Growing Pains / Moving Up ??'s

[PAkev]

First let me start by saying this is my first posting and I look forward to finding information that will be helpful in purchasing our new boat. My 15yr old 16ft "Fishing Machine" has become quite crowded with three kids and and a wife as we have attempted to make boating/fishing a family event. Now the kids are a little older they want to be skipping over the water on a tube like all the other kids and the 16ft just doesn't have what it takes. We therefore have been squirlelling some money away for a new (bigger) boat to meet our families demands. Although I would like to keep my 16ft boat for my own fishing enjoyment wifie says "OnlyOne Boat" and I have to work within those parameters to keep a smile on everyones face. The other issue is that I work over 60hrs/wk and want to spend my free time on the water insetead of fixing things therefore we have been considering buying new instead of inheriting someone elses problem(s) and will trade or sell the 16ft in the process. After looking at a few dealers and two boat shows throughout the summer, we are in agreement of the TROPHY walk around cuddy of about 20ft powered with about a 150 Merc. OB We have a local lake 2miles from our home but plan to trailer the boat about 3hrs about once a month during the summer to a favorite vacation/fishing/camping destination. Since I plan to do a fair amount of highway trailering I believe the tandem axle trailer would be a sensible upgrade. Unless a sweet deal falls into my lap, I probably won't buy anything until after next summer. <br /><br />Now that I have the details out of the way, there are a few basic issues that I need to work on to feel a little more confident about our purchase.<br /><br />1. I am concerned that this step may be a little "overkill" for my personal fishing enjoyment on local lakes and rivers.<br />2. For a guy who is coming from handling a 25hp tiller to a 150hp rig, I have expectations of a higher level of boating, navigation, and maintenance skills to be developed along the way. Hopefully not the hard way! <br />3. Does anyone else have experience or helpful information on the TROPHY series boats that may help with our decision.<br /><br />Helpful thoughts appreciated<br /><br />Kevin

 

[tjthorson]

Re: Growing Pains / Moving Up ??'s

Well, how much bigger do you want to go? I would think a 17-19 foot open bow would probably be good.<br /><br />They have some REAL neat ski/fish type boats coming out nowadays. These is a good example...<br /><br /> http://www.boattest.com/general-info.asp?ID=304 <br /><br />These are some typical bowriders...<br /><br /> http://www.boattest.com/general-info.asp?ID=286 <br /><br /> http://www.boattest.com/general-info.asp?ID=302 <br /><br />I don't know your price range - whether you want an I/O or outboard, and what kind of tow vehicle you have. Trophy boats are made by Bayliner. I have heard that the quality put into the Trophy line is considerable better then the typical Bayliner.<br /><br />If you are not an accomplished mechanic, I would encourage you to avoid a Trophy boat with Force outboard or L-Drive. Just about any other outboard would be a better choice.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Growing Pains / Moving Up ??'s

We've considered the open bow option of a few fish & ski packages but sometimes get caught in 3-4 ft swells on the water we fish (St. Lawerance Seaway & Lake Ontario) and belive the TROPHY will keep us higher and dryer. I also like the low maintenance deck of the TROPHY so that after a day of fish flopping around and kids spilling soda you can just hose it out and start clean and dry again the next day. Although I like the I/O boat profile, I am more familiar with maintenance of the outboard motor plus I believe the outboard motor will enable us to upgrade to new engine technology in the power department much easier and more economical than the I/O option several years down the road. I know there are some nice used TROPHY's out there with FORCE motors but don't plan to go near them with a 10 foot pole.<br /><br />I purchased a new truck (Chev. Silverado 2500HD Duramax Diesel) last year with towing a bigger boat in another 2-3 years in mind so I pretty much have that covered. I believe the package with our wanted options to cost us in the area of 25K give or take how much the dealers move from MSRP.<br /><br />Kevin

 

[tjthorson]

Re: Growing Pains / Moving Up ??'s

Certainly sounds like you are on your way. A Trophy rigged up with a Merc or Honda or Yamaha sounds like the ticket.<br /><br />Be sure you check for rotted wood.<br /><br />Lots of companies make nice walk around fish boats with all gel coated interiors. Heck, my new deck boat has a self bailing cockpit with all fiberglass interior and snap in carpet.<br /><br />Make sure you look at many different ones and test drive all the boats you can.