Retirement boat

[ToddBurris]

More great advice….keep ‘‘em coming and thanks again
TB

[bamahound]

Get a boat that has a wide front. The slice of pizza shaped boats are rough on side by side fishin a brush pile sometimes. With live scope being the future nobody wants to fish the back of the boat. Glass boats are wider but cant go some places. I winch my tin boat through 1" of water/mud for 50yds sometimes to get to large oxbows on the alabama river and hanging up on a stump, rock,log or sand bar has never been a problem to get back going in a tin boat or running in 1ft of water. Everybody has lots of good ideas but it really depends on how you fish and where you fish

[striperking]

Like others have said what kind of fishing and where do you fish.
Max out motor
When I was young I started out with a bass boat and then went to a center console. The CC was a great fishing boat but didn’t have comfortable seating. So the older me and my wife got the less she wanted to go with me.So I sold it and bought a Ranger multi species boat. It has very comfortable seats and I can do any kind of fishing out of it that I want and she’s happy.At my age it will be the last one I buy.

[Foxy Jig]

a pontoon kept in a slip on the lake would be hard to beat

[skunked again]

a pontoon kept in a slip on the lake would be hard to beat

I second that !

[flennwagner]

After being out of fishing for too many years to mention, I’m ready to get back into it full force. I’m already retired and my wife’s retirement date is set….that being said I have started the enjoyable but at times overwhelming task of looking at a new boat purchase…hopefully we will be traveling to warm weather locations in winter and wherever the compass points in the summer months…so far the boats on my list are the Vexus 189C or the 1980C or the comparable Ranger brand https://www.gocharter.com/..I know at the end of the day it comes down to personal preferences but some feedback from you fishermen with current knowledge would be appreciated….by the way the new era of electronics and available gear is impressive while intimidating at the same time…what accessories would you recommend if you were rigging a new boat….I know from experience that a cane pole and fishing from the bank will work but I’m looking for comfort and new fishing opportunities ….look forward to the advise

Both the Vexus 189C and 1980C, as well as Ranger boats, are excellent choices known for their quality and performance. Visiting boat dealerships to see these models in person and test-driving them can help you make the best decision based on your preferences. As for accessories, investing in a quality fishfinder/GPS combo, a reliable trolling motor, adequate storage solutions, comfort features like padded seating, and essential safety equipment are key. These accessories will enhance your fishing experience and ensure your safety on the water.

[jiggingman2020]

l am 76 I put steps on my trailer, auto lock & release . I prefer fiberglass over alum. only I am not as stable as younger years love my 18 ft ranger 115 merc. just my preference. I have owned several alum boats too it's a big decision $$$$$

[skeetbum]

I don’t think I can add much that hasn’t already been said. I started in a 10’ Jon and have had a bass boat and a center console. While they’ve all had their advantages it all comes down to what your preferences are and where you fish. Paying a guide or covering someone’s expenses to spend a day in a boat that you think you like is a good idea. What looks good on the trailer may not work for you when it’s wet. This is an old thread and I hope you’ve found one that makes you happy, share a few pics if you have. Sure is a lot of choices if the budget is right.

[justinp61]

As has already been mentioned. look for a well taken care used boat, new boats lose a ton of value when you pull them off the lot. I fish out of a 02 Triton 1860SC with a 90hp Yamaha. For the fishing I do it works out well, the most I'll run at one time is maybe 5 miles. With two people and all our gear it'll run close to 40 mph in good water. If I get bored, I have no problem beaching the boat and blundering around on the bank. The downside is that it rides high in the water and is susceptible to the winds will, a trolling motor with anchor mode is a must.