Conference wahoo::fishing

    
    Advice & Opinion FWIW:
    
    1.  You don't have to spend a lot of money on a boat.  I'm sure
    a lot of folks in this file can tell you about a boat they paid
    under $5K for and how satisfied they have been.
    
    2.  Make a list of what you need/want.  Livewell, seating for 4,
    min. hp, trolling motor, what have you probably on your need list.  
    Rod lockers, 2nd livewell, etc. on your want list.  Be careful about
    distinguishing between needs and wants.  Don't settle for less than
    your needs ... negotiate with yourself around your wants, use them
    to compare boats.
    
    3.  Used boats are not a bad idea.  Most boats don't get used that
    much and what could happen to them anyway?  Look for loose rivets,
    patches, damage to the transom, indications of having hit bottom
    one too many times.
    
    4.  Used motors are riskier.  A lot of folks abuse outboards, mostly
    through ignorance.  You might consider a used boat with a new motor.
    
    Good luck,
    
    -SSS-
    

    If you want - give me a call. 
    I spent over a year going to each boat show and studying the boats
    and specs. I started out wanting excatly what you descriibed. I
    ended up with a glass version more than X2 what I expected. Two
    years ago. (I also traded my wifes car in for a 4X4 to tow it!!)
    If I stayed with my origianl plans (like yours) I would have gone 
    with the Bass Pro line. They seem to come equiped for a 'new' Bass 
    fisherman.
    They had features not readily obvious until you saw them up close.
    The closeest dealer was down in Worcester Ma. 
    I was scared of buying used for the reasons stated in -1 and had
    the $$$ to go with somthing new - plus I usually take fairly good
    care of equipment. And like doing it. I dont know where you reside,
    that might be important because of the number or lack of marinas/boat
    dealers around. 
    I live in Merrimack NH my dealer is in Dracut Mass. I know Owens
    here in NH has some very good packages on alum. boats (your choice
    I think???) that Ive just seen. Take your time - there is a lot
    of it left before the really big rush for new boats. 
    DTN 264-9108 if you'd like to discuss further.

I bought a Sea Nymph from Owen's Marine in Manchester, NH two years ago
this Spring. They had a show special at the Annual Fishing show at the
Manchester Armory. (That show is THIS WEEKEND, I believe.) Paid $3400 for
the 14-1/2' "Fishing Machine" with a 15 hp Johnson and galvanized
COX trailer. The spec weight on the hull is 355 lbs. The engine weighs
about 80. The live well is effective, the storage under the aft seat is
spacious, the seats are nice, and the wiring is all in place, including
removable bow and stern running lights.

This is the quietest aluminum boat I've ever been in or near. To my eyes,
quality construction. I can only assume that the larger boats are of
similar quality.

I would not fish four people in the 14-1/2 footer. A party of two is just
fine. The 15 horse Johnson gets me up to about 22 mph when I'm alone.
Having the Plano 797 aboard slows me down some  ;^)

The size range you described would definitely call for a 35 hp or better,
I'd say, if you want to plane home in the rain with four wet people
aboard.

You're welcome to come look mine over if you like.

Art

    Gary,
    
    The more you look the more confused you'll get. You should consider
    some other things in addition to just the goodies.
    
    - Consider the typical lakes you'll use it on. This may be a big
    factor on the size of the boat. 16 feet is big if you're going to
    be fishing small ponds and such.
    
    - Children..If you have kids, you might choose a boat that has more
    stability ie: V-hull with a deeper transom and wider beam.
    
    - How much are you willing to customize the boat ? Buying a boat
    is like buying a car. You PAY for the options big time. If you're
    willing to do some of it yourself..you'll save alot of money. A
    good example is wiring, lights, areated livewells, etc. You can
    pick up many of these items through the catalogues and add them
    over time.
    
    - Simplicity ( the ENGINE ). If you stay with the smaller engines
    ie 9.9,15,20,25 HP., you can do without things like electric start
    which save money and time in terms of maintenance.
    
    I bought a new boat last year. I started off convinced I wanted a
    Tracker with all the wiz bang features. When I went and looked at
    it, I was dissappointed. So I looked at Stokers, Grummans, all kinds
    of glass boats etc. I ended up going for the 14.5 ft Grumman Split
    Seat with the 20" transom and 69" beam. It has a rating capacity
    of 6 people or 1000lbs. Its got a live well and storage area and
    built in flat fishing platforms. I put the 15hp manual start Johnson
    engine on it and added the side console and remote cables. After
    I got it I added the electric motor, lighting, and depth finder
    and saved a bundle over what grumman wanted for the same things.
    
    The bottom line is that I spent way under $4K for boat, trailer,
    motor and accessories and have something I can take the kids out
    in without worrying about them falling out.
    

    Guys,
    	
    	Thanks for all your inputs. I finally bought a new Sea Nymph
    model TX 155. It's 15' ft long,is a 6 degree semi-vee,and is 63"
    wide. It weighs about 500lbs with the 25hp Johnson on it. It's got
    all the goodies with the Pro package I bought,so it's all set to
    go Bassin. I was able to buy it right from the owner of the Marina
    so he was able to cut all the prep/freight charges in half by not
    having to pay one of his saleman a commission. 
    	I'm picking it up the end of March. I'm also buying a few goodies
    from Bass Pro Shops to customize it. The only thing it didn't come
    with was a big enough Rod Holder and Beer (excuse me) Soda holders. 
    This was a litte smaller than I origianly planned but pricewise
    and my needs VRS wants,and limited space to store it,I feel it's
    a good boat fro me to start with. 5-10 years from now then I'll
    step up to my 150HP Nitro Special. 
    	I hope to see you guys out their fishing soon.
    
    				Gary (no longer a landlock shore fisherman)
    

    Congrats Gary, see ya at the tournies, donmac

    That's great!
    
    I always get my butterflies before I buy the boat.  After I use
    it once I wonder why I waited so long.
    
    Good fishing to ya!
    
    /brett
    

    
    Good luck with it.  Betcha can't wait to break in that livewell.
    
    -SSS-(registering_my_trailer_this_afternoon_and_wondering_how_much_the
    Dukester_wants_THIS_year)