Avid wants a boat

[Guest avid]

Avid's pimped canoe will always be close to my heart,

but my surgeries, longing for bigger  water, and need to spend money with utter disregard to my responsibilities is causing my glance to be cast in a different direction.

There are two factors that limit my purchase.

1.  In my community one does NOT park a boat outside the garage...this limits the length w/ trailer to around 20 feet.

2. As much as my ridiculously inflated credit line is screaming my name, I must maintain a degree of restraint.   10k is beyond my means, but i have been know to stretch when compulsion overcomes afford ability

something like this is used good conditions should get me nicely around 5000 acres or less even if a sudden storm kicks up right?

all input is requested.

avid.  

http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/index.cfm?boat=2875

[GeorgiaSpotSticker]

Are you only looking a new rigs? Or are used also in the equation?

Because, for about 10K, you get yourself a use bass boat, wih a good strong motor on it... I'm betting you could find a 17-18' with a 150 or 175 in good condition for 10k....

[ba7ss3in]

alum or glass

[jettech]

I highly recommend used.  I got  a 17 foot '97 Astro last year w/ 120 on it.  Very well kept and engine in good shape for 5 grand.  Paid cash and I  love it.  It may not be the best and shiniest, but some one else ate all the depreciation  and it floats in the same water as a 40,000 dollar rig.  Now being new, I dont tournament fish and have to beat 2000 guys to the best hole on the lake either though.   There were a lot of 8-9 grand rigs ni the Boat Trader a couple of weeks ago.  You would even have some money left over to have a mech go over it and clean  the carbs.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Yea baby,lol,...how many times have we had this talk?  

Good luck with whatever you go with.

[Long Mike]

Avid, forgive me for stating the obvious, but don't forget to allow for the length of the motor when trying to fit the boat and trailer in your garage.  Also, since you are wealthy, you may want to look at renting a space to store the boat.   ;D

[Tin]

And how long it is on the trailer, my 17'6" tracker is with the motor and trailer is almost 20'

[Al Wolbach]

I have a better idea........MOVE........Who wants to live where they are told what they can't keep in their driveway, LOL. Where I live(E. Tn.) if you don't have at least 5 cars in your yard up on blocks, you are considered below average income.

Seriously, from what I have seen and heard about property values in Florida there may be some very good buys on used bass boats. I would suggest you consider a used rig as well. The rig you showed will still need a trolling motor, depth finder and other goodies which will drive the price well over 10k, and don't forget the governors cut.

I would think the tracker would do nicely should you decide to go with the new boat. Good luck with whatever you decide................Al

[Catt]

Avid having considered your requirements I would suggest something in aluminum with a 40 HP. Given your physical condition I would also recommend getting one with console steering since a tiller steer is hard on shoulders and elbows. Since you mentioned 5,000 acres or less the 40 HP will offer plenty of speed to get you off the lake in case of foul weather. Don't buy a flat bottom either but go with a modified bottom instead, this will provide a smoother ride I choppy water.

Don't let anyone convince you that some thing larger is need, I fished Toledo Bend for years out of an aluminum boat and have won tournaments out of one. My last boat was a Alweld 1652 V-Nose Modified V bottom with a tunnel with a 40 Tohatsu, rigged with a depth finder, trolling motor, carpeted, running lights, and bilge pump for under $8,000.

There are many to choose from Alweld, G3, Tracker, Xpress and others

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Don't let anyone convince you that some thing larger is need, I fished Toledo Bend for years out of an aluminum boat and have won tournaments out of one.

Same here, that's how we got our name.  The "low" in LBH used to be spelled "Lowe" after the boat we used.

We've won saltwater tournaments in a 14 ft mod V

It's not the car,, it's the driver.

Also, look for one of the trailer that has a hinged tongue.  You just pull the pin and the entire front arm of the trailer folds down along the side.  Robert, do you have a pic of your boat in the garage w/ the trailer minimized?

[ww2farmer]

If you want new boat and are willing to stretch beyond 10K, I bought this boat last year new for $12K out the door (Tax, reg. and prep included) http://www.trackerboats.com/boat/index.cfm?boat=2832

I stayed with the base 25HP and it's a fine motor, the only option I got was the electric tilt/trim. The best thing about it, other than I own it with no payments, is even with 100+ days on the water last year I spent less than $500 in gas from April-November, I know guys with 20' glass boat's , 250's on them that spend that much every 2 weeks!!!

It handled rough water on Lake Erie to a certain point, when it gets too rough for me I go home. No need to get the crap beat out of me or my boat.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I agree, little outboards sip the fuel and keep the game affordable yet still accessible

[Micro]

Don't let anyone convince you that some thing larger is need, I fished Toledo Bend for years out of an aluminum boat and have won tournaments out of one.

Same here, that's how we got our name. The "low" in LBH used to be spelled "Lowe" after the boat we used.

We've won saltwater tournaments in a 14 ft mod V

Agreed. Shoot, my little 1548 with a 15hp (9.9hp pictured) handles moderate sized tidal rivers with ease. Best part is, I can get my boat into places, like among cypress trees, much easier than big boats. Might not be fast, but its economic, affordable, and manueverable. I'm not a tournament fisherman. It's perfect for what I want.

[Cajun1977]

russ its called a swing away tongue

[PDB]

This looks like a good deal. Go get it!!!  Just $6895.00

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/0/0/90808800.htm