Sun Fish

Valid points to consider however. The Z7 I priced out with the electronics and other options I would want came in right at about 34K and that's not including a power pole(s) that I would also like to add. It rings in very close to the base price of a Z8. If I were to add the same electronics and poles on a Z8 I'd be going well into the 40K range and that is just out of the question for me anytime soon. I currently have a 17'6 and would like a 18-19ft class boat for an upgrade. I'm currently hauling with a 3.4L V6 Totoyota T100 and feel like going any bigger than 19ft class I'd be pushing it with my current towing capability. These are all the reasons I'm considering buying sooner going used on a boat that has most of the features I'd be looking for in a new boat at almost half the cost and NO DEBT. Granted I know I'm sacraficing warranty and it's always a bit of a gamble buying used even having things checked out and tested. This 901 seems to have almost everything I'm looking for in features. The only things I would consider upgrading and wouldn't be in a rush to do so is adding a 2nd power pole and possibly a newer bow graph. I'm just very hesitant about going forward with this deal being it's ice season and I can't get the boat on the water to test the boat out and all the pumps etc. Where my head is at right now is speaking with the dealer and finding out everything they can do for me as far as going over the entire boat and motor, to ensure me as much as humanly possible that everything is 100% working as it should be and there are no issues with the boat. I'd also like to request that the seller detail the boat and fix the bow light plastic housing so I can view the boat as it should be in season condition as opposed to winter storage condition and if eveything checks out 100% with the dealer likly go forward with a deal. Still knocking thoughts around. I've been keeping my eye out on all local listings since mid season and this is one of the only boats with all the options I'm looking for that's around the age I'm looking for, thats local and in my price range.

I seen it in person today. My main concern with the boat is that he had about a half an inch of standing water in the livewells and when he opened the bilge hatch there was water dripping. We just went through a deep freeze and warm spell in the area. I do not personally know a marine mechanic well. I was thinking of having the marina he has it on consignment with go over the boat with me and do all the computer and compression checks. They are the Nitro dealer he bought the boat from and the one he ordered the Z9 through.

Hey BR I'm looking at upgrading my old 95 Nitro 180FS to a 2008 Nitro 901 CDX SC w/ 200 Merc Optimax. The boat is loaded w/ a Lowrance HDS 8 on the console (RAM MOUNT) including structure scan, 36v 101lb MK Maxxum, a Lowrance 522 GPS on the bow, Single Sportsman II 8' Power Pole, 4 bank battery charger, hydraulic pedestals, Keel Guard. Seller is the original owner. The boat has been stored outside in his driveway covered and winterized each season by the Marina that has it listed for him. He said he has not yet ever had the water pump changed but had the marina change the oil every year with the winterizing process. He is willing to take it to any dealer of my choice to have the boat looked over before we discuss price. He's upgrading because he has a new Z9 being delivered in April. He is a Nitro State Team member for whatever that might be worth. My problem here is being I live in the North. There is no open water to take the boat for a test drive on. His asking price is $21,000 which I checked with NADA and looks to be fair. I offered 17900 to see what he would say and he said we're not in the same ballpark and at this point wouldn't consider anything less than a few hundred off except for possibly if he had trouble selling it by the time the Z9 arrives. The boat is in cosmetically great condition with just a minor tear on the passenger seat that he siliconed over, no oxidation, minor blemishing on the rub rails and a minor small light scratch on the starboard side. The bilge is a little dirty with some mold on top of the gas tank and the carpet is in good shape with no rips. The only thing that appeared to be broken was the plastic around where the bow light goes in which he said is an $80 part he planned to fix in the spring. I've been considering buying a new Z7 for around 36K with all the options I wanted but wouldn't be able to pull that trigger for another year or two and would have significantly more debt going that route. This boat is loaded with just about every option I would want and I could buy it almost outright. My concern is not being able to test ride the boat. Is a good mechanic look over sufficient to spend this kind of money? What would I ask a dealer to do for me when inquiring about having them inspect a boat I am considering purchasing. Should I avoid buying a boat until there is open water and it can be test driven? What do you guys think about the price? Any input or information is much appreciated.

My first thought is some sort of scam. Seems like a lot of red flags here the picture or lack there of, the price, no phone number in listing, grammar. I'd be careful on this one. If it does turn out to be legit, get it checked out by a good mechanic.

Sure is a pretty boat there in your profile pic

I have a 1995 180FS w/ a Merc 115. It has its quirks but I love it for what it is, runs strong and puts me on fish.

Also in NEPA here. Are you crazy the season is not over yet!! But otherwise I just put them away and usually respool before the start of next season.

Wow those trails looks scary, suprised that doesn't happen more often with how narrow they are.

