Best boat for my buck

[Dirtysteve2]

I’ve been looking for a new bass boat in the 18-19 foot range. I’ve really started liking the Nitro Z19. I only get to go out maybe twice a month, so I feel like my purchase, whatever brand, will last me a long time. Which is what I intend. My question is, which boat will give me the most bang for my buck? I’m meaning accessories, durability, joy of fishing, just everything. Every little thing you can think of. I’ve heard that Nitro used to be junk but have came a long way, and compete with the top brands. Just for comparisons sake, I’ve been looking at Triton 19 trx and they’re extra fine boats. They’re also $10,000 more when I build them. I know people have their favorite brand and won’t recommend other brands, but I’m really just looking for what will work for me. I’m not a tournament fisherman, so some things that matters in tournaments do not matter to me. Please don’t be biased on this and please help me out Bc I’m having a very hard time trying to find what I like and not spend $55,000 to do right by my family. I’m not looking for the best boat on the market. I’m just looking for best for my dollar, if that makes sense. Thank you in advance.

[jimsch]

Best I can offer is look at many and buy what makes you smile.
Manufacturers all make a good boat, service after sale is as important as brand.

[grout-scout]

Guessing you prefer fiberglass, smartest thing you can do is to buy from a dealership near you. They all cost about the same when you price them in the flesh.


If you stay under 19’6” then your boat will have a 200hp motor which will save you about $5k. What part of Texas are you in?

[a6hux]

Go and touch all of them that you like. Just like buying a truck. Sit in it, stand on the deck, and look through the storage boxes.

[DougN68]

If you're not picky about having the latest year model, I found some new 2017's still on dealer lots, some offering big discounts on the 2018 models as well, can save money if you're going to keep it a long time, if you trade or try to sell, will lose a lot of money though.

[ncbass]

You could probably find a real good deal on a 2-3 yr old Nitro, that's my plan if I go back to glass...

[krindgen]

https://texasfishingforum.com/forums...1/boats-4-sale

Not a bad place to check on a weekly basis. Best bang for your buck is going to be, without question, used or dealer demo. I bought new nearly three years ago and kick myself. I had a bad trade, (OMC Fucht motor) and was backed into a corner. To do it again, used for me. Also, keep in mind, you buy used from an individual, you pay no tax on the boat. That was about $3k for me.

[06 SB]

Knowing your budget will help a lot. How big is your garage? Measure the depth and width of garage door and verify that your boat will fit in it.

Since you will not be using it a ton, get a good used one. Any of the big names (Basscat, Phoenix, Ranger, Triton, Nitro) that are still being made and you will be just fine as long as it was well taken care of and garage kept. The only exception to this would be the Nitro Z7. There have been a number of those with hooked hulls...meaning it is warped and performance is awful. Some cannot even get on plane. If you are buying used, have the motor THOROUGHLY checked out (compression, leak down and for water in the lower unit) along with the hull/transom checked for damage and blisters. Blisters show up under the bunks so the boat must be lifted up to check. GO FOR A TEST RIDE!!!!!

[ToyotaKev]

I might be biased as well, but I'd see if any of the Cabelas around have a Stratos 189 still in stock...If I remember, stickers were around $38K

[PolarKraft195]

"best" is in the eye & mind of the beholder...

[greg88]

Call Blake atPro'S Choice he has some great deals

[Jaredn]

Trio 18trx w/200

[Casslaw]

This Z18 with a 175 ProXS is 30,700 at my local BPS. At this price you can out whatever you want in it. It’s a solid base, depends on what You want to do as opposed to having it all done the way you want it when you buy it.

[Blackwoodz]

Agree the Z18 is what I'd be looking at. I don't even need the 175. I'm cool with the 150.

[Nitro king Z21]

The z19 with a 200 is a very good choice u can find 017 and 08 at good deals they ride n fish good we've sold lots at are dealership

[jjtriton]

Triton 189TRX with a 150 or 175 Proxs 4/stroke. Best buy in the industry.

[Dan21XRS]

Nitro builds a pretty boat. As said above go crawl through one, see if they can set up a demo ride... Get what you want... Dan

[RyanJ]

Buy an Xpress X19. Rides just as good if not better than any glass boat.
Trust me, I have been in many glass boats so no bias here. You will not
throw up when you get that first brush pile scratch either as you can easily
touch up the aluminum with Xpress matching paint.

[okiebass]

If you want the Nitro --go for it !!! They are plenty good boat for what you are looking for !

[jhanson1114]

Yes go look at them. I looked at both and ended up with a 20 TRX, but I did prefer the 19 TRX. The TRX is also 1" wider and 5" longer, rated for a 225 vs 200 on the Z19. Before I went and looked at boats, I had my mind made up many times. I did not end up getting any of the boats I thought I would.