This_lil_fishy
Master Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2008
- Messages
- 841
Okay, all the boats I am looking at are 2008 models...being new..include galvanized trailers, and have out the door pricing (taxes, shipping, prep, safety equipment, liscencing). I'm torn in the end. I know a lot of people are going to tell me to go to a different manufacturer, but I shopped around all year, and nobody is touching these prices.
So the dilema, I can get the Bayliner 175, with aftermarket fish package (by dealer) including: Bimini Top, Fish Finder, 1 - downrigger, 2 rod holders, 1 wireless trolling motor (with mount), full width swim platform, and 1 casting chair (removable, bow mount) for approx: $18K out the door.
OR, I can get the 195 with rubber mat floor, full swim platform, bimini top, galvanized trailer, and all other standard equip for $22K out the door.
OR, I can get the 195 as above with the bayliner fish package (factory) including the items on the 175, but adding a full camper canvas package and all items are factory installed for $28K out the door.
Before you panic, these are all Canadian prices...I can't even buy a stingray, sea ray, doral, or even Tahoe(crap in my view, at least the ones I saw) boat (without the trailer) for these prices. So I've settled as this is all my budget will allow. Of note, all three boats are equipped with Merc 3.0, and Alpha 1 drives. The 175 has a carpet floor (likely wood under there from what I've read as it is glued down), both 195's have a rubber deck with the bow area being fiberglassed.
Although at a very very steep premium, the extra floor space in the 195's might come in handy. Also, in my thinking with approx. 1' more in beam and length the 195 would feel far more secure if the going got rough (lake ontario). My thinking is that the rubberized deck is ingenious and will likely last a lot longer then a carpeted wood deck. Admittedly a fibreglass insert would be optimum, but I am working with what is available at these prices on the dealer lot.
The fish package is a major plus, as it saves me drilling holes in a nice new hull, although I have a fish finder and trolling motor, the ones offered in the fish package are FAR superior to what I have, wireless trolling motor..nice!! The canvas camper set is also a major plus for the early spring and late fall fishing seasons, with a very nice bit of weather proofing for my sensitive side, and I know that doing it aftermarket would easily eat up the savings made by purchasing the base 195. Let`s not forget the factory live well as well...I almost did! None of the other two would have that, unless I made one...and I don`t do fiberglass.
ON THE OTHER HAND: the 175 is likely better suited to the smaller 3.0 engine and my budget! It is certainly more cost sensitive (a major bonus), but I am really unhappy with the carpeted floor, specially with the primary use being fishing...mmm...fishy carpet...yummy. However with the cost savings, I could pay to have the deck fibreglassed! I am not certain, but I still think I would feel more secure in the larger boat as well...any response from 175 owners would be greatly appreciated. Also, am an not sure if the 3.0 is really a good choice for the 195`s...input from those owners would be appreciated as well. Although the savings is nice, the thought of aftermarket equipment installed kinda doesn`t sit well, let alone the carpet..ugh...
All said and done: Primary use, small lake fishing, Secondary use, large lake fishing, and third, but not least, entertaining friends (festival of lights, cruising..etc). I don`t expect to be doing any water sports like skiing or tubing, possibly, but not likely. My friend has a perfect ski boat for that stuff...so the 3.0 might suit me just fine.
What do you guys think, is the larger boat with the fish package really worth 10G over the smaller boat with aftermarket stuff.
Ian
So the dilema, I can get the Bayliner 175, with aftermarket fish package (by dealer) including: Bimini Top, Fish Finder, 1 - downrigger, 2 rod holders, 1 wireless trolling motor (with mount), full width swim platform, and 1 casting chair (removable, bow mount) for approx: $18K out the door.
OR, I can get the 195 with rubber mat floor, full swim platform, bimini top, galvanized trailer, and all other standard equip for $22K out the door.
OR, I can get the 195 as above with the bayliner fish package (factory) including the items on the 175, but adding a full camper canvas package and all items are factory installed for $28K out the door.
Before you panic, these are all Canadian prices...I can't even buy a stingray, sea ray, doral, or even Tahoe(crap in my view, at least the ones I saw) boat (without the trailer) for these prices. So I've settled as this is all my budget will allow. Of note, all three boats are equipped with Merc 3.0, and Alpha 1 drives. The 175 has a carpet floor (likely wood under there from what I've read as it is glued down), both 195's have a rubber deck with the bow area being fiberglassed.
Although at a very very steep premium, the extra floor space in the 195's might come in handy. Also, in my thinking with approx. 1' more in beam and length the 195 would feel far more secure if the going got rough (lake ontario). My thinking is that the rubberized deck is ingenious and will likely last a lot longer then a carpeted wood deck. Admittedly a fibreglass insert would be optimum, but I am working with what is available at these prices on the dealer lot.
The fish package is a major plus, as it saves me drilling holes in a nice new hull, although I have a fish finder and trolling motor, the ones offered in the fish package are FAR superior to what I have, wireless trolling motor..nice!! The canvas camper set is also a major plus for the early spring and late fall fishing seasons, with a very nice bit of weather proofing for my sensitive side, and I know that doing it aftermarket would easily eat up the savings made by purchasing the base 195. Let`s not forget the factory live well as well...I almost did! None of the other two would have that, unless I made one...and I don`t do fiberglass.
ON THE OTHER HAND: the 175 is likely better suited to the smaller 3.0 engine and my budget! It is certainly more cost sensitive (a major bonus), but I am really unhappy with the carpeted floor, specially with the primary use being fishing...mmm...fishy carpet...yummy. However with the cost savings, I could pay to have the deck fibreglassed! I am not certain, but I still think I would feel more secure in the larger boat as well...any response from 175 owners would be greatly appreciated. Also, am an not sure if the 3.0 is really a good choice for the 195`s...input from those owners would be appreciated as well. Although the savings is nice, the thought of aftermarket equipment installed kinda doesn`t sit well, let alone the carpet..ugh...
All said and done: Primary use, small lake fishing, Secondary use, large lake fishing, and third, but not least, entertaining friends (festival of lights, cruising..etc). I don`t expect to be doing any water sports like skiing or tubing, possibly, but not likely. My friend has a perfect ski boat for that stuff...so the 3.0 might suit me just fine.
What do you guys think, is the larger boat with the fish package really worth 10G over the smaller boat with aftermarket stuff.
Ian
But saw I was in control and let me carry on. I grew up on Huron.
