My first Bass boat Purchase, need help on making a decision.

[spoon2610]

Okay here we go, this is going to be my first bass boat purchase. I've been looking at the Nitro Z6 w/115 and a Ranger 177TR w/115. There is a price difference of a couple thousand dollars, But I wanted to know is which is more reliable and should I get a boat of this size or get a bigger boat. I have a Tacoma V6 it should do the job on towing. Im planning to use it on Diamond Valley lake in Ca. it a pretty big lake. Im just not sure on which boat to get, im so confused. I dont want to buy a boat and not fall in love with it. I've been going out to the lake with my buddy and he has a 17' tracker, it gets the job done. But he always complains when it get windy and were drifting away from the sweet spot. So this is why im leaning towards a fiberglass boat. I know that Ranger boats have been in the industry for along time so this is why I kinda like them. I know that everyone loves thier boat and doesnt want to trash talk it but any help would be nice. thanks in advance Ricky.

[FlyinSooner]

Personally, I'd see if you could lake test each one and see which one you prefer.

True, glass won't drift nearly as much as aluminum but they're both pretty light hulls. I like the modern look of the Z6 but am also a big fan of the blunt nosed retro look of the TR.

[fmoore]

I would get at least an 18' with a 150. You'll be much happier in the long run. Save for another year or two if you have to but if you plan on keeping the boat for a long time then it's worth it. And whatever you do, don't buy anything until you're absolutely sure about it!

[bassdad]

Just a word....towing the boat is usually easy...it's the stopping that can be a problem. If it's a heavier 18 ft. f/glass, you'll need trailer brakes or a bigger truck. Even the 16 / 17 f/glass boats can weigh heavy with a full tank of gas and your stuff. I know....I trailered a 16 ft. glass boat behind a V6 4-Runner and went clean through stop lights on a wet evening Lesson: Dodge Hemi.......

For the boat, if you fish bigger water = longer boat. Depends on budget, but lots of good solid Rangers out there......I'd love to go up to R80 / R90 series

[fastman151]

Don't over look a 2 to 3 year old clean used boat. There are plenty for sale on the used boat forum. Most have warrenties attached to them.

[ClaySlayer]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by bassdad &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Just a word....towing the boat is usually easy...it's the stopping that can be a problem. If it's a heavier 18 ft. f/glass, you'll need trailer brakes or a bigger truck. Even the 16 / 17 f/glass boats can weigh heavy with a full tank of gas and your stuff. I know....I trailered a 16 ft. glass boat behind a V6 4-Runner and went clean through stop lights on a wet evening Lesson: Dodge Hemi.......

For the boat, if you fish bigger water = longer boat. Depends on budget, but lots of good solid Rangers out there......I'd love to go up to R80 / R90 series </td></tr></table>

Agreed. My 17' Skeeter with a full tank is ~2,900lbs but it has its own brakes so it pulls fine behind a mid-sized SUV. I THINK most of the glass boats come with brakes now as their weight exceeds the limit for tailer brakes in most states.

[ClaySlayer]

geeze the Ranger only has a 16gal livewell?!?! The nitro is also about 6.5in wider and has twice the livewell capacity...

How are they optioned out? Are they similar?

As others have mentioned, I'm sure you could find a 2-3 year-old 18' with a 150 on it for close to the same price. I would've done the same but my requirement was it had to fit in my little arse garage so the little Skeeter got the nod which I picked over a Nitro X-5 (predecessor to the Z6) until I hopefully upgrade house/garage in another ~5yrs...

[spoon2610]

I forgot to metion that my budget is only 25k and my garage is only 22' long(wall to garage door) I like the Skeeter also. dang im so confused!

[bassdad]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by spoon2610 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I forgot to metion that my budget is only 25k and my garage is only 22' long(wall to garage door) I like the Skeeter also. dang im so confused!</td></tr></table>

I wish......anyway, how about this in Boats for sale - just listed:

07 Ranger 188VS
07 150 Evinrude
E-Tec HO
Listed 3/20/11P Raker II, MinnKota Maxxum 80# 24V, two Lowrance X135's, Hamby's, remote oil fill, hydraulic steering, 3 bank 15 amp charger, tournament package, SRS seats, retractable rod holders, lighted compartments, double lid livewell w/recirc and removable divider. Matching Ranger Trail trailer w/LED lights and swing away tongue, Full Ranger custom motor cover incl.motor cover. Must sell!
Call Steve: 704-636-6033 or email for more information. BaitEmUp - NC
Salisbury, NC
$20,500.

Bit of a long drive..................

[183elite]

I have owned boats for many years now and one of the things that I have learned is that you better know what you want out of the boat before you get in it. You want to water test as many boats (different lengths as well) as you can before making the decision on which one to buy. The only boat that I did not water test was the last one that I bought but I knew exactly what I was getting. Don't get a boat that looks good on a trailer. You'll be spending to much money for that. Get a boat that you would like to be in and feel comfortable in for 10-12 hours then the 2-3 hour trips are enjoyable.

Also keep in mind that all boats are not the same in regards to fishing comfort, handling and speed. Some boats run really fast but are rough and some are slower but smooth and handle well.

It simply comes down to what you want out of YOUR boat.

For me, I fell in love my boats instantly. It was not something that I had to grow to like. I knew right from the start. So will you.

But the best advice that anybody can give is water test as many as you can before you choose and you choose which one is right for you.