Buying a new tournament caliber boat - need some guidance

[lknbassman]

Guys, thank you all so much for the help. This is a huge deal for me and my family and as you guys are well aware this is a ton of money at least to us it is and we just want to do it right the first time and make sure we don't have buyers remorse. I've tried and tried to get a look at Champion and like Legend which I also want to see they are not in my area and I'm not sure a trip to Arkansas to see Legend is in order but I have not ruled it out. Right now it's really a foot race between Triton and Skeeter although one of the dealers in our area is being courted by Champion to pick up their line so I may have a shot at seeing one before too long which I'd really like to do.

The note on the condition of the boat market is certainly true as these guys are all calling me and emailing me several times a day doing thier best to earn my business. In that regard it's a good problem to have but is overwhelming to a rookie bass boat buyer like me. I'm taking my time although trying not to take too much as our pre spawn bite starts shaping up around mid february depending on the weather. The test rides resume next week with the TR21X HP w/the 250 Opti Pro XS and the ZX225 w/the HPDI 225 going at it side by side on the same day. I'm towing one and the dealer is towing the other and we are going to run them head to head and understand every nuance between them before we leave the lake. It'll be a great test for those two boats anyway which is going to be great. I'm really eager to see if the chine walking is unique to the Triton vs the Skeeter.

Let me know if there are things to look out for or be aware of feature wise that I might otherwise over look. The oxygenator article mentioned by Al Wolbach earlier in this post is definately worth reading and thanks so much Al for pointing that article out. Again guys, thanks a ton for all of your help, this continues to be the best place to get good sound advice from the most experienced anglers.

[cart7t]

The closest Champ dealer is in Monroe NC.  South of Charlotte.  If you're a big guy like you say, you owe yourself a ride in a 210.  The consoles are exceptionally roomy underneath and getting in and out of the cockpit area is very easy.  

[Catt]

Let us know how the test goes; I'm looking into something in the 18' class

I just love this stuff; I simple love running a bass boat, gets my adrenaline going like a kid in a candy store. When one of my buds buys something new for their boat we'll go out and run it, heck sometimes we go just for the adrenaline rush.

[Jig Man]

I can only speak for the dealerships around here but this may be in your area also.  They try to operate on a 25% profit basis.  That is 25% after all the setup and rigging charges are factored into the retail price (usually around $800 per unit).

With the market like it is you should have no problem keeping a healthy deal breaker in mind (electronics or tmotor upgrade for example).  You should also be able to negotiate on price if you opt for an extended warranty as the dealership gets a substantial amount of that.

Good luck on your search and purchase.

[thetr20one]

CHINE WALK IS MAINLY CUASED BY A POORLY SET UP RIG. THE RIDE IN A TRITON IS VERY DRY. MY TR-20 WILL TOP 78 GPS WITH LITTLE NOTICABLE WALK.THERE IS NO "DRIVING THROUGH THE CHINE WALK" YOU MUST LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR CRAFT AND SET UP PROPERLY. TOO MANY HATERS TO TAKE ADVICE FROM THIS THREAD FRIEND. GO WITH YOUR EXPIERIENCE IN THE BOATS YOU ARE TESTING!

[GeorgiaSpotSticker]

I dont know how far you are from Lake Lanier, GA. but I've got a Champion you can ride in...

I'm 6'3" 250lbs. and I can fit in my 203 Champion just fine...

[eyedabassman]

I can only speak for the dealerships around here but this may be in your area also. They try to operate on a 25% profit basis. That is 25% after all the setup and rigging charges are factored into the retail price (usually around $800 per unit).

With the market like it is you should have no problem keeping a healthy deal breaker in mind (electronics or tmotor upgrade for example). You should also be able to negotiate on price if you opt for an extended warranty as the dealership gets a substantial amount of that.

Good luck on your search and purchase.

Well Put, Also if your going to spend that kind of money, get every thing that you want on the rig now! Don't try to cut corners an other area's. up grade your trolling motor to max power and get good electronics, GPS,Keel guard. And have the dealer throw in the cover and maybe some life vest free. If you do any night fishing a black lite kit, lights in yor live well,or maybe the dealer could kick in a extra prop. just some thing to think about!

