Buying new boat...

[alabamabassmaster]

I am in the process of buying a new boat and I am in a pickle not being able to choose. My options are Triton and Blazer.

My primary needs are speed and stability in rough water. The two boats I have picked out are the Triton 18X3 (TR-186) with a 175 ProXS and a Blazer 190 Pro-V with a 200 Optimax. The Blazer will run about 76mph where the Triton will run 64mph so Blazer wins the speed. The Triton will handle rough water excellent as my partner has one however the Blazer I was told handles it "fair" but not as good as Triton so Triton wins here.

I need suggestions/comments from owners, which boat would you buy or recommend for a $33k price range?

[NewScreenNameAdvised]

I've never heard of a Blazer, got a link?

For $33K I'd be looking at a nice used ranger.  There are killer deals on lightly used boats right now withthe way the economy is going.  You can get so much more boat for the money than what you list there.

[alabamabassmaster]

Here is the one I'm looking at. The reason it's best for me to buy a new boat is the better interest and lower payments.

http://www.blazerboats.com/boats/bass/190-pro-v/

[J_Zink]

If your partner thinks a Triton handles rough water "excellant", he obviously hasn't been in a Champion.    

 

[alabamabassmaster]

I found a 2007 Triton TR-186 with a 175 Optimax for $21k so I think I'm just going to buy this one and fish with my partner is his boat.

[thetr20one]

I am sure you can find a used tr-20X aith a 225 opti in that price range. That would be better than any listed above!!

[alabamabassmaster]

Okay, a few things have changed and I have a little less money now. I have about $25k I can spend on a new boat.

The first boat is a 2008 Triton TR-186, Mecury 150 Optimax, Jackplate, Lowrance 520C on Dash, X-135 on bow, hot foot, hydraulic steering, galvanized trailer and the elite package.

The second boat is a 2009 Triton 18 Explorer HP with a Mercury 150 Optimax, with a Lowrance 520C on the dash, X52 on the bow, jack plate, hot foot, hydraulic steering, and galvanized trailer. This boat won't have as many features as the TR-186 but this boat I can get with all options listed for about $24,500. The TR-186 is right at $26k.

I can however get the TR-186 with all the options listed with a 150 EFI for right at $24,800. It's loaded out just with the EFI. I think this is a good deal I will go with but I'd like suggestions and comments.

Comments? Suggestions? Other recommendations?

[thefishingone]

I read it a thread a couple days earlier that a EFI Outboard isn't as fuel efficient as the OptiMax. I would go with the TR-186 and save money on gas. You'll be happy you did.

P.S. I wish I had that type of money to buy a boat  :-/

[Triton20XSD]

I had a TR-186 and upgraded to a one year old 20X for about $32,000.  If you want a boat that handles rough water well, you better be looking at bigger than an 18 footer.  My 186 was ok in rough water but nothing like the 20 footer.  I have had both boats on Oneida Lake and the 20 was noticably better.  If I were you I would save a little more money and look at a 1-2 year old 20' boat if you are going to fishing lakes with rougher water.  Just my opinion.  Good luck in whatever you choose.

[alabamabassmaster]

I wish I could afford a 19 or 20 foot boat but right now I can't afford anything over $25k. The main reason I have to get a new boat is because my bank will only go three years on a used boat. I have to buy a new boat to finance it for five years.

Is this a good deal? Comments?

2008 Triton TR-186 w/ Elite Package

2008 Mercury 150hp EFI

Galvanized Trailer

Lowrance LMS-520C GPS on Dash

Lowrance X-135 on Bow

Motorguide 71lb Thrust TM

Hot Foot

6" T&H Jackplate

Hydraulic Steering

$24,800, out the door

[Newman12Fan]

yes, you can get longer loans on new BUT the minute you buy it you are upside down on it.  It would be better to get a used boat on a shorter loan, and not be so upside down that you could never sell it

[IneedAnewScreenName9886691]

I suggest checking out the Champ 203 in the 'classifieds' on this site; it's a win-win!

But good luck with whatever you do.

[Eddie Munster]

Hey alabamabassmaster,

You wouldn't be looking to adopt a kid are you? I know a slightly immature 40 year old guy who doesn't eat much and is potty trained. He's also got a strong back and a weak mind.

Lemme know....

[Triton20XSD]

Alabama, that looks like a pretty decent price on the 186.  I paid about $28,000 6 years ago.  I know boats are more expensive up north but I think what you are getting for under 25k is a good deal.  Good luck if you decide to get it.  I wish I waited and got the bigger boat up front.  The 186 was my first boat then I wanted bigger & faster so that's how I wound up with the 20X.  You may want to max out the 186 with a 175 though.  Not sure if the hulls changed on the 186 but with a full tank & full wells it's not easy getting on plane with the 150.  I wish I went with the 175 when I had mine.

[alabamabassmaster]

Well, I finally got my new boat. I was able to get the 2008 Triton TR-186 w/ Elite Package, 2008 Mercury Optimax 150hp.

I got an ok deal but most of all I'm happy with this boat/motor. Only thing I got to do now is find out how to buy gas for this thing as gas is $5 /gal here. I was told to run 10 hours before getting over 4k RPM's so this will get expensive.

[Sam]

May I expand on what you said you were seeking?

First and foremost, safety in rough water.

Please consider a boat that can handle rough water and not beat you up.

Second, speed.  There is not much difference in the top range of the boats after you go over 50 MPH.

But why do you need to go faster than 50 MPH?  

And do the bodies of water you fish have any speed limits or curves and bends where it is impossible to go faster than 50 MPH?

My first concern is safety.  Second is fishing.

Consider your safety and your family's welfare.   You can always find a place to fish closer to the ramp.

And be sure to post a pic of the boat you buy.  

[UPS VT]

Good for you.  Maybe one of these years I will get one too   ;D