I'm buying a new boat, thinking 19 ft. is the magic number. I fish rocky lakes in Maine/NH some rough, tough ramp conditions, lots of rocks. Any/all input is welcome

bigger is better. If you can afford it and store it then go with the bigger boat!  IMO

I've got a 20 and wishing it was a 22.   I remember in the early 80's when I bought my 17'6" with a 150 and thought it was a big boat, and was back then.   A few years later I got a 18'5" Stratos and thought it was a big boat.  Then I got a 19'5" Stratos, again thinking how much bigger it was.  When I first got my 20'5" Javelin, the decks felt like aircraft carrier landing decks but now the front deck fells cramped when I have several rods out and beginning to think I want a bigger boat.

Get as big as you can afford.  Just remeber, the bigger the boat, the more it takes to haul it (size of vehicle and gas), and run it.  The lake I fish I about 100 miles, truck gets 15 MPG with boat.  With other running around I burn about 20 gallons of gas just getting to and from the lake each weekend.  I can also easily burn 20 - 30 gallons of gas in the boat for the weekend.  At todays prices that about $150 just for gas two - three times a month.

Thanks for the input. There only appears to be +/- $ 800 difference between the 19 - 20 ft boat. I'll take a harder look at the 20

Like they said the bigger you can afford is better.  You will be able to fish more stably in a lot of different conditions the bigger the boat.  I would go for a 20 since they aren't that much different in price.  Also, invest in a keel guard. They are a lifesaver in rocky lakes, and can make the difference between a hole in your hull and a scuff on the keel guard.  

Go with the biggest you can afford (this includes towing/gas etc).  My first bass boat was 17'6.  The second was 18'.  My current one is 19'6".  I doubt there will be another, but if there is it will be at least 20'.  Depends on the water you're fishing.  

Being here in Maine I don't have that many choices. I am fortunate to have a large/reputable Ranger dealer, a Bass Cat dealer in NH and other than that it's just Nitro or Triton 2 hrs. north or south. I'm either going with a 20 ft. 2006 leftover Ranger or ordering a new 19' Bass Cat Pantera II, just have see how bad the Ranger dealer wants to sell a boat and what he's going to give for my trade in. From all I've heard/read seems like the Bass Cat 19' is a pretty good ride.

Ever try to go from a suburban to tahoe.  Once you have the space, it is hard to go the other way.  I am with the others!  Get as big as you can now!  

I have a BassCat Pantera Classic and simply love my boat.  Being well finished, fishes great handles BIG water extremly well (CA DELTA and Clear lake in 4-5' waves)  If you have the opportunity go down the the basscat dealership and have them take you for a ride in a Pantera or Puma(20')  you will be blown away.  

If you do go with a ranger the 520 is the one to hold out for!

I went back to the Ranger dealer today to look at the 520 at your and other folks recommendation. The drivers cockpit is very small and I just don't care for the consoles. I'm in the home stretch on the Z20 or Pantera II - salesman on vacation etc., trying to button things up fast, it's all in the numbers now, both boats are awesome although different.

i was going to buy an 18ft pontoon but due to avalability i ended up with a 22ft   boy i am glad i did      beause i feel like i am running out of room   everyone i knew said it will be hard to handle and hardto load   they had no idea what they were talking about its easy   so go bigger  ifyou can you wont regret it

Well, I run a 12 footer, and wish I had a 14.  Can't wait till we finish restoring the fifteen foot Lund deep vee.  Man I will be in hawg heaven then.