Good luck in your test run and I hope every thing works out for you. Don't let anyone push you into a sale just go home and sleep on it. you have the bargining power!!!!!!

Triton Forever!!!!!

[CJ]

There's more than a couple good boat brands out there.

I think it really depends on the person.

There is alot to take into consideration that will effect you in the long run.Ride,speed,fishability,MPG!,etc.

Good Luck!CJ

[lknbassman]

Update time men (and ladies if you are out there); I spent the day with the champion dealer in Monroe, NC and took a good hard look at the 210 and the 200. The 200 is too small for me to get behind the wheel comfortably or else it'd be a contender. The 210 elite is a beast, that is one massive big water bass boat. I think in some regards it's more bay boat than bass boat since the hull is so huge and deep. The angler is 24 inches above the water when fishing from the bow which is pretty darn high up there and also in synch with where you'll find the price tag on that dude. I'm going to ride it this week so I'll put up some data on that afterward but know by looking at it that the ride will be superior to the others just based on size and deep V hull design alone. However the fishability and the sheer magnitude of it are in some respects not as attractive as the lower profile boats so I'll let the lake test do the talking. Jason Quinn just pulled the string with Champion and got his rig(s) from the same dealer so he's had enough Nitro it seems and passed on Ranger too as Genmar owns both Champion and Ranger boats which does say something to me when a mans annual income is on the line, he's got to be able to get back to the scales on time or it's all for nothing right?

As for dealing, there's not much going on with this dealer, he's at around 56K for the 210 elite and high 40's on the 200 which is a good 9-10K higher than the 07 Skeeters and Triton's I'm considering. I'll be shopping around the country to see how consistent his numbers are. The fit finish on that boat is second to none I'm sure but I also have to ask the question, how many guys can really justify almost 60K (which is almost to the number where it will be after I put on dual GPS systems, livewell lights, buy a cover, etc) on a customized/personalized bass rig? I'm sure a few but at what point do you reach diminishing returns due to the bling bling factor such as painted/gel coated under sides of consoles, etc? Not sure yet but my initial impressions are that it's just overkill to the limit and the gap in money over the other brands is a real big one to over come unless one is navigating the great lakes on a daily basis.

This lake is a bruiser, we live on it year round and we also have a 26' bow rider that weighs over 6,000 pounds and it gets the crap beat out of it all summer long as we have 40 and 50 foot cruisers running this lake all summer long so I really wonder if any bass boat is going to be any better than any other in those conditions which is where the lake test comes in so I'll let you know.  Heck I've almost been thrown off of my own dock while fishing from it when those monster cruisers come plowing by because they are NEVER on plane and just crush boat docks but it is what it is so...  

One thing is for sure, I love the 250 Pro XS the more I learn about it. That thing is clearly the best bass boat engine out there, hands down. I've talked to countless technicians, Mercury Marine racing guys, and other motor owners and power heads on Yamaha's and Evinrude's particularly the new ones are prone to failure at a much higher rate. This does include the new version 2 of the HPDI per the technicians at numerous dealers and they all sell both motors. The Merc is a superior product from an engineering stand point, that much is pretty hard to argue when you get into the technical underpinnings of them all and take time to really see how it's built and on what premise so I'm on the right path in that regard.

I will be driving the Skeeter ZX225, Triton 21X HP, Triton 21X2, and Champion 201 elite this week, it should be a blast and I don't plan on working much this week if I can avoid it.

I'll keep you all informed on how it goes. Thanks again to each of you for all of your wisdom and help!

[NorDoor]

My best freind has a 2005 TR 21 with a 225 E-Tech.That boat is not a wet ride.We've been out on Lake Michigan,and Green Bay a ton of times.He's also fished it on Erie. All boats are suseptible to chine walk if the motor is not set up correctly.

