I was going to try not to drive everybody nuts with excessive questions about every boat I look at. Unfortunately I have already done that to all my family, friends and loved ones around here and you are all I have left. I just sold one of my old toys (Toyota Land Cruiser) so that money was put in the bass boat pile. I am going to look at a 1999 Stratos 273 with an Evinrude 150 over the weekend. It's a nice tight ride but isn't exactly screaming my name. In my searching around I also stumbled across an 18 foot Bumblebee with a 150 Merc. There is something about the Bumblebee that I really like. It just seems like some love and care went into building it.  Anyway, does anyone have any info on this brand of boat.

Well, I know a bait company owner who used to be this regions sales rep for Bumblebee. I can put you in touch with him if you would like. He could probably tell you all you want to know.

PM me if you would like his contact info.

Are they still in production?

Yes they are still in production. Very nice boats. Madhouse, I recently bought a Stratos 278 from a man outside Atlanta and absolutely love it. Johnson 150 pushes it over 60mph and it is the perfect size for a guy that normally fishes alone. Highly recommend the deck extension.

Here is there homepage: http://www.bumblebeeboats.com/ , They seem like real nice Boats.

Thanks for the help guys. I checked out both the website recommendations and the Bumblebee definately seems like a well made boat. I'm sure you long termers have watched the process that I'm going through on here over and over again. Buying a boat is a such an agonizing decision. I'm looking for used in the $6500-$8500 range, 17-18 foot with a 115-150 hp. I can't go much bigger right now due to towing limitations. I can only imagine how the process is when you are going to lay down some really big money. One thing that must definately be better about buying new is that you get to pick your boat, pick your outboard and then choose your accessories. Actually with all the great rides out there making that decision would probably be pretty hard as well. Please bear with me while the search continues.

well in my low budget world, $8500 sure is real "money"!!  I agonize when budgeting out $500 for a restore job!  Good luck in your hunt and I think you will find that the longer you look and the pickier you are, the better your outcome will be.  Good luck hunting!