Blazer Boats??!!!

[T.O.gambler]

First of all, I'm a Gambler man through and through, so please don't see this as treason (!!) I love my '92 Intimidator II but after 15 odd years I'm selling it to a friend . . . and were money no object I wouldn't be having this discussion, but it is and I am . . . Here's my dilemma: I want nothing more than to get into a newer Intimidator or 2100 (new is out of the question since the $$$ are too dear) . . . the reality, however, is that it's been hard to find a used 2001-2003 Gambler in my price range - app. $23 - 25K including US exchange (I live in Toronto, Canada), taxes, and transportation costs . . . . . .

So I've been looking at 20' alternatives 2001 or newer - and by the way, the Gambler board is probably the best forum to ask this question since as Gambler owners I believe we share a similar outlook: we don't like mass produced 'cookie cutter' boats, we like our boats to be fast and stylish while offering fishability and a smooth, dry ride - and this led me to do a bit of research on Blazer Boats (202 and 210V), also out of Florida, what do you guys think? I wouldn't put them in the Gambler league but they seem to incorporate a lot of the Gambler qualities (with much better customer service ) at a very reasonable price.

I value your feedback so please give me your opinions of Blazer Boats . . . and for fun, if a Gambler was not an option what would be your second choice?!!

[River Rat]

A freind of mine just bought a new team blazer and it's a nice boat but for me it seems to be little narrow at the front but i am fatboy and need my space. If money was not a factor i would buy for my second boat a Ranger. Heck i my even trade my Gambler next year for new Ranger if Gambler dont move there livewells to the center of the boat.

[WDBrand]

My fishing partner has an 04 202 blazer with a 250 vmax and it is a very good boat, especially for the price. I fish out of the boat often and it performs well. The 20'r handles extremely well and is solid. Blazer likely will give you the most bang for the buck. Good Luck!

WD

[1outlaw]

Blazers are excellent boats...Fish well and are pretty quick....
If i could pick a new boat it would be a Bullet 21XDC with a 300XS or Stroker with a 300XS....

[ldbass55]

the blazer is a good boat, but it isnt a gambler... if your set on buying new, it may be your best choice... i would look at a used gambler, and get what you really want....call scott smith at s&a leisure in welaka fla.386-467-7000
for a clean used rig... he has some sweet ones...or talk to ben on the board about a new one...i wouldnt settle for a blazer if i really wanted another gambler...
LD

[Bensy]

T.O. gambler
Give Dave a call @ country custom marine. He's got a 04 Stroker forsale at a good Price (905) 349-3591 Tell him I sent you, He's a good friend of mine. He'll even take you out and let you drive it. Nice fast Boat and he only used it about 6 times last year. His site is countrycustommarine.com
He's only an hour east of T.O.

[Al from Canada]

John.......I'm puzzled. Why are you looking at other brands rather than a used Gambler in excellent condition. The Blazers are great boats and would be on my list if the Gamblers were not available but personally there's nothing out there that will compare to the Gambler.
Dave's Stroker is a nice boat and definitely fast but it ain't a Gambler.

[dmorrow]

beware of the rough water ride.........

[Bassmaster]

Blazers are just okay boats ....I would consider other brands first....IMO just cheaper Bullets...rapid depreciation when it comes to resale.

[Gamblerpilot]

I back up the earlier answer.......Call Scott at S&A Leisure. He only deals with Gamblers and always has several for sale. Great guys and worth the trip to get what you want.
Good luck

[T.O.gambler]

Thanks '55, I'm going to give them a call on Monday!

[T.O.gambler]

A big Thank You to all who responded - you are a great bunch guys I think Al is right, anything less than a Gambler and I feel as thought I'm settling . . . . . I'm gonna stick to my guns and wait for the right deal to come along; I'll be calling Scott at S & A Leisure on Monday!!!