Bad News and Good News, Need some Help

[Starfire89]

Long time reader, first time poster. So here's the bad news: I just got married and we decided I'd move into her place since she owns, and my trusty old Skeeter won't fit into the garage. Now for the good news: I just got married and I get to buy a new (used) boat that will fit into the garage. I've got in the neighborhood of 20-21 feet from back wall to door depending on how you'd angle the trailer, so that's my limiting factor. The other limiting factor of course is $$, like to be around $8k. I generally fish small lakes, but also hit most of the big lakes in MO, AK, TN, KS, etc... So here's my question, what manufacturers/models should I be looking at? What should I stay away from (e.g., Nitro?)?

[gambler1]

You won't be able to get a very big boat and trailer in the garage with only 20-21 feet to work with. As far as boats to look at? Well, one that "YOU" like and will fit in the garage.

[cubswin]

I've got a z8 stuck in a garage that I have to angle the trailer. I've got 22'5" at a angle. Since you are about a foot shorter, you are probably at a 17'6" boat, and might want a swing tongue to be sure. In your price range, I'd find a javelin 18 (renegade or venom). Of course I had one for a number of years, and thought it was a great boat. For 8k you can get one with a 150, and have a mid 60's boat that will fit in the garage.

[Jim R]

Spend your $$ on a swing tongue and a garage bump out. Keep your boat.

[RangerBoats198vx]

Spend your $$ on a swing tongue and a garage bump out. Keep your boat.

+1

[mxmike]

You should have found a woman with a bigger garage.

[ClaySlayer]

Time to get out the sledge hammer!!!

[bluebonnet2]

good evening,
take alook at charger...they are in your 'hood....

good luck,
PURA VIDA,
bluebonnet2

[Pathornton]

For 8 grand you could build a detached garage.

[Starfire89]

You should have found a woman with a bigger garage.

Now you tell me. But, at least the back door is small too

[Starfire89]

I've seen a couple Skeeter SX180 between 2003 and 2008 that may be in my price range (gona have to get approval for new budget from new boss), and I think I could squeeze one in and get the door to shut. Also, the Ranger R70 seems short enough, but not sure about stability or how it'd do with the yachts on Lake of the Ozarks in July; most seem to have 90 or 115 bolted on the transom. Anybody have experience with either of these boats?

[Mark Perry]

Unless you plan on keeping that house I would not buy a boat that will simply fit in the garage as my criteria. I would buy what my budget allows that is best for the bodies of water I fish.

[skeeterfx]

Rent a storage unit

[TritonTRXV8]

Spend your $$ on a swing tongue and a garage bump out. Keep your boat.

+2. I would just modify the garage so it will fit. Be easier and cheaper and you get to keep your good ol boat that you know you like.

[TXguy201]

+1 on above idea of a swing tongue. I've seen nice ones for aftermarket fitting to a fixed tongue trailer. This will get you a lot.

+1 on the garage bump suggestion. What's behind the corner that the prop would face? A small recess at the back in the area of prop to corner or there-abouts would make it a done deal.

I've never known of a lake fisherman who was happy with downsizing his boat if the waters he fished stayed the same. I've gone up-size with every new to me boat, and won't go back down....

[lbi2000]

Keep it outside like the 1000s of us do with a good tarp and save up for a bigger garage and a big new boat in future

Don't go redneck and put a new boat payment on your new wife and clog her garage with all your tackle on week 1.

[mxmike]

Now you tell me. But, at least the back door is small too

[MarkNY]

Which ever one she's willing to pay for.

[berudd]

So, in regards to the suggestions about adding on to the garage and storing it outside that is often easier said than done. Where I live I am restricted from storing a boat outside. And to be honest, I wouldn't want to anyway even with a good cover. Also, if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA there are often restriction that prevent you from simply adding on or building a detached garage or you simply don't have space in your yard for one.

[DHatc]

I had to do the same thing twice in my life time. I downsized from a 20ft Nitro to a 18 1/2 Stratos and was never really happy...I lost alot of storage and speed. The second time, I downsized from a Tr22 Triton to a Tr20. I am very happy with that change, but I went from 22ft to 20ft and a dual console to a single and gained quite a bit of speed. I could not imagine downsizing to a 17 ft boat ever again. You will not be happy with a smaller boat, you will always want to go faster and the fishability will not compare. If able, buy a good cover and store outside or add on to garage.