Thread: $18,000 budget, what you buying?

Toilet Paper

2500 on a boat and a new ride for the wife , win win

Originally Posted by Grainraiser

What do you have as a tow vehicle, what methods do you use to fish (single pole jigging, spider rigging etc. How many people typically fish with you. Do you fish big lakes or small bodies of water. Need a little more information to give solid advice.

Half-ton Chevy with the 6.2. I single pole most of the time, but do plan to do some spiderrigging. Not sure if I’ll ever pull/push cranks. Majority of the time 1-2 people and small bodies of water. I’ll likely do some bream fishing with the kids from time to time.


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I would highly recommend a four stroke for a motor...

Right now I wouldn’t do anything with it. Give this mess we are in a few more weeks and toys are going to get cheaper and cheaper. For that money you going to find some real bargains out there. For your fishing I’d be concentrating on 18 aluminum with 4 stroke motor.

Originally Posted by TigerFanatic1

Most likely used tin, since that will give me best bang for buck. Immediately fish.
ETA - Haven’t ruled out a Nitro fiberglass.

Be VERY careful with used Nitro/Tracker boats. BPS is bad about putting on small motors to hit a price point. I'm not saying they're horrible boats, but ANY underpowered boat will just tick you off.

When it comes to aluminum boats, try to get a welded hull over a riveted hull. Aluminum boats are lighter and can get blown around easier than a heavier fiberglass boat. However, they need less power to get up on plane and are much more nimble. Find a local prop shop that can work on aluminum props. Aluminum is difficult to weld, but that prop shop may be kind enough to do welding on the hull if you ever need it -- I had a freak accident where my rear corner got stuck under a dock and when I went to leave, it peeled back the top corner.

Aluminum or not, don't leave it outside uncovered. The decks are still made of plywood and will rot. Always carry an extra boat plug in the bilge area (make sure it fits!)

I agree with the above statement. Patients now could give you a lot of buying power

Sadly, I think you are right. Right now, I’m struggling to find fair deals. 3-4 year old Tracker 175s for $16,000+. I wouldn’t consider some terrible prices, if it weren’t for taxes.


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