176XT

[EJHick]

Hey guys, I need some advice. I am looking at the 176XT Stratos but I am on the fence about it. I am weighing out the pros and cons here. I am in school still, just bought a house and have a 2 year old so $ is tight somewhat. BUT my dad said he would split the $14k for the 176XT. Now I would love more boat and larger engine but is it worth buying a used boat with these features for the same price and take a chance of something going wrong then buying a brand new 176XT and have the warranty on it? So what’s your all’s opinion about the 176XT?

We currently have a 90 Javelin that is just unreliable and we seem to be sinking money into it left and right. A brand new boat would be nice, but it does not have everything I would like in length, motor power, storage and trolling motor (12V not 24V). So let me know your all’s opinions…we fish for bass 99%, fish club tourneys and any other chance we get. And does anyone know the fuel economy with the 50hp on this boat? Thanks!

[StratosBrad]

I will say this to you. If you are already not satisfied with the size and the power options you never will be.
In these times there are plenty of good deals out there on used boats/team boats that would meet or exceed your expectations. I would shop some if I was you, only for the fact that you want to be happy with what you buy.

Brad

[claypool72]

I think you should be happy with the 176. I would upgrade to 24 volt trolling motor. You could definitely get a bigger used boat w/bigger motor in good shape for 14K, but you might not have the warranty. If you buy a used boat and the motor pops without warranty do you have the money to sink into engine repairs? If not you will be off of the water indefinitely. My guess is if you are asking the question you probably won't be happy with it though. I would have loved to have a boat like that when I was younger. You have the rest of your life to buy your "dream" boat. I would definitely suggest a ride in the 176 with your normal fishing load and then make the decision. I'm sure there are dealers that would let you take one out.

LC

[EJHick]

Yea, I definitely would like to test one out and no I wouldn't have the extra money budgeted to fix/repair a used boat. Hopefully things should be stable financially in the next three or so years and I will be able to buy my dream 201. I am seeing different things with the max speed. Based on two people and gear what should I expect with a 50 and 75. Also, if it is a choice which motor the Yamaha or the Mercury?

[skinnywater]

It’s a tough call. Like you, I recently had to make that call myself, weighing the difference between a new boat with full warranty but maybe not all of the bells and whistles that you want, vs a used boat that has bigger/nicer, but could have lots of other problems, that I don’t want to deal with.
I opted for the new boat, and don’t regret my decision. I bought a 186 knowing that I would only have it for 2-3 years before trading. It’s great not having to worry about if the motor is going to crank, etc. But….. buying something a little older, that still has some warranty on it, might be a good option also.
Since I have bought the boat, I have been out on the water fishing, many times that I would not have, had I waited. That is worth the peace of mind in my book, but again, it’s a matter of where your comfort level is.

[claypool72]

These might be helpful:

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/as...r.pdf

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/as...r.pdf

LC

[EDUBYA]

I had to make the same choice last year. I chose used. You get more for your money IMO. I looked at the 176 and then made the mistake of looking at a 285. A 285 is so much more boat for the money. Just be patient and keep an eye on the classifieds. You can get a used 285 for the same money you are going to spend on the 176. Also, look at C&O's website often. They should be getting in some trades here soon because of the boat shows. They are great people to deal with.

[ChampioNman]

Go for the 186XT you will be happier and Dad can get off the hip a bit more. You will be extremely happy wit the 115 Rude. A very solid motor with zero issues. Get the 5 year warranty and for 17K you've got a 45 MPH boat that rides well and you and Dad can fish big H20. You'll be happy. Get the basic package and add your own accessories no need to finance power poles or depth finders for years.