Switch from Fish and Ski to Bass Boat?

[Paul P]

I am considering effectively trading my 2001 188 Sport for a used bass boat (probably an 882). I bought it new in 2001 with a 4 stroke, EFI 115 HP Mercury. The boat itself is in great condition and, most importantly, the motor has been flawless! I originally opted for a fish n ski since I have a young family and expected to do multi day weekend boating trips where we would be spending full days on the boat tubing, etc. Well those types of trips have not happened since my wife gets motion sickness with the slightest ripples. For non fishing recreation, we do use the boat every summer for a 1 or 2 week vacation at a watefront cottage as well as summer (July and Aug) afternoon trips to a local lake probably every other week. Outside of that the boat is used from early April to early Nov for pure fishing. From June through Aug about once a week for fishing and then every other week during spring and fall.



So I'm torn. Its a great boat for non fishing recreation and I know the boat is in great condition with a motor that is extremely reliable and in great condition. Do I go for the bass boat or continue with the fish and ski as a compromise?:unsure:



Paul

 

[C C]

Paul, No compromise owning a fish & ski if you buy my boat and I bet your wife wouldn't get sick the ride is awesome (I also get sea sick very easy). Not bashing the Nitro, but it's no comparison to the Ranger for a fish & ski. You should think about looking at my boat, I am certain we could make a deal you would be very happy with.



Cass

 

[JD Johnson]

This is always personal decision. I love my 189 Sport. I bought mine for family reasons, when th grandkids come down they love going fishing, tubing nd swimming. I love fishing and skiing so it makes the perfect boat for 6 of us to go have fun or for me to go fishing by myself or with a friend.

Go with what is best for you.

 

[TrepMan]

Paul - It is a very personal decision, for me i went from the Pro Crappie to a bass boat, similar as the Pro Crappie was more designed for the kids to walk around and play vs my Nitro. But my plan for the 4-6 times/year the kids want to go tubing/sking is the use the same floating bridle off the transom bolts for now, and when the kids are older install the Tow Pylon for my Nitro and i'm set! no I can't get 5-6 adults/large kids on the boat, but one driver, one spotter and 2 kids i'm fine.



Of course i'd love a 911 with seating for 4!!

 

[Eric Aasen]

jdj,



What motor did you get with that 189? I am thinking of upgrading my 188 to a 150 or 175 and am wondering what the speed increase might be. I currently get about 40 gps with a 115 4 stroke.



Paul,



Can't help you buddy. I also wanted the bass boat and get about the same ratio of trips as you do. But the boss in this situation says we gotta stick with the Fish and Ski for "in case/when we have kids". If I get a new Verado on it, I'll live with it!



NoCAL

 

[TrepMan]

There you go NoCal - A 175 opti on that 188 will FLY!!!

 

[JD Johnson]

NoCal

I got the 125 ELPTO, it is not a speed demon but it does the job for me. I think max speed is about 52mph.

 

[Eric Aasen]

Yeah, I'm figuring the 150 Verado might be good for a little over 50 and the 175 for close to 55. Could go also go with the Opti. It's a little lighter but then you have to worry about adding oil. I'm used to 4 strokes now. Might just stick with them. The small block Verado needs to get a year under it's belt with no problems then I'll pull the trigger.



NoCAL

 

[C C]

62mph with my 19 yr old son driving full fuel and gear on a GPS with a 150 Optimax on my Ranger 180 Reata F&S.



Cass

 

[Paul P]

Hi Cass -



I am tempted by your offer but I'm not ready to make a change yet ... need to think more about it. The Ranger certainly seems to have higher quality features. I really like the idea of a 150 Opti. When the spring comes and I get the nerve to trade up ( and the money), maybe we can work something out.



NoCal -



We have the same motor and I'm pretty confident I can get beyond 40 MPH although I do not have a GPS reading. By my speedometer (who knows how accurate is really is), I can push 46 mph on a good day. The prop is Trophy Plus, 17 Pitch, 4 blade.



Paul

 

[Eric Aasen]

Paul,



My speedo reading is about 45 mph when the GPS is reading 40. The GPS has hit 42 but that was on a dead calm day with just me in the boat heading downstream! I see a Verado in my future. Cass, that is an incredible speed from a fish and ski. I think the Nitro may be much heavier. I don't think it would ever hit 60, even with a 175.



NoCAL

 

[Paul P]

Good info NoCal.



Looks like our speedo's are measuring comparable speeds. What type of prop do you have?



Paul

 

[William H. (Bill) Barham]

Good info NoCal. Looks like our speedo's are measuring

I can't imagine either one of you guys in Speedo's:lol:



Bill

 

[Eric Aasen]

I'm currently running a 16P Vengeance. That's what came with the boat. I've thought about getting the Trophy but everyone seems to think it's set up as good as it's going to get right now. Anyway, if I get a new motor, then I'll start worriing about props!

 

[Paul P]

When considering a new boat, I think quality of the service dept is as important as the brand boat. Marine USA, Worcester, MA, is the closest Nitro dealer and probably closest bass boat dealer in general and is where I bought my current boat. Bob Borget and crew have provided top notch service without exception. If I buy another boat, it will most likely have to be a Nitro.



Paul