Lower end brands (price-wise)

[Karas3434]

as much as i would love a nice Lund or Crestliner, they are just not in the budget for me. Im looking for some of the lower end brands to keep an eye out for come springtime. Im talking like Tracker or Fischer or something similar. Just looking for suggestions as i will have about $12k-$13k come springtime and looking for something 18' or bigger with preferably 90hp+ outboard. I have seen a few newer (2003+) Tracker Targas in this range but not much else.

[whofan]

If you will have that much in cash that`s a great down payment on a boat loan.

Starcraft,Smokercraft,Sylvan,Monark, Lowe are all good boats as well in aluminum.

[Papascott]

I would suggest watching your local dealerships in the next few weeks. Trades will be coming. They do however move quickly. One of the hottest used boats for us is 18-20 deep vee outboards under 20k. They sell fast!

[BW]

You could still find a nice Lund, Crestliner, etc in that price range. I would take a little older Lund or Crestliner than a cheaper brand something else.....you can always update electronics, etc. The boats themselves and a good motor will last a long time!!! Keep your eye out on the used market!!

[wallymn99]

i wouldn't shy away from Fisher or smokercraft. Good boats for less money than the big names.

[djcoop52]

Check E-bay and Craigs list friend of mine found a great like new lund angler 2003 90hp 4 stroke 17ft for $9500

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

I got the impression that even those "low end" brands still are charging top dollar for their rigs.

[whofan]

Originally Posted by Wade B AKA: Ruger2506

I got the impression that even those "low end" brands still are charging top dollar for their rigs.

There really isn`t much difference in price.
I bought a Starweld 18 with a 115 Etec just under 24k.

I think for around $1200 more I could have bought a Lund Impact with a 115 Mercury.

I had a 16ft Lund I tried to sell My local dealer offered me my asking price on a trade.

I`m not caught up on who`s name is on the hull, I plan on having this boat for a very long time.

Lund is a nice name to have at resale time but selling is a pain anyway.

There`s a lot of good brands out there.

[Munshaw]

Originally Posted by Wade B AKA: Ruger2506

I got the impression that even those "low end" brands still are charging top dollar for their rigs.

Agree. You're into something good that's only a few years old probably with remaining warranty for the price of a bargain boat new. Problem is they are scooped up quick. Must keep your eyes peeled and be ready to move quickly.

Thinking about 2003-2006 crest liner fish hawk... Should be in your price range. 175 with a 115 kind of thing. Impacts aren't that old yet.

[Karas3434]

Originally Posted by whofan

If you will have that much in cash that`s a great down payment on a boat loan.

Starcraft,Smokercraft,Sylvan,Monark, Lowe are all good boats as well in aluminum.

too many loans out as it is, looking to just purchase outright and not deal with loan payments. I came across and Lund and a comparable Tracker (comparable as in year, length and motor) and there was a $4k price difference... Thats a big chunk of my $12k budget.