Let's say you had NFL QB-type money (not to say some on here don't) and you were boat shopping with cash, what would you buy? Would it be a 20' plus go-fast? A nice tourney-style rig with all the goodies? Or would you keep it simple with a solid blue collar boat?
Some people are so judgemental. You can tell just by looking at 'em.--Some random meme
For me it would be a 15'-17' decked out Jon boat. I haven't tournament fished in almost 40 years. 1-1/2 hours is as far as I travel to fish anymore, 34 years and 4 1/2 million miles of driving a big truck plus my wife's health keep me close to home now. The 3 lakes I fish most are less than 200 acres and idle speed only with bigger motors. The two bigger lakes are 800'ish acres, unlimited hp, wouldn't be a problem with a smaller boat and motor.
I bought my dream boat last year. It’s everything I could ever need it does everything that I need it to do and 90% of the lakes around me are 500-2000 acres & have a 40 mph speed limit so no need for a go fast boat.
2023 Phoenix 819 pro
2023 200 Pro XS 4s 3B373365
pond boat
2020 pelican Bass raider 10E
BassCat Jag with the 500
Starcraft Islander 221 outboard. I love big tin boats.
2006islander.jpgStarcraft_Islander_221_03.jpg
2022 Lund Tyee 1875, Merc 200
If I am dreaming and can have anything I want I would have a decked out Lund that would stay at my place on Lake Champlain and a like new Ikon that stays at my lakehouse on Lake Fork.
Last edited by pabasshawk; 03-21-2024 at 08:15 AM.
I've had my dream boat since 1991. I'm fine.
Hang on. I'll help you in 77 minutes.
Like you, bought my 93 Cat in 96, still love it and does everything I need!Originally Posted by BigFishSteve
If professionals who's careers depend on catching fish use FFS then that's what I'm using. Might be too simple of a philosophy but makes sense to me.
My idea of a dream boat is an older restored one. My choice would be an early 90’s 361V Ranger with new engine, trolling motor, electronics, hydraulic steering and more. I presently run a fully restored 1987 Ranger 320V and pull it with a restored 1991 Chevy S10 4x4, 4.3 pickup truck.
If we are going stupid I will go full stupid. For a most of the time boat I would try a new CARACAL STS with a 300R on it. For big waters like Champlain and Great Lakes I would get a last model year Ranger 522D and completely redo and customize it. And lastly I would get a custom Rock Proof Boats River Rocket for places that are real shallow with lots of rocks or stump or standing timber, love the idea of being able to run way back into places almost no one else can.
2020 Ranger 521L, Merc 250 Pro XS
I would like someone else’s boat where I’m picked up and dropped off at my driveway. Kind of like many of my old fishing partners had.
I would probably upgrade my Nitro Z7 to a Falcon F195. Don't tournament fish so don't need a lot of extra stuff, one graph at the console and two up front, shallow water anchors, Ghost and I'm good.
The fire engine red Champion that I had to pass on when I bought my Nitro. It was just a foot too long for my garage and $5000 too much. I love my Nitro and it's been a great boat, just right for my needs but that red Champ has stuck in my memory like the little blonde with the pony tail in high school that I never could get the nerve to get a date with.
Don't worry Ma'am....
I'm only here for the Bass.
I'd probably go with a phoenix 20 XE, 16 garmin at the console to a 22 at the bow. It would catch me zero more fish than my current setup
2020 Nitro Z20 Pro Package
I had my dream boat a few years ago, Ranger 518 Intracoastal w/ 200 Optimax until it was totaled by an inattentive diver, while I was trailing it.
2019 RT 198P
2018 Mercury Pro XS 150 HP 4 Stroke #2B610068
Twin 12' BT Talons
4" Atlas Jack Plate
Riptide Instinct Quest
47’ Freeman with quad 500R’s. If we are dreaming big I’m not chasing a little green bass
As you get old fast and smart later in life, I would go with a fully loaded tin boat of close to 19 feet with 2 sonars and a 125 hp motor and an Ulterra trolling motor.
Would have this powered by Lithium batteries for starting battery and sonars.
Would be economical and easy to trailer and load and unload.
You said any boat? Forget about bass fishing!
Now you’re talking! I’d see if the late great Jimmy Buffets Freeman Pilot House rig was for sale47’ Freeman with quad 500R’s. If we are dreaming big I’m not chasing a little green bass
https://www.boatblurb.com/post/jimmy...-dream-machine
Fair enough. I didn't specify bass boat
Some people are so judgemental. You can tell just by looking at 'em.--Some random meme
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