bishoptf Posted March 21 Share Posted March 21 Long story but will try to keep it short, I want to replace my current boat that I have had since 2010. I have a ranger 180 vs (fish and ski), I live in a small lake community and got the boat when the kids were young and did dual purpose, pulled them around and allowed me to fish. I have really enjoyed it but now the kiddos are out of the house I would like to go with something more dedicated to fishing since lack of storage is really lacking on my current setup. That brings me to the question that I posed in the title, most always say best etc and I purposefully excluded that since its subjective and really for me I am just trying to get some suggestions of makers and models that I can look for used that are known to have good quality. If money was no object then I would get a lund pro v bass, really like the boat, has ton of storage and looks like it would handle bigger water better than most. Now I currently live in the mid west, I have no plans to go fish Great lakes etc but even my lake of the ozarks on certain days on the main channel can get quite interesting so besides storage my other top consideration would be how it handles in rougher water ( I know the driver can make up for that) but some are better handling than others etc. I still may go the new route since I see used boats seem to be priced pretty high but this will still give me some ideas of maybe the better ones to look into. There is a 23 pro-v bass brand new with 200 pro xs at my local dealer without a lot of stuff I want, talons, electronics etc and they are wanting 60k and for me I can afford it but have a hard time justifying spending that much, thats just me though. I was thinking of maybe going used 5 years or less and maybe saving some money but maybe thats not the case. Anyway, open to some recommendations for mfg and models that have good build quality in the last 5 years and would do well in most types of water, thanks. Looks like I cannot edit my posting but looking for Bass Boats, can be glass or aluminum... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User A-Jay Posted March 21 Super User Share Posted March 21 IMO, and I know we've talked about this at least once already, when it comes to aluminum bass rigs, there's the Pro-V Bass and then there's everything else. The 25 inch transom is a game changer. A quick search shows that 2017 used Pro-V bass rigs with a 200 hp motor are still going for 45K. Which is cool, but add a few more bucks and you get a rig where you KNOW ALL the History with. Because you make it. Why settle on a lesser rig to save a few bucks. Get what you want; something that will perform when & where you need it to. You deserve it. Life is short. Good Luck A-Jay btw- my rig is going on season 8 and still running strong. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishoptf Posted March 21 Author Share Posted March 21 16 minutes ago, A-Jay said: IMO, and I know we've talked about this at least once already, when it comes to aluminum bass rigs, there's the Pro-V Bass and then there's everything else. The 25 inch transom is a game changer. A quick search shows that 2017 used Pro-V bass rigs with a 200 hp motor are still going for 45K. Which is cool, but add a few more bucks and you get a rig where you KNOW ALL the History with. Because you make it. Why settle on a lesser rig to save a few bucks. Get what you want; something that will perform when & where you need it to. You deserve it. Life is short. Good Luck A-Jay btw- my rig is going on season 8 and still running strong. Thanks A-Jay and agree with what you are saying and I agree the used boats seem to be going close to what a new one is running. It's a mind thing and something I just need to come to terms with, everything is so expensive. I need to go look at the one locally and see how they have it setup, what trolling motor etc. Thats another thing to consider and I have thought about the history part, I'd like to get something and not have to work on it etc...I want to fish etc so that is another consideration. Any glass boats out there that are pretty solid that I should look at? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBasser Posted March 21 Share Posted March 21 If you're looking to spend 60k+ I would be looking at glass boats. Phoenix makes a great boat and so does BassCat, but I would highly suggest doing your own research on the different companies before you decide to buy. Lund makes a nice boat but my friend had a tough time getting them to honor their "lifetime transom warranty" on a 4 year old boat so I personally wouldn't feel comfortable spending that much on one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted March 21 Super User Share Posted March 21 3 hours ago, bishoptf said: when the kids were young Complaining about the price of a boat if you've had kids holds no water. They are the ultimate money pits. Boats are cheap compared to kids. Where's @slonezp, he'll back me up on this lol 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User GaryH Posted March 21 Super User Share Posted March 21 Aluminum - Pro V, Glass - Skeeter, Basscat, Phoenix, Ranger. Imho good luck on your search. As mentioned get the one you want and can afford. Don’t buy a boat and then wish you would have got the one you really wanted. