help a soon-to-be boat buyer.

[Tanker4lyfe]

hey guys im moving in november to Killeen/ Ft Hood, texas, and when i get there ill be looking at buying a new boat. im looking at either the Triton 18 explorer or the Nitro X5. can you guys please school me on the art of buying a new rig. I really wanna get a good boat and ensure i get the best bang for my buck. Thanks

[etommy28]

I have fished out of both multiple times, and had the same choise as you(mine were used but same difference) and I picked the triton and could not be happier with my choise. it is a great boat and fishes so well. but you might have a different feel than I do so go look at both, see if they will let you test drive it(if they dont find some where else to buy it) the biggest thing is just make a choise that will you happy.

[Big Mike in Fl]

my opinion is look at the features of similar models, how big are the live wells, the storage, the dashboard setups. ease of use of the controls, the size of the decks, both front and back (if you frequently have co-anglers in the back) I personally would take a triton over a nitro any day, as I believe the nitro leaves something to be lacked as far as quality (I've looked at a few at BPS before and wasn't impressed) but I'm sure many people love them. if I were buying a brand new bass boat today, it would more than likely be a Ranger, with a triton as my second choice, I do like the feature of the emergency stairs on the new tritons also.

[Tanker4lyfe]

what about stuff like how to get all the stuff i need included in the package stuff like boat care stuff, follow-on service, and warranties. i dont have the greatest credit in the world (MID 600's) and i hope i can get the Triton 09' 17'Explorer for low montly payments what do you guys think

[Catt]

what about stuff like how to get all the stuff i need included in the package stuff like boat care stuff, follow-on service, and warranties. i dont have the greatest credit in the world (MID 600's) and i hope i can get the Triton 09' 17'Explorer for low montly payments what do you guys think

I see only 2 options

17' Explorer with a 90 HP or a used boat for $10,000 or under

[skunked_again]

enless your heart is set on a new boat you could spend $5,000 and have a great fishing boat.

and ill just add...................boat payments are way, way over rated.

[Sfritr]

For what you pay for a Nitro, I don't see the quality.  I have looked at the z6 z7 and z9s  the thickness of the dash material and the lack of craftsmanship would turn me away from a new one.  Not that they don't fish well or aren't quality.  For the money I would get a boat with al little better quality materials.  Remember, even the Yugo looked good on the showroom floor.  

[cart7t]

what about stuff like how to get all the stuff i need included in the package stuff like boat care stuff, follow-on service, and warranties. i dont have the greatest credit in the world (MID 600's) and i hope i can get the Triton 09' 17'Explorer for low montly payments what do you guys think

You can lower the payment amount by putting more money down.

If that's not an option your choice is to extend the length of the loan.

Not really a good idea with a boat which depreciate much faster than cars.

I'd suggest looking into a used rig IMO.  

[5bass]

If buying new is an option, go with a new boat. Having a warranty on a boat is priceless. Going used, you really dont know what you're getting. At least with a new boat you can clear up any issues with the dealership. Issues with a used boat are cleared up with your wallet.

From what I've seen so far on the Z9's I've fished on, Nitro has raised the bar on their past quality problems. Triton's have problems also, as does most every other mass produced boat brand. Buying new from a reputable dealer is key with a new boat buy. You can buy a new boat anywhere but the service departments reputations at each dealership should be considered as a big selling point. The dealers with bad service reputations get those reputations for a reason.

With the way the economy is now, it's defintely a buyer's market. If you play your cards right when negotiating a price between dealerships, I'd say you could get some upgrades thrown in for little or nothing. It all depends on how bad they want and need to make a sale. The longer you haggle with them, the better off you are. If you are in a rush to buy a boat, do not let them know that.

When you are haggling with these guys, just remember that you're the one holding the money and dont settle for anything less than what you want.

[DOVERANGLER]

i have personaly fished out of tritons nitros jon boats stratos rangers and bass trackers. if you are looking for just a fishing boat with some creature comforts i would recomend a bass tracker with a 50hp, they are great boats not to pricey and the 50hp is more than enough for that boat. if you want to fish and use it for tubing and family outings i absolutely love nitros my opions best opions and best ride. i personaly own a Bass Tracker Pro Team TX and it is my favorite fishing boat plunty of room and great fishing boat