Shopping for a boat question

[Drake691]

I'm looking for my first Bass Boat and I was directed to this one. I am looking for a Ranger and I believe my 2012 Ford Escape can only tow a 18 footer. But I could be wrong. My buddy showed me this boat that was forsale. Is it worth the price they are asking?

http://www.dtpowersports.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=822685&p=6&s=Year&d=D&fr=xClearanceInventory

[Ron Fogelson]

I was able to price out a new Z 118 C much much cheaper than that,, take your time, do some research on average price points, decide on a max price you are willing to spend and then find a boat that fits you best.

As good of a deal on the Z 118 I went with the Z520 carbon for what I think was a very good price.  Looked at boats for a couple years but when I was ready to pull the trigger had my new ride at home the next day. 

[Bud Kennedy]

Drake, if your Escape has a 2.5L Engine with a tow package it should work fine.  Don't know about how it would handle hills and highway.  I used to tow my 18' ranger with a 2.5L Kia Sorento a few years back and it did the job but there are not many hills here.  Probably would have some issues.  I moved up to a larger vehicle and all is well. When you calculate the weight during your decision don't forget to remember to add in the weight of the motor, tackle, gas etc.  It adds up quickly.  I say this only because I believe you are still a bit border line with your vehicle.

[Deadeye]

I have been looking for more than a few years myself for a new boat. I also looked at the Z118c and they are great boats. My dealer priced out one for me at about $41,000.00 New. That was with the option I chose.

Lately I seen the new TRX series that Triton came out with this year. They offer 3 18+ ft boats in the 179, 189, and 18 models. The 18 TRX at 18' 8" with a 200 HP comes well equipped, including Jackplate, Blinker Trim, and Hotfoot for around $34,000 MSRP. The 179 TRX is 18" 6" rated for 115 HP and is $23,000.00 MSRP. The 189 TRX at 18' 8" with a 150 comes in at $28,000.00 MSRP.

Might want to check them out as well.

[Drake691]

I'm actually looking around across the border. Canadians can actually save close to $20,000 if you know how to shop and do the Customs paperwork(I do). I've been trying to find a dealer in upstate New York. Sure it could take 2 days to drive and pick it up but it's worth the savings.

[Ron Fogelson]

Deadeye with base options Jackplate, Blinker Trim, and Hotfoot a 225 & graph at the dash you can find a dealer wanting to move you into a Ranger Z118 for less then the 18 TRX at 18' 8" with a 200 HP 

[Bigwrench]

Deadeye with base options Jackplate, Blinker Trim, and Hotfoot a 225 & graph at the dash you can find a dealer wanting to move you into a Ranger Z118 for less then the 18 TRX at 18' 8" with a 200 HP 

I have been kicking around a new one myself and was thinking it was just cheaper to restore mine and upgrade when I could. After reading this I may have to reconsider restoring mine now lol. That's a great deal !!

[Deadeye]

That would be a good deal Ron. Around here the ones I looked the best deal I could find for a Z118 with 150 ProXS (only offered with a 150, Z518's come with a 200) Z-Pak, and a Elite 7 on the dash and Mark 5 on the bow, Maximum 70 TM was $34,000.00 for a 2014. He said add about 5% for a 2015. MSRP would be about $39-40,000.00 for that boat. That's with no JP, HF or BT.

One I had him price out for me with a Merc 150 4S, HDS 7 Touch at dash & bow, Z-Pak, Foretrex 80 TM, 8" Manual Jackplate, Batteries, Dual Consul, NO Hotfoot or Blinker Trim was $43,000.00+ MSRP Actual price would of been better I know, because he said so.

I would think that the Triton Dealers would be making deals under MSRP as well.