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishoptf Posted March 21 Author Share Posted March 21 1 minute ago, gimruis said: Complaining about the price of a boat if you've had kids holds no water. They are the ultimate money pits. Boats are cheap compared to kids. Where's @slonezp, he'll back me up on this lol ROFL yeah thats true, but I think its about perspective at least for me. Kids have been spoiled, one is finally out of college and working and the other one still has a couple more years but I have enough put aside for that. I'm not complaining per se, everything is expensive these days, I'm just old...lol. Ya know I remember when, I paid 12k for my used ranger, I probably can sell it for what I paid for it. I have no regrets on the kids, hoping at some point they can appreciate coming out of college with no loans etc...:) Yeah the tru bass boats like skeeters etc are 90k+, I really love to fish but thats a lot of coin. 4 minutes ago, GaryH said: Aluminum - Pro V, Glass - Skeeter, Basscat, Phoenix, Ranger. Imho good luck on your search. As mentioned get the one you want and can afford. Don’t buy a boat and then wish you would have got the one you really wanted. Yeah those are all that I have been thinking about, kind of whats the best bang for your buck kind of deal. Nitro is maybe the budget buy, i fish out of my buddies and it has help up and runs pretty well. I guess I should have asked out of skeeter, basscat, phoenix which lines would you consider the best bang for your buck lines. I think for skeeter it was the zx line, if I recall that correctly. I've heard phoenix's are nice riding and handling boats but I will probably not get to test drive anything and again going fast is not really my main goal but something that can handle some level of rough water. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted March 21 Super User Share Posted March 21 Lake of the Ozarks is no joke. There are a lot of freaking boats on that lake at one time and it can turn into a washing machine. Don't skimp on the size for that place. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishoptf Posted March 21 Author Share Posted March 21 12 minutes ago, gimruis said: Lake of the Ozarks is no joke. There are a lot of freaking boats on that lake at one time and it can turn into a washing machine. Don't skimp on the size for that place. Yeah depends on time of day and where you are etc, my small lake that I fish on is like a washing machine big ski boats. If I am fishing on the main lake its like I am on the ocean, well maybe not that bad but i've had wakes break over my boat, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User MickD Posted March 21 Super User Share Posted March 21 Don't buy without 1. Seeing the service history 2. trying it out on the water. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishoptf Posted March 21 Author Share Posted March 21 6 minutes ago, MickD said: Don't buy without 1. Seeing the service history 2. trying it out on the water. Yeah understand, older not my first go around. I had the pleasure of rebuilding my optimax from the block up when it decided to nuke one of the pistons. I do all my own work but would rather avoid all of that why I would rather go new... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBasser Posted March 21 Share Posted March 21 1 hour ago, bishoptf said: ROFL yeah thats true, but I think its about perspective at least for me. Kids have been spoiled, one is finally out of college and working and the other one still has a couple more years but I have enough put aside for that. I'm not complaining per se, everything is expensive these days, I'm just old...lol. Ya know I remember when, I paid 12k for my used ranger, I probably can sell it for what I paid for it. I have no regrets on the kids, hoping at some point they can appreciate coming out of college with no loans etc...:) Yeah the tru bass boats like skeeters etc are 90k+, I really love to fish but thats a lot of coin. Yeah those are all that I have been thinking about, kind of whats the best bang for your buck kind of deal. Nitro is maybe the budget buy, i fish out of my buddies and it has help up and runs pretty well. I guess I should have asked out of skeeter, basscat, phoenix which lines would you consider the best bang for your buck lines. I think for skeeter it was the zx line, if I recall that correctly. I've heard phoenix's are nice riding and handling boats but I will probably not get to test drive anything and again going fast is not really my main goal but something that can handle some level of rough water. In terms of Phoenix a 721 proxp would be the best value for a 21 ft boat, 819 for a 19 ft boat. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User GaryH Posted March 21 Super User Share Posted March 21 1 hour ago, bishoptf said: ROFL yeah thats true, but I think its about perspective at least for me. Kids have been spoiled, one is finally out of college and working and the other one still has a couple more years but I have enough put aside for that. I'm not complaining per se, everything is expensive these days, I'm just old...lol. Ya know I remember when, I paid 12k for my used ranger, I probably can sell it for what I paid for it. I have no regrets on the kids, hoping at some point they can appreciate coming out of college with no loans etc...:) Yeah the tru bass boats like skeeters etc are 90k+, I really love to fish but thats a lot of coin. Yeah those are all that I have been thinking about, kind of whats the best bang for your buck kind of deal. Nitro is maybe the budget buy, i fish out of my buddies and it has help up and runs pretty well. I guess I should have asked out of skeeter, basscat, phoenix which lines would you consider the best bang for your buck lines. I think for skeeter it was the zx line, if I recall that correctly. I've heard phoenix's are nice riding and handling boats but I will probably not get to test drive anything and again going fast is not really my main goal but something that can handle some level of rough water. My opinion a Skeeter but I’m biased. I run a 21’ Skeeter and I have no complaints. It handles rough water as good as any bass boat. IMO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User slonezp Posted March 21 Super User Share Posted March 21 2 hours ago, gimruis said: Complaining about the price of a boat if you've had kids holds no water. They are the ultimate money pits. Boats are cheap compared to kids. Where's @slonezp, he'll back me up on this lol Get rid of the kids and money flows like water.....until they give you grandkids 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Bird Posted March 21 Super User Share Posted March 21 If I were to buy a new glass boat today it would be a Vexus AVX 2080. