Thread: SeaArk Boats

I am leaning toward getting a new boat. I can't spend 30K....more like 10K. And If I had my druthers, I would get a used...Kinda tired of that route tho...Does anyone have an opinion on these boats. My buddy regards them highly.

I am also looking at the tracker boats. they make it pretty easy to get into a new boat for around 13....nicely appointed

All opinions gratefully accepted.

BA

If you can wait until January, try the Kansas City Sport Show.

I picked up a used tracker this year at a good price. A new one of cost $8000.00 more. Keep your eyes open for used, cheaper taxes, insurance, etc. Would of loved to have a new one, but just could not see doing it.

Antioch, The KC Sport Show is a good idea...Good specials will be going on if you are going the new boat route.

But I would consider used as well. Especially if you have 10k. Like Ron I have a tracker as you know, but not as nice as Rons pudy red one. Getting one that is a couple years old at a much lower price is a good way to go. But it also depends on if you have cash or need to meet a certain payment. I wanted a cheap payment and did not want to pay for 12 years before I owned the boat through the Bass pro financing. I got my tracker for $4300 and it was only 3 yrs old with a 40hp and its about paid off in 4 yrs with a $100 monthly payment. Great deal, but as soon as you get it you want more size, bigger motor more storage.

My buddy just bought a 2000 Ranger with a 125 hp off of this board from a guy in MO on Smithville for 10k. Boat was kept in spectacular shape. To me if you can get something like that or spend 13k on a tracker its a no brainer...The Ranger eventhough a little older will put you on water that you cannot fish in the tracker and you will not out grow so fast.

So really just shop around. Its a good time to buy and you can get some really good boats used and new. But my recommendation is that if you can get a fairly newer used boat with more of what you need compared to a brand new boat that has less I would go with the used.

I just might sell the ole tub I have. 2005 Alumacraft Bay Invader,19 &1/2fter, 150 Opti. Everything goes with it. Make me an offer I can't refuse. Lookin at a 22ft Champion Bay. Has scratches on the side but well taking care of. 1st class 'crappie' boat. <*)}}}><

Also try Craigs list. There are several boats on there.

Whoops!!!! Have you ever heard that high pitched, deafin, scream & sharp pain in the neck area when you don't look over your shoulder, when you post about getting a new boat??? I HAVE!!!! Also reminded of how this boat is just what I wanted and would keep it forever!!! As you prolly have determind,,, my boat is NOT for sale. Sorry <*)}}}><

it's probably similar to the one where....why didn't you just spend the money in the first place.......

I highly recommend you be patient and watch craigslist: kansas city, MO classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

every few days.

Especially over the next few months you will see some good deals go by on used boats. Some will decide they don't want to pay property taxes again next year for something they don't use often enough.

You need to know what you want, and be prepared to act quickly, but boats are among the first things people will get rid of when times are tough, or when they are in need of cash. Not that you take advantage of others' misfortune, but I have seen some pretty unbelievable deals from time to time.

I've bought and sold several boats on craigslist over the past year to slowly trade up to what I wanted, and I now have a 24 ft pontoon, a bass boat w/175HP, and a 16 ft jon w/20HP on tilt/trailer fully paid for, NO PAYMENTS !!

What I have isn't showroom condition or anything like that, and you might want something nicer, but they're out there if you're patient. In my opinion, new ones are grossly overpriced in comparison !!

Charlie

Thanks Charlie,
My latest combo was acquired piecemeal on Craigslist. I got great deals on the boat and motor separately.

I'm not in a rush, the boat i have now is adequate...but it is amazing when you learn about all the techniques and approaches on this site, how quickly you have 4 or more rods, tackle boxes, bait buckets, coolers in the boat and that a 14'er that seemed more than enough to "get you out to the trees where the crappie are" becomes very crowded and the 9.9 merc was fast enough...except when you put in at the state park ramp at Pomona and spend the next 25 minutes getting to the trees in the 110 arm...dare I go on....probably sounds familiar to a few folks here. And then you invite someone else to go along

I will wait for the right deal...but it will be aluminum and have livewells, baitwells, and storage built in.
I like the idea of stick steer. I was once athletic in my younger days....but the Budweiser accumulation around the middle leaves me wanting to stay in my seat and not test my balance or agility.

Regards,