Well im looking for that new boat to begin this years tournament season right.  I just moved to where i am in florida, and when i get a job the next thing im going to do is go out and get a boat (well after a couple paychecks).

Im looking for an entry level 18ft bass boat.  Im not sure what company yet.  I looked at Nitro and they look like the best buy and i liked the boats.........however thats just because its easy to research the prices for these boats becasue they readily price them.

I also looked at Stratos....which is my second pick......Triton.......which might be too expensive....but then again its hard to tell when you cant find a set price for anything without going to a dealer.

I looked at Skeeter, Champion, Pro Craft, BassCat, and a whole lot more.

I was also interested in aluminum models which could save me a alot in money and they could be a great starter boat.  I looked at Xrpess which was my favorite, G3 and Tracker.  My main concern with aluminum models is their ability to handle big water well............I fish lake okeechobee and it can get pretty hairy out there and im not an expert on hull design or anything so i dont know what boats can handle rough water if they NEEDED to.  If anyone who has a 18-20ft aluminum and belives that they are very stable in rough water.........i need a safe boat, but also one that I can compete in.

Can anyone give me some advice about what entry level boats are good performance wise and are RELIABLE, with a modest price tag.............20-23grand.  I saw that Triton has a new promotion for their boats.......a super low monthly rate with no money down............i could get a Tr 196 for $179 a month with no money down..........with a 5.9% interest rate for 48 months.........but the thing that scares the crap out of me is that after 48months the interest goes to 24% or somethin like that.  But i figure i can use any extra cash ive got to pay as much over the montly as possible but in an emergency only pay the minimum.  However......it still seems too sketchy.

Anyways.......id appreciate the input.

Well im looking for that new boat to begin this years tournament season right.  I just moved to where i am in florida, and when i get a job the next thing im going to do is go out and get a boat (well after a couple paychecks).

Im looking for an entry level 18ft bass boat.  Im not sure what company yet.  I looked at Nitro and they look like the best buy and i liked the boats.........however thats just because its easy to research the prices for these boats becasue they readily price them.

I also looked at Stratos....which is my second pick......Triton.......which might be too expensive....but then again its hard to tell when you cant find a set price for anything without going to a dealer.

I looked at Skeeter, Champion, Pro Craft, BassCat, and a whole lot more.

I was also interested in aluminum models which could save me a alot in money and they could be a great starter boat.  I looked at Xrpess which was my favorite, G3 and Tracker.  My main concern with aluminum models is their ability to handle big water well............I fish lake okeechobee and it can get pretty hairy out there and im not an expert on hull design or anything so i dont know what boats can handle rough water if they NEEDED to.  If anyone who has a 18-20ft aluminum and belives that they are very stable in rough water.........i need a safe boat, but also one that I can compete in.

Can anyone give me some advice about what entry level boats are good performance wise and are RELIABLE, with a modest price tag.............20-23grand.  I saw that Triton has a new promotion for their boats.......a super low monthly rate with no money down............i could get a Tr 196 for $179 a month with no money down..........with a 5.9% interest rate for 48 months.........but the thing that scares the crap out of me is that after 48months the interest goes to 24% or somethin like that.  But i figure i can use any extra cash ive got to pay as much over the montly as possible but in an emergency only pay the minimum.  However......it still seems too sketchy.

Anyways.......id appreciate the input.

You should be able to get into an entry level model from one of the name brands (not Ranger) for around $23 grand with a Vmax or a Merc XR6 (do they still sell the XR6?).  BTW, don't get confused by Nitro, they advertise their boats on the cheap by grossly underpowering them.  I'm betting you'll be pushing every bit of $25k if you drop a 150hp motor on the back of their 18 footer.   I'd suggest Champion only because of their famous rough water ride.  Another good boat in rough water you may not have looked at is Charger.  They've been in business for years and build a great rough water running boat. Not real quick but certainly a nicely laid out fishing boat with really nice, well thought out storage and with the ability to smooth out a tough lake like the Big O.  

Just because you're running that lake, I'd shy away from an aluminum.  There's no comparison in the ride between fiberglass and aluminum when the waters getting tuff.

I have a tracker tournament V-18 and I love it it dose all right in chopy water I have a 90hp on the back of mine and it dose 40-45. I fish lake lanier and that lake is lake a ocean in the summer time so if you get a aluminum boat take a look at tracker. but the only thing I dont like about it is the wiring the wired it then put the deck on it which make it hard to install new stuff

BTW, most manufacturers DON'T allow for internet pricing of boats in order to protect their dealership network.  Tracker marine is one of the few since they basically have a no haggle pricing structure.

As for brands, any of the top brands make a fine, reliable boat, the same goes with the motors.  You need to get out to some dealerships and start getting some prices and realize you can work with them on price.  While I said you can get an entry level boat at $23 grand, you probably won't be getting any electronics with it nor will you have much choice in color or about anything else.  Many of the things you think should come with the boat like an automatic bilge pump, are options on entry level boats.

If I was going to tell you the best rough water boat I'd suggest looking into Champion.  Take a look at the 187CX. Rated for a 175 but a 150 will push it just fine.  

Have you considered used?

I agree with cart7 on used boats, get a slightly used boat and let the preson who baught the boat first get all the bugs and and stuff out

The only reason im goin NEW is because its easier to finance and easier to get a low insurance rate..........also most used boats dont have transferable warantees.

nitro 901 cdx, 200 opti max, 74 mph, smooth ride, $32,500, easy to drive,