New Boat Shopping

[Ray K]

I finally got clearance from headquarters to start  looking for a new bass boat.  Since we do a lot of pleasure boating and my wife doesn't fish, we've agreed to buy a combo boat (fish 'n ski?).  We currently have a Sea Reay Fish n Ski that is 19 years old and was one of the early combination boats on the scene when we bought it.

So, I've looked on the web at some of the offerings like the Nitro Z7, Stratos 486SF, and Skeeter SL190.  Our budget keeps me from looking at the Rangers.  So, I'd be interested in hearing some opinions of F&S boats.  Rather than buying new, I'll probably be most interested in late model pre-owned rigs.  I prefer one that leans a little more towards fishing and a little less cruising as my Sea Ray is the other way around, more cruise than fish.  As long as it has a walk-thru windshield and can be canvased in.  Thanks for any input. 

Since I'm fairly new to this forum, I hope I haven't violated any forum rules by mentioning brand names of boats.  If I have, let me know and I'll remember for next time.

[slonezp]

Fiberglass or aluminum?

[Ray K]

58 minutes ago, slonezp said:

Fiberglass or aluminum?

Definitely fiberglass with seating for three behind the pilot and co-pilot and as much front fishing platform as possible.  Must be a single axle rig so an 18 or 19 footer.

[slonezp]

What about a used Reatta? The Ranger is really going to be the best option as far as the fishability

[Ray K]

On 5/24/2016 at 8:57 PM, slonezp said:

What about a used Reatta? The Ranger is really going to be the best option as far as the fishability

The 1850 and 1950 are a bit hard to find in late model used and they are a abit pricey.  I want to try to keep cost below $25K and the Ranger won't  get down there.

[Junk Fisherman]

Seating for 3 behind the console is going to rule out every bassboat.  Have you looked at all the fiberglass multispecies boats?  Maybe a Stratos and Triton will fit the bill.  And I wouldn't want a 19', 1700-1800 lb boat with a single axle.  I understand wanting a single axle, I got one with my 19' boat but it weighs 1300 lbs.    

[Ray K]

15 hours ago, Junk Fisherman said:

Seating for 3 behind the console is going to rule out every bassboat.  Have you looked at all the fiberglass multispecies boats?  Maybe a Stratos and Triton will fit the bill.  And I wouldn't want a 19', 1700-1800 lb boat with a single axle.  I understand wanting a single axle, I got one with my 19' boat but it weighs 1300 lbs.    

Yes, as a matter of fact, I use the term "fish n ski" synonymously with Multispecies and the Stratos, Nitro and Tritons are three I'm considering.  I just wanted to see if there were any more Multispecies I should consider.

[Junk Fisherman]

http://www.chargerboats.com/fs375.html

Be tough to find one used.  

[Further North]

Look at Skeeter WX and MX series boats.

[slonezp]

6 hours ago, Junk Fisherman said:

http://www.chargerboats.com/fs375.html

Be tough to find one used.  

And not cheap. I think they start around 40k. There's a larger version as well

[Puggz]

On 2016-05-22 at 5:42 PM, Ray K said:

I finally got clearance from headquarters to start  looking for a new bass boat.  Since we do a lot of pleasure boating and my wife doesn't fish, we've agreed to buy a combo boat (fish 'n ski?).  We currently have a Sea Reay Fish n Ski that is 19 years old and was one of the early combination boats on the scene when we bought it.

So, I've looked on the web at some of the offerings like the Nitro Z7, Stratos 486SF, and Skeeter SL190.  Our budget keeps me from looking at the Rangers.  So, I'd be interested in hearing some opinions of F&S boats.  Rather than buying new, I'll probably be most interested in late model pre-owned rigs.  I prefer one that leans a little more towards fishing and a little less cruising as my Sea Ray is the other way around, more cruise than fish.  As long as it has a walk-thru windshield and can be canvased in.  Thanks for any input. 

Since I'm fairly new to this forum, I hope I haven't violated any forum rules by mentioning brand names of boats.  If I have, let me know and I'll remember for next time.

Check out the Larson FX series. A F&S but a bit more biased to the F.  I've had mine for a few years and so far I like it and the price is right.

[Ray K]

On 5/26/2016 at 3:37 PM, Puggz said:

Check out the Larson FX series. A F&S but a bit more biased to the F.  I've had mine for a few years and so far I like it and the price is right.

Is that the FX1850?  Looks like a nice one.

[Ray K]

Just thought I'd post that I finally found a great boat.  I bought a 2014 Nitro Z7 Sport that had only 24 hours on the 150 OptiMax Pro XS and had been garaged since new.  Came with a MK 24 volt TM, Lowrance Mark 5XPro Fishfinder and full canvas plus two additional fishing seats.  I had to drive all the way to Guntersville Alabama to buy it but, it was worth it.  I appreciate all the good input and suggestions.  This is a marketing pic but my boat is identical.

[SDoolittle]

Sweet! Enjoy your new ride!

[A-Jay]

Nice Boat ~ and A Great Find

Congrats & Best of Luck with her.

A-Jay

[fishnkamp]

Back in 1998 my wife and I purchased a ProCraft 20 foot fish n ski with a Merc 200 EFI.  We purchased it with the bimini top and full curtain (made a mistake there we hardly ever left it in the water to get our use of the full curtains) man that was a great boat.  i tournament fished out of  it on the Potomac and could take friends out on it, tube and ski off it.  We had it for over 10 years. The boat you purchased was basically copied from ProCraft after Johnny purchased the company, stole their technology and then a few years later shut it down.  Good luck with your boat I know you should love it.