Help with a Boat Purchase

[Lucky Craft Man]

I am looking for a boat that will fit the following criteria. If anybody has any advice or knows a good place to look, please let me know. Thanks in advance for your help.

-$10,000 limit

-Has a main engine along with a kicker (9.9hp)

-Can handle the great lakes on a calm day (specifically Erie)

-Suitable for bass fishing (with a front casting deck)

-Can fit in my garage on the trailor (which is 19' long and 8.5 feet wide)

I found a couple of boats that might fit the bill, but I just wonder is there is some other boats that would be a good buy. Thanks again.

[damlin]

Hey Lucky Craft Man,

Looking for almost the same thing (although I don't need the smaller motor).  i was in Cabelas (Dundee, MI) and talked to one of the salesman.  I looked at the 16 ft CS Alumacraft- fully decked out around $13k.  I'm NOt going for a new boat (didn't tell him that), just wanted something that will ride Lake Erie on the calmer days, as well as the Sandusky Bay fishing.  That limited me to an aluminum, as I anticipated fishing among rocks.  Used should be under $10k, with trolling motor and basic electronis.  Would fit your criteria.

The Cleveland Boat Show is soon, isn't it?  Not too far away from you.  You might try there, at least get an idea of what you want.

Doug

[HPBB]

Well, your looking for the "Western Pa boat" as I call it. A boat that can do it all around here. run the big water, the unlimited lakes and the limited lakes.

OK fitting in a 19 foot garage, and still good for Erie is a problem

Look for a 16 to 17 foot boat with a swing away tongue on the trailer (I would  rather go for a 17-19 foot)( and I would not go any smaller than 16 on Erie, even on a good day).

Your looking a used, which is OK.

also Aluminum is the way to go. easier to tow, good on the rivers around here

I would also say a V hull (For Erie)

If you look at tracker boats for reference a Pro guide V-16 or 17 or a Targa 175 or 165 is what I am talking about.  Those are new, but a used boat like that

Look in the auto/boat trader and check the local boat dealers. These are very popular around here. you can find a nice used one with like a 60-125hp outboard for under 10k and if it doesn't come with a kicker you can pick up used 9.9 for under $1500

My self I have a 17 1/2 foot Sea Nymph GLS 175 (like a tracker Targa 175 WT) it has a 75hp and a mount for a kicker so I can fish, the limited lakes (I have a 9.9 and a 6hp kicker for it. I also have a good TM. It can be used on any of the lakes and rivers around Pittsburgh. It fished Erie very well, have made many 20-30 mile runs up there is some bad water. the V hull like that can handle Erie very well.

Try Donegal marine they are off the turnpike in Donegal (by 7 springs) they deal in used boats and might have some of what your looking for.

You should be able to find what your looking for.

Me, my dad and a good friend all have boats like this:

Sea Nymph GLS 175 75hp,

Alumacraft Trophy 17 125hp,

Spectrum Avenger 17 115hp,  

all were about 5 years old when bought, and all were well under $10,000, ok under $8,000. all came with TM's and fish finders. and in good condition