New boat search beginning (with quesion at end)...

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.
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.
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, 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.
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).
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?
--
Andrew Kidd
http://www.amiasoft.com/ - Software for the rest of us!
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