Andrew, some thoughts came to me as I was reading your post. Look for the
*** for my remarks.

"Andrew Kidd" wrote in message
news:fBVZb.98042$uV3.570232@attbi_s51...
Hi Folks,
Have been thinking about a new boat for some time now (especially
after
fishing out of Brad Coovert's new Triton last year), so I went to the boat
show in Indianapolis and strolled around all the major brands today.
Interesting trip... Found several have the major features I like, some
have
the major features as options, some don't offer the features, etc.

***This is a very good way to shop for a boat, as you get to see many
different models under one roof, comparing features, benefits, etc. But,
unless you have experience with a particular boat, don't sign a contract
until you've test driven it.

As a current and relatively happy Nitro owner, I was most surprised by
the boats they are currently offering, and the progress they have made
with
their boats. They have the recessed trolling motor control I am
definitely
going to have, and the swing away tongue I need. Was a little disturbed
that they didn't have non-skid rubber near the back corners of the boat
anymore. That's a lot of space between my son and his baits hung in trees
without something to stand on.

***I wouldn't get too hung up on that. You can buy non-skid adhesive rubber
and cut it/install it to your satisfaction.

Triton's are still totally cool. They are probably still my leading
contender at this time. I was probably surprised most by the cost.
Without
trying to haggle at all, and staying in the 18' / 150hp carb outboard, the
prices quoted were similar, with two exceptions. Nitro was low, at 19,900.
Skeeter, Stratos and Triton were at about 21,800 - 21,900 and the Ranger
was
24,500. I wasn't surprised the Nitro was least, or the Ranger was most
expensive,

***Triton is a very good boat. It doesn't surprise me that the pricing was
such as it is. BUT, here's something to consider. Do you really want a
carburated motor? I wouldn't. EFI or the direct injection systems are sooo
much better. Better fuel economy, better performance, lower emissions,
quicker starts (usually), less smoking, less hassles, make the carburated
motor's economy questionable. Do you really want to put 25 year old
technology on a new boat? Find the boat that you like and see if the dealer
either has, or can get a previous year's holdover motor, still in the crate.
That way, you still get the new technology outboard, with a full warranty,
but at a reduced price.

just surprised the Ranger didn't have the recessed trolling motor
foot control and the front butt seat standard. In fact, I didn't see the
recessed trolling motor at all on the Ranger, as well as the Stratos and
the
Skeeter. I hate to throw so much importance in such a little thing, but I
definitely want that feature.

***Some people like that, some don't. For me, it wouldn't work well enough
to make a difference to me. Because I guide, I end up running the boat
sometimes from the front, sometimes from the middle, sometimes sitting down
in the seats. The front butt seat not standard is kind of surprising. Most
boats come standard with one seat of each kind, standup and sit down. Quite
often, you can make a deal with the dealer, and trade the sit down for a
butt seat.

A few of the main features I noticed varied from boat to boat are the
dual charger for batteries, the butt seat, the spare tire and the amount
of
space between the rear edge of the boat and the end of the carpet as well
as
the ability to remove the middle bench seat (for walking through to the
rear
of the boat).

***You're going to have to decide if these features are important enough to
tip you one way or the other.

I have the wife convinced this is a good thing; so I think she's
onboard. Just need to get her to the dealers with me & see if I can't get
a
deal.

Any comments from anyone about the boats I've mentioned or any help in
how far I might be able to haggle some of these prices down?

***Some times you'll have a hard time getting the price down. Margins
aren't what they used to be on boats and motors. By agreeing to take last
year's holdovers, you can really get a good deal. Often, if you're having a
hard time reducing the price, you can get them to throw things in. When I
bought my ProCraft, the price was already in line and they wouldn't budge on
the price. But, I did get them to upgrade the trolling motor, got a free
spare tire/hanger and they installed a KeelGuard. Plus, the boat came with
a manual jackplate, I had them install a hydraulic plate and traded the
manual one for a spare stainless prop. It was used but in good shape.
Those deals saved me a fair hunk of change.

Good luck and when you get your new baby, don't forget to post a picture of
it on OutdoorFrontiers.com
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com