Help me Decide between two boats, Please!

[.Paxamus.]

Hey Guys,

I just went to a local boat show to look at all the new models.   I will be buying a new boat soon and am stuck between two of them at the same price.  Any input on either will be helpful, the ony thing is, is that one dealer was much nicer than the other (even answered MANY questions aabout other boats compared to his)

1. Nitro 591- 18'7"  94" beam with 150 Merc Optimax-  Nicer dealer and I am familiar with Nitro boats

2. Pro Craft 192 Super Pro- 18'6"   94" beam with 200 Merc Optimax- Dealer that I have heard does not have the best service

To be honest the only thing that caught my eye on the Procraft was the fact that it had a 200 on a boat that was rated up to a 200.  I am a little worried about the ride on the Procraft with that large of a motor.  If anyone has any info please pitch in, I cannot find anything about reviews on the internet.

Thanks

[Catt]

I would go with the Nitro based on service  

Get ready cause everyone gonna whine about being under powered but believe me 50 horses aint that big of a difference.

[cart7t]

What's your price range on a boat?  Both the Nitro and Procraft are Tracker marine group.  Both are what would be considered entry level boats so to speak.  Have you looked around at newer used boats?  There are a ton on the market right now going pretty cheap, they'll get even cheaper as guys start buying new from the shows.  For what those 2 are going to cost you you can get into a fairly new, premium brand boat like a Champion, Stratos, Skeeter, etc.  for the same price.

As for the models listed.  If the Procraft dealer doesn't have a good rep I'd probably go with the Nitro but 50hp underpowered isn't the greatest deal either.  You'll lack overall performance and the resale value, not good on Nitro's to begin with, will be even worse because of it.  

[.Paxamus.]

I am going with a new boat for a number of reasons.  I used to work in a boat store in high school and around here folks will abuse the hell out of a boat and I am a little weary of buying one from someone, but I know that there are a lot of really nice used boats, I just can't find what I want.  The other reason is Merc has a 5 year warranty on the Optimax.  If I am going to make a large purchase that will last a while, I want it to be secure knowing that the high price of owning a boat will be a little lesser with a good warranty.

[cart7t]

Get the Nitro but upgrade to the 200 Opti.

[Shadcranker]

Negotiate on the Nitro with a 200 to get close to the Pro Craft price. I have a 19ft boat with a 150, and you'll always wish you had the 200. Of course it depends on the weight of the boat and hull design. My 19 with 150 will get all the way on the pad with me in it and limited weight. When I fish with someone else, loaded with gas and tackle, it just misses getting all the way up. The boat is designed to run on the pad. If I was considering the 150, I'd test it with the dealer (2 people, loaded with gas).

If you're financing, even if it's a bit more $, the payment will be very littel more.

[deadeye32.]

i'd go with the nitro hands down, and the 150 will be great.  Although if you could work out a deal for a 200 that would be better .

good luck.

[.Paxamus.]

I think that I will go with the Nitro, just need to look at the books one more time to make sure that it will all work out.

[eulerentinc]

Im gonna have to side with cart7 on this one.  I am also getting ready to pull the trigger on a new boat.  A new Stratos 294 XL with an etec 200 HO.  I know it might be a little more than the nitro but i am telling you its way more boat and worth it.  I have also looked at the nitro's and i promise you the stratos is a lot more in a package than the nitro.  That merc may have 5 years of warranty but the etec has 7 years if you buy before march 31st.  oh and a 500 dollar gift card for cabelas and a 200 dollar gift card for stratos clothing.  im not telling you youre crazy just telling you to go check out a stratos!  AND im not biased.  this will be my first boat!!

[.Paxamus.]

I appreciate the info, the Stratos line is a very nice line, I worked for a Stratos dealer in high school back when the Stratos was owned by OMC and Earl Bentz was still in charge of them.  They are very good boats and I think you will be pleased with it.  Plus know that Bombardier owns Evinrude, those motors will be sick.  I am trying to stick to a certain price range and get the right boat for me, believe me I would LOVE to hop intoa new Skeeter, but with the wife and I trying to start a family I still have to be a little realistic ( I am still trying to convince myself that it would be ok to buy a boat)

Thanks everyone for yalls input and if anyone has anymore please fill in any info is good info

[HPBB]

Ok the guy asked between these two boats. not any others. :-X These are the two boats he likes.

If it was boat for boat, I would go with the Pro Craft because of the 200HP

but, with what was said about dealers. a dealer is importand if you need help with your new boat. then I would say the Nitro

Everbody puts Nitro down, "its a poor mans boat" "its a entry level boat"

If they are so "Bad" why do they the snot out of them?

