If you have any questions about the Hybrid hit me up. Like our Facebook page as well. https://www.facebook.com/groups/270845500989135/
If you have any questions about the Hybrid hit me up. Like our Facebook page as well. https://www.facebook.com/groups/270845500989135/
56 isn't old.... is it?
TYG-(Trust Your Gut!!)
If you've not looked at the Charger Elites, you're missing out on the ride...
Heartland of America
2000 Ranger 520dvx
2000 Mercury Optimax 225 - 0T136160
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1997 Charger 395TF
1997 Evinrude Vindicator 200 - G04296981 (E200STLEUB)
I will give you an answer that most will say is completely wrong. 60 years of fishing. 23 years with one boat manuf on a memo build boats. The best boat I could find for a buy with a bad back and knees is, believe it or not is a Tracker 175 or 195 TXW when rigged properly. Not fancy, not fast, but the best ride I have ever been in in chop. It will not pound your back. Nope you dont need a 95k Hydroblaster. Just a boat that wont hurt your back and they wont. Nope dont have one, but when my back does go, I will have one. You guys can start laughing now, but it is true.
It's partially true because they don't go fast enough to pound you. You can go very slow on plane. But me being 67 years old, I would never have something that unstable. As you get older, you need a more stable platform, and a wider deck. Not somethong so light it could throw you out just moving from one side to the other.
They do have a soft landing. My buddy was in mine not long after double fusion surgery in his back and said it rode as good or better than the Charger 186 he was running at the time. He compared them apples to apples because 40mph is usually about the fastest he runs most of the time because there's no reason to run any faster unless in a tournament. He's in a Champion 196 now and that thing is a Cadillac. As for stability in a Tracker, the 175 and 190 aren't the most stables boats by any means but in that price bracket I doubt you'll find a better riding BASS BOAT hull. The 195 is a giant and looks like it would be a pretty stable hull for what it is and ride nice too even in the 60mph range.
2023 Xpress H18 with 115 SHO and Powertech NRS4 21p
8" Bob's Action Jack
Garmin Echomap 12, 10, 9, and LVS34 networked with Netgear Switch
Ultrex
Trick Steps and Ramp N Clamp
Pulled by a 2016 single cab HEMI Ram
The school of hard knocks is a rough way to be educated!
I would consider the new Bass Cat hybred first and a Charger second for the needs you describe, These 2 will provide a smoother ride than anything else on the market today
There are props that can greatly improve the ride of any boat by providing low and mid range lift, keeps the bow from dropping fast, I run a reworked Fury that is extremely good in this area, Generaly speaking a four blade such as a Bravo does better for a smooth ride
Last edited by lpugh; 07-04-2020 at 10:39 AM.
Thank You Leon Pugh
Thank You Leon Pugh
I am sorry Ranger guys but they are one of the worst for someone with a bad back, I don't consider my Cougar to be a great rough water boat but it provides much softer ride than any Ranger, Ranger can take the water well but the my back can not take the pounding from them
Thank You Leon Pugh
Heard charger boats are good , not sure of there trailers though
2006 champion 187
I'm 65 and love my Phoenix, my Bullet isn't too bad either!!
99' 201 Pro Elite
08' Evinrude 225 HO
Charger 210 !... best riding boat ‘ hand down !...
2008 BULLET 21XD 2007 Merc 300xs
Well, I'm 73, bad back and knees and I have a Ranger 2002, 205vx. I've upgraded to 2017 single seats,so The ride is much better and added a step to get up on the front deck and a coin box to get up to the rear deck. I'm now considering adding a "U" shaped 3' high grab pole for the front to help stabilize me going up and down from the front deck. It will mount to the floor alongside the driver console.
Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
Garmin / Live Scope Plus
Pepper Jigs / Robo Worms
Troll Bridge / V-T2 Vents