New bass boat coming - need opinions

[rkammer]

I finally got clearance from headquarters to start  looking for a new bass boat.  Since we do a lot of pleasure boating and my wife doesn't fish, we've agreed to buy a combo boat (fish 'n ski?).  We currently have a Sea Reay Fish n Ski that is 19 years old and was one of the early combination boats on the scene when we bought it.

So, I've looked on the web at some of the offerings like the Nitro Z7, Stratos 486SF, and Skeeter SL190.  Our budget keeps me from looking at the Rangers.  So, I'd be interested in hearing some opinions of F&S boats.  Rather than buying new, I'll probably be most interested in late model pre-owned rigs.  I prefer one that leans a little more towards fishing and a little less cruising as my Sea Ray is the other way around, more cruise than fish.  As long as it has a walk-thru windshield and can be canvased in.  Thanks for any input. 

Since I'm brand new to this forum, I hope I haven't violated any forum rules by mentioning brand names of boats.  If I have, let me know and I'll remember for next time.

[Lipripper]

It is fine and your not selling anything.

[rkammer]

Appreciate it.

[Donald Garner]

Good luck with the new boat search.  There's lots out there and I would go to my local marine dealership and start crawling around on the ones they have.  I'm sure once the guys see this thread they'll chime in.  Keep us updated on the buying process and when possible post some pictures of the boats.  That might help in the discussion also.

[Mike Cork]

Donald is all over this one. Because of the differences in storage, decking, and over all space in the different manufacturers boats you'll want to crawl around in them. Think about what you carry, what you store, what you don't like about your current rig and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Of the bands you've already mentioned, all are quality boats. To be honest, all manufacturers are building great boats. With today's media, if they didn't, they wouldn't be in business long. So with all products worth the money, the next worth to consider is your needs.

Be picky, boats today are a major investment. Get the one that fits your needs now and possible growth needs in 5 years.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide.

[Vudak]

Check out lunds, alumacraft, crestliners, and other walleye boats. I think a Lund Impact XS would be the type of boat for you. Start there and seek comparable models from others. It is aluminum, but you could also find a glass boat that is comparable if you insist.

I have a Lund Impact 1875 which is more of a fishing boat than the XS. There is also a model called the crossover which is more of a ski boat than the XS. The XS is the happy compromise.

Also I hate to direct traffic away from this excellent site, but you will get more feedback on walleye sites than bass sites so I'd recommend checking them out. Nothing against this site at all it's just the walleye crowd favors these types of boats more often than the bass guys.

[rkammer]

Check out lunds, alumacraft, crestliners, and other walleye boats. I think a Lund Impact XS would be the type of boat for you. Start there and seek comparable models from others. It is aluminum, but you could also find a glass boat that is comparable if you insist.

I have a Lund Impact 1875 which is more of a fishing boat than the XS. There is also a model called the crossover which is more of a ski boat than the XS. The XS is the happy compromise.

Also I hate to direct traffic away from this excellent site, but you will get more feedback on walleye sites than bass sites so I'd recommend checking them out. Nothing against this site at all it's just the walleye crowd favors these types of boats more often than the bass guys.

Since I'm in Florida I think I'll continue looking at crossover boats with a more traditional bass boat hull in fiberglass.  I have a high sided fish n ski boat now and prefer that the next one be more along the lines of the Stratos, Nitro, Skeeter types.  Thanks for your ideas.

[hermanp]

Look into a duel console bass boat, big decks for sunning, power to ski and performance, just no couches up front and in 17ft as you mentioned a lot more below deck storage

[Fishing Junkie]

A startos 201 pro XL is a great all around boat. We have a 93 that looks almost mint because it has been inside its whole life. Its a dual console, rear livewells, 2 huge rod boxes, 1 very large front compartment and 2 big rear compartments then the bilge area. With a 200 or 225 the boat will do anything you want to do be it ski, or go fast. Ours has 2 big snap on cushions we can put on the rod box lids for riding and laying out and you can probably get a cushion for the rear deck.

I'm a startos lover so that's why I say the 201 and it will handle bad waters so if you are in a bunch of wake or waves you will be OK as long as you can drive.

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[rkammer]

A startos 201 pro XL is a great all around boat. We have a 93 that looks almost mint because it has been inside its whole life. Its a dual console, rear livewells, 2 huge rod boxes, 1 very large front compartment and 2 big rear compartments then the bilge area. With a 200 or 225 the boat will do anything you want to do be it ski, or go fast. Ours has 2 big snap on cushions we can put on the rod box lids for riding and laying out and you can probably get a cushion for the rear deck.

I'm a startos lover so that's why I say the 201 and it will handle bad waters so if you are in a bunch of wake or waves you will be OK as long as you can drive.

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That's a nice boat but, it is on a tandem trailer.  My garage and trailering restrictions will only allow a single axle trailer.

[Fishing Junkie]

Ahh ok.
Build a bigger garage lol.
Trailering restrictions? What kind of truck will you be towing with?
Dad had a 12x40 built on to the side of his shop (owns a welding and machine shop) just for our boats lol.

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[rkammer]

Ahh ok.
Build a bigger garage lol.
Trailering restrictions? What kind of truck will you be towing with?
Dad had a 12x40 built on to the side of his shop (owns a welding and machine shop) just for our boats lol.

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Towing with a Ford Escape with the 2.0 Eccoboost motor.  Factory trailer package is rated for 3500 lbs.  I realize what I'm looking for is pushing the rating but, I've been trailering my Sea Ray 180 Fish n Ski all over the state for about two years and it handles it well.  That rig weighs about about the same is a new Fish n Ski.

[Fishing Junkie]

Towing with a Ford Escape with the 2.0 Eccoboost motor.  Factory trailer package is rated for 3500 lbs.  I realize what I'm looking for is pushing the rating but, I've been trailering my Sea Ray 180 Fish n Ski all over the state for about two years and it handles it well.  That rig weighs about about the same is a new Fish n Ski.

Ahh ok.
Umm may I suggest a Chevrolet truck? Lol. I'm a Chevy/GMC guy.

What about maybe a 289 startos bass boat? Unless your dead set on a new one that go for it buddy. If you can afford a new boat I'm happy for you

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[rkammer]

Ahh ok.
Umm may I suggest a Chevrolet truck? Lol. I'm a Chevy/GMC guy.

What about maybe a 289 startos bass boat? Unless your dead set on a new one that go for it buddy. If you can afford a new boat I'm happy for you

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Yup, the Stratos 289 FS is one I'd consider.  Thanks for the suggestion.