Advice on New Boat!

[mib_mn]

I am looking into getting my 1st boat! I am looking at the Lund Pro-V and want some advice or input anyway! First, is there much difference between say a 2002 Vs 2004? Second I am looking at either the 1800 or the 1900, any goods or bads with either size? Next I like the Double Bubble, but have found alot of them with just the single console. Is having the second console a HUGE plus, my feeling is how much drier are you gonna be with it and would I be better having that extra room? Should I can the console idea and go with the windshield, will the passengers appreciate this more? Also is there much difference between a 175, 200, 225hp motor?

Thanks

[ffishman]

In my opinion, I would never own a boat WITHOUT dual consoles. Trust me, your fishing partners will thank you. Another plus, it gives you a whole bunch more room to store stuff. You would not believe how much stuff I can stick under there. As for the engine, get the biggest your money can afford. Good luck on you new boat.

[LIKEWALLEYE]

Double bubble are nice like you said. Ive seen alotta guys that say they like the walkthru better for a dryer ride. Im my opinion if its that rough i just slow down. Just from my experience anyway.

[Hombre Robusto]

Get the newest, largest boat with the most HP your budget will allow.

Thank me later.

[keiths2130]

I own a half console and love it. Really opens thinks up when fishing, moving around and netting fish. The draw back is in cold weather, it is a cold ride for the person on that side. The guys I fish with just turn around and face backwards until we get where we are going. My next pick would be the 2nd console before the full windshield but that is just me. Get what you want and what fits your needs. Got to agree with going with the biggest motor you can afford.

[lundeepv]

The person not behind anything on a cooler day will thank you a ton if you get something with a 2nd console. And like an earlier post stated, you can store a ton of stuff. I just bought a new Ranger Reata 186, not a true walleye boat to say the least but after 10 years with a single console I REALLY wanted something with a full windshield and a boat to pull tubers with and just enjoy a day of cruising.

[dakotahunter12]

I have a 1900 with the full windshield. It fishes well but the it depends on where you fish, in S. dakota it's cold much of the time the good bites are going and you'll appreciate being able to hide behind the windshield even when you are not under power just to get out of the wind.

[Burr]

There's quite a bit of difference between the 02 and 04's. The 04's have the IPS II hull, and the cutout for the throttle in the gunnel allows the driver seat to be positioned squarely behind the windshield. If your looking at an LE model, I believe the consoles were positioned different on LE models on the 02 and 04's.

As far as 1800 or 1900 - it does depend on how you'll be using the boat, but in general, your more likely to want a bigger boat than you are to want a smaller boat. Again, for some people this is different, if your leaning toward these two, lean toward the larger.

As far as single, double, or full windshield - from the questions your asking you may want to consider the full windsheild. Your passengers will appreciate it, and no question the full windshield will be dryer. That being said, I have a 2025 with a single console, and any thoughts of adding the second console are gone after the first trip or two. A single console is fine for me. If I was to say there is a benefit to a single console, it would be the boat fishes 3 people as easily as a dual console or full windshield fishes 2. I didn't anticipate how easy it would be to fish 3 people with just one console, it really does make it easy to accomodate more people, and rods. As others have stated, there is valuable storage in the second console, but a bit of planning and a couple of containers have cured that part of the organization in a boat. For me, the biggest issue is the passengers will face back anytime we are on plane. A dual would allow another set of eyes to watch for obstructions (logs) in the water.

I've got a dodger top for cold, rainy days. If you get cold without a console, there's not a console made that will make you feel warm all day. Either way, you have to dress for the weather of the day.

Max the horsepower on any brand or model.

[mib_mn]

Hey thanks guys, I will def. keep all of your comments in mind! Is there anything interior wise the 04 might have the 02 doesnt? I know the 05, they put in the wash down system. Do the 02 and 04 have the same setup as far as livewells, baitwells, and their locations? Does either have different location for rod storage? Would you get a tiller steer kicker? what shoudl I expect for a price in an 02 and in an 04? If I find an 04 for say $24000 is that fair, or should I expect to get him down a few thousand?

Thanks Again