Favorite used/older boat ?

[teamfyss]

Never had a fiberglass boat, but I’m in the market for one.. under 10k. That means I’ll be buying used, and I’d just like to know what you think some of the more quality boats from 15+ years ago are. I know there are a few older hulls that a lot of guys swear by. And I’m prepared to hunt for a decent deal.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[Catt]

Anything Champion ?

[teamfyss]

2 hours ago, Catt said:

Anything Champion ?

Is there any specific reasons? I’ve been hearing more and more about champions, and they’re definitely interesting. But are they faster? More stable? Built better?

[Catt]

From their Mean 16' to their 21' the best rough water hull ever built bar none!

 

[Smelter96]

5 hours ago, Catt said:

Anything Champion ?

My favorite older boat, is my current boat! '93 Champion. I couldnt imagine a better ride than a Champ...because there ain't one!

[teamfyss]

6 minutes ago, Smelter96 said:

My favorite older boat, is my current boat! '93 Champion. I couldnt imagine a better ride than a Champ...because there ain't one!

Well it turns out almost nobody in South Dakota has ever owned a champion! (99% walleye fisherman) So it wont be easy finding myself a champion, or any decent glass boat for that matter. I'll definitely keep champion in mind though.

[Smelter96]

They're kinda tricky to locate in Wisconsin, too. Just keep ya eyes peeled and I bet one or two will pop up!?

[Shimano_1]

I've owned 3 older stratos boats. Had an 89 201 pro that was an awesome boat. Great hull for big rough water. I'm sure there may he better but if I were looking for an older rig for under 10k I'd consider a stratos that met what I was looking for. They seem to be everywhere both for sale and on the water. Good luck

[teamfyss]

Just now, Shimano_1 said:

I've owned 3 older stratos boats. Had an 89 201 pro that was an awesome boat. Great hull for big rough water. I'm sure there may he better but if I were looking for an older rig for under 10k I'd consider a stratos that met what I was looking for. They seem to be everywhere both for sale and on the water. Good luck

I'm finding a lot of boats in my price range, but it varies with age and brand name. For instance, I can find a 1995 Nitro for $7000... the same year Ranger is $13,000. I don't want to sacrifice quality, but it would be nice to find a newer model in a "cheaper" brand.

[Shimano_1]

Myself...I'd steer clear of the older nitros.  They may be awesome but I've heard enough horror stories.  I have 2 buddies with older rangers that are excellent boats. Not any better than the older stratos boats tho. I'd just keep looking and I'm sure you'll find a steal of a deal

[teamfyss]

Just now, Shimano_1 said:

Myself...I'd steer clear of the older nitros.  They may be awesome but I've heard enough horror stories.  I have 2 buddies with older rangers that are excellent boats. Not any better than the older stratos boats tho. I'd just keep looking and I'm sure you'll find a steal of a deal

With my first search of stratos I find a 1995 with 2016 150 e tec Evinrude for 10k obo... you might have opened a whole new can of worms for me haha!

[crypt]

Champion would be first for best riding boat ever. next would be a Ranger 361 or if you can find one, a 390 or 391. good luck on your search.

[J._Bricker]

Champion or a Ranger @teamfyss, and the guys I know just re-power their Champions if that tells you anything. And I’m a Ranger guy. Rangers IMO are better fishing platforms, Champions ride better in rough water. Just a matter of the fishing conditions you plan to encounter. I believe the early 2000 “5” series Rangers had a heavier hull, before they decided to get faster to complete with the Triton. Good luck, the right boat is out there.

[Catt]

More than name brand I would have the boat & motor check out by someone reputable.

 

With older boats & motors it easy to get a money pit!

[Dirtyeggroll]

The Ranger “R” series is a great hull that can be found in that price range.

[WRB]

The preferred bass boat for Lake Mead is Bass Cat not Champion for what it's worth, both are fast dry rides in rough water. Champion is no longer made, Bass Cat is. Ranger in the 90's are good boats but hold their value.

The lakes you plan to fish are big with high winds and rough water? If the lakes are windy with white caps most of the time then you need a 19' to 21' with 150 to 200 hp engine, that increases your budget instantly.

What size boat are you looking for?

Tom

[Way2slow]

My favorite was a 1989 Stratos 285 Pro.  I gave that one to my son when I got my Javelin Renegade 20DC and still think it was a better fishing boat than the 20' Javelin.  It had more storage space, and rode great.  It's a fairly heavy hull and not one of the fastest boats, but when I put a 300+hp motor (it's only rated for 175 and needs everyone of them) on it, that took care of the being a little slow.

However, as with any boat through that era, you have to be careful and avoid any boat that's left stored outside.  They have open cell flotation foam and can get water logged and it does not evaporate out.

 

[Oufb90]

I have a 2003 Triton and couldn’t imagine finding another boat better around that year. Everyone has opinions and their personal loves. My advice is to find a boat that has the options you want as much as possible at the price range. Some upgrades ppl have done theirselves. A boat and a motor and a loaded boat are $10k in difference. 

[teamfyss]

9 minutes ago, Oufb90 said:

I have a 2003 Triton and couldn’t imagine finding another boat better around that year. Everyone has opinions and their personal loves. My advice is to find a boat that has the options you want as much as possible at the price range. Some upgrades ppl have done theirselves. A boat and a motor and a loaded boat are $10k in difference. 

mind me asking what you paid for the triton? seems like they're one of the harder used boats to find!

[Oufb90]

I paid $6200 for it 3-4 years ago. It’s bern a great boat. Ol Merc 2 stroke still runs great. I had to add a couple fish finders and fix a live well but overall zero complaints. 

What size boat are you looking for? 

[teamfyss]

2 minutes ago, Oufb90 said:

I paid $6200 for it 3-4 years ago. It’s bern a great boat. Ol Merc 2 stroke still runs great. I had to add a couple fish finders and fix a live well but overall zero complaints. 

What size boat are you looking for? 

I'd like to stay in that 18 ft range, and I've found quite a few.. But to be honest with you I'm a picky guy when it comes to spending my money haha! I want to buy someone's "second wife" if you will, a boat that someone has taken excellent care of and loved every minute.

[Oufb90]

Mine is 18’5” and I’d sell it for $5500 as is. I’m all but ready to pull the trigger on a newer longer boat. 

[billmac]

i bought an older Cajun. It was nice because it has aluminum decking so it doesn't have the wood rotting problem of a lot of older fiberglass boats.