Looking at buying a fm165 or 175

[kpfisher]

I didnt want to hijack anyone elses thread so started a new one.
I like the way they look, i needed something that could hold me & my fishing buddies, pushing 700lbs if 3 of us going out. i learned from here they are steady in the water, & take rough water very good. Guess my new ?'s would be which would be better choice? i want enough power to pull a tube/knee board if wanted to, boat will mainly be for fishing or just cruising new waters.
talking to the dealer at cabelas when i went he said the fm165 with the 50-60hp mercs would top out 30-38mph WOT, and cruise fine @ 20mph, they didnt have any 175's on site so didnt think of asking about them. They had the 50hp priced @ $15,500 & 60 horse was $17,600 i think. i found price for a fm175 with 90hp for $19,500.
those prices were just the basic package with trollin motor & fish finder. i think the troll motor would be fine @ 55lb thrust, i have no clue when it comes to fish finders if the 1 they package with it is any good, or upgrade from the start. i want to get best bang for the buck spending this much, and really dont have anyone around that knows much on boats, and have never seen any of these around here to see how they liked them. Im trying to stay to a budget, want/need boat that can handle better, down side my trucks towing cap. only 1600lbs, so looking for a beater truck to pull new boat once i decide on 1

 

[nam6869usmc]

Re: Looking at buying a fm165 or 175

I didnt want to hijack anyone elses thread so started a new one.
I like the way they look, i needed something that could hold me & my fishing buddies, pushing 700lbs if 3 of us going out. i learned from here they are steady in the water, & take rough water very good. Guess my new ?'s would be which would be better choice? i want enough power to pull a tube/knee board if wanted to, boat will mainly be for fishing or just cruising new waters.
talking to the dealer at cabelas when i went he said the fm165 with the 50-60hp mercs would top out 30-38mph WOT, and cruise fine @ 20mph, they didnt have any 175's on site so didnt think of asking about them. They had the 50hp priced @ $15,500 & 60 horse was $17,600 i think. i found price for a fm175 with 90hp for $19,500.
those prices were just the basic package with trollin motor & fish finder. i think the troll motor would be fine @ 55lb thrust, i have no clue when it comes to fish finders if the 1 they package with it is any good, or upgrade from the start. i want to get best bang for the buck spending this much, and really dont have anyone around that knows much on boats, and have never seen any of these around here to see how they liked them. Im trying to stay to a budget, want/need boat that can handle better, down side my trucks towing cap. only 1600lbs, so looking for a beater truck to pull new boat once i decide on 1

Don't think you'll see 38mph in the 165,,,,I had 4 in my FM165(app 600#'s, tackle box, coolers, etc, etc, & my 50hp got us up & on plane very well(30mp). We cruised at 20mph superbly, but a 75 would definitely do a better job. Budget was word you used, the 55# wireless troller does awesome, the X50DS fish finder will do just fine, the boat comes pretty well ready to get it done, but there is always upgrades. always.

 

[kpfisher]

Re: Looking at buying a fm165 or 175

the 38mph was supposed to be with the 60hp on the 165. speed and a little extra room was why i was thinking of the fm175 w/ 90hp engine since its 2k more than the fm165 with the 60hp. i only want the extra speed & power for if did try some water sports is all. the good thing with the 165 is they have 1 with 50hp & 3 w/ 60hp on site & ready to go, they have to order the 175, they cant keep them in stock, and i really want to get out on the water soon.

 

[bryonthefly]

Re: Looking at buying a fm165 or 175

Cant beat the 165 for fishing IMO, but if your going to be doing much tubing or boarding the 175 would be a better choice if your willing to part with the extra cash.