Used vs new boat and when you make that decision….

[bassfisher444]

Agree with all that… I guess just to give a more specific example would you buy a say 2004 ranger 520vx in pretty good shape with original Yamaha or merc but has most of the goodies like decent graphs , ultrex/ghost, livescope or active target in that 25k range give or take… or a lot newer boat like say a 2012 nitro z8 or even seen 2014-15 years z19-z20 for around that 30k mark … like when do you decide that having that newer motor l and hull combo is that much more important than say a well taken care of mid 2000s boat with goodies but with better hull like the ranger but motor is 10 years older

If it it was Mercury EFI or Yamaha OX66 yes. If it was a Optimax or HDPI no, those weren't as good in the earlier years, the 07-08 and later are much better.

[Gillsandtines10]

If it it was Mercury EFI or Yamaha OX66 yes. If it was a Optimax or HDPI no, those weren't as good in the earlier years, the 07-08 and later are much better.

I understand that and agree but then you are talking about the z20 series which I see good deals on but read that hull
is terrible … guess I could keep looking for an older 520 that’s maybe been repowered, or possibly the z520 series but then that’s a big jump in money also. I guess my whole point was when does motor year and age mean more than the hull like a newer nitro vs older ranger or basscat.

[bassfisher444]

I understand that and agree but then you are talking about the z20 series which I see good deals on but read that hull
is terrible … guess I could keep looking for an older 520 that’s maybe been repowered, or possibly the z520 series but then that’s a big jump in money also. I guess my whole point was when does motor year and age mean more than the hull like a newer nitro vs older ranger or basscat.

I also don't pay much attention to what electronics or trolling motor is on the boat, to me those are just accessories that can be easily changed or upgraded. What is more important to me is the boat layout, like storage, livewell, rod lockers and battery compartment, what outboard it has, and how good of shape the boat is in. Motor age doesn't scare me as long as it is a motor that has a good track record like the ones I mentioned before, and it has been serviced like it should be.

[Gillsandtines10]

I also don't pay much attention to what electronics or trolling motor is on the boat, to me those are just accessories that can be easily changed or upgraded. What is more important to me is the boat layout, like storage, livewell, rod lockers and battery compartment, what outboard it has, and how good of shape the boat is in. Motor age doesn't scare me as long as it is a motor that has a good track record like the ones I mentioned before, and it has been serviced like it should be.

well that def helps I’ll def keep an eye out for those motors you mentioned , and it would be much more convenient to have all the goodies already equipped but I could just add what I want

[Mcjenson]

I understand that and agree but then you are talking about the z20 series which I see good deals on but read that hull
is terrible … guess I could keep looking for an older 520 that’s maybe been repowered, or possibly the z520 series but then that’s a big jump in money also. I guess my whole point was when does motor year and age mean more than the hull like a newer nitro vs older ranger or basscat.

I wouldn't proclaim myself an expert, but I don't think the Z20 could be described as terrible. Certainly not the best riding boat, but pretty similar to ranger Z520's which I've rode in.

[Gillsandtines10]

I wouldn't proclaim myself an expert, but I don't think the Z20 could be described as terrible. Certainly not the best riding boat, but pretty similar to ranger Z520's which I've rode in.

iv actually been in my neighbors z20 a couple times and thought it rode great …I mean it wasn’t rough or anything and we weren’t flying around the lake but it was def better than the 18’ iv been in most of my life … to be honest I’m not a fan of the rail latches on the z20 but I think it’s something I could get over

[Mcjenson]

iv actually been in my neighbors z20 a couple times and thought it rode great …I mean it wasn’t rough or anything and we weren’t flying around the lake but it was def better than the 18’ iv been in most of my life … to be honest I’m not a fan of the rail latches on the z20 but I think it’s something I could get over

Rail latches?

[Gillsandtines10]

Rail latches?

the rail system they have for the compartments

[Mcjenson]

the rail system they have for the compartments

Still confused. You mean the lid latches?