RetiredNavy02

South FLA, thanks! I'm still looking and researching the issue. I don't want to jump on what I believed was a bargain and regret it before looking at all options. I'm going to look at a 2004 Nitro NX 750 DC which the dealer just got on the lot. It has a 115HP Evinrude on it. It's used, it's fished, and it has minor scratches but overall a nice boat and the dealer gave it a clean bill of health on both the structure, motor, wiring, and electronics. Asking price is $7500 A friend of mine told me about an older 1989 Winner Tournment Legend Boat for sale that he says is in excellent condition. Boat has a 150HP Merc XP Motor. The local marina just put in a new VRO pump, rear bearings, fuel line, Impeller and lower end lube. price is $2000. The boat is a lot older then I would look at but I'm going to take a look anyways. I know several tournment fisherman who are familiar with the boat and says it is a nice boat and runs strong. I'm on the fence as to whether buy something new and have the full warranty behind it (and payments to go with it) or buy something in good shape used and pay cash. I've been re-doing some hardwood floors in the bedrooms of our house so fishing and boat looking has taken a back seat for now till I can get some items off my Honey-Do list. Regards, Tom

Thanks guys! Already, most of the boats I had already mentioned were sold before I even got a chance to take a look at them. That leaves me currently the 2009 Stratos 176XT left. There are several old Trackers (1999-2003) being sold in the local area but they have seen better days (carpet needs replacing, seats, possibly engine). I do need to take a ride over to East Hartford Cabelas since they have a 2011 Lowe Stinger 170 in their inventory. Here's a question for all you knowledgeable ones, since the 2009 Stratos is considered a new boat, how much percentage off should I see being it is a 2009; if any? He wants $17,800 out the door for everything. Hoping to have him throw in a keel guard and bow mounted finder (transducer hooks up to the trolling motor) as part of our possible negotiations.

Minnow, Truthfully, just looking for a good boat that will take me fishing and occasionally take the family out for a ride on the lakes. Doesn't matter if it is glass or aluminum. Just trying to avoid purchasing something that will give me problems over the coming years. I know that's a chance even with the best boats but if I can gather insight to those who actually use them and weight that into my decision on what to purchase it "may" save me the frustration down the pipeline. No Crestliner dealers that I can find. I did find out that Lowe's is offering $3,000 off a Stinger 170 and will offer military discount on top of that (not sure how much of a discount). I guess when it comes down to it, the waters here in Connecticut are not very large. It sounds like from what I'm seeing that either boat (glass or aluminium) will fare well under those conditions. Guess it all boils down to a matter or whether I like the boat or not and what price it is. Thanks!

Jig Man, the Stinger has a Mercury 115 ELPT Optimax. The used boats that are available are: 2003 Stratos 170 with 90HP Mercury (not sure which one) - $6500 2004 185VS with an Evinrude 150HO with 73 hours on Motor. - $15,500 2008 Skeeter SX 180 with a Yamaha F115 LTR Four Stroke Motor. - $16,000 2004 Skeeter ZX225 with a Yamaha VZ225 HPDI 2-STROKE. - $18,000 Thanks!

I've heard good things about the Xpress brand boats but looking over their website, there are no dealers in the Southern New England area. The dealership with the G3 also carries Rangere and Skeeters but they are a little out of my price range new. They do have some used ones (2004, 2006) in the mid-teens, just not sure if I should opt for that or stick to new. Thanks! R/ Tom

Okay guys and girls, I am looking to finally buy myself a bass boat. Last boat I owned was a 1976 Sears Ted Williams Jon Boat. Being retired Navy hard to believe I have gone without a boat for fishing so long. In our area we have the typical array of low/mid-priced boats (Lowe's, G3, Tracker, Stratos). I'm trying to keep the price for a new boat in the mid to upper teens and my assorted which I have narrowed it down to are: 2009 Stratos 176XT with 60HP motor. This is a new boat (never touched the water nor registered) that the dealership has. He's asking $17,500 for the boat which currently doesn't have a motor (cannibilized for another boat). They are offering to put a 2011/2012 60HP on it for that price. 2010 Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW $15,370 w/60HP Motor 2010 Lowe Stinger HP 18 w/115 HP motor $22,500 - This one is more then I had planned on spending but still a consideration since I qualify for an addition military discount which will bring it down a little closer to $20K 2010 G3 Eagle 165 - small 25HP motor. I've read the various posts on aluminum versus glass. Most of the waters I fish are smaller lakes here in Connecticut with 8mph limits (except during the summer for three months for water skiing. I know that general consensus is glass is better but even then it looks like a Ford Vs. Chevy Debate (which we all know Ford is better right) :-) Anyways, I appreciate your feedback (good, bad, indifferent). There are several used boats around the area. Looking at a 2003 Stratos 170 with 5 hours on the motor and asking price of $6,500 R/Tom

Over in Arcadia Management Area in Exeter Rhode Island is some great fishing streams and lakes. The State does a good job of stocking these bodies of waters. If you need specific information, feel free to message me through this site. The Wood River runs through Arcadia and throughout the years have seen trout concentrated in areas where the fishing pressure was low. Most fisherman tend to fish on the south side of Route 165 near the canoe and kayak launch area. Breakheart Pond on the North side is a nice small lake which doesn't have a lot of fishing pressure. A small jon boat or canoe would be perfect for this pond.

I picked one up at the Lisbon, CT Walmart at that price. Now I just need to find a deal on a rod to use it with.

Well guys, almost bought a Shaw Grigsby reel from Dicks but then saw a Abu Garcia Revo S reel handing in our local Walmart store for $80. Hesitated on the Revo for a day or two and then went back to get it and ended up paying $74 at the Lisbon Walmart store. Picked up some #40lb Power Pro, now just need to find a decent rod to go with it. Will try Fish Connection in Preston and see what they have price wise compared to Dicks and Cabelas.

Thanks for everyones input. Going to have to take a road trip to Cabelas and utilize some of my Cabelas' points

I'm in Griswold. We mostly fish Pachaug, Beach, and Hopeville Pond. Occasionally we also give the Quinebaug a try. Most of my catches have been on Senkos (wacky rigged) and Berkely BladeDancer minnows (my Cabelas bargain lurer which ended up being my most productive).

Other then when I was stationed down south, I never utilized a Baitcast Rod and Reel much up here in the Northeast. Over the past year I've started fishing from a boat with my father-in-law and noticed a lot of good fishing areas are chocked with lily pads. I'm looking to toss some frogs or salad spoons into the Lily Pads so am looking for an decent rod/reel/line recommendation. My main go to rod and reel is my spinning rod with Yozuri Ultra Soft line (8lb). So at the present I don't want to invest if an expensive baitcast combo, just something decent enough to get by with occasional use. I have to add, that I've always been a trout fisherman so Bass fishing is relatively new to me. My father-in-law competes occasionally in the local tournaments. He hasn't mastered baitcast fishing so he's using Spiderwire on his spinning tackle (which I guess is another option). Also appreciate any recommends on what works best. I picked up a couple of SPRO Bronzed Eyed Frogs over at Hartford Cabelas. Still need to expand my arsenal. All inputs appreciated; thanks! Regards, Tom in Connecticut