I've had the oppertunity to fish out of various brands of boats as a non boater in tourney's.Not gonna bash any brands.Will say the Tritons are amongst my favorites.I my self have'nt been able to spring for a big dollar boat. I run a 2000 Stratos.

[lknbassman]

Drove the TR21X HP Hull w/a 250 Pro XS this weekend on smooth water and decided it's not the unit for me.  Likes; speed is amazing, looks are first class, it has a super smooth ride.  

Dislikes, storage is way too small compared to the X2 series, lists a lot when fishing near the gunnels and far up on the bow, has a really small rear deck, livewells are seperate vs one large one with a divider (better for big fish - striper, catfish, etc), motor back wash when coming off of plane was severe, chine walk tendancy is way too severe even for an experienced boat driver in my opinion compared to the newer techology that's out there.  No reason to have to fight it so hard if you can accomplish the same thing with a different hull.  You will give up some speed however I'd suspect.

That is a great boat for an angler seeking really long distance high speed runs for tourneys but it's not what I'm looking for.

[IneedAnewScreenName9886691]

Thanks for your continued postings and opinions of all the new rigs.  I have been really enjoying your reports!  Looking forward to hearing your comments after this week of testing the boats mentioned!  

[BillyBob]

When all your testing is complete, and the deal is done...lets see how close I come.

Triton 21 X2 Elite package , ProXS 250, Motor guide 109 36v, Lowrance 420in the bow,  Lowrance 27x indash.  

Make sure to put a Tempest 26 on your Merc

[chicobass]

I'm a Ranger / Merc man myself. That being said, Skeeters are excellent boats and more affordable than Ranger. My best advice would be to take a look at the pro's. They wouldn't use junk, well maybe some would because they're being paid by big retail co's .

One issue I haven't heard anyone else mention is the trailer. That is actually what gets you there in the first place. Good luck my friend.

[lknbassman]

Thanks guys for all of the feed back and help.  It's been a really great process and thanks a ton to Anglers Choice Marine up in Martinsville, VA (2 hours each way from me) who are making this process as smooth and professional as they can.  

 Billy Bob, you are real close, that's a darn good prediction for sure.  I'm running the 20X2 next week and then it's decision time.  Will keep you all posted.

[Al Wolbach]

Thanks for your continued postings and opinions of all the new rigs. I have been really enjoying your reports! Looking forward to hearing your comments after this week of testing the boats mentioned!

X2...........................Al

[BillyBob]

LKN, I have went through the very same thing myself, just thought you might go for the 21 being a somewhat bigger guy than me...for the record I think Triton wasted their time and money building the 21-X2...my 20-X2 has been on order for a month now. If you custom order your colors go to the factory, like I did, you'll love it!

[lknbassman]

Billy Bob, thanks for the input on that. I'm not going with the 21X2 as it's just too much boat for what I need to be doing and a lot more money than my budget will allow plus I don't think I have anywhere to store that thing as it's so HUGE!!!

The 20X2 and 19X2 are the finalists for me for certain, I'm running both again side by side mid week this coming week now that I've eliminated everything else I know that I don't want.  I will do the final comparison with them both in the water and stepping from one to the other and hitting the hot foot until I figure it out. I can't think of a better way to do it, not even going to put them on the trailer, it's in the water from boat to boat until I'm satisfied.  That is my game plan.

The people at Anglers Choice Marine www.anglerschoicemarine.com up in Martinsville, VA have been super patient with me as I have gone through this process and have also shown me the utmost in professionalism and legitmate make the customer happy guidance.

They even sacrificed one of their main guys to ride with me in the TR21X HP w/the 250 Pro XS.  Now I know they pulled straws for this lake test since it involved me getting my first real taste of chine walk with me behind the wheel (fortunately nobody was hurt; just scared to death a time or two, or three as I tried to figure it out). Thanks Mike, you are the MAN!!!!!!! The guy is the quintessential "Braveheart" in my book for riding with me in that missle.

