Newer Bigger Boat Purchase?

[tnriverluver]

Who else is wanting a new or newer bigger boat but is afraid to spend the money or take on the additional debt in this economy? I have been going nuts trying to fight the bug for the past year and everyday tell myself I am going tomorrow to buy a new boat only to later listen to my more sensible side later on and decide not to since my business has fallen off so much over the last 4 years.

[luisF]

i think if you can find something you like that isnt gonna get the lights cut off go for it. you only live once and if you dont persue what you want your never gonna get it. i just got a really nice garage kept 19' nitro with a 150 merc and its not the newest boat on the water but it starts everytime and i havent had one bass complain lol.

[00 mod]

No offesnse to either of you, but I think this is the difference of a 50 yr old and a 26 yr old's mentalities! And just so ya'll know I am only 28. Never take food off the table or a/c out of the house for a pleasure.

Jeff

[luisF]

i think if you can find something you like THAT ISNT GONNA GET THE LIGHTS CUT OFF go for it. you only live once and if you dont persue what you want your never gonna get it. i just got a really nice garage kept 19' nitro with a 150 merc and its not the newest boat on the water but it starts everytime and i havent had one bass complain lol.

i couldnt agree more. ill go naked before my kids miss a meal.

[Fishing Rhino]

Newer, bigger?

That's not very specific. Newer and bigger mean anything from a jon boat to a full fledged bass boat.

In the case of the latter, if you fish it on a regular basis, the cost of fuel will kill you. I'm not necessarily referring to the cost of fuel for the boat, it's getting it to and from the water that will quickly mount up.

It's a forty-five minute drive to the pond I fish regularly. I use about two gallons per trip in my Nitro Z-8, and six to seven gallons towing the boat round trip. Round up to ten gallons per trip, and you're talking thirty-five bucks for the day. That does not include the normal wear and tear on the tow vechicle and the boat, or the cost of insurance.

How much you zoom around in the boat can raise the cost of the outing considerably. Conservatively, you can figure on fifty dollars per trip, and that's not factoring in the gear expenses, though that's not likely to change much regardless of what type of boat you have. I can easily go through fifteen to twenty-five dollars worth of plastics on a day when the fishing is hot.

If you buy a used boat, with no warranty, all repairs are out of your pocket. The expenses will just keep piling up.

[tnriverluver]

To expand on my OP in my particular case I am looking at an Express H17 at around 15k and will be paying cash. Just wondering how the economy is affecting others in making the decision to or not to purchase boats.

[RobertBG]

here is my thinking,if you can afford it cash,without digging into your 8-12 month reserve and feel that this market will give you a better deal.................then I say go for it.In this market CASH is king

[slonezp]

I've been mulling around a new(er) boat purchase for a couple years now. My current fishnski boat was fine when I bought it but stupid me got into tourney fishing. Either I have too much stuff or not enough room. I'm voting for not enough room. Work/economy has prevented me from pulling the trigger on another boat. I'm no longer waiting for things to get better and put in my notice yesterday. The company I currently work for has been on the steady decline for the last 4 years. I was hired by a company which has been steadily growing for the las 6 years with no end in sight. 2013-The year of the boat lol.

[NoBassPro]

I've been mulling around a new(er) boat purchase for a couple years now. My current fishnski boat was fine when I bought it but stupid me got into tourney fishing. Either I have too much stuff or not enough room. I'm voting for not enough room. Work/economy has prevented me from pulling the trigger on another boat. I'm no longer waiting for things to get better and put in my notice yesterday. The company I currently work for has been on the steady decline for the last 4 years. I was hired by a company which has been steadily growing for the las 6 years with no end in sight. 2013-The year of the boat lol.

If it works out like the last little bit has worked out for me, you'll end up with so little time for fishing you won't care about a boat.

