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Posts: 127
Location: SUN PRAIRIE WI | I was planning on buying A boat when I turn 59 and work less and fish more but that is 10 years from now I planned to buy A very nice boat then but now I think I want to buy one now.Except now I can only afford A used one and one not as nice.So have you got some recomendations for me.
I definatly want A deep v with console steering and A live well and probably the most important is for it to be sturdy.I am clumsy as hell so I want A very sturdy boat so 2 guys can fish in it move around in it and the doesnt rock when you all move around.I cant afford to spend A lot so hopefully you can give me some rcomendations.
THANKS FOR YOUR REPLIES |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
Depending on what you can afford I would take a strong look at a good used 2005 or newer Alumacraft Navigator 165 with as large of a motor as you can find on it I have had one since they came out late in 2004 and still love it It has a beam of 90 inches and it has a big enough area in the back for someone to stand right up along the gunnel I would call it the best spot to perform good figure eights since you can go right over the corner of the boat and not run into the outboard unless you have a kicker on I usually have a kicker on the boat when I go to larger lakes just in case something goes wrong with the big motor since I don't want to get stuck somewhere not not be able to get back to the dock It has a good sized livewell and plenty of storage for longer rods although they redesigned the rod lockers and they may not be able to hold anything longer than an 8 foot rod.
Alumacraft also made a smaller version of the Navigator which was renamed as the navigator classic It has a smaller beam and I believe could only handle something like a 75 hp motor on the console version It is still a really nice boat just a little smaller.
If these are still out of your price range it may help others supply information if you respond with a dollar amount you would like to spend This is a good time to buy since many people are looking to dump their boat in search of a new one through the winter.
Good luck
Steve |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | with boats it's not so much about what it costs to buy it but about how you are able to deal with it's needs season over season ... they're like chicks that way |
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Posts: 373
Location: Maine Township, MN | I just bought an Alumacraft Classic 165 CS (side console) w/ 50 hp Yamaha 4-stroke this last spring. With the rebates on the boat, motor, and "Package" that included upgraded seats, 50lb. PDV2 trolling motor and cheap Humminbird graph... It was hard to buy used.
Edited by nocturnalmotors 11/10/2011 10:31 AM
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Posts: 127
Location: SUN PRAIRIE WI | If you dont mind me askink what did iy cost |
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Posts: 383
| I have burned through a LOT of boats: fish-n-ski, center console, tiller, you name it. Finally went to a Ranger 681. There are some deals on these out there if you take your time and look around. Great hull, great lay-out, just right for two guys, V-6 towable. I LOVE mine and plan to keep it for a long, long time... Good luck to you! |
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Posts: 54
| get a TUFFY.... |
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Posts: 136
Location: Dane Country | I second the Tuffy |
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Posts: 774
Location: South East Wisconsin | Plus 1 for a Ranger 681! I love mine! |
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Posts: 136
Location: Dane Country | I had a Ranger Bass boat. Good boat no complaints, don't anything about their deep-v. |
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Posts: 321
| Try to find an older ranger 680 or Tuffy. Great rides. H |
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Posts: 373
Location: Maine Township, MN | PM sent TEX. |
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| Like VMS said, Navigator 165 CS that's 05 and up. Good casting platforms front and back, 91" beam, 16'8" long, 8'+ rod lockers, and the gunnels aren't super wide like Lunds. Still a very sturdy boat, and what I would consider the best overall musky boat for the money.
If you can't afford that new of a model and/or you don't want a boat that is as big, look at the Navigator 165 CS that's older than 05. They are very comparable to the 2012 Navigator Classic. Slightly over 16', 80-82" beam, 7' rod lockers. They're nice boats, but the newer models (05-present) are a lot more of a boat in my opinion. |
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Posts: 1169
Location: New Hope MN | I don't think anyone can answer until you say what types of lakes/rivers you are fishing, how you fish, and most importantly what's your budget. So answer these and let's start over. |
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Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo | dtaijo174 - 11/11/2011 10:46 AM
I don't think anyone can answer until you say what types of lakes/rivers you are fishing, how you fish, and most importantly what's your budget. So answer these and let's start over.
Pretty much.... I fish one lake with a 40hp max,so none of the boats listed above will do me any good... |
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| How would none of the boats help you above?? Tuffy has smaller boats you can easily run with a 40 |
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Posts: 81
Location: Van Buren, Indiana | I would recommend a Lowe Fishing Machine or Fish & Ski (same hull only ski has walk thru) 2003-2005, a very tough rugged boat with lots of room, wide beam. A 17ft will run a 90p and the 185 will run a 150 hp. Hopefully you would be able to find one $9000-$12,000. A boat in that year class would still have lots of years left. I don't know about where you live but in northern Indiana we have an ad paper that has had some decent rigs for decent prices. I'm also looking to get back in a little larger inexpensive boat till I'm done with school. But as the previous post stated shop around and compare you might get in new close to used. If you find a boat with a bad motor consider this ww.outboardexchange.com I found them searching for late model two-strokes, I loved my '05 150 carbureted Johnson now when I ready for a motor this is where I'm going.