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Born 2 fish Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 I would recommend Phoenix or bass cat. I personally had issues with my old nitro with no support from the manufacturer I will never own anything from whitewater marine ever again but that’s just my opinion. I also had a couple small issues with my 2014 Lund impact I sent Lund multiple emails that were never answered and many unreturned phone calls with no help from Lund or Brunswick but my dealer took care of the issues for me he did not have to. I sold that boat as well. I bought a new Phoenix 819 last year it’s been great at 19’8 it’s almost a 20’ boat it rides and handles great and the folks at Phoenix are wonderful before my purchase I had multiple conversations with Jeff at Phoenix and I know if I have a issue it will be taken care of. Whatever you buy make sure the manufacturer stands behind their product. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishoptf Posted March 22 Author Share Posted March 22 15 hours ago, NYBasser said: In terms of Phoenix a 721 proxp would be the best value for a 21 ft boat, 819 for a 19 ft boat. Yup I have started narrowing down from my research and those are 2 boats on my list, the 721 is still more $$ than I want to spend but I have narrowed it down to these boats so far: Phoenix 819 pro (maybe something in the pro xp line but probably not due to price) Skeeter zx200 Lund Pro v Bass xs 1875 Nitro z19 Still reading and researching but this is what I have come up with so far, there are some other aluminum options that may be a little cheaper like vexus etc but the ones above are the ones I have settled on so far. Those are not listed in any order but I think I would be happy with any one of them but going to go look at them and see the layout etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Born 2 fish Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 9 minutes ago, bishoptf said: Yup I have started narrowing down from my research and those are 2 boats on my list, the 721 is still more $$ than I want to spend but I have narrowed it down to these boats so far: Phoenix 819 pro (maybe something in the pro xp line but probably not due to price) Skeeter zx200 Lund Pro v Bass xs 1875 Nitro z19 Still reading and researching but this is what I have come up with so far, there are some other aluminum options that may be a little cheaper like vexus etc but the ones above are the ones I have settled on so far. Those are not listed in any order but I think I would be happy with any one of them but going to go look at them and see the layout etc. Keep in mind the Phoenix 819 pro and the 919 pro xp is the same exact boat the 919 has a few more standard options and a extra 25 hp. If you any questions on the 819 let me know. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishoptf Posted March 22 Author Share Posted March 22 Going to add basscat to the mix, I have one dealer near me but they have no boats but the trailer step up into the boat might actually sell me the boat, lol. I will probably be fishing by myself most of the time so anything that makes it easy to get in and out of the boat is a plus in my book. Not sure how well they handle vs the others that I have on my list, the ones I have on my list are supposedly handle very nice. Will need to do some more research on basscats but adding the panterra classic to the list. Phoenix 819 pro (maybe something in the pro xp line but probably not due to price) Skeeter zx200 Lund Pro v Bass xs 1875 Panterra Classic Nitro z19 57 minutes ago, Born 2 fish said: Keep in mind the Phoenix 819 pro and the 919 pro xp is the same exact boat the 919 has a few more standard options and a extra 25 hp. If you any questions on the 819 let me know. Yeah its a $$ thing, the 919 pro has nicer features but I am always thinking about the money. THe money saved with the 819 can go a long way towards electronics and talons etc...I'm basically looking for my best bang for buck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Born 2 fish Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 25 minutes ago, bishoptf said: Going to add basscat to the mix, I have one dealer near me but they have no boats but the trailer step up into the boat might actually sell me the boat, lol. I will probably be fishing by myself most of the time so anything that makes it easy to get in and out of the boat is a plus in my book. Not sure how well they handle vs the others that I have on my list, the ones I have on my list are supposedly handle very nice. Will need to do some more research on basscats but adding the panterra classic to the list. Phoenix 819 pro (maybe something in the pro xp line but probably not due to price) Skeeter zx200 Lund Pro v Bass xs 1875 Panterra Classic Nitro z19 Yeah its a $$ thing, the 919 pro has nicer features but I am always thinking about the money. THe money saved with the 819 can go a long way towards electronics and talons etc...I'm basically looking for my best bang for buck. You can add a trick step to any of the trailers for about 600 bucks. In 2023 & earlier the 919 didn’t have that many standard features over the 819 I pretty much added everything the 919 had to my 819 and was still considerably cheaper then the 919. Probably due to the smaller engine but believe me the 200 pushes the 819 extremely good . Now with the 2024 919 elite that has a lot of upgrades over the 819. And it’s a lot more money. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishoptf Posted March 22 Author Share Posted March 22 5 minutes ago, Born 2 fish said: You can add a trick step to any of the trailers for about 600 bucks. In 2023 & earlier the 919 didn’t have that many standard features over the 819 I pretty much added everything the 919 had to my 819 and was still considerably cheaper then the 919. Probably due to the smaller engine but believe me the 200 pushes the 819 extremely good . Now with the 2024 919 elite that has a lot of upgrades over the 819. And it’s a lot more money. Yeah I am probably in the minority, I am not fishing tournaments and really going really fast is not my top priority. I would be fine with a 150 but I would prefer to have something closer to 20ft just for space and ride benefits but everything in that size class is going to have at least a 200 and thats fine with me. Will have to look into the trick step, really appears to make it easy to get in and out of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBasser Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 The 819 is a great boat and if you're set on new and that's all your budget allows, I would go with it. But that being said, since you fish Ozarks, I would be looking at some used 721's just for increased size, storage, speed, and rough water ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User TOXIC Posted March 22 Super User Share Posted March 22 You need to back up and identify a basic item. What kind of boat you need. After that is established, you can get suggestions on manufacturers, etc. Tin/glass? Deep V/bass boat pad hull? If you need a deep V because of the water you fish……and I consider LOZ a very good candidate…..any glass bass boat hull is going to fall short. Sure, you can run them on the great lakes if you want but are they the best? Not in my opinion. If you spend the majority of your time on a lake or lakes that you risk your safety in bad weather or boat traffic, then be honest with your skills and abilities as well as your boats. Going to Lake St Clair for the last 21 years and riding with some of the most talented boat drivers I have ever seen in the worst conditions I have ever been in educated me to my and my boats limits. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Born 2 fish Posted March 22 Share Posted March 22 5 hours ago, NYBasser said: The 819 is a great boat and if you're set on new and that's all your budget allows, I would go with it. But that being said, since you fish Ozarks, I would be looking at some used 721's just for increased size, storage, speed, and rough water ride. I agree with this get the biggest one you can afford if your on LOZ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishoptf Posted March 25 Author Share Posted March 25 Welp I braved the wind and started looking at some boats, was able to look at a skeeter zx200, pretty nice not as much rod storage as I would like but looked like a nice boat. I also was able to look at the lund pro v bass xs, although they had sold the 1875 they had a 2075 to look at. I think it has the most storage of any of the boats that I am looking at. I also stopped by my local Basspro and looked at the nitro z19, wow they have deals going for 2023 units and makes me really tempted. They have a fully configured z19 pro w/ ghost TM and 2 lowrance 9 hds live units and raptor shallow anchor for 60K. I just don't think the build quality is as nice as the other boats I am looking for but that checks a lot of boxes. The other one that I have added to the list is the Ranger z519 boat, since they merged with the same group of Basspro they are on clearance also. I have found a z519 cup edition with dual consoles with the ghost and lowrance 9HDS units about four hours away, same 61K clearance price. From what I can see used bass boats that are couple years old still going for 45-50k+ but has me thinking about what I want to do. Just more to think about.... Still have to try to go see a phoenix but sounds like there trailers are not the best, not sure why you put a great boat on a dodgy trailer but lots of complaints about those trailers. The other thing I have decided is that I am not going to go bigger than a 19', I have a mid size frontier and while I think bigger handle better in rougher conditions when I am retired I would not plan on going out in any of those conditions. Lake of the Ozarks while it can get rough that is usually under certain circumstances with the boat traffic, main channel, holidays, weekends etc...plenty ways to avoid that stuff so I think 19' are what I am settling on and just looking at all my options. Not really a fan of Lowrance, I have Hbird now but old stuff, I guess my dream would be ultrex up front with Hbird 360 and garmin live scope. Most of the Basspro deals run out in a few days but with them being old stock I would imagine the prices would stay the same but trying to not let that rush me decision wise. Just thought I would update with my latest information... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.