I need help putting options onto my new boat

[BRYCE]

Hello everybody. The day has finally come, I get to order my boat.
I need help to figure out what things I should have the dealer install before I take delivery.

I am getting a Lowe Stinger 170 with a 75hp Opti. http://www.lowe.com/fishboats/stinger/170.html
I am going to upgrade the TM already from a 12V 46# to a 24V 71# but that's all I got so far.

The salesman told me a huge long list of things I should put on it but I get the feeling he is just trying to sell me a bunch of stuff to get the price higher.
Money is not a huge issue. I don't want to kick myself later for not spending the money in the first place to buy something that would have made boating life easier, more enjoyable or saved me a headache in the long run.

I am completely in the dark on this because the only other boats I have owned are little tin cans with low hp outboards so any help at all will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks, Bryce

[Rudeman]

What options is the dealer suggesting?

[BRYCE]

hot foot
Hydraulic jack plate
SmartCraft Gauges
A different prop
a Hydrofoil
a stereo
fuel water separator
rod holder tubes
A four bank charger
Keel Sheild

That's all I can remember off the top of my head. I'm not sure on what some of this stuff is and I made the mistake of telling him that I was new to Bass Boats.

[duckin]

Hot foot, keel shield

[Al from Canada]

Hot foot and the KeelShield are a good idea. Hydraulic jackplate's a good idea but not totally necessary to be hydraulic.
Re a different prop; they should be providing you with the right prop right off the bat.
Why a 4 bank charger if you're only going to have 3 batteries?

Not sure the fuel/water separator is necessary; most don't run one, there's a fuel/water filter on the motor already (I would expect).

A hydrofoil could always be added later (if it's really needed). I wouldn't add one unless you find you need it.

[BRYCE]

Thats what I thought with the prop. I wasnt sure about the charger because I diddnt know exactly what it does. The keelsheild, Hotfooot, and SmartCraft were the things that I thought I Should get.

[lkhartwl]

instead of buying all the add ons that the dealer is sharging you an arm and a leg for why not go for the 190 with the 115. the thing is that a smaller boat makes for a roiugher ride and if not mistaken you are in az and will probably be using it on some large lakes , I owned a tracker 185 one time in a previous life and took it out on hartwell and lanier, NEVER AGAIN !!!! was almost swamped by rouge wakes on lanier that traveled down the lake from some huge cabin cruisers, and on hartwell had major problems with side winds and waves coming out of side rivers and such.

the water /sep is a choice but keep stabil in the fuel will help with that problem as for the rest I agree with trashy, the money you can save probably can pay for a bigger motor and boat, also most of the stuff you can get at a lower price from people here and also install your self.
you did not mention a ff or gps? check with the sponsers here on that and see if the dealer will match if not buy from the spoonsers and install your self, pretty easy to do on a winter day. good luck, Steve

[champion221elite]

I gotta agree with Al on this one. If you're dropping the money for a new boat, you should be set up with the correct prop to begin with. (at no additional cost)

Rod holders are nice, and I sure wish I had them. The hydrofoil will probably not be needed as the jackplate will help you dial in your holeshot. The 4 bank charger will not be needed since your trolling motor is 24 volt, and you'll need another battery for cranking your big motor. You could get by with a 2 bank charger, or a 3 bank if you wanted to keep your cranking battery topped off at all times. The outboard motor should allready come with a water/ particulate separating fuel filter.

Depending on how shallow you fish, and how often you beach your boat a Keel Shield may be a good investment even on an aluminum boat.

The stereo will have to be a personal choice for you to decide. Personally if I want music, I'll grab my wifes ipod and listen with the headphones. That way the fish don't hear the tunes when I'm listening to Pink Floyd

[fishfry]

I just can't se the need for the hotfoot. I bet the prop upgrade he is offering is stainless. Again, no need on that boat. I am a fan of keel shield on any boat. Jack plate is a big no. 4 bank charger is silly without 4 batteries. Water seperator is a big no, theres one on the motor. Rod racks are very nice and may protect your tackle. If you have extra money to invest, I agree a larger boat may be more comfortable depending on your use. Watch for boat shows, they may give you some of these options for free.

[Explorer]

What about Sonar and/or GPS? Already on? I regreted so much not putting what I want since day 1 {Going to the Cheapy Stuff} and now thinking of buying something else.

[Dover]

agree with posts above -- on-board charger, keel guard, and boat one size up with a 115 if money is not really an issue ---but if you go with the dealer's suggestions, at least get him to throw in a cup holder (the least he could do)

[zippers]

Aluminum boat right?

hot foot- Not necessary but I love mine!

Manual jack plate I dont think you will realize the full value of this item.

