Hey Jim,

Thanks for the great input! Its good to hear from an experienced boat owner, especially a Fish Hawk owner. I like your suggestion about the galvanized trailer. I will put that on my list.

The 2014 1750 has many great features coming which include:

* Redesigned console so electronics can be mounted right in front of you at the helm.
* Larger cockpit in length and beam
* Starboard cockpit tackle box
* New hull = 7" wider at the consoles
* Larger open starboard bow storage
* Intergraded reel pocket
* Rod storage = 5@7'6" & 5@7'

I have yet to see the 2014 1750 yet as my dealer said he would not have one until December. It sounds like a winner to me? Here's what I specked and what price he quoted me:

2014 Crestliner 1750 Fish Hawk

Mercury 115 4-stroke
Painted bunk trailer w/guides
Stainless steel prop
Travel cover w/J-hook
Retractable stainless cleats
Butt seat w/adjustable pedestal
Helm seat slider
Lockable storage drawer
NW package vinyl interior
Bow baitwell
Bow cargo netting

Electronics

2-bank Pro battery charger
Minn Kota Terrova 80 w/I-pilot
Lowrance HDS 7 w/GPS Gen 2 at console
Lowrance HDS 5 Fish Finder at bow
Recirculating live well

My dealer, Basa Marine n Bolingbrook, IL. quoted me $31K for this boat. I'm not sure if this is a good price since its a little different than buying a car. Not much info out there other than what NADA may provide? This is why I wanted to touch base with experienced boat owners. They can steer me in the right direction?

A couple of additional questions:

1. I drive a Ford Explorer w/V-8 engine. I see no problem towing this boat but I do anticipate having a problem seeing out my side mirrors. The boat is definitely wider than my vehicle. Any suggestions?

2. Does it make sense to get a quote from an out of state dealer? Spending this much money, I always get at least 3 quotes, similar to what I do when I purchase a SUV. I'm also concerned about where to take it for maintenance / warranty work if I purchase out of state. The in state dealer may be put off by my purchase out of state. There are only a few boat dealers vs many Ford dealers.

3. Are trailer surge brakes a good option on the trailer? It seems it would help save my brakes but is it worth the extra cost?

Thanks for reading my extra LONG post!!! All the great feedback from everyone out there is valuable information I take in to make my final purchase this winter.

Thank you,

Ken

P.S. Yes, I am single!