So recently I posted about a Nitro demo, which is my starting point of my search for a newer, bigger, better bass boat. Here is my next problem. Where can I go to figure out what a name tells me about that boat. And how can I fimilarize myself to cut down on useless searches into a boat that is more or less than I am looking for. Newer boats I know I can find out on manufactor sites, but older (2005-2009) is a bit harder. I guess I need to know is how to figure out what is top of line, middle ground, and entry level.

Plenty more questions to come, so bare with me!

Edit:

Maybe it will help to open up what I'm looking for. Still not a 100% on everything, but looking for as new as possible, willing to go 6 or 7 years old on the right boat. Wanting to stay around $20k, 18-19 foot most likely. 150hp is all I need. Needs to have plenty of storage. Brands I've been considering are Nitro, Ranger, Bass Cat, Skeeter, Triton. A little concerned on Nitro after spending some time reading owner reviews.

If you're on a budget, it's tough to beat a Nitro dollar for dollar. The other boats you listed may be nicer, be fancier, etc., but you won't catch one more fish from them.

Your boat needs to get you from point A to point B, just like your vehicle needs to get you from point A to point B. A Chevvie and a Cadillac will both do that. The Caddy will be more impressive, have more features, etc., but it will not get you from one place to another more dependably.

One more thing to consider. Overall, it is going to the the motor that needs the most attention. The Merc, Johnrude, Yamaha that hangs on the transom of a (fill in the blank) is the same motor that hangs on the back of a Nitro. I know, Nitros come with Mercs. The point is the motor is the component in any rig that is most likely to give you trouble, not the boat itself.

Good point about the motor. I have been really leaning towards a newer Nitro based on budget. I hate the idea of getting somebody's unseen/unmentioned problems with a older used boat. The thing that has me nervous with Nitro is the rough water ride. I guess without going for a ride in one I will never truly know how it rides as everybody's opinion of rough water and ride is going to vary.

Have you looked at the Stratos 186 XT, especially in that price range.

Mike

In my opinion, Ranger boats are the ones who have done the most for the sport, they have pioneered the bass boat industry along the way and in many ways have brought other boat manufactures up to meet or exceed their standards.

Out of all of the manufactures other than Ranger, Nitro has come the farthest in my opinion, the newer Z series boats perform very well in waters rough or otherwise, I have several friends that have had other boats, high dollar boats, and all but one own Nitros now, I have heard the Z-8 is not what they expected as far as the way it gets on plane and rides but the Z-7 and Z-9 seem to be much nicer, I do not know the reason for the difference they feel but I thought it should be thrown in for some info you might be able to use or investigate.

I have looked at all of them and drove just about all of them as well, and in my opinion dollar for dollar Nitro is a good investment, I still have my 1990, although she is starting to show her age, she still gets me everywhere I want to go.

Good luck with your decision and be safe !!!

Well, after visiting 2 dealers, one being "my" Nitro dealer, I am all but convinced Nitro it will be. Looked at a 06 BassCat Sabre, and 3 skeeters at the other. Nothing compares to the size of the front deck of the newer Z7. I will be doing a demo ride on my next day off that also has higher winds to get that out of the way, but am less and less concerned about it the more I think about (or less over thinking is probably a better conclusion). With that being said, am leaning towards buying a demo based on the discounted price, knowing the history and wanting to own it for 10-15+ years.