Looking To Buy A Midsize Bassboat

[JeziHogg]

Looking to spend up too 30k before tax/extra's. What I have in mind are the Stratos VLO 189 and Nitro Z7. Anyone have any good/bad things to say? Or even other suggestions about a different boat manufacturer.

[Catt]

Skeeter

[00 mod]

Looking to spend up too 30k before tax/extra's.

 

 

Ranger z118 can be had for low 30's before taxes and extras.  Like 32-33ish

[JeziHogg]

Ranger z118 can be had for low 30's before taxes and extras.  Like 32-33ish

OOoooOOO I like em that... Dual console... Whats the dif between the 118 and 118c?

[slonezp]

Ranger z118 can be had for low 30's before taxes and extras.  Like 32-33ish

Well equipped plus taxes around 40k

[slonezp]

New, or is used ok? 

[TRYTOFISH]

Ranger z118 can be had for low 30's before taxes and extras.  Like 32-33ish

I bought a Z118 2012 showroom boat in sept. of last year fully loaded with many upgrades for $35000. You might look around and see if anyone has a 2013 they need to get rid of to stock a 2014.

[JeziHogg]

I prefer new, unless the used boat is really clean and has all the receipts and stuff from maintaining it. I don't want to buy someone elses problem.

[Catt]

Check out Yamie new SHO150, faster hole shot, & top end than 2 strokes!

[South FLA]

Check out Yamie new SHO150, faster hole shot, & top end than 2 strokes!

 

Catt, I was wondering when someone would chine in on the new 150 SHO, have you ridden a boat equipped with one.

[South FLA]

I prefer new, unless the used boat is really clean and has all the receipts and stuff from maintaining it. I don't want to buy someone elses problem.

 

If you do your homework and aren't in a rush I think you can get much more boat for your money that is good to great condition used or a left over model from previous years.

 

 Even though I own a Ranger and a Bullet, I would lean towards Bass Cat if I were in the market for a strict bass boat. Take a look at the Pantera.  I have a 2003 Ranger 185VS Intracoastal and love it, really well made, but the ride is a bit rough when compared to sharper V bottoms of other boats in the same class, but it is a bit portly and wide which makes it a better fishing platform, doesn't move around when your partner is walking around, tracks well in wind. The Bullet is nice and fast and takes waves well since its 21'10" and has a sharper V than most, but its too light making it a pain to fish solo in the wind and the fit and finish isn't there. I hate to say it, but I have had more fit and finish issues with the new 2012 Bullet finishing problems in 2 years, than I have had with my Ranger for over 6 years! From wet compartments, to edge trim, lid trim, lid pistons rusting, lid pistons failing, latches failing, console securing screws coming out, steering wheel cosmetic covers falling off, live well not working, hinges being misaligned, etc. just to name a few. I have corrected them, but its not what I expected.  Fast though!

[Phoenix Guy]

I have owned a stratos, and the ride was really good. And it fished well. Also, you may want to consider a Phoenix 619 or 719. Really well built boats and you get a lot for your money.

[JCOX2011]

Put me in the Skeeter fan club.  I would think for that price you would be able find a well rigged 2013 Skeeter 200ZX

[Walleye2Bass]

If I had the money I would go with a Ranger.  Take your time and try to find a dealer with excess inventory or a special order that the dealer got stuck with (did this once with a car), those can save you some cash.  

 

Are you looking for just Fiberglass hulls?  Xpress makes the X21 fully decked out with all the goodies and it can be purchased for under $35,000 with a 200 on the back. Ranger also makes aluminum hulls now as does Triton.  Though I have not priced them lately. those rigs can be loaded with extras and still be budget friendly.        

[TBendBassin]

Check out Yamie new SHO150, faster hole shot, & top end than 2 strokes!

I agree that the sho has a little better holeshot but as far as top end I gotta give it to the Pro XS. My best friend runs a skeeter FX20/SHO 250 and I run a phoenix 920/Pro XS 250 and while he has a little better holeshot he can't catch me on the top end.