All said and done...looks like i will go with the Lowe ST195DC. Again, this will be first boat. It will be a 2013 hull with 2014 115hp 4-stroke Merc. Added 3-bank charging and 80# minn kota Tarrova i- pilot. Got Platinum warranty on motor.
Deal hinges on final test drive... taking brother with me since he is an experienced boat owner.
Think i got a good deal... looked at Tracker, Lowe, Excel, G3, War Eagle, and this was most boat with constrains I had as far as price and payments.
Will use this thing on Lake Granger for next 5 yrs and then, God willing, retire and drag it down to E Texas and run around Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend for a while before getting called home.
All exited now can't wait to pick it up.... unfortunately can't get back to Houston for a couple of weeks to get it.
Have met a great bunch of great guys who are part of the "Granger Gang" who said they would help me get it pointed in right direction and keep me out of trouble. ( They wouldn't point me towards all the baited catfish holes would they? )
danny
You'll love it, congratulations!