Now, if you guys know anyone that needs that requires high 70's to low 80's & wants to haul a** in a super hot looking 2007 TR21X HP rigged like none other (I mean this thing is LOADED) with less than 10 hours on it, call Anglers Choice up and ask for Sandi or Nick Loganadan and go buy that boat, it truly is flawless and is a ROCKET SHIP. The former owner traded or bought something else and this boat is literally in new condition which is why I have been struggling with my decision to go new or buy that beauty. The bottom line as others have mentioned to me and a belief of my own is that it's just not only about the money, it's about getting the best boat for me.  

I've really come to conclude that it's not right for my specific application plus I'm scared of it.  Hey I'm not a liar and it's better for a man to know his limitations sometimes, this is one of those times at least for me.  I learned that at the Richard Petty driving school a year or two ago as well; NASCAR looks pretty easy on TV sometimes.  I say go get in one and see how you do... because it's not and I had that same feeling of terror driving that tuned down stock car out at Lowe's Motor Speedway and I was the only one on the track!  Now try it in traffic?  No thanks and that what driving that super fast Triton would be like for me as we have a TON of boat traffic out here and if I have the power...well let's just say I might try to force the issue and you all will be reading about me in the paper going "I knew that boy should have bought the X2 hull, he's no professional boat driver, what in the world was he thinking?"    

So all that said, next Saturday (Feb 15th) will be decision day for me weather permitting. I look forward to sharing with all of you my final decision and how I came to it so that it might help you or somebody you know down the road go through the process. There is no question that I certainly would not be nearly as educated as I am now as a buyer without everybody's help on this forum.

Thanks again guys for all of you honesty and input. Will update you soon with the good news.

[Catt]

Thanks for the updates you'll be happy with either one  

You got me pumped; we're having a boat show in town this weekend so I'll be drooling over em but one thing that is sweet the boat show is on the water so it's easy to dump one in and run it.

[Triton TR20]

I would have to say it's personal prefrance all mentioned are good boats. I went to Nixons Marine and found a good deal with a used Triton TR 20 just a few years old but the cost was alot lower than new.

The boat had only 50hrs on it but was thousands less than new. It came witha Yamaha V-Max motor and boy does it hall *** gets scarry at around 70-75.

[lknbassman]

I bet that thing is scary.  That TR w/the HP hull is a rocket and the pad makes that boat a driver.  I'm going for the X2 hulls for sure and tomorrow is the big final test drive day then it's decision time.  I'm putting the 19X2 and the 20X2 both with max hp on them in the lake at the same time and will be stepping from one to the other on the water to drive them within a few moments of one another to get the best possible feel for both vessels.  Should be fun, I'll get you guys an update when I get back.  Thanks for all the insight gentlemen, this has been great.

[bassdocktor]

Good luck and have fun tomorow. Can't wait to see the final decision.

[lknbassman]

Guys, it's done. The decision has been made. The deal has been structured, and the testing is over.

Before I reveal the finalist of these intensely scrutinized boats, dealers, supporting people etc, I just want to say thanks to all of the dealers I've dealt with as I traveled down this path toward my final decision. I'll also say that it's really even more evident now with this caliber of boat than say a high end bow rider or ski boat (both which we've owned) that a person is EXTREMELY comfortable with the people he or she is dealing with as there is a lot more "hands on" with a bass boat than other categories all things being equal. Due to the heavy use things may need more attention/repair than they might on another category of boat. This does not mean that they are inferior quality wise at all, just the contrary, all of these boats are built to tournamet specifications and are solid units, the fact that they get used and so much is demanded of them immediately is what I'm getting at. I rarely got into our cobalt and put hammer down to get to a location, cut the engine, allow momentum to carry me forward, all while I race up front and quietly drop a trolling motor down. This super aggressive start and stop has to wear on the whole rig so it's a safe assumption that something might give on a bass boat before another type simply due to the type of use it's under.

That all being said, I am very happy to say that I will be in a Triton boat, I'm buying it from the most customer focused marine business I've ever been involved with (and I've owned a lot of boats, types, sizes, categories, etc over the years).

