Bass / Ski / Family boat suggestions

[Dodge]

Hi everyone,

 

I just registered and wanted to say hello.

 

My name is Mike and I currently reside in the Hill Country around Austin, TX.

 

Its been a very very long time that I been fishing and owning a boat, but I the only type of boats I owned were Bow Riders and deck boats (Regal & Four Winns).  

 

I am now looking at a new boat that is focus for boat fishing and skiing (or pulling tubes). I like a boat that can fit possibly 6 people (Me, my wife, son 19, his girlfriend 19, and my two daughters that are 14 and 4 yrs old  ). 

 

If anyone could recommend a boat that is friendly to boat, but possibly more towards fishing friendlier   (fishing 60% / causing with family 40%).

 

I looked into Tracker boats but I see that they are aluminum boats and I see they only make boats that are aluminum and fits 5 comfortable. 

 

I do have my eyes on possibly the Stratos 486 SF, which is the cheapest boat in their fleet that would fit 6 easily. 

 

Also another boat is the Lowe FS1710 or FS1810

 

Also i'd like to find a Fish and Ski boat that can fit into a 2-car garage since my neighborhood has a home owners association  . I am ok to put it into a angle in the garage , lol.  

 

Note*  Love the stratos but its a little bit more that I prefer to spend, but this would be a boat I plan to keep for a very , very long time so I don't mind spending up to $33K max budget.

 

Thanks for any feedback

 

[slonezp]

Find a used Ranger Reatta

[Dodge]

24 minutes ago, slonezp said:

Find a used Ranger Reatta

 

 

Hi Slonezp,

 

I just looked up the Rangers and it seems the the 1850MS REATA is more ideal, however this is a $45K boat from what I googled. It's more than I want to spend by $10K over my max budget.

 

You got any input on Lowe or Stratos boats?

 

The only bass boat I am familiar with was my fathers Quantum he had back in the 90s when I used to fish with him. So bass boats  (fish & ski) are an unfilimar territory to me, but I know I want one....  

 

Thanks,

 

[nocluefisher]

Nitro z19 sport

[NHBull]

The lund crossover would get the job done, but comes with a healthy prictag.  Used ones can be had and letting a dealer just own your looking may help.

Remember, with your budget and what you want to do, a 150 he will cast you 16,500 for the motor alone!!!!

 

The Type is a more affordable option, just not as cushy 

[WRB]

Good condition used Fish & Ski bass boats are very common because most anglers sell them quickly for dual console bass boats. It's rare to have 6 adults in a boat when skiing or tubing. What most folks do is transport the group to a beach area, get out and only have 2 to 3 adults in the boat while pulling a skier or tubes; driver and observer and the skier or tuber. There are good ski rope brackets that are deck mounted and removable.

Your garage depth may limit the boat size, you need 22' to house a 18'6" boat and trailer with folding tongue, unless you leave the vehicle outside.

Tom

[slonezp]

23 hours ago, Dodge said:

 

 

Hi Slonezp,

 

I just looked up the Rangers and it seems the the 1850MS REATA is more ideal, however this is a $45K boat from what I googled. It's more than I want to spend by $10K over my max budget.

 

You got any input on Lowe or Stratos boats?

 

The only bass boat I am familiar with was my fathers Quantum he had back in the 90s when I used to fish with him. So bass boats  (fish & ski) are an unfilimar territory to me, but I know I want one....  

 

Thanks,

 

 

14 hours ago, NHBull said:

The lund crossover would get the job done, but comes with a healthy prictag.  Used ones can be had and letting a dealer just own your looking may help.

Remember, with your budget and what you want to do, a 150 he will cast you 16,500 for the motor alone!!!!

 

The Type is a more affordable option, just not as cushy 

Dodge, I'm a fan of Lund. I currently own 2 of them. They are probably at the upper end of your price range, as they are  arguably the best aluminum fishing boat on the market.  There are a couple of boats in their line up that could potentially work for you, the impact and the crossover. The issue you will notice with most fish n skis, is that they do neither well. Sacrifices are made on both designs to come up with a compromise. That's why I suggested the Reatta earlier, and I will recommend a Lund now. Both brands focus more on fishing than the skiing. You'll see that the layout and storage on the Lund is second to none. 

[Yakalong]

Take a look at Lowe deck boat. I've seen a few on the lakes and they appear to be both fish friendly and able to accomadate family for tubing and skiing.

[BigAngus752]

Six people is a whole heckuva lotta people to put on a "fishing" boat.  Especially with a 4yr old on board.  I think the guys talking about used "fish n' ski"s and deck boats are on the safest track for you right now.  As we were boating back into the launch area last weekend we passed at pontoon boat (prob 18ft-ish) that had a 150HP Merc on it.  I would think that would pull a tube pretty d**n fast in a straight line.  

 

Have you considered getting a used ski boat and a small used aluminum bass boat?  If your budget is $35,000 you could have both of those in really good condition with money left over.  

[Dodge]

Thanks all for all the suggestions and recommendations,   I really appreciate it. 

 

Today I decided to head over to my local bass pro shop and got to check out a TRACKER Pro Guide V-175 Combo.

 

I think this boat would fit our family nicely. It with a price tag for around $25K with an 115HP EXLPT Mercury OB.

 

What's your guys feedback on this boat? 

 

Note ---->  I was eye candy on the Nitro Z17 for about $26k (w/ 115 HP motor) but it only seats 3   but dang it looks purdy!! 

 

 

[nocluefisher]

Nitro z19 sport can be had in the low 30's with a 150hp. 

[Advantage]

The problem with fish & ski boats is that they excel at neither fishing nor skiing. You'd probably be better off buying a decent used ski boat and then also getting maybe a used bass boat (like an aluminum Bass Tracker if money is tight). 

[TOXIC]

I will second the notion that a "jack of all trades is a master of none" sentiment.  If you become serious about fishing a fish n ski will disappoint.  And if you sway more to the pleasure boat side, you'll soon find out that carrying that many people and wanting to tube and ski, you are going to need a pretty hefty motor, which ups your cost.  So.......my advice is to choose which you want to spend the most of your time doing and buy according to that.  If it were me, I would seriously look at a top end pontoon with at least a 225hp that is rigged to fish as well.  Then if you decide you want to get more serious about fishing, you can look at another boat just for that and still have the pontoon as a party barge.  I know the pontoon won't fit in your garage but I really think it's your best option.  

[Lasher]

Triton has a Fish and Ski Line.  220 escape, 206 allure, 186 escape.  Check out their website and maybe find a local dealer to look at them.