A couple of months back I posted my interest in buying a new boat.  I gave a couple of models that I was looking at and asked for your opinions.  A couple of you made it perfectly clear, that they were underpowered, with poor ammenities and that I would ultimately be disappointed.  I may have been a little put-off by the frankness of your responses (CART7) , but ultimately your advice was taken to heart, and re-evaluated my needs, wants, etc.  Went back to the drawing board, and this time did a lot of homework.  I ordered my new boat today.  It's no 70 mph boat by any means, but I don't fish tourneys, and am usually by myself.  So anyway, I want to sincerely thank you guys for all the tough advice.  If it hadn't been for a few members of this site laying into me I would have been surely stuck with something that I would have regretted.  Now keep in mind this is no 50,000 rig, but I think I picked a winner for my needs.  I looked, and rode in everything...Stratos, Nitro, Skeeter, Tracker, Ranger.  I took your advice and was firm with all of the dealers about exactly what I wanted.  Some of their reactions eliminated their boats as contenders.  This afternoon, I ended up ordering a Triton TR186, single console, Merc opti 175,  (max allowable horses for the boat), upgraded hydraulic steering instead of cables, jackplate, Full bow electronics, GPS and depth in dash, lighted compartments, stainless latches, gatormount, and custom color.  It ended up costing closer to 30,000 than 25,000 but I think I will be happy.  Oh yeah, galvanized trailer cause I fish the potomac.  Anyway guys,  WAY2SLOW, CART, Iapologize for any rude comments and thanks for giving me the tough love.

congrats on the new boat, I thought you said you didnt buy a 70mph boat LOL

Congrats Chug. The 186 is a solid, dependable boat.  

I can't tell you how many times I've heard guys underpower a boat, either on the salesmans advice or the advice of others.  Most of the time the reasons are "I don't need to go 70mph so why do I need the bigger motor?".  They find out when the boat is fully loaded with 2 anglers and all the gear. Suddenly, holeshot is awful, slow - mid-range planing speed is hard to accomplish and the fuel mileage goes to pot because you're having to run the smaller motor harder to get the boat to perform.  Boat performance is about more than just top end speed.

enjoy your new rig!  8-)

Good luck with her!!  

Smart decision. Hope she serves you well........................Al

Sounds like you have made a purchase that will last you as long as you want to fish.  Enjoy, and post some pics of that baby, as well as the first fish you catch outta her.

Welcome to the slave quarters of the BOAT MONKEY!   ;D ;D ;D

I want a $30,000.00 bass boat.

Can I borrow yours?  

Good luck dude.

very cool man i hope one day i can afford that much but for now a used 4k bass tracker will do me fine lol

Congrats.. you'll love that boat...

Congrats on the purchase. The TR186 was a great choice. Good Luck with it. I love mine.

bassdocktor

Congratulations Chug Bug. 8-)

I hope you enjoy your new boat.

Tom

Congrats!  That boat should serve you well for many years!

Congratulations!

This makes for a great story, too. "Tough love?" That's what we need more of around here when we're dealing with full grown men. Considering the expertise of some of our members, their suggestions go far beyond just being another opinion.

Chug, sounds like you got yourself a sweet ride!

Thanks for the well wishes everyone.  It's been hard to sleep since I placed the order.  It will hopefully be here by December.  I'll post 3,000 pics when it arrives.

chug bug,

that sounds like a great boat.  i'm sure you'll enjoy it.  hope you christen it with a double digit largemouth in the livewell!