Buying Dad a boat

[Lucy7]

Hi, I'm Lucy. My husband and I decided to buy my dad a boat for his birthday, but I have the slightest clue as to which boat would be most appropriate for him. My husband says he knows, but I'd like to help with this decision.
He showed me this one yesterday. I should mention that Dad's an avid bass fisherman. He spends most weekends and evenings out on Lake Hickory in North Carolina.
Here's the first boat Roger likes:

http://www.anglerschannel.com/content/2010-stratos-294-xle
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006...ae0343QQitemZ280660673347QQptZFishingQ5fBoats

I guess I just need the bass boat basics. This is a special birthday for my dad. He turns 65 in a few weeks.
I appreciate your time.

Lucy

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Lucy, you're one heck of a good daughter! I hope my little girl buys me a Bass boat when I turn 65!!

Those are both very nice boats....... but I'd be more inclined in buying a slightly used boat over a new one. Any of the newer Bass boats are good....have to be careful and make sure you get the motor checked out by a reputable mechanic.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

IMO - those boats are right in the realm of an avid bass fisherman. However, that's just based on your wording. Some guys in the 60s and 70s may not (gulp) want such a nice boat. I know, I know but hear me out. It'd be like buying your dad a pimped out Escalade that he might be embarrassed to be seen in. I'm sure that a lot of fishermen would love either of those two boats, but you'll need to judge if your dad is the kind of guy that would treasure a boat like that.

As to the specifics of those two boats, they are both beautiful and will do the job well. Although the ebay boat (2006 Charger) doesn't seem to have any post holes for your dad to put a butt seat. Maybe he plans to stand the entire time while fishing, IDK. Also, you're going to have to drive that boat across country from California. Another thing to consider with both boats is that they have huge motors - 200hp and 250hp. Those will not be easy on the wallet in terms of maintenance and fuel costs, so you'll once again have to think about whether your dad would care. Does he drive around a big diesel truck, mostly immune from fuel costs? Buying your dad a boat is a wonderful gift, but there are many potential pitfalls to consider.

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Captain Caveman brought up some very good points to consider in your wonderfully gracious present.

If I pm you my daugthers phone number could you call her and influence her in her next birthday present for me???? She is only 3 but it couldn't hurt!!!

That is one heck of a present!!!!!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Yes, those are both very good bass boats and there are plenty more out there in that price range. However, before pulling the trigger on a rig you might want to verify a couple of things if you haven't already. First, is your dad comfy handling that much power? Second, is he comfy towing that much boat? Third, is he comfy spending that much on fuel (boat and TV)? I guess it all comes down to how avid he really is. Your husband seems to have done his homework, so you may already know the answers to those questions. If so, and said answers are commensurate with that kind of boat, then I'd say either would be fine assuming no undisclosed issues. I'd also say you can do just as well or better closer to home. Good luck, and I'll be telling my daughter to call you in about 25 years.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

I knew the admiral and I should have had daughters instead of sons!!!

My sons have been great and generous with their gifts.......but.....a boat has not been one of them.

Good luck to you and your husband (he is going to earn some son in law points) and good luck to your dad with his soon to be new boat.

Now.....how can I forward this thread to my sons.......my 58th is coming up quickly.....

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Buying Dad a boat

while your heart is in a great place, surprising someone else with "a boat" is like surprising someone with "a dog." Get one in his home town. Get one of his buddies there to help you on the QT. Don't just pick one out and especially don't drag it all the way from California to Carolina!

A bass boat is a specialty boat that is very limited as to its use. It's very likely he would want something more general purpose that will work for fishing, too. For example, a duck hunter can't use a bass boat, but he can fish all day from his duck boat.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Lucy, It all depends on the type of guy your dad is, what kind of fishing he loves, what kind of boats he likes. I'm 67 years old and my speedboat days are behind me, and a big aluminum jon boat just suits me fine, maybe 25 MPH! What kind of boat does your dad want? You need to sorta get inside his head before you just buy him a boat. Maybe he'd love a nice pontoon boat for fishing and comfort? Good luck with this very kind and noble endeavor!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

A bass boat is a specialty boat that is very limited as to its use. It's very likely he would want something more general purpose that will work for fishing, too. For example, a duck hunter can't use a bass boat, but he can fish all day from his duck boat.

Ordinarily I'd agree, but if he's truly a bass nut who spends half his life on Hickory an honest to goodness bass boat might be the ticket.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

IMO - those boats are right in the realm of an avid bass fisherman. However, that's just based on your wording. Some guys in the 60s and 70s may not (gulp) want such a nice boat.

You Sir, are insane!

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

You Sir, are insane!

My father in-law got rid of a Forest Wood 25th Anniversary edition Ranger with a 150 hp Merc. because it was more boat than he wanted at 65 years old. He's now got a Crestliner with a 50 hp......Captain Caveman isn't all wet on this....depends on the person. I've never caught a fish goin 70 mph!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

I've never caught a fish goin 70 mph!

You need to work on your trolling methods then. Trolling at 70 is how you get the biguns.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Go here:

http://www.bulletboats.com/

They are the best on the market (IMO) and are much closer to home for you. You can't go wrong with ANY of the boats from this site!

 

[mommicked]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Does he fish w your husband or any buddies? They may know what he might want in a boat.Does he have one now and you want to get him a new one?If he fishes alone alot and must launch and load it at a boatramp Id suggest a smaller easyer to launch/load boat. My father doesent like going fast in any boat, 25 is fine w him. He's semi retired and in no big hurry,once he gets to the lake that is!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Ordinarily I'd agree, but if he's truly a bass nut who spends half his life on Hickory an honest to goodness bass boat might be the ticket.

I agree with you. We don't have that info and so as usual we take off on assumptions! Lucy may know exactly what he wants.

 

[Ob1415]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Have your husband take him to the boat dealer under the premise that he (your husband) is looking to buy a bass boat and wants his opinion. Surely, your dad will point out the boat that he (your dad) thinks is the best. Then have your husband drop him off and head back to the dealer to make the magic happen!

You can definitely get a nice used boat and save some money, but there's nothing like a brand new boat (especially with WARRANTIES, if you are familiar with my recent ordeal!). Your dad is a lucky man. He will be thrilled and very proud of the woman you've become. There will be tears (of joy and gratitude), gauranteed. D

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Questions that need to be asked is where will this boat be kept. If it is kept at his home, are there covenants or city ordinances regarding recreational vehicle storage. Does he have a vehicle capable of towing the boat. Does he even like to tow and is he capable of towing and backing a trailer. These two boats are very high performance rigs. Is he capable of handling them. As was pointed out, his idea of a fishing rig may be jon boat. The amount the boat will be used is another consideration. Being an avid fisherman may mean fishing like a mad man for one week out of the season. Boats are expensive toys to be sitting unused. While it is great to consult here, the most important person to consult with is your Dad. Nobody picked out your husband for you and in my view, nobody should buy an expensive car, boat, house or any other expensive item without consulting the recipient. Instead of happiness your generosity may turn out to be a burdon leading to unhappiness.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Showing this thread to the wife, so we can get busy making daughters, so we can have the boat we want when we get old.

Dang, too late, I'm already old.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Also consider mobility, I know a few older men who swapped Bass Boats for Pontoons because they said they just couldn't get into the Bassboats anymore...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Buying Dad a boat

Showing this thread to the wife, so we can get busy making daughters, so we can have the boat we want when we get old.

Dang, too late, I'm already old.

You are falling for the newbie's "free boat" temptation. A daughter will cost you way more than the boat she gives you--in one word: wedding.