Kinda complex story, but I'll make it short 'n sweet:
In 2005, I bought a brand new G3 HP170 (17' rig with 90" beam) with a 4-stroke 115 Yammy.
Fished it HARD, scratched it up, trolling motor wore out, etc. after 6 years.
It sprung a leak in the hull and the company gave me a brand new 2011 Eagle 180 (18' rig w/85" beam) and put my Yammy 115 on it.
I've only fished it about 10 times and I'm thinking about selling it (book value is about $16,800) and buying a 2005/2006 Ranger 185VX with a 150 HPDI Yammy for about the same money.
I fish big water, like the Coosa River lakes (Neely Henry, Logan Martin, etc.) and the TN River lakes (Guntersville, etc.)
The problems I have with my G3 are:
Wind blows me all over the place
55# Minn Kota 12V seems to drain a brand new DuraLast Deep Cycle battery in just a few hours (I fish in current and it's a struggle)
The ride in a G3 will KILL YOU running in medium to rough water - you have to putt back to the landing
Storage room SUCKS on the Eagle series. There's room for 3 rods in the rod box and you have to bend your 7' rods to get them in/out
I must say, the F115 motor has not missed a lick in 6 years! That motor is worth EVERY PENNY. Runs like a sewing machine and I have not spent 1 penny on ANY repairs.
Now, I don't want to jump out of the frying pan into the fire, but I really think I want something like an 18' Ranger/Triton/Skeeter.
I'd like to get something I can keep for the long haul, 20+ years, if possible. I sure hate to give up a 4 stroke engine for the HPDI though, especially with $4 gas.
I'm on a tight budget and can't afford to spend $100 on GAS to go fishing on the weekend.
Any advice you can offer is much appreciated. Thanks!!!!
