quote:

Originally posted by sreding:
Last summer my dealer offered me $15k more for my 2017 ranger than I paid for it NEW. They had NO inventory.

quote:

Originally posted by sreding:
The boat market is ridiculously tight right now (and has been since covid hit and much of the population had checks from the government and no work). Ordering a new boat is a year out (or more) for most manufacturers and as a result the used boat market is crazy. Last summer my dealer offered me $15k more for my 2017 ranger than I paid for it NEW. They had NO inventory. I refused to be without a boat for that long (I fish 40 - 50 days per year in MN). Like the new/used vehicle market - it's still a net loss for me unless I was already looking at upgrading (new boat prices have increased 8 - 15% per year for the past 3 years).

If the covid panic is ever allowed to end we should see a period of self correction where people are tired of making large boat payments for a toy that they can only use a few times per year. Until that correction happens prices will be high and boats often sell for OVER asking in less than an hour (at least up here).

Some good advice above - watch for transom rot in older lunds - an 18'+ boat is a good size for fishing - handles bigger water, is more stable and you can fish 3 - 4 guys comfortably. Get a full windshield model so you can hide behind it if it's windy or the waves are rough and you're busting through them. Get max HP or close to it for the hull. No one has ever said they wish they got a smaller engine. A smaller engine will struggle to get the boat on plane and keep it on plane - resulting in poor fuel economy and poor handling.

Outboard brand - this is a chevy/ford/dodge comparison. All of the big brands put out a quality product - one may have an edge in on category or another, but THE single most important consideration would be a GOOD service center that isn't hours away. Get a brand that they know and regularly support/work on. If you have to spend a day driving to drop the boat off and a day to pick it up when it needs service/repair you'll quickly tire of that hassle and it will greatly reduce your enjoyment.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
If you're doing this, my recommendation would be to forego the kicker and get yourself a good trolling motor with separate batteries. It'll do everything a kicker will do and so much more.

I put a Minnekota Ulterra on mine and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Spot Lock is a godsend.