Need advice on buying a bass boat

[Crankbait_Kid]

I am currently looking at a 1999 Skeeter ZX185 with a Yamaha 175. I am new to bass boats and want to upgrade from my 16' aluminum. I was wondering if anyone out there has had the same or similar boat and what their experience and opinions are? I also am thinking I must upgrade my 97 Chevy S10 for something bigger and more powerful. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. This is a huge investment for me and I am not taking this lightly. Please if you have experience with bass boats I would greatly appreciate any (and I do mean any) advice and opinions on this subject. I do not want to start a brand war. I would like to know your thoughts and opinions on tow vehicles (if I need to upgrade) and bass boat (problems and joys) of owning. Thank you in advance for any responses.

[hootersdoug]

I have a 95 zx150 which I love.  It dosen't run in waves as good as a ranger, but on light chop I had to keep the throttle @80% to keep from running up on the backside of a guy with a ranger and the same motor as mine when we prefished a tourney.  Tow vehicle is up to you.....does the s10 have the 4.3???  That should be powerful enough.  If not, you might have to upgrade.  Hope you enjoy the newer boat.

[Fishing Rhino]

Your first concern for a tow vehicle should be its brakes.  Not enough power is not dangerous.  Not enough brakes is dangerous.  It becomes even more critical if the trailer does not have surge brakes to assist in stopping the package.

My gut instinct tells me you'd be better off with a full size pickup.  I say gut instinct because I have zero experience with any of the smaller pickups.

It's quite likely that you'd also get better gas mileage with a full size pickup when you have the boat in tow.

[00 mod]

Without a doubt in MY mind, the best braking 1/2 ton truck out there is the Toyota Tundra!  They pull like a mule as well.....  only problem is price tag and gas mileage!  I'm on my 2nd one!

Jeff

[promax200]

Certainly look at upgrading your tow vehicle.  Like said above, the 4.3 is capable of pulling it, albeit with terrible gas mileage, but that size truck won't have enough @ss to stop that rig in a pinch. 

Stick with Chevy and get a Silverado 1500.

[Lund Explorer]

Used Boats?  Just make sure the engine, transom, and floorboards are in good shape.  I would suggest a compression test on it.  A good look at the boat itself should tell you if there are any problems.  Know that you will most likely be buying older technology as far as electronics goes, so at some point an upgrade is going to cost a few bucks.

Tow Vehicles?  I don't care what brand it is, just make sure it is full-sized.  It has already been said, braking is concern number one.  Depending on the condition of the boat ramps you are visiting, you may also want to consider 4WD and/or an automatic transmission. 

[hootersdoug]

I will third the opinions of the previous guys.  I bought a Dodge 1500 work truck with a 318 and a 5 speed.  What they mentioned about the braking didn't pop into my head when I mentioned that the 4.3L has the torque to do the job.  I have had numerous times when a light has turned red or some jackalope has cut me off while towing my boat and have been VERY happy I had the weight and braking capacity of the full sized truck.  Being able to downshift into 4th or 3rd gear helps also.  That being said, yep, go with the full sized truck.

[ROCbass]

I understand why the added braking power of a full size truck is desired, but is there any reason why someone couldn't just upgrade the brakes on their current truck instead of getting a new one?

[coryjames]

i have a 1998 zx176c its 17.5 with a 150.

its the boat i wanted.big enough for 90% of the fishing i do and small enough to get into thhose tight spots.i wanted a skeeter over a ranger.everyone is different.i think you will love it.the make great boats.

GO skeeter:)

[Ellesar]

I understand why the added braking power of a full size truck is desired, but is there any reason why someone couldn't just upgrade the brakes on their current truck instead of getting a new one?

The overall weight of the truck helps as well. Its not just the additional breaking power, a boat can't push a full size truck around as easy as a smaller truck. If you've ever had the "pleasure" of having to stop quick with a boat in a smaller vehicle, you will know what I mean.

[atrocity123]

Your first concern for a tow vehicle should be its brakes. Not enough power is not dangerous. Not enough brakes is dangerous. It becomes even more critical if the trailer does not have surge brakes to assist in stopping the package.

My gut instinct tells me you'd be better off with a full size pickup. I say gut instinct because I have zero experience with any of the smaller pickups.

It's quite likely that you'd also get better gas mileage with a full size pickup when you have the boat in tow.

He won't need surge brakes with that 185 lol.

I look at it this way, it's a toss up if you'll get better mpg with a full size while towing, but you'll definitely get better mpg with a compact when you're not. Which will you be doing more of? What are the current specs of your tow rig?

[Crankbait_Kid]

Thank you for all the great info and advice.  I am just guessing but the Skeeter with full load and trailer may push 3500 to 4000 lbs.  I am going to upgrade my vehicle for sure.  The trailer does have hydrolic brakes but I would feel better with a bigger vehicle.  My 16' aluminum pushes my old Ford Ranger and I expect the same with my Chevy S10 on a quick stop.  I guess the only thing to do is just get the courage and go for it.  As I said this is a major investment for me and I am hoping not to get a lemon lol.  Once again thanks for the info and any further advice on the boat and vehicle.