Need help deciding my "second" boat

[th365thli]

Love my Falcon but that mercury I ordered in March for a repower is still not here and no telling when it'll come.

I decided I'm gonna get a second boat as a backup.

I've narrowed it down to 3 choices:
- 2006 Ranger 519vx with 2018 200 pro XS - 23k
- 2005 Ranger z20 with 2016 250 pro XS - 25k
- 2008 Basscat Pantera ii with 2008 Optima - 26k but negotiating for 23k

Im kinda eyeing the basscat even if the motor is older. It comes with 2 poles.

The 2006 ranger has the newest motor but the hull is the most worn.

The z20 is in decent condition, trailer needs fender replacement. Downside is it most likely won't fit my storage unit and will need to be stored outside.

Help a brother out. What would you choose? If the basscat was cheaper I'd jump on it but I'll need to haggle.

[th365thli]

Oh and I fish all kinds of water. From River creeks to lakes and the sound.

[WStorey]

Bass Cat but I'm biased lol

[BMCD]

any of them will work, so you pick.

[billnorman1]

I had the same issue as you, I had extensive repairs needed on my Stratos hull. I bought a used Basscat Eyra. I sold it (too cheap, $7000) when I finished fixing the hull. Bad move on my part, Basscats are good boats.

[Tim W]

Id do the Basscat

[th365thli]

Anyone know much about 2008 Optimax?

[Thamelau]

I personally would opt for the newest motor. I don't consider hull wear to be an issue. If there is an issue then it would be a deal breaking issue (soft transom, soft decks, actual damage). I guess if you include carpet condition in "hull wear" then that is a different story, but just wear on the hull doesn't really seem like a thing to me.

[Fish Whisperer]

Check the Ranger Z-20 HP rating. I don't believe it is rated for a 250.
At least my 2009 isn't.

[th365thli]

Sorry I mispoke. The z20 is a 225.

I'm ditching the 519vx. It's got a rite hite jackplate that I was able to deduce from pictures. The seller didn't want to disclose that info which was a red flag to me.

So it's between the z20 and the pantera ii. The pantera ii owner doesn't seem to want to budge from $26000 which is a bit steep. I'll have to think about it.

[jimsch]

I own a Ranger but say BassCat.

[krindgen]

I'm looking hard at the two Ranger options. 519 is a helluva fishing machine and the Z20 is a nice layout too.

[willwork4fish]

I'm biased as well but I'd get the Bass Cat. My 07 P2 did everything I ever wanted it to from winding through backwaters on the Mississippi to Sturgeon Bay. My buddy has a 195 and it's a beautiful boat but if I had to choose between it and a new P2 I'd pick the P2.

Find out if the compressor and fuel rails have been changed out on the 2008 Opti. If they have been then you're all set.

[th365thli]

Decided on the Basscat Pantera II. Will drive up tmrw and check it out. If all goes well I should be coming home that same day with it.

[Bill2e]

Decided on the Basscat Pantera II. Will drive up tmrw and check it out. If all goes well I should be coming home that same day with it.

You will be happy

[th365thli]

Bought the Pantera! Just needs new trailer tires and a hot foot. But the seller kept the boat clean and it's a nice rig.

[WStorey]

Bought the Pantera! Just needs new trailer tires and a hot foot. But the seller kept the boat clean and it's a nice rig.

Congrats man! You won't regret it

[Triton19x2]

Nice!....I had a 2007 ProXs and it was good motor....they had worked through the kinks by then
Enjoy!

[Dixie-Raven]

Why do you need a repower since Falcon hasn't been around that long? Did you engine kick the bucket?

[mactlman]

Why do you need a repower since Falcon hasn't been around that long? Did you engine kick the bucket?

original engine was a great engine but slow and steady I believe