Help Planning My Dream

[gunsinger]

I currently fish out of a 17' Lowe Stinger 175c.  It was my first bass boat (purchased a year ago last May) and I didn't know a lot about what I needed until I'd fished a while.  The immediate need was electronics on the bow, which I added at Christmas time.  So, it serves me well at this point but....I wish it had a few more bells.  My list of upgrades I'd like to add are (in no particular order):

 

• 80lb thrust, 24v trolling motor with Spot Lock (or comparable).  My primary lake is electric only.  Estimating $3k including new matching batteries (not lithium).
• Livescope.  Would probably relocate my 7" Lowrance Hook2 TripleShot to the console.  Estimating $3k.
• Power poles.  Estimating $2k - $4k depending on one, or two, plus installation.

 

So, my first question is, how would you prioritize this list?  Why?  Second, am I better off "upgrading" my current boat?  Or selling what I have and buying another boat with all the bells and whistles pre-installed?  My current onboard storage is okay, but could be better.  It's certainly not a reason I would trade.

[Craig P]

Priority for me and has been done twice now on two different boats  is trolling motor first but you must consider the TM with your planned electronics in mind.  Remember that if you want to add additional transducers, including Livescope to your TM, you’re going to want a TM that is wire friendly or at least have a wiring solution planned. 
 

I can fish without electronics but I need mobility and this is why I say TM first.

 

I cannot comment on poles, I fish reservoirs where the water goes from 2’ to 20’ or more in two steps so I’ve never needed them. 
 

As for starting with another boat, only your wallet can decide.   I know I like shiny new things LOL but unless you’re spending 50k plus, you won’t get exactly what you want from the factory and you will be paying a dealer to add the finishing touches so why take on the additional expense of a new boat that isn’t necessarily needed. 

[GaryH]

I would say that the biggest question is if you spend the money on your add ons will you have the boat you want. If it is then I’d say to go with the upgraded TM first. A TM with the right amount of power and spot lock is a major improvement on a boat. 
Next would be electronics. They can make a world of difference if the time is taken to learn them.

Last would be power poles which I have and love if the water you fish is shallow enough to get the use from them. In shallow water 2 to 6’ I prefer them over spot lock because they don’t disturb the water as much.

If your not going to be satisfied with your add ons then I’d sell the boat and look for something in your price range that has what you want/ need.  Great luck on your decision.

 

 

 

 

[slonezp]

TM first. If you're primarily a bank beater, I'd put the power poles in the number 2 spot. If you're primarily an offshore guy, I'd put the electronics in the number 2 spot.

[Junger]

What’s your current TM?

[InfantryMP]

The first thing I would do is figure out if the 17' is enough for you and the waters you fish. 

 

If it is then, I would upgrade TM with spot lock or anchor mode first. I like Lowrance personally

 

I upgraded my boat this year from a Triton TR-17, to a new 2021 Triton 19TRX Patriot. It comes in at like 19' 9''. It came with all new Lowrance electronics to include the ghost. The only upgrade I did was two 8' power pole blades. That upgrade at the dealer was $4,200 with brackets. 

 

That decision was made solely to wanting a larger boat. My first tournament ever was so rough with a smaller boat. It was scary to be honest. 

 

If I had a 19 or 20 ft boat prior. I would have upgraded in stages as you have mentioned. 

 

 

[gunsinger]

13 hours ago, Junger said:

What’s your current TM?

Motorguide x3, 45lb thrust, 12v.  It gets me around okay and generally lasts me all day depending on wind conditions.

10 minutes ago, InfantryMP said:

The first thing I would do is figure out if the 17' is enough for you and the waters you fish. 

 

If it is then, I would upgrade TM with spot lock or anchor mode first. I like Lowrance personally

 

I upgraded my boat this year from a Triton TR-17, to a new 2021 Triton 19TRX Patriot. It comes in at like 19' 9''. It came with all new Lowrance electronics to include the ghost. The only upgrade I did was two 8' power pole blades. That upgrade at the dealer was $4,200 with brackets. 

 

That decision was made solely to wanting a larger boat. My first tournament ever was so rough with a smaller boat. It was scary to be honest. 

