Why did you choose your boat?

[Ado]

So everyone, what was your deciding factor in buying your boat?

I'm currently in the market for a bream boat. Just jumped out of a yak but have always fished my mates 385 quinny, my budget being around 35/40k. But in saying that if I find a decent boat for say, 5K I'll jump on it. Brain says not to jump into a 40k boat being 22 and just about to move in with my girlfriend, but would really like to hit 90% of the bream comps next year around the east coast and the bigger boat will definitely be the better option.

Brain says quinny trophy.
Every other part of me says skeeter 170 or stratos 186XT.

^ Small story aside, back to the question at hand.

[bargeass]

Comprimise and find a 2nd hand glass boat for 15-20k? haha

[JIM1]

depends if its your cash or the banks, im the same age and if i had a lump sum like that id invest or buy a house, you can always get that dream boat come the mid life crisis:P

[Ado]

Originally Posted by JIM1

depends if its your cash or the banks, im the same age and if i had a lump sum like that id invest or buy a house, you can always get that dream boat come the mid life crisis:P

So many people have preached that story to me to which I reply...


You only live once! when that time comes along where I do want to invest my savings when im older that's what I will do but for now... it's time to fish! as I said, still debating the pro's and con's.

[Nugget]

You can pick up a pretty sweet boat for 10-15k put the rest into saving for a investment property. You won't save when you move out. I know I sure as heck can't.

[TheChief]

Originally Posted by Ado

So many people have preached that story to me to which I reply...


You only live once! when that time comes along where I do what to invest my savings when im older that's what I will do but for now... it's time to fish!

I agree! I'm in a similar situation but not with a 35-40k budget but more like 10-15k. Unsure about what to do or get at this stage. Still "thinking" about it.

Get the Nitro or Stratos mate.

[danh124]

Hi,
There is a few glass bream boats on tournament boats at the moment 16' to 17'6" with 90hp motors sounders and bow mounts with low hours for 20k-25k.
These would be the best option in my opinion.
Although you may have 40k there is nothing more frustrationg than having the boat of your dreams but not bieng able to afford the tackle entry fees insurance fuel accom membership fees servicing maintanence oils food lures etc etc that you will need for the tournies.
Go small to start of with get some experiance and build up your arsenal then trade that puppy in in a few years to the big 20" when you can afford it.

[youngfisherman]

Hi mate

If I had that much money to spend I would probably go a Nitro 640, still has the advantage of being glass but not as big as some glass boats so easier to manouvre around the racks. Looks like alot of looking around is in order for you

[StuKlose]

Do you just want to use your boat for bream/estuary fishing? Think about whether you want to go offshore at some point.

With what you are prepared to pay, you could pick up a trophy, key west etc. these boats are a very good compromise.

[Ado]

Originally Posted by danh124

Hi,
There is a few glass bream boats on tournament boats at the moment 16' to 17'6" with 90hp motors sounders and bow mounts with low hours for 20k-25k.
These would be the best option in my opinion.
Although you may have 40k there is nothing more frustrationg than having the boat of your dreams but not bieng able to afford the tackle entry fees insurance fuel accom membership fees servicing maintanence oils food lures etc etc that you will need for the tournies.
Go small to start of with get some experiance and build up your arsenal then trade that puppy in in a few years to the big 20" when you can afford it.

I may have a sponsor lined up that would be willing to take care of all that for me tho + the boat wrap, just have to pitch it to them. Arsenal has pretty much been sorted (a month left of saving) but the first batch of rods are just about to get underway by a top bloke named Steve Duff . I'm not one of those blokes with HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS of lures, I just run a few trays of jigheads and 70-80 lures that have worked for me, I lose them, they get replaced.

In term's of experience not to sure what you referring to, I do currently have access Stacer 529 northern fisher which is my old mans but it's hardly what I would call I bream boat. But it's true I've never been at the helm of a stratos or skeeter, one of the things I would HOPE to organize.

I have a feeling in me guts i'll end up with a 2nd hand 170 tho.

[Ado]

Originally Posted by StuKlose

Do you just want to use your boat for bream/estuary fishing? Think about whether you want to go offshore at some point.

With what you are prepared to pay, you could pick up a trophy, key west etc. these boats are a very good compromise.

PURE estuary fishing, all flat water. As stated I do have a 529 northern fisher that I have access to do all that boring offshore fishing with

[Ado]

Originally Posted by youngfisherman

Hi mate

If I had that much money to spend I would probably go a Nitro 640, still has the advantage of being glass but not as big as some glass boats so easier to manouvre around the racks. Looks like alot of looking around is in order for you

One of my favourite boats mate! forgot to mention that, but I do prefer the extra size of the skeeter and stratos

[Bobby Bass]

In all honesty I wouldnt buy a new boat. Look for a 285 or a 180 with a 150 hp on it. It will be fast enough that you dont want to upgrade soon and will save alot of money and time not buying new.

Down side is that you may need to rewire and buy a new leccy for it.

There was the best seccond hand boat ever availible a coupple of weeks ago, a 285 in mint condition with only 92 hours on the 150hp. It sold pretty quick for $35,000.00

They wouldnt be alot more than that new though.

have a look around, something else may get your attention.

[youngfisherman]

Just thought I'd tell you, Russell Babekuhl is selling his ABT Grand Final prize - Basscat with a 115, also looks not so big that you'd be able to get around the racks in easily. Just a thought.

Todd

[Breamobsession]

Originally Posted by Nugget

You can pick up a pretty sweet boat for 10-15k put the rest into saving for a investment property. You won't save when you move out. I know I sure as heck can't.

Yep, add to that kids and your screwed mate if i had that kinda money and I sure as heck didn't at 22 nor do I now, I would really be thinking hard about saving or investing, you don't need to spend 40k for a decent tourney boat. Just IMO.