First boat dilemma

[Alex LaFave]

Hey all,

 

New to bass fishing, but not new to boating. Have owned several boats: checkmate, crownline, Sea-Hunt and currently a 1996 regal 176 which i picked up for a song - plan to sell in the spring. Looking for a change and to get into the challenge of bass fishing. Within 10 minutes is a 400 acre lake (Wyandotte county lake in Kansas), which is likely where i will do the majority of my fishing (early mornings before work) because i have kids and a lovely wife which require my attention. With that in mind, i have come up with a few options:

 

1. Pelican bass raider, predator or similar (was what i was planning before i found the deal below)

     a. Pay cash and have paid off - boat, 3-5hp 4 stroke and already have a trolling motor if desired to mount on front.

     b. If this "disease" takes hold, i may be looking to sell and move onto a "real" fishing boat and will lose much of the investment in resale.

 

2. Used (barely) 2018 bass tracker heritage for what i believe to be quite a good deal

     a. Would place a sizable down payment but would require financing (actually could easily pay in cash - but i like to keep a healthy cash reserve) - i can swing it in the budget but tend to feel guilty as this is a mostly selfish purchase, and i typically subscribe to "dont finance toys". However, in this case, i am confident i could actually sell it later for a profit or at least get my investment back quite easily if the fishing thing isnt as fun as i expect it to be.

 

requesting boat and especially financial advise on the internet is opening up a big can of nightcrawlers - but what say the internet?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[A-Jay]

Hello Alex and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

 

In reference to your possible pending 2018 bass tracker heritage purchase;

Here's a link to a rather lengthy & information packed thread on the subject.

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

[Alex LaFave]

3 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Hello Alex and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

 

In reference to your possible pending 2018 bass tracker heritage purchase;

Here's a link to a rather lengthy & information packed thread on the subject.

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

thanks ajay- been reading all day - on page 20!

[tander]

11 hours ago, Alex LaFave said:

thanks ajay- been reading all day - on page 20!

By the time you get to the end, you will want one!!!

[Alex LaFave]

On 12/31/2019 at 10:00 AM, tander said:

By the time you get to the end, you will want one!!!

The issue is certainly not wanting one! I just tend to get gunshy when it comes to large purchases-especially those which do not necessarily benefit my whole family. In this case, I am confident the deal is good so I think I will pull the trigger.

[NHBull]

You can’t tell the cost of something until the accounting period is over, so don’t let price be the only factor in your decision.  I also believe the saying “if mom isn’t happy, no one is happy”.....the same is true for dad.

I for one, am a far easier to be around after a few hours on the water ?

[Bird]

I can tell you first hand that if you get hit with bass fishing fever, you won't want wife and kids on boat. Lol

 

I've had many boats over 40 year span and occasionally took the wife but she just laid in the sun with bikini.....I'm an intense fisherman so barely noticed. 

 

I did teach my girls how to fish with bobbers and nightcrawlers but didn't dare take my tackle.

 

I've fished through 35yrs of marriage and 2 fantastic daughters and you are correct......I did feel somewhat selfish with hours on the water fighting this fever. 

 

400 acre lake is a huge bonus close to home so get the most boat you can afford, possibly one that can accommodate the family but leave tackle at home for these occasions. Lol

[Dirtyeggroll]

What is the appeal of the Bass Tracker? 
 

You can possibly get into a slightly bigger boat (but older) that can do much more for around the same cost.

[mcipinkie]

Agree with Keeper 100% on this one.  The Tracker Heritage is marketing hype.  Just a cheap, poorly rigged boat.  (Ugly Also). 

 

You can get a lot more boat for $10,000.

 

 

[Alex LaFave]

6 minutes ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

What is the appeal of the Bass Tracker? 
 

You can possibly get into a slightly bigger boat (but older) that can do much more for around the same cost.

Want something I can fit in in my 20 foot garage. You're right, getting older boat has perks and I have had my share of them! 1978, 1998, 1996, 2005 and am competent working on them. However, I'm at a point where I would prefer to be using it than working on it. I am also a furniture maker and prefer to be in the woodshop than working on vehicles at this point 

4 minutes ago, mcipinkie said:

Agree with Keeper 100% on this one.  The Tracker Heritage is marketing hype.  Just a cheap, poorly rigged boat.  (Ugly Also). 

 

You can get a lot more boat for $10,000.

 

 

Agree. Also looking at paying far less than 10k, so it becomes more attractive 

[Dirtyeggroll]

50 minutes ago, Alex LaFave said:

Want something I can fit in in my 20 foot garage. You're right, getting older boat has perks and I have had my share of them! 1978, 1998, 1996, 2005 and am competent working on them. However, I'm at a point where I would prefer to be using it than working on it. I am also a furniture maker and prefer to be in the woodshop than working on vehicles at this point 

Agree. Also looking at paying far less than 10k, so it becomes more attractive 

Sounds like you’ve thought it through and the Tracker is the boat for you!

[Alex LaFave]

Thanks everyone - i went ahead and pulled the trigger! Hopefully i will go get it or have it shipped sometime next week. Boat has only been out on the water twice and comes with several upgrades - dual fuel tanks, dual fishfinders, vengence SS prop and some miscellaneous. Deal was too good to pass up - i feel like i could even sell it for a profit come spring if needed - but i doubt that will be happening . Haven't been serious about fishing for a while - going to have to go max out a credit card on new tackle..kidding... mostly

[SuperDuty]

Congrats on the new boat, Alex. I'm sure you'll enjoy the heck out of it and the wifey too. 

We need pics once you get the new ride!

[gim]

Ya don't forget to post a picture of your new ride in the "show off your ride" thread.