Best New Bass Boat For The Money?

[crazy4fishin]

I would have to agree with Bill - depends on what your going to fish i.e. large bodies of water like TR and what $$ you have and what $$ you want to spend in the future on the "extras" that we always seem to need to get the fishing done.

I started with a gently used Nitro NX750 that was a great first boat that I was able to pay for and still have money for a few extras. After a couple of years I moved up to a larger boat (20') and am getting ready to trade again. In reality that size of boat is larger than what most of the waters around here call for - in our area a large lake is 750 - 1000 acres - but I travel to bodies the size of TR on a regular basis so the larger boat is what I want.

He made a comment about the motor - that would have to be the number one thing in a used boat that I would watch out for - if you can find a used one that meets your fishing needs make sure that it has some kind of warranty on it or get it to a trusted motor guy in your area, nothing robs you of the ability to buy rods, reels and lures more than the $$ that you have to put in a motor repair.

The next thing to take into account is what dealers are in your area that you can get to work on your boat in times of need - for example here in the Cornhusker state I would have to look long and hard to find a Legend dealer. Not that a good shop cant work on about any boat but it is like taking your Ford to a Chevy dealer for specialized work.

Best of luck on your hunt!

C4F

[jay bird]

Here is the deal I own two boats. A Lowe deck boat and a 1992 190sc Champion with a 2001 Mercury 200 EFI. My kids are starting to enjoy more fishing than tubing and my wife suggested that I sell both boats and maybe look at a newer boat. I appreciate all the great advice and again if I am going to spend the money just want something that is going to last 10 plus years. Like Bill said like the option of the warranty and is the reason looking at new or almost new.

Thanks again great information

[Sprint21fter]

Go to the Bass Cat owner's forum, they have listed used boats with warranty at great prices for low hours used on the motors.

[BiteMeBaits]

I purchased a new 2013 Nitro z7 last spring and I love it. My previous boat was a Champion and the ride is so much smoother. Of course the 7's are 18-8 so you would be looking at either a z8 or z9 but at least give them a look. We purchase ours from Bass Pro and got into it a heck of a lot cheaper than we would have the same config. for a triton which is what we were looking at. I loved the tritons but Couldn't justify paying thousands extra. My z7 has the 150 fourstroke which was the best decision I've ever made. I can maintain WOT all day long and have a conversation with the guy next to you. Plus don't have to worry about mixing the oil and can run regular pump gas. I would be willing to take anyone out for a ride if our schedules match, after all that is a good excuse fo rme to go fishing. Just my 2 cents. But hey, as long as it floats and runs I would be happy with it!

[balsabee]

What year and model Champ? 1976 tri-hull? I've never heard anyone make that bold of a comparison.

I purchased a new 2013 Nitro z7 last spring and I love it. My previous boat was a Champion and the ride is so much smoother.

[BiteMeBaits]

Mine was a 90 and another was a 96. I know a lot has changed since then until they stopped making champs. Don't get me wrong I loved them but I couldn't stand to ride in them

[balsabee]

"Driver has much more influence than anything. A sorry driver can make the best hull look bad, and a really good driver can turn a pound mutt into miss america." Pat Goff

[Champ188]

Only way I could beat the ride of my 2004 Champion 188 Elite was to go to a Ranger. So I did. Haven't been sorry a day so far. Loved the old Champ. Love the Ranger more. That's just me.

[BiteMeBaits]

"Driver has much more influence than anything. A sorry driver can make the best hull look bad, and a really good driver can turn a pound mutt into miss america." Pat Goff

+1 and truth be told, had Champion still been in business I would have bought one in a heartbeat without comparing any others just because they made some tough sleds.