A different prop Tell the dealership you want the proper prop for the boat post the engine and boat specs on the "Setups Board or Prop Board here on BCB" If he is upgrading you to a Stainless Steel prop they run about 2-300 and are worth it, BUT I WOULD MAKE HIM GIVE THIS TO YOU.

a Hydrofoil Not needed with the proper engine size and prop.

a stereo Not needed

fuel water separator I would definatly add this item or do it yourself
Most gas is an ethynol blend given the charecteristics of ethynol it attracts moisture and begins to seperate very quickly (you can buy this after market for less then 25.00)

rod holder tubes Yes, but only if it is a full rod rack and tubes not just the tubes

A four bank charger If you are running a 24v you only technically need a two bank charger, if you hook up your cranking bat you will need a 3 NOT A FOUR

Keel Sheild - its a nice feature to be able to go up to a sandy beach and ground out I think this is a reasonable add its like spray on bed liner for the truck not needed but well appreciated.

To be honest, it may be time for you to shop dealerships. It sounds like the dealership isnt telling you why you need the items, what is right for how you fish etc..
It also sounds like your engine might be underpowered for that boat. Before giving your HARD earned money to a dealership I would shop around.

[Rudeman]

Hot foot - Okay but not a priority.
Hydraulic jack plate - Definitely not.
SmartCraft Gauges - Nice to have
A different prop - Only if he will allow you to try several before making a final decision. Do it after the motor break-in has been completed.
a Hydrofoil - no
a stereo- Will you use it?
fuel water separator - I think it already has one from the factory.
rod holder tubes - Only if they don't kill too much rod storage capacity.
A four bank charger - Why a 4-bank? You only need one bank per battery.
Keel Sheild - Might not need one since you are running an aluminum boat.

What about a TM pedal recess?

[BRYCE]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I can't buy a bigger boat because I need to keep it in my garage and that's the biggest one that will fit. That's why I opted for the 75hp Opti. Its the highest hp rated motor for the hull.
I talked to mercury about the prop and they say that the one that comes on it is engineered for the best all around performance. So the dealer is full of crap.
The merc tech also laughed when I told him the salesman was trying to sell me a hydrofoil.
He also said that with the boat and motor setup I should be able to get 45-50 mph at WOT. Which is plenty fast enough for me (for now).
I asked the manager of the dealer I am ordering it through if I could deal with another salesman. He gave me over to "The New Guy". I like him much better. I don't get the snake in the grass vibe from him.

I have pretty much narrowed it down and figured I can install most of the stuff I am going to buy on my own and if I need any help I can just ask you guys.

here is the accessory list...
3 bank charger
factory cover
SmartCraft gauge set
10 micron fuel filter
Manual jack plate
keel shield, because I go to the river allot and beach on a sand bar
rod holder tubes
circuit breaker instead of the TM fuses
another FF for the bow
An upgraded FF with GPS for the console
Bearing buddies
Spare tire for the trailer

How does that sound? Anything I forgot?

Thanks again, Bryce


Modified by BRYCE at 8:40 PM 1/10/2007

[AmesHusker]

Regarding the fishing seats... I assume the boat comes with two - one for the front deck and one for the back. Power poles would be a nice addition if the seats aren't already adjustable.

[Rudeman]

I wouldn't mess with a jackplate (JP) on a 75HP motor. Also need to consider if it will fit with a JP installed. The motor will be farther back which will increase the overall length of the rig and the factory cover may not fit if it has the integrated motor cover.

Like I said above I would consider a trolling motor recess. Is the factory prop aluminun or stainless steel?

Does it come with an automatic bilge pump?

The rest of the list looks good.

[tunnelengineer]

I would wait on just about every option he mentioned except the factory items for the boat like stereo and rod organizers.. You can pick up most of the others on sale over the course of a year and really get something you know you need.

hydraulic jack, hydrofoil, different prop = all not necessary. It may be a good idea to have a spare prop on hand and tools if you really are running this in a river a lot. It may save you one day.

[BRYCE]

ok so exnay the JP. Good point on the cover, I didn't even think of that.

The factory prop is aluminum

Yes the bilge pump is automatic.

As for the recessed TM pedal. I like the idea and I like how it looks but I want to fish out of it without the recess first to see where the pedal is most comfortable. I am sure I will end up doing it. Everybody I talk to loves it just scares the crap out of you that first cut in the deck.

[BRYCE]

I am going to see if the dealer will throw in an extra prop just to keep in the boat. Thanks for the idea.

[weedhopper]

Bryce,

I've only owned 12 or 14 boats, but you had some real good advice here. Looks like you listened and saved some money and now have a really comfortable fishing machine.

Good Luck and Have Fun on the Water,

G-man