Time to admit!

[Rob LaMoy]

That ought to get a laugh! I have been asked by the N.E. Ranger rep to meet him at the Williston VT dealership to "discuss" putting me into a boat. And should I finish well enough in the Everstart, and Buzz and I do well enough in the Northen Bass Supply tourney (no pressure Buzz) then potentially prostaff status. Boats every year at material cost, even less than dealer. I then have to sell it each year and get a new one, yada, yada. It's actually a pretty complexed deal if it happens. I have made NO committments yet, but will go over and see what they have to offer. I do have to admit that I was very impressed with the ride of the 518 Commanche for an 18 footer. With the 200 hp HPDI Yamaha, it was running in the mid 60's. Please don't think I am switching over to the dark side, just going towards the best deal. Now to bounce another off you guys, the FLW director wants to sell me a 2001 518VX Commanche, used 1 year as a back up boat, less than 20 hours on the motor. Boat is 18' 6", not sure on the beam, it's loaded, 200 hp like I said, hyd steering, lowrance LMS on the bow and console with GPS, just like Buzz's boat. MK Maxxum 74 lb 24 v on the bow, rod lockers, on board guest charger, and the ugly stickers come off. Normally $38k, offered to me at $21k. Lifetime warranty on the hull, not sure of extended on the motor. What do you think? My potential marina sponsor (I am meeting them tonight) would pitch in $5k to cover the Yamaha as they are a licensed dealer and cover any repairs so out of pocket is around, $16k. BTW, tandem axle trailer w/ brakes, and swing away tongue, dual console, limited edition interior with the new Ranger style seats that are MUCH better on my back. Now the reason I came here is because I want an HONEST appraisal, not the "go get it" from the Ranger guys that swear it's the best only because they got milked for over $40k. Ok,let me have it! Be gentle. LOL

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Oh the only other reason I am considering a Ranger is access to the Ranger M-1 tourney and Ranger cup series. It's not neccessarily fair, but I have to play by their rules if I want the chance to fish it.

 

[Mark Hofman]

Go for it! I don't think anyone in your position, on the edge of a major professional breakthrough, would shut a door like this one. As you keep moving up the ladder, other sponsors (Nitro?) will eventually step up to the plate and you can pick and choose among the offers.



If the Commanche's are both submarines, you can always sell 'em to the next guy whose "on the verge"! LOL!

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Submarines? Thanks for the words MO. You know THAT is how guys actually get free boats. I only know of about 5 or 6 pros that don't pay for their boats. I pay $16k for this one, then sell it next year for $20k which is still a deal, pay only $16k again for the next one with the $4k extra down, in a couple of years, I have the money to pay for the boat outright each year, provided I sell for what I'm asking. Sometimes it take too long to sell though. That's how pro get "free" boats. There not just magically waiting in the garage one morning with a good luck card from the mfr! Just for anyone who did not know.

 

[Mark Hofman]

No, I didn't know that. Thanks for edumacatin' me.



Seriously, unless the boat fails a good marine inspection, don't pass this up. Take a couple of trustworthy friends along to look over the boat, take it for a test ride with the owner, and you should find out real quick if it's worth what they're asking.



And always remember....



"Dem bassus LUV sparkles!" (c) - Ken Neeley

 

[Rob LaMoy]

ROTFLMJNO! Forgot all about that!

 

[Mark Hofman]

Just remember, this is one of the few boards where a person can talk about driving Brand-X and not get bashed for it. I hope it stays that way. At one time, I considered a Crestliner. But I would have missed out on all the fun that happens here.

 

[Mark Hofman]

OOps... not get bashed.... all except Jamey. Sorry dude. It's good to have you here now, though! And its nice to see you and Rob not in a spittin' contest.

 

[Mark Hofman]

Amen, brother. I've been sayin' that since day one.



"The best boat is any boat under your feet when you're catchin' fish!"

