Retirement boat

[ToddBurris]

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..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

[Atimm693]

The only advice I can give on boats is to climb around in them and see how you like the storage and layout. I saw a Vexus up close at the ramp the other day, and man it was sharp! The type of water you fish and species you're after make a big difference as well.

As for electronics, a pair of 9/10" Garmins with Livescope. You can go bigger on the screens but I think you reach the point of diminishing returns pretty quickly price wise when a 9" is $699 and a 12" is $1499.

[Chuck Adams]

Personally I would not buy new.
Find a good boat that has been well kept from an individual. Dealership will try to sell you stuff you won’t need. Don’t know your age or health condition but get something you will be able to handle and as said the water you plan to fish.
I am 68 years old and owned boats since 1978.
Fast 75 plus mph glass boats and everything in between. Never caught a fish going that fast. Lol
Aluminum over glass now.
I run a 1754 Crestliner now and set it up for my style of fishing. I can launch and load easily by myself.
Don’t need to start out with the latest and greatest electronics.
It’s going to take awhile to learn every aspect of operating a boat and being completely comfortable.
Get a spot lock trolling motor and a 4 stroke outboard.
Always be ready to Bust Out Another Thousand. The acronym for boat.
Good luck on your quest.
Chuck


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[Grainraiser]

It really boils down to what type of fish are you looking for, what type of water do fish and method of fishing do you like most. A person who trolls is totally different than a single poler. Do you fish big water or small water. What size outboard will suit you best. There are just so many factors that go into getting the perfect boat. I'm five years from retirement and I am already making my most have list for my retirement boat.

[Alphahawk]

Buy once cry once is my motto.


Regards


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[Chuck Adams]

Side note
You should consider taking a boater safety course if you can find one in your area. Be well prepared before you even turn the key on.
Just another suggestion.


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[happycaster58]

Since you're in Arkansas, try to visit and tour as many plants as you can. Many boat manufacturers are located in your area. As others have mentioned, spot lock TM and Livescope are both game changers. If you can, test drive any boat new or used before you buy. Style, layout and stability vary and you must decide what strikes your fancy.
Also, take into consideration what you will use to tow a boat- a glass boat is much heavier than aluminum for the length. Be prepared to wait 9-12 months on an ordered boat!
Good luck on you hunt.

[flymoron]

congratulations! whatever you get I hope you enjoy it to the fullest!

[ezgoing]

The only advice I can give on boats is to climb around in them and see how you like the storage and layout. I saw a Vexus up close at the ramp the other day, and man it was sharp! The type of water you fish and species you're after make a big difference as well.

As for electronics, a pair of 9/10" Garmins with Livescope. You can go bigger on the screens but I think you reach the point of diminishing returns pretty quickly price wise when a 9" is $699 and a 12" is $1499.

Best wishes for your retirement with your wife. Having your wife as your fishing buddy is the best of all possible worlds. My wife loved to fish which made every trip that much more enjoyable.

I currently have a 126 and two 93s on my pontoon. I just hooked the 93s up on my new pontoon. There is quite a difference between the two units. That $800 difference in price is worth it for tired old eyes.

I don't know the health conditions of you or your wife but now that you are retired that can make a difference in your choice. Do you plan on purchasing additional boats as you age or is this boat to be the boat you keep till you stop fishing?

I switched to a pontoon rigged for fishing when I turned 70. I found it to more comfortable and safer than a bass boat or regular fishing boat. While my wife was unhappy about the switch to a pontoon for the first year she came to appreciate the pontoon as we both aged.

Since you are going to be fishing different lakes I would suggest you get at least a 150 hp motor. My first pontoon had a 40 hp on it, which was great if you only want to fish a mile or two from the marina or your launch point. But it was slow if you decided to fish the other side of the lake.

I switched to a new pontoon with a 150 hp last year. It drinks the gas but gets me there almost three times as fast so I can spend more time fishing and less time riding. The new lake I call home is three times as large as the Texas lakes I fished and the two best fishing areas are on opposite ends of the lake.

Had I bought a larger motor the first time I would not have needed to get a new boat last year.

[Clarktg]

I just got my Vexus 1980cc and it took three months to come in once I ordered it. Although the dealership said to prepare for a six month wait. Only been on the water with it once so far and no complaints yet. My main advice would put the max hp motor on it that it will allow. Never know when you’ll need to beat in a storm or tow in a bigger boat and don’t need to be under powered when doing so. If it is going to only be in freshwater I also suggest getting a tongue step for easier boat access when launching and an ultrex trolling motor. My last one was a terrova and the ultrex is substantially better.





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