Louisiana Boat advice

[bohunter_biff]

Well, it has come down to this. I am stationed at Fort Polk, and absolutely love Louisiana. Like it so much that I bought land and am building a house as we speak and preparing for retirement in a couple years. My retirement gift is a new boat......which will be my first boat. Now for the problem and the age old much discussed issue: Aluminum or fiberglass. I have researched it on numerous forums, websites, various books, magazines, etc, and it is still clear as mud. Since I will be bass fishing (large/small lakes and rivers) and inshore red/trout fishing - I decided on a  bay boat. Since you all have lived here and understand what a boat will be subject to, I would value your input on which type of boat to buy - aluminum or fiberglass - and why.

[Jason]

I will give you a little advice. I tournament fish out of a skeeter. For the type of fishing you are talking about i would not reccomend an aluminum boat. I take it you are retiring close to toledo bend. When i go down to the coast we fish out of a 26 foot gator bay made by pro gator. The cool thing about this boat is that it is also perfect for bass fishing out of. Look on the progator website and check out this boat. We have driven this boat in the gulf of mexico out 100 miles before and it handled perfect. This boat would also be awesome when the wind kicks up on toledo bend. you would have no problem driving up and down the lake when it gets to rolling 4-5ft. Check out the progator website. My cousin actually bought the first ever model they made and we love every feature about it.

[bohunter_biff]

Thanks for the advice......looking at their website now.

[Mike Noble]

You want the best?  Check out the Legend boat site.  They are a sponsor of UltimateBass.com and make an awesome bass boat.  They have several different models and all of them are great.  If you spend a lot of time on "The Bend"...you won't find a better rough water boat than Legend.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[bohunter_biff]

Man this site is great!!!! You have been extremely helpful. Have been emailing different companies, having the wife call around for prices, and getting a feel for what is out there.

About how long will a fiberglass hull last with proper care compared to aluminum?

[Mike Noble]

Not sure about a comparison on hulls.  Just have to try and not "center" stumps with fiberglass. 

If you call Legend, they will set you up with a tour of the factory and work to give you a great deal.  They are in Midway, AR.  Also tell them you are a UB member.

If you want a test ride in a Legend, I'll try to set that up.  I live just north of Bossier City and run a 2008 Alpha211 with a 225 ProXS.

[cmegee]

If you're looking into bay boats Nitro makes a great line of inexpensive bay boats, and you can't beat the ride on a 929 bassboat.

[riptr186]

Which rivers and Lakes will you be fishing in.  I live on the Sabine River in Deweyville, Tx. and I'm run the river a lot, and I have 2 boats, one that is alum. for when the river is low and one fiberglass Triton Tr186 for when the river is high.  There are a lot of lakes up in the area you are talking about, but they do have a lot of stumps in them.  What ever you choose in a boat learn the water you will be running in.  I know several people that have lost there lower units in these lakes around here.

[BassBUFF]

If you call Legend, they will set you up with a tour of the factory and work to give you a great deal.  They are in Midway, AR.  Also tell them you are a UB member.

If you want a test ride in a Legend, I'll try to set that up.  I live just north of Bossier City and run a 2008 Alpha211 with a 225 ProXS.

Yep, can't beat a Legend in my opinion! Thier number is 1-888-657-5051. I have an '07 LE195 w/200 Optimax that is also available for a test ride if you want comparisons .

[Elwood]

A lot of great boats out there, but once you have looked at several then check out the BayCat by Bass Cat.  You will not get a better quality or ride and the customer service is the best, well atleast that is what JD Powers has said for the last four years.

Elwood

[bohunter_biff]

thanks guys. I have my work cut out for me in looking for a boat since I decided I am going to go with a fiberglass bay boat. I contacted Pro Gator, Blazer, and Carolina Skiff; next is Bass Cat. I want to thank you for offering to let me take a test rides with you, but I do not get back from Iraq until later this fall. Again, thanks for the help, and I may end up takeing you up on those offers  !!!!!

[BassBUFF]

I want to thank you for offering to let me take a test rides with you, but I do not get back from Iraq until later this fall. Again, thanks for the help, and I may end up takeing you up on those offers  !!!!!

Even though it's not a Bay boat, the offer still stands when you get back !

Thanks for your service to your Country !!

[Elwood]

Same goes for me, if you would like to go over a Bass Cat and take a run down the lake, just let me know.

Elwood

[ZARASSPOOKY]

If you run a ProGator, stumps dont seem so scary.

[Elwood]

Trust me, you can crack a Gator.  They are great boats and the support from the Leon Moore is nothing less than Outstanding.  I owned one for over 12 years and would not hesitate to put another one in the garage.

Elwood

[BassBUFF]

Trust me, you can crack a Gator.  They are great boats and the support from the Leon Moore is nothing less than Outstanding.  I owned one for over 12 years and would not hesitate to put another one in the garage.

Elwood

Don't you mean Leroy Moore?? Good people!!

[Elwood]

I was close.....lol

It is Leroy Moore.

He is a great person and has always stood behind his boats.

Elwood

[Elwood]

Here is a nice one for sale:

http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/4978

Elwood