 

[Rob LaMoy]

The 518 was a good ride, but the 520 awesome. Now to give a fair comparison, I would have to wait until the 3 footers started rolling again, have both a 521 and a 929 at the dock and drive them both back to back to see which rode better. I do think the Nitro's have a little softer ride. Buzz's 896 although a good foot shorter than the 520 I drove, rode about the same. The hole shot in the Ranger however, is astounding. Just like the Jim's Avalanche, it plows it's way out so you can see the whole time. And when coming off pad, it doesn't let down until the last few seconds and NO water comes in. They can stay on plane at like 15 mph. That's impressive.

 

[Sam Elkins]

If you don't you'll kick yourself in the arse later. It sounds like an opportunity that doesn't come along very often, if at all. Go for it but keep a clear head and make good sound decisions.

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Still have to sell it to the "boss"! LOL She holds the purse strings. Just shelled out $6k in repairs and another $1k in tourney entry fees not to mention tackle! I need a tackle sponsor bad!

 

[Jamey G]

Who you kidding man? lol....I KNOW that YOU are the BOSS in that relationship. lol



It's easier to be forgiven than to get permission is what Al says all the time. lol



Jamey

 

[gone bye bye]

Rob,



You need to email me or call me. You are making some serious mistakes regarding your whole situation. Not with "going to the dark side", but your approach.



I will be fishing all weekend (Ontario opens up and I got some MONSTERS lined up over there). Shoot me an email and I will reply with my number and we can talk on Monday.



Mini

 

[Staci Matheis]

A friendly word of caution, Rob.....



You are broadcasting extremely confidential financial matters to the world by posting them here. These matters should be kept strictly between you and your Manufacturer, Dealer and Sponsors. They are none of our business.



me

 

[Chuck Johnson3]

I think you're getting a great deal on the 518vx and if I am not mistaking 2002 518's are 19ft. I've had a Ranger and now I have a nitro and my honest opinion is that Rangers are a better boat.

 

[Russ Charles]

Have to agree with Chuck. I've owned several bass boats over many years and by far the best was a Ranger 393 with Yamaha 200. However, when it came time for me to get back to fishing, after going back to the Harley thing for about 5 years, I couldn't find anything for with as much "bang for the buck" as the Nitro. To me, a boat is just another tool for fishing anyway. I'm not much for brand loyalty, just give me something that will do the job and I'm happy. No idea what my next one will be.



Russ

 

[Rob LaMoy]

OK, please don't let this turn into a that boat is better than this boat. That was NOT the intention of the post. Given the choice of any boat, I would probably pick a 901 or 896. I do tend to be brand loyal, and given the chance would stay a member of this board and Nitro owner for life, despite our sometimes unfortunate run-ins with Tracker CSR! Mini, thanks, I will take you up on your offer. Please don't think that I have let the emotion or excitement get the better of me. That is why I came here, to stay grounded. I trust the opinions on this board that much.

Scott, I in no way put anything out there that was confidential nor anything personal that I wouldn't openly share anyhow. For anyone that hangs around the pro circles and asks questions, boat deals are common knowledge. Some vary, but for the most part, they are as I stated above. I just wanted to clear it up because nobody ever did for me, until I went to the source. The $$$ figures are approximate, and the left over FLW deal is made to several people. It is by no means a trade secret. I put the rounded numbers here for folks like Mac, Mini, Ken, Pierre, Greg, etc, that have been in the industry a lot longer and would tell me if I'm being taken for a ride. I have been jerked around before, and having a history in sales, know better than to leap before looking. I wanted honest, no BS, opinions. I still may not do anything. This is moving a little too fast for me. Should I win the Everstart, that's different. But that's a month, 164 top notch anglers, and 20 quality fish away yet. Anyway, I'm done now. Just wanted to share what's going all with all, and respectfully ask for any advise the board can offer.

Thanks guys. Regardless of what I choose, I will always be around, and my heart is with this board. Man, I'm starting to sound like Scott........ help me! LOL J/K Scott!

 

[Rob LaMoy]

JD Power & Assoc

 

[Mark Gross]

It's ok Rob really. i have a bumper sticker that at one time I thought of putting on my Nitro that say's" MY OTHER BOAT IS A RANGER" so we all have momentary lapse of ranger ..I mean reason.