best boat?

[dumb_dog11]

may be getting a boat in the next year or two (emphasis on the word may") in the 25k-35k range.

just wondering what the best boat would be foe this price range. i was thinking maybe a ranger, nitro, or stratos

[George Welcome]

The only "best" is the one that you like.

[jdw174]

I'm not going into brands, but the best is the one that's paid for

[Painter Dude]

With 25- 35 K to work with you will have lots of choices and Everyone will have a different opinion about which is best. Shop around and make a decision on what YOU want in a boat.

[Jig Man]

Most any of the top 10 can make you happy.  I suggest that you decide how long you need the boat to be, will it fit in the garage, whether or not you want a dual console, and how big of a motor you want to run.  Then select the tmotor and electronics.  Once you settle on those big items it is time to look at floor plans.  

Look at all the options and floor plans offered by the different companies which you can do on the internet.  When you have narrowed your field it is time to go boat shopping and color selecting.  Be sure to take along pencil and paper to take notes on what you see and like.  If you have a digital camera, take it with you and shoot several angles of the ones you like.  When I just go out and start looking at boats on lots, I come home dizzy and can't remember squat.

Buying a new boat is a lot of fun and if you get one suited to your needs it can keep you happy for years.  My brand ranking for the top three I like are Champion, Bass Cat and Ranger.  I like the Champion best for two reasons:  dry ride and simplicity of box lid and lock design.

[fishfordollars]

The one that will help you fish to your style and stay safe in the specific types of water you plan to fish. All of the name brand boats will do the job. Size will depend on the type of water. Big lake-Big boat. Rivers and smaller bodies of water small to mid size will work the best. With the amount of money you listed you can easily get whatever you desire. It will be easy to step up the size and power by looking at a one year old boat that has warranty left on it. Just deal with a reputable dealer and make sure the service dept. is strong.

[Garnet]

Picking boats is like picking signfifcant others what trips your switch is the right one.

If you are buying new it's the one time you have neg. power. Donot cheap out on the toys fishfinder/gps,spare tire, boat cover, killer trolling motor,Auq view. And drive a hard bargain know the price of all your toys before you start. If you are not getting a better price walk.

Make sure everything is wrote on the contract, buddy says they will throw in a coat write it on the contract, you what a fish finder moved or something else write it on the contract.

Garnet

[cart7t]

If you're looking at new,  $25-35k will get you into a 18 1/2 footer to a 19 with a 150 or 175hp motor.  

For the best bet, take that same amount of money and look at all your options in a used boat.  There will be PLENTY!

[Tpayneful]

OH NO...Here we go again

George is correct.  Only you can decide which one is the best.  

I will mention one thing that I have noticed is that a Dual console doesn't allow you to strap down long rods on the deck.  The console gets in the way.  

The other thing that is really important is gas mileage.  You probably want to get a direct injection motor like an Optimax, Yamaha HDMI or Evinrude ETEC.  Also read what the break in recommendations are for each outboard.  

Triton, Ranger and Stratos all have excellent boats in this price range.  I am sure that you will be happy with your choice.

[The Next KVD]

I agree, a used boat would be a better option.  FOr $20,000 u could get a 2002 or earlier boat that would normally cost $50,000.  For $33,000 u could get a used Ranger Z Comanchee w/ a 225 that is only a year or two old.

[Tin]

The only "best" is the one that you like.

Yup go test drive them and research everything. And remember the boat isnt the thing that usually breaks down

[michbass]

I'm not going into brands, but the best is the one that's paid for

That is the truth. Whatever you decide you will like being on the water.

[Willzx225]

The one thing that helped me decide on the boat to buy the most was to fish the BFL's as a co-angler.  I fished them for 3 years and finally decided on a Skeeter.  I had fished out of every major brand and Skeeter fit my style the best.  Do yourself a favor and look at a Skeeter.  If you have any questions just shoot me an email.

[flippincrazy]

Like others have said don't rule out a used boat, lots of great deals. In my mind the motor is what you must worry about most.

[The Next KVD]

I agree w/ flippincrazy on the motor part.  If u do decide to get a used one (which I highly reccomend) try to get a test ride, and ask if he has the outboard's compression checked recently.