Anglers Choice Marine in Martinsville, VA is staffed with genuine hard working people who will put your needs before theirs in order to make you happy. They did me anyway. This is not a shameless plug for them, they earned this commentary and provided me with guidance unlike any other dealer I've worked with regardless of boat brand or type. They have a man there (Mike) who took time out of his own personal day off to run a boat with me. Probably does not sound like a big deal to some, but would you do it? Woud you do it if you knew this? Mike is not a sales guy, he works in the service and parts area, it at the end of the day is not measured on which boat I buy or how much or little I spend. There is no commission on the table for him, he did this because he genuinely gives a hoot about how this thing comes together for me and for that I am very grateful. He and I went through the entire process together, he was with me on every test drive, endured about 1000 questions, some over and over...., and maintained a true professional demeanor while having fun showing a seasoned boater but absolute green horn at bass boat driving how to put a bridle and a harness on a dragon and control it. Not an easy chore and not one that he does every day. Take note of that, he is an exception to the rule as are all of the people who make that business so successful.

Now on to the decision....(drum roll please).....

After careful evaluation, numerous test rides, too many conversations with boat owners to recall, input from fellow anglers and experienced bass boaters (ALL OF YOU) via this, my final 3 boats were a 2007 TR21X HP w/a 250 Pro XS, a 2008 20X2 w/a 250 Pro XS, and a 2008 19X2 w/a 225 Pro XS on it.

I've decided to buy the 2007 TR21X HP /250 Pro XS boat package.

OK, I know you need it as the team at Anglers Choice did as well so I'll give you a minute............

Ready?

OK, here we go:

Here's the deal, I love both of the X2 boats as if any of you have read this thread must surely know. The decision came down to these elements:

1) Chinewalk - This is a bigger deal to me than most of you since I've got no real experience with a bass boat of this magnitude. I have over 1000 hours of boating experience with other high powered boats but these are unique to themselves as you all know. Regarding Chine Walk, they all do it, some more than others but there is no boat that I've driven (all brands included) that did not do it to some degree once you get near 70 MPH. Therefore that decision criteria became a moot point since it applies to all of the boats I'm looking at. Bottom line; I need to learn how to drive a bass boat. It's not a cigarette boat, it's not a ski/wakeboard boat, it's certainly not a bowrider or a cruiser, it's a rocket and I need to learn how to do it the right way. I'm committed to it and will get it figured out in time.

2) Platform - I really thought the 20X2 would fish a lot differnt than the 21 or the 19 and the reality is that they all fish pretty much (not exactly) the same even though the beam is narrower on the bigger boat. The difference is noticeable meaning the 20X2 has the more stable base by a SLIGHT margin but it was not that much different in the end.

3) Space - The 21 actually has more room (go figure right? It is 21 feet...) Here's why I bring it up; I intially thought just the opposite after riding them on different days but my last lake test was done with them literally side by side and having driven them on the same day within minutes of each other, I concluded the 21 is bigger where I needed it to be (total length, TM to seat post distance, rod lockers can accomodate 7'6" single piece rods w/no problem), 3rd passenger seat for the rare occasion that I take 2 people with me (most likely a buddy and his son) for some bass or crappie fishing.

4) Speed - The 21 blew the other 2 away. Enough said, it's faster. This was not a key critera for me, but it very well might be for the guy that buys this boat from me down the road. Here's how I see it. At 68 MPH they all started to chine walk some so you gotta drive them all. Top end WOT on the 19X2 was 74, Top end on WOT on the 20X2 was 73 (probably will go up 1 or 2 after break in), and top end on the 21X HP was 79MPH. Here is how I view speed and horsepower; I liken both to say ammunition or money, it's thought that one can never have enough of either. However if you don't have enough of one or the other when you do need it, you just might find yourself in some real trouble.... This sounds cliche like but it's pretty accurate; Just because you have it does not mean you have to use it but man it's much more comforting to know it's there than not....

