Nitro/Champion/Stratos/Pro Craft - which to buy??

[Popeye]

Guys and gals I'd appreciate some recommendations and reasons to assist me in buying my first bass boat. There are several in the local area that I'm interested in and since I don't know all that much, I'm asking you, the experts, this question: which of these three manufacturer's do you prefer - Nitro, Champion, Stratos, Pro Craft?? Is buying an older boat, say something in the early 1990s an issue IF the boat was well maintained and serviced?? THANKS for ALL the help!!!

PS: one last question: I see quite a lot of "sport boats" for sale - fish/ski dual purpose boats. Since I want my boat to be able to fish 3 adults comfortably, should I steer away from those type boats for space/storage reasons??

I should have mentioned that I'm buying a USED boat in the 1990 - 1998 year range AND one that is 16' - 18'.

[Garnet]

Really need to know what size boat you are looking at. Have fish out 201 Strato last year nice boat and in the early 90's another buddy had a 201.

A quick search will tell you warrantty on Nitro's is a nightmare.

Garnet

[Jig Man]

Let's start with the fish and ski boats.  The best advice I can give you there is to take a 7' rod and go get in one at a dealership.  Try to put it in a rod  box.  Try to lay it down some place.  Now imagine you had 6 of them and 2 other guys in there.

Nitro boats now are better than they used to be.  They used to have all kinds of things come loose in a short time.  I haven't checked them lately but for many years they were the fastest depreciating boat on the market.  They are notoriously under powered.

Stratos is a pretty good boat made my Genmar.  Previous to about 2001 it was an OMC product.

Champion is a good boat made by Genmar.  Previous to 2002 it was a privately owned company in Arkansas.

[Al Wolbach]

I don't think any 16'-18' boat will fish three people comfortably. Just depends on your idea of comfort. One of the fishing decks will have two people unless one person fishes from the cockpit area.

A fish and ski usually has a walk thru type windsheild and small fishing decks fore and aft. These small decks would be difficult to fish two people from, but this type boat would have more room when underway.

A bassboat would have more fishing room(larger decks) but would have less room when underway. Either is a trade off, only you can decide which is best for your needs. You can not have to much storage, period.

As for boat brands, the only one you mentioned that I (personally) would avoid is the Nitro. They just don't have a good reputation and their resale value supports this comment. Good luck..........Al

[Wesley]

Let's start with the fish and ski boats. The best advice I can give you there is to take a 7' rod and go get in one at a dealership. Try to put it in a rod box. Try to lay it down some place. Now imagine you had 6 of them and 2 other guys in there.

Nitro boats now are better than they used to be. They used to have all kinds of things come loose in a short time. I haven't checked them lately but for many years they were the fastest depreciating boat on the market. They are notoriously under powered.

Stratos is a pretty good boat made my Genmar. Previous to about 2001 it was an OMC product.

Champion is a good boat made by Genmar. Previous to 2002 it was a privately owned company in Arkansas.

Guess what other brand Genmar makes! Ranger!!!!!

[cart7t]

I would really think twice about buying one of the fish and ski's.  Unless you get a 20 footer, those things seriously lack room and storage for fishing.  They're usually a compromise boat for someone who has to meet the families needs of family water sports fun and his own fishing needs.

As for your question, a properly cared for wood constructed boat can last many, many years.  

Of your list, you can find a Stratos in a 285 or 295 model in the year vintage you're looking at.  Great model with great storage and deck space.

In a Champion you're looking at a 184 or 186 model in a 18 1/2 footer. Both take a 175 but will run fine with a 150.  These are one of the finest handling, rough water bass boats ever made.

As for Nitro, I can't recommend anything that old. The build quality back then was irratic. Their tubular framed trailers had a real problem with rusting out.  

Good luck.

[stew6371]

i dont know what kind of money you are wanting to spend, but you should checkout basscat boats. http://basscatowners.yuku.com/forums/66.  this link will take you to a bunch of boats for sale. i think you can get more for your money with these boats. hope this helps.

[IneedAnewScreenName9886691]

Popeye - you may want to consider a little larger boat w/18 being the smallest.  Just my opinion but those 16's will limit you to where and when plus almost eliminates #3 angler.  

I don't think you can go wrong- like said above - maybe skip the nitro that old.  IMO - a well cared for engine of any of those makes will make you happy as long as you stay 18 or larger.  I have had Champion (still do) and Stratos and haven't an issue with either.  

Good luck man!  Just find a good engine that's my best advice.  

Happy Releasing!

H.G.

[NBR]

Personally, I think F&S boats are a compromise and not really good for either but if boating, skiing or tubing trips with the family keep the family happy go for it. If you are looking for a fishing boat don't opt for the F&S. I have a single console bass boat and have taken the family on tubing trips but not often, My boat is 99.99% of the time a fishing platform.

My boat is a 1990 and is in great shape primarily since it has always been garaged and the last 10 years in a heated garage. All other things equal I would favor the Champion although mine is identical to a Procraft and has been just fine.

My boat is between 19 and 10 feet and I would not want to fish 3 people very often. If I was going to fish 3 people often I look for something over 20' with a dual axle trailer and trailer (surge) brakes for any fiberglass boat.

[fooman]

Anyone of those boats can be a decent buy if they were taken care of..

Even the top named boats can be junk if they were neglected...I suggest looking them over really good or taking someone who knows what to look for with you..

Someone elses deffinition of well taken care of boat might not be the same as yours

[thetr20one]

When I bought my Triton I looked at all brands. The Nitro and Pro-crafts rod lockers flex like plastic and are very thin. Not to offend anybody that owns them but Nitro and Pro-craft are not well built. Just look at the transom where your motor will be hanging and step on the rod lockers. Very weak! Champion is a great boat but they are slow. A friend of mine has an older Stratos and really likes it, but I personally think he is nuts. Look for a Triton. They are exceptionally well built, very fast and have a tranferable lifetime hull garantee. I just had some glass work in the bilge done from where my tm battery strap broke and cracked the fiberglass and it cost me a $50 deductable. Whatever boat you buy I am sure you will get used to any quirks so just make sure it is mechanically sound. Boats are an expensive hobby!!