To answer OPs question. Only if you want it to be unless the water is solid and you can no longer penetrate it with your baits or launch your boat. I'm in NE PA it was 26 degrees on my way home from work in the morning at 6:30am. Water temp on my local lake was 49-50 and I managed to bag 3 in 4 hours later that afternoon. In my opinion as the weather and water get cooler the bass are still in the water and they still need to eat to survive, they can be caught it just becomes more difficult. I find the drive to continue to fish in this cold and figure out how to get the most bites is what seperates the Joes from the Pros as far as how good of a bass fisherman you want to become. They may get skunked far more often than you do in the spring and summer but it feels more rewarding when you do get a bite. All you have to do is dress appropriately and the wind and cold wont be as miserable.

Your Lund is a special aluminum, totally different class, I'm not sure one would consider the Predator a "bass boat" as opposed to a multi species big water boat. Nor do I think a used one would ever go for 5K but I may be wrong. I'm more so referring to what OP is related to as far as a 5K bass boat goes. I constantly hear people in smaller boats talking among themselves when they see myself or other glass boats on local small electric only lakes say things like that boat is way to big for this lake, I wouldn't want one of those they're to heavy, those things are a pain to launch and load if you can't drive it on etc etc.

Once you go glass you never go back. He probably has a friend who has one. You just can't beat the stability compared to aluminum. The durability of aluminum rigs are great but the stability is just never going to be there. I don't understand why people buy aluminum other than fear of damaging a glass boat, a small vehicle that can't tow glass, primarily fish rivers or the silly mentality that they are heavy and more difficult to launch and load. There are so many great used glass boats out there for the same price as many aluminums. Glass boats are just as easy if not easier to launch and load on electric only and power boat lakes.

Yes, I paid 4,500 for my boat. It's a 1995 Nitro 180 and I've been running and fishing it for a season and a half no complaints. Constantly check craigslist and you will eventually find what your looking for in your price range. Just make sure you check it out thoroughly before finalizing a deal.

That sunny had a bad day

Probably catfish or big pan fish hitting your frogs, not many bass in that lake. Braid is key with frogs though.

I purchased two Humminbird units from Digital Oasis over the winter. Had no problems whatsoever with them.

This thread makes me sad I'll only take a bass to eat if it isn't going to survive when released.

I dont understand the "need" for a map on this place especially if it is a small lake? Isnt half the fun using your electronics and finding/marking the structure for yourself?

MK Maxxum 70lb variable is my vote. I've ran several different MKs and MG's and nothing compares to how well a MK goes through the thickest of milfoil or any other vegetation. On the MGs I've owned I found myself constantly having to pick it up and clean the prop in thick stuff. I've tried several of the MG props that are supposed to make it better in weeds with no success MK all the way.

Hand pour molds can be injected however you have to inject each cavity individually, they are not connected like injection molds.

I'm trying to figure out where to take my dad fishing tomorrow. I was originally thinking about heading to the Delaware to go for smallmouth but now thinking it may be wiser to just hit one of my local lakes for largemouth. I spend way more time fishing for largies than I do smallies. I'm here in North East PA and Tropical Storm Andrea has dumped 2-4 inches of rain on us non stop the past two days. The rain is supposed to let up tonight and I figured the Delaware River will be very high and muddy tomorrow as a result. Will the smallmouth bite be really tough or really great given all this rain? Should I just opt to hit a lake for largemouth for a better chance of putting him on fish?

Great story and I really do hope you find that kid to give him the gear, getting your prized possession stolen as a young fellow is devastating. I've found a new enjoyment myself in giving free gear to young anglers or families out fishing from the shore. If they appear friendly when im launching or retrieving my boat I walk up to them and ask if they fish for bass. I usually hear "we're fishing for whatever bites" and then get a enthusiastic story about how one time their bobber went under and they pulled out a big bass over there. I usually toss them a full pack of my homemade plastics or a random bait in my arsenal I know will work but I rarely use and they're always very greatful and suprised.

I'm in NE, PA and I'm going to say it's the fact that we went through a heat wave followed immediately by a nasty cold front that just rolled through the North East that made the bite much tougher. I was out Thurs-Saturday and the water temperatures went from 79 on Thursday to as low as 61 on Saturday. I would assume this signifigant drop in water temperature had a major change in bass behavior. I was still able to get a couple bites on the windy cold Saturday that just passed. I stuck to a typical tough condition bait that I find will get bit by something almost all the time which was a wacky rigged stick bait on Saturday. The cold front seems to be at it's end now that it started warming up Sunday and it looks like the North East is going to be hit by a heat wave late this week which will also change fish behavior. That's why we call it fishing and not catching, you must be willing to and learn the best ways to adapt to the conditions mother nature are throwing at us and learn how the bass react to it.

I make these exact craws as well. They are compareable to the rage craw without a doubt but the action is slightly different but still very intense.

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Marine-Fiberglass-Restoration-System/dp/B0000AY4YT

Bluegill and Perch, gotta match the hatch