To answer the OP's question, I downsized boats after having kids a few years ago. To make it simple, its a pain to launch larger boats on some of the smaller lakes and I was no longer able to travel every weekend. the fact that the employer I worked for went under has since made me carefully reevaluate every major purchase, but, in that time, a new boat has not been something I've considered. The couple months of unemployment and uncertainity had a major impact on how I view things, and once my kids are able to enjoy time on the water, it will be an influence on my next purchase. The italics are not for emphasis, but rather because I'm an idiot who doesn't know why they even began in this thread.

[3dees]

the economy should'nt play a part in the decision. if your worried about laying down cash or taking on payments, then you probably should wait. I had to quit fishing and sold my Stratos four years ago due to severe back problems. three years of deep depression (I'm retired). last year I bought a new tin. I have payments but have no problem with them. depression is just about gone. that said, buying a boat you can't afford can put you into depression. I know guys with 400.00 boat payments that have no problems and others who are always late with payments half as much.

[tnriverluver]

I had to quit fishing for 10 years due to back problems and loosing my sea legs as a consequence. Fell out of my 201 Stratos twice during a tournament into 45 degree water. Came home and sold all 3 boats I had at the time within a week and didn't fish again until last year. Fishing was my reason for working and living back then. Yes to the depression, many times came close to putting a bullet to the head!! I finally got my legs working halfway decent again though prayer and determination last Jan. Bought a 15 foot tracker flatbottom that works very well in my area lakes but I also love to fish Pickwick dam tailwaters and Kentucky lake which are just too rough for a boat with 16 inch sides. My favorite boats over the years have always been my alum. bassboats. Have owned approx 25 boats in my 51 years. Just wanting something a little bigger that still gets decent fuel economy without breaking the bank. This will probably be my last ever boat purchase since I just fish for fun now. I just don't see things improving economy wise in my area possibly in my lifetime so it makes me nervous to spend that kind of money. Fortunately my kids are grown, though college, and gone!! Debt free including the home and really want to stay that way if possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are many many used boats for 3-6k but most have 2 strokes and I have really fallen in love with my 20hp merc 4 stroke.

[tnriverluver]

LOL there are times I wish I hadn't started back fishing. Decision making is no longer my strong point for some reason as I have gotten older.

[RyneB]

I had a 2002 tracker pro crappie since i was 16 and in high school. I mainly fished bluegills and crappies. I am now 29 and am a full blown bass fishermen. My gear outgrew my boat. I recently got married in december of 2011 and really wanted to get a glass boat. It just so happened my local marina had a traded in 2000 Ranger with a 150 on it for 10 grand. I negotiated to have them install 2 597 CI HD Di units and new seats. I got the whole package for 11 grand out the door total. The ranger is in wayyy better condition than my tracker. At first i was worried about the payments, but we paid off all of our auto loans. So we just have a mortgage and utilities, and we are not having kids. So its a small amount of money for a lot of fun and comfort.

[Bass_Fanatic]

If it works out like the last little bit has worked out for me, you'll end up with so little time for fishing you won't care about a boat.

To answer the OP's question, I downsized boats after having kids a few years ago. To make it simple, its a pain to launch larger boats on some of the smaller lakes and I was no longer able to travel every weekend. the fact that the employer I worked for went under has since made me carefully reevaluate every major purchase, but, in that time, a new boat has not been something I've considered. The couple months of unemployment and uncertainity had a major impact on how I view things, and once my kids are able to enjoy time on the water, it will be an influence on my next purchase. The italics are not for emphasis, but rather because I'm an idiot who doesn't know why they even began in this thread.

Im not sure why, but this is the funniest thing I have read in a long time!! Im still cracking up when I reread it!

[tnriverluver]

I went and looked at the new Express in person today. Was not impressed to say the least. Only one storage compartment and a small rod locker. Also looked at 2 new Crestliners and the quality of the interiors, especially the carpet jagged edges everywhere, was very disappointed. The search continues!!! I plan on this being my last ever boat purchase hopefully so I want to at least get it right!

[3dees]

maybe your expecting more out of a tin than your ever going to get. I have a 2011 Crestliner VT19 and the carpet and overall finish is fine. you can't compare it to a 60,000.00 Ranger, but for the price I'm just as happy with it as I was in my two Stratos'.

