Author Topic: new boat (Read 842 times)

broken arrow · « **on:** September 19, 2003, 07:09:26 AM »

I will be selling my 16' Javelin 350A and buying a larger boat in the near future. Maybe at the boat shows this winter. I am leaning towards an 18' Fish 'n' Ski because the back seats would be nice for my family and some of these seem very "fishable" (for lack of a better word). I'm not ruling out a bass only boat either. I like the tournament 18 Pro-V from Tracker and there are nice offerings from Nitro, Stratos and Procraft too. I guess what it all boils down to is that I want an 18'-19' bass boat with an engine larger than 100 H.P. The family is a secondary consideration :-D . What do you use? Do you like fiberglass or aluminum? What brand of motor should I consider? (currently using a 60 H.P. 3 Cyl. Evinrude and quite pleased.......1995=BAD V.R.O.!!!!!!)

Skipper · « **Reply #1 on:** September 22, 2003, 08:44:48 AM »

I've got a Ranger 392, 1995 model with a 200 JohnnyRude on it. I know what you mean by the VRO not being much pumpkin. I unhooked mine several years ago.

I also have a 1546 VJF Xpress that I use in skinny water. Its got a 40 Merc on it. In this case, I definitely would prefer a JohnnyRude for 1 reason, in a 40 short shaft, you can put power trim on a JohnnyRude, you can't a Mercury. That's the biggest advantage. I had a problem with a local JohnnyRude dealer, got mad and bought the Merc. It was supposed to have had power trim on it, but when it came in, the trim wouldn't fit, and Merc wouldn't ship a different mount bracket so that it would.

For fishing bigger water, glass is definitely an advantage. It rides smoother and sits a little lower so it doesn't blow in the wind as much. That's a huge advantage. Gas milage though the tin rigs are better on both the outboard and the truck, although I pull with a diesel, so it doesn't make any difference to me. In a gas truck, the difference is significant.

I bought my rig used, and saved about $12,000 over a similar new boat at the time. One advantage mine had when I purchased it was the powerhead was new. The guy who owned it before had blown it up (Bad VRO) and traded it in. The dealer put a brand new complete powerhead on it. I got a 1 year warranty on the engine because of that.

Skipper

broken arrow · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2003, 09:02:12 AM »

My Javelin 350A is a smaller fiberglass boat and is really a pleasure to ride and tow. It's perfect for two guys to go fishing, but I really do want something about 2' longer. Thanks for the insight into aluminum vs. glass. Everyone seems to have differing opinions on this. I've never ridden in an aluminum boat. Yeah, gots ta' have my power T&T.

Skipper · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2003, 12:13:12 PM »

Up to 18 feet in glass, you don't gain a lot of weight. 19' and over really gains a lot of weight. Normally in a 19' rig, you gain an additional 10" or so of beam (Width). That's where the weight comes in as well as the 200 hp and 40 gallons of fuel. Your tow vehicle gets critical over 18'. Its not the power to pull, its stopping the boat. I wouldn't pull anything 18' or larger without a full sized truck, trust me, I've been in 1 too many wrecks pulling a boat. The 3/4 ton Ford I pull with can really manhandle my rig. I've pulled it with a half ton suburban, and it wasn't any fun. The springs were too weak to calm the least wiggle of the trailer down.

Skipper

broken arrow · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2003, 12:58:30 PM »

I currently drive a 2000 1/2 ton F-150 Supercab. It has the 6 cylinder which has been wonderful. (with my little Javelin) Will that be enough truck? We have some hills here. I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee 318 CU V-8, and trashed the rotors when I went to Center Hill lake. I don't want to go through that again. I intend to keep the same truck. Should I consider the 18' aluminum Tracker (lighter) and trailer brakes, or would I be OK. with an 18' glass boat and trailer brakes? You've been a ton of help and thanks!

broken arrow · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2003, 01:05:05 PM »

My current truck also has the beefier towing springs and rear end gear.
I would love a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, just too expensive. :cry:

Skipper · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2003, 04:14:52 PM »

Ford generally has a stiffer suspension than Chevrolet. I know, someone's gonna climb my tree now, but that's the facts. I've owned 3 Fords with 300 inline 6's F150. They all did pretty good towing. They weren't all that fast, but they could handle the boat. I had a GMC wih a 350 in it, and it was a speed deamon on the highway, but the brakes were weak, and its weak suspension didn't handle curvy roads well.

In our club, there are 2 Fords and a host of Suburbans. Back in my 300 6 cylinder days, theyd sure out run me on the highway, but when we went to Dale Hollow throught the crooked roads, that Ford would leave them behind simply because it would handle better.

Than said, I've not owned a new style Ford half ton, nor have I driven one much. In 1997 Ford switched from the I-beam suspension to an A arm type similar to Chevrolet. I don't know how stiff they are. Also, the newer V6 while it has a little more horsepower than the old inline 6 doesn't have near the torque. Not that that 300 was a speed deamon, but it would pull pretty good.

I'd hook the boat I was thinking about buying and pull it and see what I thought. Any boat 18 and up in the glass variety will probably have trailer brakes. They are required in some states in that class. It is important to service your trailer brakes at a minimum once a year. By service, I mean blead the lines. Mine has a detatchable tongue, and it does get air in the line from time to time. I have it service about twice a year by my regular auto mechanic.

Skipper

John · « **Reply #7 on:** September 24, 2003, 05:21:11 AM »

I pull an 18 ft. stratos with a 150 evinrude hanging on the back with a v6 f-150. It does just fine, but I don't think I would pull anything much bigger.

I think glass is the way to go if ya fish the big lakes, but for small water and the rivers aluminum is good.

Oh yes......My oil mixer is layin somewhere in a pile of crap in the shop, I mix it myself.

broken arrow · « **Reply #8 on:** September 24, 2003, 11:05:02 AM »

Thanks John and Skipper. That helps alot. I prefer glass simply because it's so smooth riding. I guess I'll set my sights on an 18' boat with a 115-150 H.P. motor. That'll suit me just fine. :grin: