Conference wahoo::fishing

    Two years ago I bought my 161 from Green's in NH.  Haven't had to go
    back there yet for anything.  My boat was a package deal with the boat,
    45HP Merc with power tilt, galvanized trailer and other widgets like
    livewell, power bilge, X-4 depth finder, speedo and tach, front mounted
    Merc electric motor.  The only item I added was a second battery and a
    canvas cover.  Oh yeah, it came with and AM/FM/Casette radio too.
    
    I've been real happy with the boat.  No problems with anything.  The
    people at Green's were real helpful and arranged the financing and
    other papers on the spot; no hassles.
    
    More on the boat, I really like the design of the 161 with the lowered
    floor (as opposed to the flush mounted deck bow to stern) mid-deck.  It
    just feels better when out on some bigger lakes in Maine; safer maybe. 
    The 161 can take some pretty rough water.  I had a 50's vintage wooden
    Oldtown that used to be pretty good, but the 161 is better in the big
    lake chop.
    
    If you plan on doing and salmon or trout trolling, you'll need to
    either add a small trolling motor (gas or strong electric) on the rear
    like I did or else a trolling plate to the main engine in order to get
    going slow enough.
    
    My opinion is you can't go wrong with the 161.  Good luck.
    
    Pete
    

    	I've got the TX 155 and wish now that I bought the FM 161.  For the 
    price your paying it's an excellent boat.  I believe that the 40 hp
    with trim and tilt is an option, money wisely spent.  Mine came with
    the 25 hp motor, the next year I upgraded to a 30 hp.  Didn't make much
    a difference in top end but it did make a big difference when your full
    of gear and have two people on board.  Sounds like you'll have enough
    motor to cruise at at least 30 mph and still carry a couple of people.
    
    	As far as the motor, in my opinion, both Evinride and Johnson are 
    quality engines.  I wouldn't worry about that, I'd go with the better
    and or closes dealer.  We all like to think with a new boat that
    nothing will go wrong.  But when and if it does, it'a always great to 
    be able to get it fixed right away because you purchased the boat from 
    a good dealer.  Even though the boat is under warranty and any dealer
    that services Sea Nymph must honor that, if you didn't buy the boat from 
    them, you'll be last on their list for service.  Have fun!!
    
    						Madd Matt

    Yes, definitely get the power tilt/trim.  I almost didn't and boy am I
    glad I did.  With the 45 Merc and three adults plus gear, top speed is
    right around 30 mph.  The seating set up on the 161 is great too.  You
    can arrange things however you want or need and the side locker for
    gear comes in handy too.  Lots of usable storage space everywhere.
    
    One more thing on Green's.  When I went to pick up the boat they threw
    in a fire extinguisher, paddle, and four lifejackets, all free.  They
    also spent about 1/2 hour going over the whole boat with me showing me
    how everything worked, etc.  I wasn't new to boats at all, but they
    showed interest and wanted to ake sure they had a satisfied customer.
    I am.

 About how much does a boat like this cost?

    I bought a boat and motor years ago from Greens.  I had some problems
    with the motor (caused by me).  I got ripped off my several shops
    trying to fix it.  Finally took it back to Greens, which is out of
    the way from where I live.  They fixed it literally for pocket change.
    
    I don't know about the other dealer, but I'm sure you will be
    happy with Greens.
    
    Mark,
    

    Re: cost
    I don't remember the exact price, but It seems like I paid about $6500
    or so for mine (that's the one with the 45HP Merc.).  With a 10% down
    payment and financing through Mercury (the finance co has since been
    bought by Chrysler) the monthly payments are $131.  I went to several
    shows before buying.  I felt that the Sea Nymph was definitely the best
    buy.  Whalers were out of sight. Other boats were cheaper, but it
    showed.  Green's also seemed to have a slightly better deal than other
    Sea Nymph dealers.  For example, their package included a galvanized
    trailer while the others didn't.  I was impressed too with the range of
    styles on the Sea Nymphs.  I could get anything from a basic bench seat
    model with just the bare hull for a floor to a full feature bass boat,
    to a cabin model. (Their Great Lakes models look really nice.)  The FM
    161 met my requirements of a 16' Deep V, with enough power and easily
    trailerable, suiatable for Maine salmon trolling or river bass
    plugging.
    
    There's a roughly equivalent 14" model too (FM 141?).
    

    I bought my first two boats from Greene's and was very pleased with
    them.  Last spring when I was shopping for a new boat, the FM161 was
    one of my targets.  My final decision came down to an `90 FM161 w/ 
    Johnson 40hp VRO, trim/tilt, trolling motor, LCR, 3 batteries weighed
    against a leftover `89 Lowe 160 Bass (modified V/flat hull style bass 
    boat) with the same motors (`90 outboard) and electronics. 
    
    I had a tough time deciding between the two.  
    
    The decision came down to dollars.  I wound up getting a better 
    deal on the Lowe, the hull was a leftover so they discounted it 
    substantialy, plus the delaer (Wilderness) was offering me $300 
    more for my trade-in than Greene's or Owens.  
    
    I have been very happy with the boat, but my guess is I'd have enjoyed 
    the FM161 just as much - even though the two have fairly different hull 
    designs.
    
    The power trim sounded pretty sad off and on all last year.  This spring 
    they replaced (on warranty of course).  Plus the 40 didn't troll too
    well for me last fall, but I'm pretty sure that was an adjustment
    problem, I'll find out soon.
    
    -donmac
    

    Wow,,,,,thanks for all the fast replies. Keep them coming.
    
    The cost for a "1991" 161 Fishing Machine is $8000.00 on the button.
    Without the Tilt/Trim $7500.00. I like the layout of Green's better
    than OWEN's myself. IT looks like a fairly new place (how old??).
    
    I almost got a "90" for $6999 but he only had 3 and they sold out fast.
    
                                            -Very Excited

    YOU DOG YOU!!!! Ah man I wanted one of those! Well I bought my Seanyph
    Fishing Machine at Greens Marine and have been very satisfied with
    their service. I had to bring mine in a couple of times and never had 
    a complaint!
    
    I have always delt with a guy by the name of Troy. He is very
    knowledgable and pleasent to deal with. Just tell him Martial
    sent you!!
    
    Have fun with your new toy!!
    
    
    Bass-O-Matic
     

    re .8
    
    Both Greene's an Owens have been around for awhile, don't know which
    was there first.
    
    The trim and tilt is definitely worth the $500, I wouldn't have
    considered a motor without it.  The other must-haves were locking
    rod storage, oil injection and adequate livewell.  
    
    Most other accesories that a boat doesn't come with are easy to add-on
    later.
    
    Leftovers can be a bargain.  While I was dropping off my boat a few
    weeks ago to have the trim replaced a guy pulled up behind me and asked 
    if the boat was mine.  He was bummed.  He had hoped it was an available
    leftover.  He had passed up a similar boat (that Wilderness had left 
    on Owen's lot over the winter) a week or so before.  Appears that he 
    had just gone back to buy it and it was gone.  
    
    have fun, donmac

I have the FM145 (or is it FM146?) ... anyway, it's 14� feet long.
Basically the same as the longer ones; carpeted, livewell, pedestal seat
forward, storage under aft seat, floatation in the side compartmemts,
nice flat deck throughout. I bought it from Owens as a show special. With
a 15hp Johnson and galvanized trailer I think it was around $3550 a
couple of years ago. 

The 15 Johnson is plenty big enough for what I want. It will plane the
boat and go fast enough to make my eyes water and my wife complain. And,
I burn about ten gallons of gas a year. 

I put a MinnKota power-drive bow-mounted trolling motor on it last year,
and it's great. It made for a nice installation, too, as I ran #6 wires
up inside the aluminum box gunwale, all the way from the stern seat
(where the battery is) up to the bow. The wires are completely hidden.
That MinnKota pulls about 34 amps at full toot, so #6 wire is not
overkill.  Being able to hide the wire was a big plus for me. 

I've found that Owens treats their customers (read: you bought a boat
and/or motor from them) okay. Some of their sales staff can be a pain.
Some are just fine. I've met people who *hate* Randy Owens and everyone
who works for him. I get along with them. 

Art  

    Last year as I was trying to decide what type boat to get. I stopped in at
    Owens and Greens in one day. At Owens I could not get the time of day.
    I went up the road to Green's and they spent two hours with me. Asked me
    what type of fishing I would do, would I use it for recreation etc. Showed
    me the difference between FM14's, FM16's, BT160 and Starcrafts. I
    really learned a lot; and they were great, no pressure, just information. 
    
    I liked the FM161 and it was high on my list, but I wanted a boat
    without a console. I finally decided on the Backtroller with the raised 
    bow, think it is the BT161. The only one I found was in Shrewsbury at 
    Gauch's. Both dealers were to far away for me to deal with. Gauch's has
    been real good to me. But if all things were equal I would have bought 
    from Green's.
    
    I am very pleased with the boat. I got the Johnson 25, and it matches up
    fine for what I wanted and where I do most of my fishing. I am happy to 
    report no problems. Just a happy owner of a boat that can now stand up
    or sit comfortably for hours and fish. There are many good boats out 
    there today, but I would not hesitate giving the Sea Nymph two thumbs
    up!!! 
    
    
    Best of luck with your purchase. Hope to see you at Manchaug. 
    
    Ed

    Thanks again for all your replies !!!!!
    
    I made the purchase on the weekend at GREEN'S MARINE. I went with the
    FM 161 with a 40 Evinrude Trim/Tilt Oil Enjected Galv. Trailer. I
    also added a canvas cover................This boat has everything
    needed for a nice day on the lake.
    I talked with Steve for about 1 hour as he showed me the features of
    this Machine. I just wanted to learn as much as I could about the FM161
    because I had already made up my mind that this was the one for me.
    
    Delivery date will be April 20th and set me back $8250.
    CAN'T WAIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
                                         -Steve

    You're in for a heap of fun, son!  Congratulations!
    
    By the way, if you don't already have or as part of the deal, ordered a
    spare tire and wheel for the trailer, order from Cabela's.  Their's are
    much less expensive that I saw listed elsewhere.
    
    Pete
    

    Congrats on your new boat.  I am looking at buying a boat this spring
    but have yet to make my final decision on what kind.  I've been looking
    at the Bass Tracker Pro Deep V17.  This boat runs about 8000.00 with
    everthing included, 40hp Johnson, trolling motor, rod storage, LCR,
    built-in 13gal tank, bilge pump, live well, oil injection, and other
    small options.
     
    What I would like to now is the spec on the FM161.  Is it aluminun,
    v-hull, how big is the livewell, etc.  I am hoping I can get my boat by
    the end of April which will be the prime time here in Georgia.  We are
    already catching some good fish but it only gets better. 
    

    You would be fine with the Bass Tracker Pro Deep V17. This was going to
    be my first choise but here in New England the closest dealer is NOT
    very close. This is important when servicing is required.
    
    I like them both, but I calculated the Tracker to be more. I don't
    believe the $8000 will include the trim/tilt or a boat cover.
    
    SEA NYMTH INFO.
       Is it aluminun ?  -- Yes
       Is it V-Hull ?    -- Yes
       How big is the Livewell ?  -- 40" with removable Divider
       More Storage   -- Yes
       The also threw in for free:
             4 Life jackets
             1 paddle
             1 Fire extinguisher
    
    Have fun looking comparing and pricing,,,and of course FISHING!!!!
    I have the book on both boats,,,so if you need more info. ,,just ask.
    