I used to think this way to. However a freind bought an new 901 with a 200 on it last year. That boat changed the way I think about Nitro's now.

[cart7t]

I don't see anyone putting Nitro down on this thread.  Nitro is what it is. BPS was the first to sell the package boat.  Limited line with limited options and color choices and limited engine selections. They became so succesful with that selling and construction method that most of the name brands began mimicking them with an entry level line of boats.

Early in the days, when BPS bought Nitro and began manufacturing them, there were some serious issues with workmanship and customer service, so serious there was actually a website devoted for Nitro owners to lodge complaints.  Most of those issues have been dealt with but even now, any Nitro I've ever seen on the floor does have fit and finish issues.  Not surprising considering the cost difference between them and the other brands. It keeps the cost down by limiting what's available on a boat and the options and color choices you can put on it.

Customer service is also not one of their strong suits.  I believe that can be a problem if you buy a boat direct from BPS vs. one of their dealers.

BPS is also known for advertising teaser price points on their boats with engines sizes that are barely enough to push a fully loaded boat along at respectable speeds or provide adequate performance.

 

Nitro's are also well known for depreciating quickly. A lot quicker than the competition.  That doesnt' matter much if you're going to be keeping the boat long term but is an issue if you're thinking of selling the boat within 7 years.

As for the choices?  I don't know enough about Tracker Marine ProCrafts to steer him in that direction.  If it's down to either boat and the difference is the dealers, I'd pick the good dealer anytime over one that has a bad reputation but I still advise upgrading the Nitro to a larger motor.  I've seen many guys fall for that teaser priced boat that's underpowered.  It's great in the beginning but when the newness wears off they suddenly become unhappy with the performance.  In his case, he's got a family.  Start loading a boat up with kiddies, the wife and stuff for a day on the lake and the 50hp shortage will start to show.

[.Paxamus.]

Thanks for all of the info guys, I didn't mean to start an argument though.  I just appreciate the fact that people are putting in all of their opinions and experiences, please keep it up.  

[HPBB]

cart7,

Sorry I was not saying that you or anybody on this thread was putting down Nitro. It was an observation of what I hear from a lot of people when I am at tournaments or just fishing. I also said that is the way I felt, until I got an up close look at the new 901. I changed my mind on Nitro. However, there are other boats I would look at first before I looked at a Nitro for my next boat.

The main thing I was saying is this guy ask for our option between these two boats, not any other. There are other boats I would look at before I looked at a Nitro or procraft, but I was listening to what was asked. he ask between those two.

I was not trying to start an argument, and I am sorry.

and we agree about what boat. I would say procraft because of the 200, but the nitro because of the dealer. in that case the dealer wins. but if he can swing a deal with the good dealer on that nitro with a 175 or 200 close to what the other wants for that propcraft. I would have no problems going for the nitro at all

here are the spec. for each boat. they are almost the same. the procraft is 25 pounds heavier, but can hold more wieght, 2 gal mor gas tank.  with the same motors the nitro is said to be  faster

SPECIFICATIONS:

procraft

Length 18' 6''  

Beam 94"  

Max. Recommended HP 200 HP  

Max. Person Capacity 5 Persons  

Max. Person Weight 850 Lbs.  

Max. Weight Capacity  1685 Lbs.  

Weight (approx.) 1575 Lbs.  

Fuel Capacity 45 Gallons  

Package Length 23' 10''  

Pkg Length w/ Swing-Away 21' 6''  

Package Width 101"  

motors: speed

135 OptiMax® 54 - 56

150 OptiMax® 57 - 60

175 OptiMax® 61 - 62

200 OptiMax® 66 - 69

Nitro

Length 18' 7''  

Beam 94"  

Transom Height 22"  

Max. Recommended HP 200 HP  

Max. Person Capacity 4 Persons  

Max. Person Weight 600 Lbs.  

Max. Weight Capacity  1390 Lbs.  

Weight (approx.) 1550 Lbs.  

Fuel Capacity 43 Gallons  

Pkg Length w/ Transom Saver 25'  

Pkg Length w/o Transom Saver 23' 4''  

Package Width 8' 6''  

Package Weight (approx.) 3180 Lbs.  

motors: speed

135 OptiMax® 56 - 58      

150 OptiMax® 59 - 62      

175 OptiMax® 63 - 65        

200 OptiMax® 69 - 71

[Catt]

The key to the answer is found here

2. Pro Craft 192 Super Pro- 18'6"   94" beam with 200 Merc Optimax- Dealer that I have heard does not have the best service

[HPBB]

Right on the money Catt