Good Luck! |
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Posts: 127
Location: SUN PRAIRIE WI | I would fish lake Monona 90% of the time otherwise lake Mendota,Wingra,and Wisconsin river,and I would usually be casting for musky and my $ limit as crazy as it seems I have not decided yet I am trying to find out what I can get for how much.
I have looked at some deep vs on the internet and I noticed they all seem to have A step up as you go to the front of the boat,what I had in mind was one being all the deep level I know that would kill my storage space though |
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Posts: 136
Location: Dane Country | I live in Dane county.I bought my Tuffy 2 months ago.I pd $ 1,800. I'm redoing the floor and adding a 19gal metal fuel tank. when all said and done I will not have 5k in the boat. I have seen some really good deals on craigslist. There was a Tuffy in Naperville Il. for 5k already done.Good luck on your search.If you want to see my boat when I'm done let me know. |
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Posts: 51
| I would take a serious look at the new Skeeter MX1825 if your budget is around $30,000. The Navigators mentioned above would be my choice in aluminum. 1810 Lund Predator might be an option also. I live in the Madison area and I think a 17-18 foot boat is the perfect size. |
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Posts: 501
Location: S.Wisconsin | Pick up a champion 183 and let me know how you like it  That is the boat that is on my want list |
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Posts: 501
Location: S.Wisconsin | I actually run a 2001 esox magnum with a 60 tiller and fish madison. It is a great fishing platform. The only downside is it likes to take water over the bow in 1.5-2 footers. Boat runs about 33.5 mph with 2 guys and all the gear. Nice all around boat that will perform well on all the waters listed |
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Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB | wait til spring and go to the boat shows,pick out what you like and then try to find one used,the mad fishing show has tons of boats there of diff kinds,if ya can`t find a boat there you like quit fishing |
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Posts: 921
Location: Apollo, PA | If you can find one, the ranger 617 is perfect, i had to sell mine when i lost my job, and that was tough. It will fish with safety and even handle some rough water, very stable, great boat for an old guy like me. |
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Posts: 477
Location: Iowa | There is a Ranger 681VS listed in the boat ads. Great all around boat. I happen to know the owner is VERY motivated to sell. Make me an offer. I don't have room to store 2 this winter. |
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Posts: 80
Location: Geneva, IL | PM sent |
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Posts: 7038
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | TEX - 11/9/2011 11:38 PM
I was planning on buying A boat when I turn 59 and work less and fish more but that is 10 years from now I planned to buy A very nice boat then but now I think I want to buy one now.Except now I can only afford A used one and one not as nice.So have you got some recomendations for me.
I definatly want A deep v with console steering and A live well and probably the most important is for it to be sturdy.I am clumsy as hell so I want A very sturdy boat so 2 guys can fish in it move around in it and the doesnt rock when you all move around.I cant afford to spend A lot so hopefully you can give me some rcomendations.
THANKS FOR YOUR REPLIES
Yes, I'm a Tuff Team guy, but I would definitely recommend looking at the Tuffy 1760 GC. I have run one for the last 4 years and though I can turn over the boat and get back on the pro-staff thing I havent because honestly I love my boat so much that there's nothing that would be better w/o jumping up significantly in size and therefore have to get a bigger vehicle.
The 1760GC is a stable ride when driving (can handle up to 4-5' waves), can fish 3 (even when you're a clutz) and fishes a lot bigger than its 17'10" length.
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Location: Des Moines IA | For once listen to Slamr. He is a clutz, and his boat fishes way bigger than my 1700. Not to mention with the 150 opti it's dangerously close to a 50 mph boat. I have actually had it @ 52 GPS glass calm, just me #*^@ near empty on gas. |
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Posts: 697
Location: Minnetonka | TEX - 11/9/2011 11:38 PM
I was planning on buying A boat when I turn 59 and work less and fish more but that is 10 years from now.
Amen. Life is too short. That said, I recommend getting a Ranger. |
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Posts: 127
Location: SUN PRAIRIE WI | What do you think of the Tracker proguide any comments |
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Location: Des Moines IA | If you buy a Tracker, do not let them sell you one that is underpowered. They are famous for selling WAY underpowered boats. For that matter, max out the HP on any boat you buy. Easier resale, and there will be a time when you really want that extra power. |
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Help me pick A boat