                                         -Steve
                                 

    Thanks Steve for the info.  I'll have to see if there is a Sea Nymph
    dealer in the Atlanta area so I can go look at the boat.  Are the seats
    set up the same as the tracker or does it have a raised deck?  Also
    does it have a built in fuel tank?  The dealer I have been checking
    with(Galts Ferry) gave me a price of around 8000 but there is a dealer 
    in Perry Ga, about 3 hours from here that will come down on his prices due
    to his large inventory.  Galts Ferry told me that tracker sets the
    price and thats what they have to sell them for.  A good friend of mine
    went to the dealer down south(Perry Ga) and that guy bet Galts Ferry by
    2000.00 dollars on a Tracker Bass Buggy. If I decide to buy tracker I
    will go to Perry for sure.
    Thanks again.
    Earl Shaddix
    DTN 385-2563
    

    The Sea Nymth FM161 has a Semi-Raised front and flat back deck.
    The Sea Nymth FM160 has both front and back full-raised decks.
    6 Gal. External Fuel Tank.
    
    I found that a "Over the Phone" price quote is shy of the "Real Price",
    and with the Tracker,,,shipping can vary the price a couple hundred
    along with tax, but I would be careful with a $2000 difference in the
    same boat. A caution bell would be ringing in my head.......8^)

    UPDATE:
    	My SEA NYMTH 161 FISHING MACHINE has arrived from Green's Marine,,
    	and the best part yet is the fact it came 2 weeks EARLY.....
    
    	The canvas cover did not show but it will most likely be in next
        week. My neighbor put the fear in my head that I would not see the
    	boat until the end of the summer because he ordered a sailboat a
    	few years ago from "Moe Larry and Curly's Marine" and 5 weeks
        ended up to be 9 weeks for delivery.
    
    	Boy,,,,,they look nice in the Showroom,,,,,,but when you OWN IT and
        it's sitting in your yard,,,WOWWWWWWW. I keep going into the garage
        to look at it and tell my wife "Hey,,there's a nice boat in our
        garage...Is it OURS??"
    
    	                                         -Steve 
    	

Super! I spent time sitting in mine (the 14-1/2' version) in the garage
when I first got it. Happy new boat!

I just wanted to mention that I bit the bullet when I first got it, and
drilled holes in the transom for the transducer. Drilling the first hole
is always hardest. I was particularly scared to do it with this boat,
because of all you hear about the problems in mounting a depthfinder
transducer on an aluminum boat due to rivet turbulence, etc.  Well, I
used a standard transom mount, and mounted the two vertical plates with
one on each side of the livewell intake. This allowed me to butt the
transducer face right against the edge of the bottom. I filled the slight
gap with silicone calk, and faired it with my finger. I had coated the
mounting plate screws, washers, and nuts with the same calk before I
mounted them, so they don't leak or weep.

The chart recorder gives me solid readings whether I'm on plane or
trolling, so I believe I've avoided all the turbulence problems. 

Get out the drill...

Art

    I know the feelin, I picked up my Tracker Super 17 Pro on the 23rd. 
    Been out 4 times already.  It takes me 25 min to get to the lake and 5
    min to launch.  I got mine with a 40 hp Johnson and Motorguide 34lb
    thrust trolling motor. The wind is no problem with that motor.  I love
    it and the fishing is so easy out of it.  Plenty of room for my gear
    and rods in rod box.  Already had fish in live well.  Caught 3 bass and
    1 catfish Friday after work, fished 2 hours.  I Love It.

    who owns the sea nymph 155?
    
    
    any comments on the rig? I am thinking of springing...
    
    
    any help appreciated..
    
    
    /lt

    
     My comments.
    
     It's a tin-can forget it!
    
     - Slam
    

I'm still considering it...Mad Matt has one.

Tim

    	I agree with Slam!
    
    	Swivel

    SeaNymph has a good rep.  I had a 14 footer for a few years.
    
    The TX155 is not a bad boat, it doesn't have the storage that 
    I'd prefer though.  I put a big value on storage and rod lockers.
    
    The length, width and hull design would make for a rough ride on big
    water.
    
    It's all relative to the price tag.  But besides the lack of storage,
    it'd be a fine smaller water boat.
    
    -donmac