Deciding between these two rigs....advice?

[Duma]

Hi All,

I'm purchasing my first bass boat this month and need to make a decision before someone else buys. I've got it down to two fiberglass boats. Both are in good condition and in my opinion both these boats are super deals. The owners want 5k but I'm sure I'll be able to get them down. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Option 1:

1994 Astro

18' 6"

150 HP Black Max Mercury

Option 2:

1994 Nitro

19'

150 HP Suzuki

[Jig Man]

All things being equal I'd take option 1.

If you haven't done it yet, look both of them up in nadaguides.

[bassboy1]

Generally speaking, NADA tends to be a little low on boats older than 2 or 3 years.  They seem to go on a slide rule, and not by actual sales, so they are way off.  

[LakeAnnaBasser]

Hi All,

I'm purchasing my first bass boat this month and need to make a decision before someone else buys. I've got it down to two fiberglass boats. Both are in good condition and in my opinion both these boats are super deals. The owners want 5k but I'm sure I'll be able to get them down. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Option 1:

1994 Astro

18' 6"

150 HP Black Max Mercury

Option 2:

1994 Nitro

19'

150 HP Suzuki

Check both of there motors out. The one that works better and is in better shape. Get that one..

[flippincrazy]

If possible take both boats for a ride. Take a pole and actually fish of them for a couple minutes, which is more comfortable.

Have the motor compression checked!

Do either of the boats have better trolling motors, electronics, ect. than the other?

Which one might have a better resale value?

Hopefully people who have actually owned on of these models will come along to answer guestions. Just remeber to have the motor checked.

You'll never forget about your first bass boat.

[BillyBob]

Condition being equal, pick #1.  Astro was a brunswick boat that for its time had a great ride and the merc of that day was the best around!

[Duma]

and i think its a pretty good first bass boat, im excited  ....yes id love some input from astro or nitro owners....i like the extra 6" on the Nitro but all things aside, the Astro looks SHARP, white, black and red

[Tin]

A friend of mine had an 17' Astro with a 135 Black Max. A great set-up imo. It got up on pad quick and flew.  I would take it over a Nitro anyday

[PDB]

At some point those outboards will need parts and service.  Parts for that Merc will be available to the end of time, and service centers are easy to come by.  Either hull in good shape should ride and fish very well.

[eyedabassman]

Hi All,

I'm purchasing my first bass boat this month and need to make a decision before someone else buys. I've got it down to two fiberglass boats. Both are in good condition and in my opinion both these boats are super deals. The owners want 5k but I'm sure I'll be able to get them down. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Option 1:

1994 Astro

18' 6"

150 HP Black Max Mercury

Option 2:

1994 Nitro

19'

150 HP Suzuki

I too would go with the Astro hands down! But check the motors out and make sure that they are good to go. 8-)

[low_pro]

numero uno!   ;D

[ba7ss3in]

take a good look at the trailors, see if there has been any problems with the bearings

[jettech]

Definitely, Go by the motor.  Spend a little cash and have them compression checked, as the motor is gonna be the biggest expense if it dorks up.

[Duma]

the trailer has new surge brakes on it too (for the Astro).  i should be fine towing it with a v6 ford explorer (with tow package), correct?

[cart7t]

Those boats would both be on the high side, weight wise to be towing with an Explorer.  Surge brakes would be a must.

Not a lot of personal experience with Suzuki's but from what I've heard, when they're running they're a great motor.  When they break, well.......

good luck.

[NorDoor]

As was mentioned parts for the motor is a huge factor.

[NAILER]

Option 1 is better deal and i've got a 1995 150 black max and it runs great!

[Duma]

is 5K a good price in your guys opinion (considering engine runs fine)?  Comparing it on Boattrader, Ebay and Craigslist it seems to be a pretty good deal

[NAILER]

Doesn't sound to bad depending on condition. Might want to have motor checked out if possible

[RWHusker.]

I had a 1995 18.5 foot Astro F/S. Loved the boat until I blew up the Black Max 150 Merc. If the motor is good the boat is great.  I got 3K hard on trade for mine with a blown motor.  The dealer put a 1997 175 hp merc and got 8500.  (Kind of chapped my butt)

GO BIG RED

[Duma]

d**n, yeah id be chapped myself, sorry to hear that Red.  If I buy it I'll be towing it from St. Louis back up to Chicago (about a 5 hour drive).  To be prefectly honest I'm completely new to towing trailers.  Any pointers?

[ga_hawghauler]

being a mercury guy i would go with the astro but i would definitely check both of the motors out good first.

[bassdocktor]

Duma on that trip make sure that you have a spare tire. Since you are new to trailering and excited about the boat it might be something you'd over look. Especially important if you are gonna get it now because let's face it. Every time we turn on our Chicago News all we hear about are the pot holes. Also along the same lines make sure if it has lug locks on the wheels you get the key/socket to take them off.

Just do a search and you can find out alot about towing, but here's a start.

http://waterski.about.com/od/boathauling/a/trailering_boat.htm

Good luck,

bassdocktor