I found a 2000 Triton, TR186, 150 merc., Lowrance on dash and bow, Brute 67, 12/24 trolling motor, a heavy duty cover and almost anal service records from the time it was new for a fair price of $12,000. It also has a 3-bank onboard charger and is in absolutely mint condition.  Exactly the boat I am looking for.

Now the issue...I stopped at BPS and found a new 2008, 18' aluminum Tracker with a 90 merc. for about the same price. I fish very few tournaments and most of the lakes around here the 90 is plenty of motor. I do make several trips to Fork and other east Texas lakes every year.

Which way would you go?

Thanks for any input.

Comparing Alum. to glass is like Chev. to a caddy.

Garnet

So then the question becomes, The aluminum boat is great for the majority of the fishing I do most of the year, how suitable is it for those few trips you take to TX each year?

If the answer is the TX trips are a must but the aluminum boat isn't the best to be on in those TX lakes I'd say the fiberglass would be the choice.

Just remember that despite the better comfort, ride and storage the fiberglass offers it also requires more maintenance to keep it looking good than an aluminum and is heavier resulting in more gas burned throughout the year just going to and from your local lakes.

I fish a lot of conservation lakes that are hp limited.  Still though, the fiberglass boat just works better for me.  It's hard to give up the stability and soundness of a fiberglass boat for the alternative though I have been looking at some of the newer aluminums that have fiberglass like rides.  

I hear ya cart, I had an 88 Skeeter starfire with a 175 and loved it.  My current boat is a 89 Tracker TX17 which has been to Fork and others many times with only a 35 merc.  With the new boat, I'd get the warranty but would have to purchase trolling motor upgrade, onboard charger, electronics upgrade, etc.  With the Triton I get the Cadilac, storage, comfort, stability and quite a bet more HP.  This will probably be the last boat I purchase so I want it to be around for a few years. :-/

After having the motor checked out, I would go with the triton. It comes down to how important warranty,gas mileage,speed and what truck to tow and pull it out of boat ramps are to you. Good luck with the purchase!!!

Exactly the boat I am looking for.

Go with your gut.  In my case, it's when I second guess myself or look to save a few bucks that I start making bad decisions.  

If the Triton is exactly what you want, then go for it.  My friend just got a 2007 TR186  this spring and it is a great boat.