5 Cost - The 2007 is a used boat. This was a critical factor and unique to this situation as this 2007 is a once in a lifetime find in my opinion. It has 7 hours on it., is in mint condition, and is loaded with every gadget and accessory Triton offered as well as top notch electronics, a 36v TM, top end trailer, etc. The motor is actually still breaking in (double oiling) as the Pro XS's do that up to 10 hours of use. Another angler bought it new last year from this dealer and decided a few months later that bass fishing was really not his deal and instead went for another boat suited for another type of fishing application. This means that I'm buying a new condition (and it is immaculate) boat while someone else finally gets to take the depreciation hit. If I buy either of the 2008 models I will take the hit (which I had resigned myself to) and that is not sound economic thinking from a pure price stand point if you can avoid having to do it. If you can always get more boat for the same money, it will make the back end of the transaction (sale) go that much better for you. To comparably equip either of the X2 boats in this particular situation would mean spending a LOT more money for a smaller boat. Again, not a good idea in general when buying a boat regardless of brand.

All scenarios come with a give and take right? So what do I give up by going this route? A little bit of deck space width wise (less than 2" overall), a little bit of hole shot that I make up for in top end speed, I don't get to pick the colors from the factory. I can live with all of these considering I'm not skilled enough to run 70+ MPH, fish alone most of the time, and I'm actually very fond of the color scheme on the boat which is a bonus.

So now, what do I gain? Full motor warranty, a more well equipped larger boat for less overall money than I'd spend on a well equipped 19 foot, a bigger engine, more hp, a greater range of travel distance, more overall room, an in flight education in how to drive a rocket ship, a quality relationship with a first class dealer and service center, a much better economic position on the back end when it's time to look at another boat down the road. My research shows me that a 21 foot boat with a bigger motor will always bring more $$ resale wise than a 19 or the 20 foot boat with a comporable or smaller motor. This is a well known function of the marine industry and a lesson I've learned the hard way in the past.

So that's it. These particular circumstances say buy the bigger boat for the same money. It's a no brainer. Is it my first choice? No. Is it the smarter choice? Without a doubt.

So now the question comes up; Chuck what would you have bought had this 2007 TR21X HP boat not been available and this unique opportunity presented itself?

I would have purchased a 2008 19X2 w/a Pro XS and top tier electronics without a doubt. I just love driving that boat and I can deal with the shorter TM to seat post issue after really fooling around with it some and getting it just right. The 19X2 is the most enjoyable boat I've ever driven and believe it or not it does fish like it's bigger. Nothing against the 20X2, I just liked the 19X2 better, it's just plain more fun to drive to me, is very easy to maneuver around docks and tight spaces, and will be MUCH easier on the wallet when at the gas pump!

I plan to take delivery of the boat this week coming around mid week. Thank you all for all of your input and guidance. I hope that if a new buyer is looking to do the same that they find this thread and have a chance to see how somebody else went about it from a practical, financial, and technical stand point. At the end of it all, you've gotta love what you buy regardless of price and I'm sure that I'll be happy with my decision and also become an even more proficient boat driver and tournament fisherman along the way.

Good luck to each of you this season. May the Lord bless each you with tight fishing lines, good health, and prosperity.

My best to each of you and yours, and please have a safe and happy boating season.

Please support our fighting men and women in uniform, try (yes it takes lots of patience) to take a kid fishing like somebody did for each of us, and most importantly thank Jesus Christ for your salvation. If you don't know HIM, email me and I'll introduce you.

Thanks again to every one of you.

lknbassman

-Chuck Daymude

cdaymude1@windstream.net

[bassdocktor]

Congratulations. Sounds like you've made the right choice for you. Having followed the thread you really did you homework. I'm sure with the work you put in you'll be nothing but satisfied. Plus everyone seems to love a Triton once they own one.

Good luck with the new boat and learning to drive it. Make sure you post some pictures of it once you take delivery.

[Catt]

Now you've made one critical mistake!

Now I've got to add looking into a Triton to my list of possibilities but what's nice is I have nephew with one close to identical to your choice and even better his being transferred to Japan for 3 years.

Thanks to making your research public and giving us such detailed input  

Tommy T