Currently looking at boats.So far I like Champion & Triton the best.However,both are pretty pricey!Trying to decide if I would be just as happy with something in aluminum or a different fiberglass model.Mainly fish for bass and crappie.Ran into Hef at Pomona a few weeks ago and really liked the look of his Triton boat.

I would say to do a lot of research before you buy. It's a huge investment, and you don't want to spend the next ten years wishing you had gotten another boat instead.

If you decide to go with an aluminum boat, I just bought a Lund last year, and couldn't be happier with it. In fact, I can't think of a boat I would trade it for. I bought it over at Waconda Marine at Glen Elder Reservoir. The people there are extremely nice, and treated me really well before and after the sale. The only thing I would ever change about my purchase is that I should have gotten a boat without carpet. I should have gotten that rubber-textured flooring instead.

If I was in the market for another boat, I would definitely go back there. They are the nicest people you could ever hope to do business with, and Lund boats have a great reputation.

Anyway, have fun boat shopping.

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If your looking at new a fiberglass boat, I would take a hard look at basscat boats. I looked a tritons before I bought my cat, I didnt think the fit and finish was the same. And they both where about the same in price. What size boat and horsepower are you looking for?

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Ted

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will keep me from crappie fishing!

I will second the Bass Cat! They are the last of the glass boats still family owned. I can promise you that there is NO other company around that has customer service like theirs! When I had a small problem with one of mine the owner himself called me to resolve the problem. They are one of a kind and their product is second to none.

My dad owned a Champion and they are hard to beat. I have been in Tritons and Rangers. I am in my first boat and its a little 17' tracker. Never been in a Basscat, but that is pretty special when the owner calls you about a problem. My best advice is to buy from a dealer you trust even if it costs you a little more. All of these boats are good and do no differ all that much. Its really a preference thing...Like buying a car....Chevy vs Ford.... I think its really about the service you get after the sale that makes you appreciate your boat over others. The problem I have is that now I am bored with the 17' tracker and want more. Need the space mainly, but am a little scared to go fiberglass with as much tree fishing that I do. Thats the good thing about the aluminum.

deep-v + wind + trees = lots of painful rubs and scratches. If you buy one that is already scratched it isn't nearly as painful

squirrels, I can't think of better people than Dave & Kathy at Waconda Boats. Bought 2 lunds from them. It is just a shame they aren't closer to me. I would still be in a Lund. Now that being said, I love my Alumacraft Bay Invader and the excellent service I get from Ozawkie Boats. Guess I have been lucky ever since I told those people at smithville to stick it where it don't shine. <*)}}}><

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You'll see the difference,,,on the end of your line!

I wish I had a dollar for everyone that told Smithville to stick it! I can also be included in that!

Having 2 different glass boats over 5 years, I have never had a problem fishing around timber. I was told by the plant manager from Charger boats as long as you keep a coat of wax on it, tress will not scratch a boat. Now fishing on a lake with docks, that can be a problem. Steel angle + fiberglass = .

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Ted

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will keep me from crappie fishing!

Where is the closest basscat dealer to K.C.?Also,which model is the fanciest to the least fancy?