can say I have had good rides and I have had bad rides. I have owned Skeeters all my life and thought it could not get any batter, well I went and test drove a Basscat just to see. I loved it and have never had any reasons to go back. The Cat's have good dry rides and lots of fishability and storage. If you are looking for a boat that has some of everything go look at Basscat. Also the customer service is second to none, they are a company who is solid about standing behind there boats. Everything you are reading is correct drive them all to see which one fits you the best. If you ask me the two top end boats you pay way too much for in one fishability and no ride, and the other very little fishability and lots of speed. The middle of the pack is the way to go. Like everyone is telling you find one thats fits you style of fishing.