Trying to decide on new boat
 

Thinking about a new or used boat and looking for opinions. I hope this dosent turn into a pizzin match between brand loyal owners but here goes.

First a little background information. I have been a bass and freshwater fisherman for the most part and my last 6 boats have been bass boats. Currently I have a 2012 Nitro Z-8 with a 200 Pro XS. It has been quite a while since i have fished salt water and need to learn it all again.

The boats that have sparked my interest are the Sportsman masters 247, and the Sea Hunt BX 24 BR. If any of you have any thoughts on these 2 boats please share them.

My plans are to be able to fish VB, BL, GI, etc. and weather permitting the closer rigs offshore but still be able to head to Toledo Bend and catch Bass and Sacalait. With that said I know the 24' is a better ride and more room but how much will I sacrifice by going with a 22'?

Sorry this is so long just trying to make the right decision, by the way I am not in a rush to do this , will want to sell my Z-8 before I buy, and have a daughter getting married in October so will be broke until after that.

I dont know anything about the sportsman boat, but sea hunts are good boats. Used boats are nice because you let the original buyer take the $ hit but you also inherit their problems. Do wet tests in both boats you like in preferably in sloppy conditions. Make sure you post pics of your new ride

Lots of happy Sea Hunt BX24 owners out there.

Don't know much about the Sportsman

Triton 24 LTS is a good boat

You can pretty much fish any waters that you fished in your bass boat with either of those boats you mentioned.

I say find a saltycajun owner of the boats u mentioned, R other boats See if you can join in on a fishing trip. That way you get hands on experience with each boat! And make ur decision that way. Fit finish ride fuel motor etc!!

hopefully this doesn't turn into a boat pi$$in match. But it i think will.....:eek: never fails. :eek::D

I just bought a 2104 frontier awesome boat! Good luck bro

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The Triton 240LTS is really hard to beat. Good luck!

X2...I would never spend that kind of cash without testing it out first.

X3 on the triton. If you ever want to ride in one pm me.

I'm leaving for work tommorow, give me a shout in 2 weeks and I'll bring you in a sportsman 247

Seems we have more tritons on here than I thought, post up some pics!!

X4
I love my triton... I plan on keeping it for a long time

X5?

Only took mine out once so far, but have fished in quite a few nice bays and bought the triton because it covered all the bases, and exceeded expectations all around.

I've had my triton 240lts since'05. Love the boat. Make sure to have enough horsepower. That Sea Hunt BX24 is a beast!! Looked at them last summer. Very nice boat but I haven't ridden in one. Lots of used boats for sale. That's what I'll do if I ever buy another boat. Right now I'm very happy w my triton. Good luck w your search.

They have a 24 ft sea fox for sale in lake charles right now that looks loaded to the gills. Very nice boat, cant vouch for the ride and handling.

Let me know when you get back in and we can plan something.

Never knew the Tritons were this popular, where are the nearest dealers? Or should I say the better dealers! I don't mind traveling a little if it means better price and or service.

I fished out of a BX 24 a few weeks ago and loved it. Think that will be my next boat.

new boat
 

I just got my second triton in December. I love it! Great ride, stable the set up works for me. Went from 22" to 24" big difference.

have a 25 ft sea chaser bay boat. The extra length makes a difference and get trim tabs.

Have owned a seahunt 17.2. Exceptional boat. Had it for 10 years. As small a boat as it was, had it in 5 to 6 foot seas ( not by choice) wanted to up grade to a /Seahunt 24 bx/br but with two kids in college, just couldn't swing it. Bought a K2 Marine Frontier Meridian 2104. Actually, I searched for months to find a safe well built boat to handle me and my two BIG boys and finally settled on the frontier. I absolutely love this boat powered by a 150 Yamaha. Have trim tabs and it has a lot of room and is extremely well built. If you have ever heard of the Blackjack, same company. Depending on your budget you absolutely can't go wrong with the seahunt, triton rangers etc. all good boats. Just depends on what your willing to spend. I will close with the fact that I have never heard anything bad about any of these boats. Love my frontier though. Perfect fit for my needs. good luck and just go for it. You'll be fine. Ken

Fished out of an 24LTS Saturday and a BX 24 Sunday. Both awesome boats, but I have to admit the BX rode better (sorry Bob).

Ok.....1 vote for a boat not mentioned. Cape Bay!! Reviews compare them to the yellowfin for a fraction of the cost.

I think maybe you were just in better shape to ride on Sunday... Lol

If you want to ride in a triton I'm sure we can set up a time. I think lake area marine sells them and I know LMC in Houston does

Lake Area Marine not so much.

LMC yes

BS

What's a BX?

Seahunt bx24ft

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This is true lol

I went look at frontiers yesterday and love them. Now the rationalization faze begins.

i have been looking at the other brands mentioned in this thread and none of them have the "Carilina Flare" style hull like the SH or the Sportsman. Seems they would not be as dry of a ride and slightly less deck space. Am I correct in this?

Check out the purebay2400. I just got into one from a triton 240lts and im very impressed.

If you like carolina flare check out the BlackJack 224. The triton is a very dry riding boat unless you are running cross chop in a 10-15 mph wind then you will get a little spray every once in a while, but that will happen in almost any boat. I can fish two people on my front deck fine

Take a look at the Avengers. Venice marina will be glad to give you a ride in them. I run a 2004 23 footer. The hull design makes the ride smooth and dry. Going from offshore cat to inshore light bay boat I had to learn how to drive it. Things like jackplate, trim tabs, and motor trim etc. The Avenger is sweet.

This is not the time to be rational!!!! Buy! Buy! Buy!

If you don't spend it, Obummer will take it.:pissed:

If only the wife thought that way

I was also looking at the Shearwater, after riding in it, then the sportsman 247 , I bought the 247. Only 5 miles per hour slower , but the ride is great and there is plenty of room to fish , even with the t-top.

I was in the same spot as you. I was set on a frontier and then I took my wife to look at them. Best move ever. We ordered a blackjack that day.

lol...smart move

Love my 210 Frontier.

Dropped my boat off for motor service at Henderson in LC today. Looked a 24 sea fox, very nice looking hull. Looks like it would handle well.

I guess because no one sells them around here, you don't hear much about Rangers bay boats. I bought my 2300 bay at 2yrs old have had it for 6yrs, no problems... Very good and dry ride, 8'4" casting deck(not including the extra 10"s of rod locker on each side), walk around gunnel that you can actually walk on(very convenient). Large anchor locker, claw anchor fits in it. Live well will keep pogey and mullet alive longer than you can fish. If you ever want to make a trip in it on big lake let me know.Attachment 54327Attachment 54328Attachment 54329Attachment 54330