Buying first boat.....tell me about this deal.

[mattm]

http://www.fishingworld.com/vDealers/TX/PlanoMarine/Details.tmpl?SKU=119395193421628859&RID=6241888

Was going to go new in similar price i.e. startos.  Think I like this though.  Any plus/minus would be appreciated since its my first and I might be missing something obvious.

[JShrock07]

That is really a decent deal. Hell I'm looking to buy a new one myself.  

[Jig Man]

This rig is listed for $2,150 under the average price for that age and model of Skeeter.  Either the depressed market or a problem with the unit could make them start out lower than the average value.

If you are really interested, you might make a heck of a deal on this one.  I'll bet you can get it for $16,500 if you deal hard.

[fishfordollars]

I fish out of a Skeeter and it is a lot older than that one. They are great boats. you should be well pleased. Good luck.

[emti56]

i have the zx 190 and wouldn t trade it for the world my 150 yamaha is great and the room and ride is perfect for big and small water good luck sounds like i solid deal

[mattm]

I don't know after talking to a couple of people I'm getting worried about the 2 stroke motor and if the 150 is enough motor.  More importantly its out of warranty.  I still thinks its a nice boat at a good deal, but maybe not the deal for me.

[Jig Man]

I wouldn't worry about the warranty.  A two year old engine should have already shot craps if it were going to.  If warranty is a real concern then you can buy extended ones.  If this is a dealership boat and not a consignment, then they might offer you some kind of warranty.

As for the 150, I think that is the max rating on that boat.

[emti56]

like i said  i have the zx 190 with 150 and believe the motor is more then enough i did ask the dealer about going to the 175 and his reply was for what he believed the hole shot would not improve and top speed would be minor at best.my boat fully loaded is great and i believe hits 60 mph no problems.

[Socalbassmaster]

I have a 1989 ranger 390v I know its not a skeeter but it is a skeeter eater!

I have a merc 200 its almost 20 years old it still runs like new

very fast smooth and I think 2 stroke last longer then 4 strokes but thats just me

[mattm]

emti56,

I'm not bashing your boat at all.  I thought this was a very cool boat and still do.   But with a few people telling me they think I'll be unhappy with a 2 stroke, a few more saying think I'll end up being disappointed if I don't go bigger than 150 and the boat having no warranty I think I'm going to just going to go new, or used with warranty, and bump up price range to 200-225hp boats.

You have a nice boat though and if I knew for sure I wouldn't end up regretting not going bigger this boat would be in my driveway.

Socalbassmaster

I know its not a skeeter but it is a skeeter eater!

I'm not married to a Skeeter at all.  I'm considering all boats.

I've come to the conclusion that buying your first boat is a pain in the butt.  I don't think I've ever enjoyed a process less.  I know very little aobut boats so that creates anxiety that i'm missing something or about to get hosed.  Some people say a 115 will be fine others say noway less than a 200.  Some say Ranger is the best others say they are rough and blow.  Some say Nitros blow others say they are the best value.  So I can't even get good info from folks that own boats.  Top that off with my fear that if I can even figure out how to operate this thing I'm going to tear it up from doing it incorrectly, and I haven't been a very happy camper the last several weeks.

I really hope having a boat is worth it.

[Jig Man]

It sounds like you really are unsure at this time. I have seen a lot of people like you. I recommend that you take your time because this is a very big venture with you looking at new or near new units.

If you are thinking new, look at new non current models. They have been setting around dealerships and the interest on the floor plan is paid every month. Some of them need to go away. Many of them can be bought for $1000-1500 below what they cost the dealership.

Since you are slowing down a little in this process, if you really want to know what boats are good and what are not, then, the resale value is a good indicator. Pick out a model or two and check it out in NADA over a period of 5 year listings to see how the resale value has dropped. That lone will steer you away from some brands.

What ever brand you end up with will probably turn into your pride and joy.

Buying a boat should be a wonderful experience if you take your time and learn as you go.

When you buy make sure to only buy from someone who will take you to the water and teach you all you need to know about unloading, loading, and operating the rig in a safe manner.

Good luck in your quest.

[mattm]

Since you are slowing down a little in this process, if you really want to know what boats are good and what are not, then, the resale value is a good indicator.  Pick out a model or two and check it out in NADA over a period of 5 year listings to see how the resale value has dropped.  That lone will steer you away from some brands.

Would of never thought of that, thanks .

[emti56]

your doing the right thing take your time i wish i had and maybe i would have gone bigger i rushed but none the less i am happy with my boat and not my dealer though i did buy new so that part was not an issue and i traded up from a 16ft champion to this so you can imagine the differerence although i often fish from my uncles zx 225 and his top speed is not much greater. never thought you were downing the boat just playing it smart. thats my two cents on the motor and boat good luck. tell you the truth i wish i had gone double axles and upgraded fish finders

[joeyd50]

mattm, you should be jumping for joy, this is going to be one of the happiest days of your life buying a boat, and the other happiest day is the day you sell your boat. Just kidding, I have a older Skeeter 18.5' and my son has a 19.5' Nitro, I like both boats, its tough looking for the perfect boat, TAKE YOUR TIME.

Good Luck

 Joe

[J_Zink]

I've come to the conclusion that buying your first boat is a pain in the butt.  I don't think I've ever enjoyed a process less.  I know very little aobut boats so that creates anxiety that i'm missing something or about to get hosed.  Some people say a 115 will be fine others say noway less than a 200.  Some say Ranger is the best others say they are rough and blow.  Some say Nitros blow others say they are the best value.  So I can't even get good info from folks that own boats.  Top that off with my fear that if I can even figure out how to operate this thing I'm going to tear it up from doing it incorrectly, and I haven't been a very happy camper the last several weeks.

I really hope having a boat is worth it.

Wow. You need to get a grip.  You're ruining what should otherwise be a great experience and it sounds like it's because you're rushing this process due to in-experience.

I'd suggest spending more time in others boats.  Spending some time having them teach you how to drive a boat so when you go out to look, you can take any boat you're interested in for a test drive and evaluate it for yourself.

Don't bother asking on internet forums which boat or motor is best.  It's a waste of time.  Know that virtually all the major boat and motor manufacturers make quality equipment these days.  Also know there are differences in how each drives and fishes.  It's your own personal tastes that will match you to the correct boat.  You need to get out in these boats and test drive them and stop listening to internet jockeys telling you which brand or type of boat or motor you need.