Need some help/experience/opinions

[tipitina]

So I'm looking for a new/newer used boat, and have a few questions. This will be my second boat, and I was originally wanting a center console because I love to fish, but am now leaning towards a fish and ski for the multiple combinations of a fun day on the lake, especially with a young daughter.

So in the fish and ski category, what does everyone think about a tahoe or nitro? Is there another good quality fish and ski without the price tag of a triton or ranger?

What are the main differences between an I/O and an outboard. I know the obvious (one is an outboard, and one is like a car engine or whatever), but what I want to know, is maintenance/dependability/etc. The I/O is definitely cheaper, but if it's not a quality route, obviously I'll spend more and go with an outboard. I have never owned an I/O, and just want to make sure if I go that way, I can still raise it enough to bass fish in shallow water, and make sure I won't ruin it by hitting a stump.

All help appreciated!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Need some help/experience/opinions

Where will you do your boating? What size boat are you thinking about? You will get more/better input with this added info.

By the way you can do all of what you indicated with a CC. I love mine and I'm not a fisherman (mine is a 23'er with twing 110 hp OBs).

 

[tipitina]

Re: Need some help/experience/opinions

Looking for at least a 20 footer. This is why I am wondering about an I/O. As the boats get bigger and more expensive, if an I/O isn't too bad, I would consider it just to get more boat for less money. My budget is around the $20,000 mark. I can get a new tahoe/nitro around this price, or look at something else used. Probably going to go start looking next week, and just wanted some opinions from people other than salesmen! I know I could pull some skiers/tubers/whatever with a CC, but think the comfort factor would be better with a F&S since I could have 5-7 people at any one time.

 

[tipitina]

Re: Need some help/experience/opinions

I will be boating in the central texas area, all freshwater, some BIG lakes and some small lakes.

 

[KCook]

Re: Need some help/experience/opinions

7 people is a bunch for a fish-n-ski. I would suggest looking into deckboats as well. Here are some threads on deckboats -

http://www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=1;gtid=443508

http://www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=1;gtid=711077

http://www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=1;gtid=827073

http://www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=1;gtid=992209

Kelly Cook

 

[bucky7680]

Re: Need some help/experience/opinions

I hope this goes thru, long time reader fist reply.
I too am looking for a ski and fish model. I looked at the Tahoes but the deal killer fo my wife and I was the flimsy plastic socket for the bow fishing chair. We did not think it would hold up and worried about replacing it some where down the line. It is a custom piece and future availibility was in question Other than that it looked like a good boat for the money. Also I liked that you can get the Merc 350 mpi in it.
Curently we are looking at the Glastro GX205 Ski and Fish

 

[KCook]

Re: Need some help/experience/opinions

Welcome to iboats bucky7680

And good move on the Glastron GX, I like those better than Tahoe too. Another outfit with a lot of fish-n-ski experience is Caravelle.

Kelly

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need some help/experience/opinions

we have a 1999 chris craft deck boat (just like the this one Ebay #130008624272) great boat. the draw back for you is it is a rather heavy and deep draft. about 18" with outdrive up. just bought a 17' aluminum center console to use for fishing.