Riceman Posted March 8, 2020 Posted March 8, 2020 Well I recently retired and looking into a new boat. I don't know where to start but here's what I do know. Looking at a 20ft. with 250 hp, dual console, we will be taking family cruising as well but want a bass boat not a dual purpose. Nitro's seem the less expensive, Rangers not but have the quality reputation. Any help would be greatly appreciated plus any necessities on it as well. Thanks in advance. Quote
Toeshots Posted March 8, 2020 Posted March 8, 2020 What is most important? Ride, top-end speed, fishability, resale value, storage space? What dealers do you have nearby and what boats and motors do they service? Lots of good options out there, but different boats have different characteristics. People have bought what works for them and a lot of times that is what they will recommend, but at the end of the day you should get the boat that works for you, especially since you are buying new. Should also consider what dealers are nearby for when you need service. I recently ordered a new Ranger Z519 as I have a dealer 25 minutes away and wanted a great boat with the trolling motor down. My boat will reach low 70’s at the very best, while others brands may do 75+. I don’t fish tournaments and 70 is plenty fast for me, so this boat matched what I was looking for. Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted March 8, 2020 Super User Posted March 8, 2020 I am currently running a Nitro Z20 with a 250 Mercury Verado. If I had do overs I be running a Phoenix or a Bass Cat. Take time to research the available electronics. Many companies have gps/sonar units which work with specific trolling motors. It is amazing to see all of the functions that are possible when they are matched up. Spot lock and spot lock jog are super cool and extremely valuable to me. Shallow water anchors are a good option if you are an extremely shallow water guy. I had them but they were not a good choice for me. They also work best when paired with specific trolling motors and sonar/gps. The best advice I can give you is take your time, research boats, trolling motors and electronics. And take test drives because you are going to be spending thousands of dollars and it is best to get exactly what you want first time with no regrets. Quote
Riceman Posted March 8, 2020 Author Posted March 8, 2020 Thanks Toe and Jig. I bought 2 yrs ago a Nitro Z18, new. Blew 2 fuses right away because of a short in the steering trim lever that left me stranded but the dealer was out there in short order to fix. I made a mistake getting an 18ft. boat because of taking my wife and 2 daughters out I want something bigger. Quality of ride over speed, wider beam. I'm not too wrapped up in bells and whistles but good ol' practicality. Nitro dealer within 10 miles and are good people, Ranger dealer under 60 miles. Others seem a ways away. I'm 65 so will be keeping this for a long time, not too worried about resale. I did read a former thread asking similar question and was wondering if Nitro has improved quality (my fuse problem says something though). Rode in a locals new Ranger - 20 ft. - and the ride was much nicer than my 18 ft Nitro. Bass Cat seemed narrower, no close dealers for Bass Cat, Phoenix or Skeeter. Quote
Super User Jig Man Posted March 8, 2020 Super User Posted March 8, 2020 If ride is your priority then buy the Ranger. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted March 8, 2020 Super User Posted March 8, 2020 Don't kid yourself with Nitro's being less expensive. You can option them up to $70k real easy. Are you set on glass? Lund has the ProV Bass you can order the XS version which has seating for 4. I'm in the opposite boat (pun intended) I'm selling my 20ft Lund and looking to get into a boat that I can take the grandkids out tubing as well as fishing. If you're not opposed to buying used, here's my rig. https://www.skipperbuds.com/inv/2013-Lund-2010-PREDATOR-SkipperBuds-Volo-B18554/ 1 Quote
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