Couple new boat questions, fincraft, stratos, nitro..

[lostinnd]

So I have been new boat shopping for a bit now and have a few quick questions.

First off I am looking for a 150+ hp 4 stroke, no kicker, fiberglass boat.

I found a dealer with a hold over 2010 Fincraft 1750 or 1850 (I have to double check) that he can rig with a new merc 150 4 stroke for about 23-24k. Sounds like a good deal for that size boat/motor but I am worried that since they don't make fincrafts anymore?? that it might drop in value quickly and it might turn into not such a good deal.

I have been looking more at the Stratos 386xf and I like that boat a lot. I found one with a 175 Verado for $33900ish with standard equip basically. A few other dealers I have found want around 34-36k for the same Stratos with a 150 Verado so I am thinking that doesn't sound half bad for the 175.

Also a boat that has piqued my interest is the Nitro Z7 Sport. It has a lot of nice feature and I can get one with a 150 4s merc for about $28k. Its not entirely a fishing boat but I do spend a lot of time just cruising and playing. I am worried about the reputation of its parent company Tracker and same thing if its going to tank in value quickly.

I was looking at a Larson 1750 DC with a 150 Verado but that would run me about $30k and I am having second thoughts about whether its big enough for me.

Can anyone give me a little advice on how those prices sound and how the boats stack up? All the boats are pretty equally equipped.

PS I won't be swinging for a Ranger/Triton/Skeeter as I am looking to get something under $35k and preferably around $30k. Also I don't want to go used and I can't seem to find any nice used boats with a 4s that are reasonable anyway.

Thanks for the help!

[mcbreth]

I just brought home a Skeeter MX1825 (new) for closer to $30k than to $35k. It was designed for the F150. Includes a full walk through and 80# Terrova.

[Mick Broughton]

The Stratos is a fine boat.Handles big water very nice.Had a 385xf before my Ranger

[titanxt]

Ever thought of a used Ranger Reata 1850? For the low to mid 20k range you could have one heck of a boat that will loose less money compared to anything you buy new.

Andy

[Original Chaz]

I presently have a 2010 Z7; prior to this I’ve owned a Crestliner FH, a Lowe FM and a Grumman, all purchased new. The Z7 has been trouble free and I use it quite frequently, from March to November, it’s also been into Canada 5 times. The fit and finish is very good, clean and neat wiring and plumbing. (I installed a new transducer so I had the back opened up). By far the nicest (engineering/mechanically/assembly) I’ve owned to date. The original tires were crap and wore out after 2 years. The Sport is obviously based on a Bass boat so it’s not for big water.

This is my first Tracker Marine product and so far trouble free.

[Honest John]

I have Several thoughts, but most important is selecting a good dealer that is relatively close to you. Generally, it is better to pay a lttle more $ in favor of a solid dealer. Next, "equipped basically the same" can cause $1,000's of difference. What trailer and tires is important. Are batteries included? What prop is included? Prices of Sonar/GPS units vary greatly. There is a big difference between a 17. And an 18 foot boat. Also, you really would be smart to get a ride in an identical rig as part of your decision making. Just some things to consider...

[eyepirate]

http://www.millermarine.net/pre_owne...h=1758158&nv=y ...just wanting a 150 4 stroke pushes about any new multi species(glass or alume) type boat into the 30k range..........but u can get pleasure type..bayliner etc..for around 25 or less............fincraft/fish eagle(cabela name for fincraft)/larson...all are jacobs and vec technology..............stratos and ranger(now joined at the hip, thusly the price spike in stratos)..............triton fishhunter186(http://www.tritonboats.com/boat/400.aspx) is the old champion molds...nitro..i would be afraid the link to tracker could be a downside