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Your boat looks so new and you did a great job to get it where its at. My advice would also be pass. I looked at a 98 ranger R80 that was in great shape and had the cash in pocket for it but decided to pass and find a small 12ft v-hull to build up. I did exactly this and love it. I only have a 8hp which is great for small lakes but I feel your pain.

I recently passed up on a 1998 R80 with a Mercury 150. Boat was very clean, trailer needed a little love but what made me walk away was the story from the "owner" who was actually just flipping the boat for profit

The 12t is going to be stable without a doubt. My FS10 is as stable as a 10ft sit-in kayak will ever get but I can't even think about standing. Sit on top kayaks with at least 11ft lengths is what you're looking for and the 12T may be it. May want to research Vibe, Perception, and Field & Stream (Dicks Sporting Goods) as alternative brands as well. Vibe kayaks look top notch and come as a package with paddle. Check out KayakBassFishing magazine they have a great gear guide!

Great question. I suspect linex/herculining it wouldn't hurt if you had the materials laying around

I picked up the FS10 myself as my starter kayak. If I could re-do it I'd consider a sit-on top 12ft. The fs12t looks like a great platform specially for the price. Here's mine:

I think it's to revive this thread! I'm from Danbury area and went out a couple of times with no luck. I've mostly been using a chatterbait and jerkbait but either moving too fast or using the wrong color. I work up by Salisbury and every body of water has melted between there and Danbury (haven't checked the last two days though).

Welcome man! I'' from Danbury! Pflueger President lover here!

Hey all, I got my first fishing kayak and I am looking to mount a Garmin Striker 5 onto it. I was curious how the connection goes from the Striker 5 to a 10ah 12v battery with F2 connectors. Anyone have a pic of a Garmin fishfinder power cable or know the name of it? I'm guess I'll need an SAE to f2 power cable? Thanks!

Signed

Question for you since you ordered from Cabelas - and OP you may be able to chime in.. are their prices negotiable? I visited my local Cabelas to see the Stinger 175 they had and even after all their "discounts and rebates" the price still felt higher than MSRP. For example I know with Tracker/Bass Pro it's a non negotiable hagglefree pricing.

Hello @afrayed knot I am also from CT and have been in contact with both of those owners. I'm actually supposed to be checking out the G3 this Saturday. Owner is a nice guy who answers all your questions. That boat seems to be really well priced and has a ton of extras. The gentleman with the blue 175 is asking quite a bit and when I said I wanted to see the boat but wouldn't give him what he's asking he took offense and told me not to waste my time. In my opinion the Tracker seems in great shape but I haven't checked out either. I'm actually looking at another fiberglass boat tomorrow and we'll see how that goes. Keep us posted if you talk to the owner with the Tracker!

Hello and welcome! I'm from Western CT myself and just joined the forum

Just contacted this seller. Boat seems in great shape. Is this a fair price for a 98 r80? Very nice find! How and where did you find that?

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/boa/5939912684.html the hunt is still on guys. The 2013 Tracker Pro 175txw in Foxborough, MA has a deposit on it but they will keep me posted. I really like the 2015 Pro 160 that's in my area but it only has a 25hp and if I'm dishing out close to 10k I want it to be a good investment. Above is a link for a 1991 389t Javelin fiberglass boat with a 150johnson faststrike. Now it is almost a 30yr old boat but I hear very good information on this combo. Plus for $4500 it would be a very nice setup with nice electronics too. I'd figure I would put in an extra $1-2k to get everything in tiptop shape and have a great boat. please advise, thanks!

Just like you @Wurming67 I'm in the market for a boat and there is a lot of good advice in this thread!