 

If I had a 19 or 20 ft boat prior. I would have upgraded in stages as you have mentioned. 

 

 

I frequent a 95 acre lake most often so, it's not what I'd call "big water."  There are never tournaments there and I don't typically fish tournaments.  The boat size is adequate for that lake and the two other state lakes that are close.  I wish it had more/better storage but I can live with it as is.  

 

Having spent some time pricing new boats online, I suspect I need to get over the "new toy" feeling and be practical.  I doubt I'd get enough trade on my current rig to pay it off and I don't want to get upside down in it.

I appreciate everyones comments.  It seems like TM is the way to go for step one.

[InfantryMP]

1 hour ago, gunsinger said:

I suspect I need to get over the "new toy" feeling and be practical.  I doubt I'd get enough trade on my current rig to pay it off and I don't want to get upside down in it.

 

Used boat prices are at the best I have ever seen them. I sold my old boat for a few grand more than I paid for it. 

 

When you decide on your TM, think about the next steps as well. It is very nice to have Lowrance HDS units that link to the TM and the power poles. 

 

You can do the same with the ultrex, talons, and hummingbirds. I would try to get it all linked together instead of an Ultrex and then HDS units for example.

[Junger]

2 hours ago, gunsinger said:

Motorguide x3, 45lb thrust, 12v.  It gets me around okay and generally lasts me all day depending on wind conditions.

24v 80lb will be plenty then, yep upgrade to that abs get spot lock and like someone already said, think about if you want MK or Lowrance to pair up with future fish finders. The additional features you gain like spot lock jog and contour autopilot are nice to have. Not 100% necessary but available with the proper planning of equipment.

[gunsinger]

44 minutes ago, Junger said:

24v 80lb will be plenty then, yep upgrade to that abs get spot lock and like someone already said, think about if you want MK or Lowrance to pair up with future fish finders. The additional features you gain like spot lock jog and contour autopilot are nice to have. Not 100% necessary but available with the proper planning of equipment.

On the plus side, I should be able to sell the existing TM for a decent amount.

[Jig Man]

I say trolling motor with spot lock #1, new electronics #2.  Power Poles maybe #3 maybe not at all.  I had Power Poles on my boat for 2 years and used them maybe 10 times.  My boat is usually setting in water too deep for them to do me any good.  Spot lock is the bomb and spot lock jog is super.

 

[DaubsNU1]

My brother found a new Lund Alaskan this spring...his dream boat. And talked his wife in to it.

 

His first purchase was the Ulterra...wanted the 80lb / 24v, and Scheels said they had one in stock...when he picked up it was a 112lb / 36v version...he talked them in to giving him the 24v price.

 

His previous TM had autoPilot...this was a HUGE step up.

 

Game changer for the way we fish for sure! This thing kicks @ss! My dad is 80, and we spend a lot of time helping him in the boat. Spot-lock is fantastic, and highly recommended.

[Tennessee Boy]

19 hours ago, slonezp said:

TM first. If you're primarily a bank beater, I'd put the power poles in the number 2 spot. If you're primarily an offshore guy, I'd put the electronics in the number 2 spot.

This is the correct answer.   It really depends on how you fish.

[gunsinger]

I am a bank beater so TM seems like the clear winner.  I'd been looking at the Minn Kota's but, now I gotta wonder is the Lowrance Ghost or the Garmin Force a better option, especially since I've been considering the Garmin EchoMAP UHD 93SV with Livescope.  

 

It's all still a dream ... but at least I have something to shoot for.

 

Thanks to all who replied.

[TnRiver46]

I can't help much there, I’m low-tech and don’t fish the bank much. But it sounds like you will have a sweet ride soon!!! Let us know how it goes complete with big bass photos 

[gunsinger]

1 hour ago, TnRiver46 said:

I can't help much there, I’m low-tech and don’t fish the bank much. But it sounds like you will have a sweet ride soon!!! Let us know how it goes complete with big bass photos 

Well, that’ll depend on how long you expect to live or when I finally win the publishers clearinghouse sweepstakes ?

[webertime]

Lowrance Ghost

Garmin or Lowrance forward sonar

Used power poles