The perfect boat set up??

[DDSBYDAY]

      Boat buyers-- what do you look for?   I spent a nice weekend fishing out of a boat where everything worked.  I am done with mine.  I even sold boats back in the 80's.  So many thing have changed.  I would not want to go under 17.5 ft and I prefer a tiller but I won't be making the change until late winter early spring.

      Used or new?
      Tiller or console?
      Electronics ?
      Trailer?
      Trolling motor?

        What would be your perfect rig and would you buy it new or used?
         How do you know if the price is right?

[Lee Borgersen]

Used or new?.....................New
      Tiller or console?..........Tiller
      Electronics ?................front & rear
      Trailer?.......................Trailmaster bunk drive on.
      Trolling motor?..............rear with head reversed for back trolling * they all break down if used a lot!
      Electric anchor..............front (minnkota)

        What would be your perfect rig and would you buy it new or used?..new. Lots of quality boats out now.
         How do you know if the price is right? .................shop around

[FireRanger]

I agree with almost everything Lee says. I do believe that you can get a good used boat out there though. I know some people think they don't want someone else's problem but there realy are some good deals out there. I would look into a console even though I always use a tiller. I have found over the years that a little more weight in the bow helps the boat through wind and waves. Instead of having to load up the front of the boat with your gear/people. Anchor....yes. Trolling motor ....yes, Electronics......yes and lastly trailer....yes. A lot of this depends on what you primarily fish for aswell. My .02....shop shop shop!

[DDSBYDAY]

     I really like the idea of new but I know with the economy the way it is there must be some pretty nice deals on current used boats out there.  I bought my last one out of a cornfield 10+yrs ago.  It has served me well but I would like to update.  Lee, as a guide you are buying an office.  I am looking at weekends during the summer at best.  I like room-(tiller) and size.  My current tub is 19ft.   I think I may keep it.   It is a great big water duck boat.  Where would you look for used rigs?   (craigs list-dealers-used boats.com)  Where would you look for new ones?
   Any references would be appreciated.

                 

[Fawkinnae]

     I really like the idea of new but I know with the economy the way it is there must be some pretty nice deals on current used boats out there.  I bought my last one out of a cornfield 10+yrs ago.  It has served me well but I would like to update.  Lee, as a guide you are buying an office.  I am looking at weekends during the summer at best.  I like room-(tiller) and size.  My current tub is 19ft.   I think I may keep it.   It is a great big water duck boat.  Where would you look for used rigs?   (craigs list-dealers-used boats.com)  Where would you look for new ones?
   Any references would be appreciated.

                 

Used or new?.....................Used
      Tiller or console?...........Tiller
      Electronics ?................. rear (and front if I can afford it for my guest)
      Trailer?........................ I have a Yachtclub roller and it has served me well.
      Trolling motor?............. Front (I usually operate my tiller from the back)
      Electric anchor.............. WTF

I have a 1775 Alumacraft with an 80 hp tiller and it is a very well matched rig. I top end at about 37 mph but rarely go over 30. Find a boat that has been well cared for and stored inside. The only way to know if the price is right is look at a lot of boats - and stay current - I'm always checking boat prices for future reference.

Craigs List, Car soup, hunting/fishing websites like MNO

        What would be your perfect rig and would you buy it new or used?..new. Lots of quality boats out now.
         How do you know if the price is right? .................shop around

[sandmannd]

Used or new?.....................New if I had the money, used on my budget.
      Tiller or console?.......... Console - Tiller if ALL you want to do is fish and not take out your family.
      Electronics ?................front & rear
      Trailer?.......................I love my roller trailers.
      Trolling motor?..............Hands down the Minnkota Terrova with iPilot.
      Electric anchor..............Don't need it, get the terrova with digital anchor. (Part of the iPilot.)

        What would be your perfect rig and would you buy it new or used?..Right now I have a 16.5' boat. I love it but would love an 18-20 footer so that's what I will look for. Also want a full console, 200 HP motor and a kicker on it. Electronics would be the Lowrance HDS 10 on the console and HDS 8 on the front. Get the downscan feature with them as well. 

You can find all kinds of boats if you search the internet and now is the time of year to buy.
         How do you know if the price is right? .................shop around and post what you find on here and ask what others think of the deal.

[DDSBYDAY]

     Right now I have my eye on a 2011 Lund Pro-guide 18 with a 90 tiller.  Bow mount trolling motor.  Electronics I have to decide between Hummingbird or Lowrance side imaging with 8 inch screen.   Extra lighting for the interior.  Wave wackers and onboard charger.  Any other suggestions?   The trolling motor has a transducer in it along with a gps so no anchor needed.  It will hold your spot.  These new rigs are amazing.   I would like a flasher for the bow.  You just plug your locator into the trolling motor.   

[sandmannd]

Personally, I'm a huge Lowrance fan. Their downscanning is great and the HD units are incredible. Worth taking a look at.