[tnriverluver]

The Express was a very nice boat just no storage. The Crestliners were the Storm models which are the same as the Lowe Stryker. I have owned two Lowe bassboats over the years plus three other brands so trust me these were not up to par with past boats. I was hoping to look at a Crestliner 17Vt they showed in stock but apparently it had already been sold. Going to look more at the Lowe 175 Stingers as they have a lot of storage and a nearby dealer has much better prices than I was thinking they went for. The town of approx 100K that I live in has lost all of our boat dealers over the last few years so it is a pain just to go look at new boats now. ! hour drive to the nearest one:-((

[DON1937]

I'm 74yrs. old and never owned a boat. We have 2 dealers in town who sell fishing boats but their inventory is sorely lacking. About 3 weeks back I was at a dealer that sells ski boats and personal water craft (whatever that is). I asked about fishing boats and one guy remembered that they had taken a Tracker in trade. It was a 17.5 Tracker Team Pro with a 60hp. Mercury 4 stroke and Min Kota trolling motor. It looked practically new with just a couple of spots on the carpet. Two days later I made them an OTD offer way under what they were asking. Now I have my first boat I've waited till I got insurance and tags before I take it out for fishing.

I'm living with heart failure, neuropathy and bad knees but I have to at least try to see if I can manage the boat and a day of fishing. I'm retired, live alone and I'm absolutely debt free with a small but adequate retirement income. No family within 350 miles and no fishing friends

If you can manage it I say go for what you want. We live only once and not for very long. Good luck....be happy.....get your boat and enjoy!!

[tnriverluver]

Well after nearly a year of looking I just bought this for $3500. 1996 Alumicraft with 50hp Johnson. The owner standing by the boat is a bodyman and painted the entire boat camo at the body shop he works at serveral years ago. Very nice and thorough paint job that I thought was factory until he told me. Much rather just spend 3500 now instead of 15-20K on a new one like I was planning. Now to bring it home tomorrow after the banks open (need to take him some more cash) and start the modifications!!!!

[DON1937]

Well after nearly a year of looking I just bought this for $3500. 1996 Alumicraft with 50hp Johnson. The owner standing by the boat is a bodyman and painted the entire boat camo at the body shop he works at serveral years ago. Very nice and thorough paint job that I thought was factory until he told me. Much rather just spend 3500 now instead of 15-20K on a new one like I was planning. Now to bring it home tomorrow after the banks open (need to take him some more cash) and start the modifications!!!!

Nice rig! Please post any mods you make with photos! I have a V hull Alumacraft 15ft. with a Evinrude 35hp 2 stroke. !992 model in good condition except for carpet and one seat. I'm getting it ready for my grandson. Previous owner left old gas in tank without Stabil. I hope changing to fresh gas will make it run a bit smoother. I'll post pics. if I ever learn how.

[tnriverluver]

Very first mod is to replace the War Eagle bench seat installed by P.O. My dog loves it but my mistake back was killing me after an hour of riding around on my first shake down run. Two new high back Tempress seats are on the way. Really don't think I will have to do any major mods. Just upgrade electronics and replace some broken trailer lights. It is really nice buying a used boat from an owner that is completely honest and has taken good care of it to begin with!!

[tnriverluver]

Bench seat is gone and sold!!!!

[tnriverluver]

The new set up which is how it is supposed to be to begin with. 2 tempress seats (comfy)!!!

[Vinny Chase]

I am 24 years old and just recently purchased my first bass boat. I would have paid cash, but the finance rates are so low right now it just made sense to finance. I could not be happier with my boat purchase because it fit within our budget without having to give up our everyday necessities..

I would recommend getting some quotes on rates and make sure there is no penelty for paying your loan off early, and just do that if you have a month where you have a little more coming in.

[tnriverluver]

Minor Modification using an extra set of rod straps I had. Secure the rods better and get the paddle and seat umbrella up out of the floor!!