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Forum nameFreshwater Fishing in California
Topic subjectRE: Boat Opinions
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=3&topic_id=17541&mesg_id=17555
17555, RE: Boat Opinions
Posted by Lake, Wed Sep-23-09 09:55 AM
1st off let me say that driver can make all the difference in the world when it comes to the way a boat "appears" to handle rough water. Cam and I have both had our boats a very long time, I bet if we switched boats you would notice a totally different ride. judging a boat with someone else driving isn't really fair to the boat. Its also not like you can call someone and be all "hey its windy can I borrow your boat" Also its important to go with what feels comfortable for you as the driver.

I will add a few comments with a Lake rating, Rating rough water capabilities, top speed/ handling, fishability( rating 1-10) : Keep in mind these are just my opinions.

Triton: This has to be the most difficult boat to learn to drive properly. Even Ranger Pro Staff that have moved to Triton will admit this. Once you learn to drive the boat it is one of the best all round boats for speed and rough water, but not the best in either category.
Lake Rating:
Rough water capabilities- 6
Top speed/ handling- 8
Fishability- 8

Nitro: I have been a Nitro hater for years. The last few years they have really came around. Felix's boat is not even in the same league as the new Nitro. They have the wide flippin type deck you seem to like on the Champ, but even bigger. the boat is very wide, that hurts your top end speed. Being extra wide makes it a good rough water boat and appears to be very dry. Would I own one no, but it is not the same Nitro's I use to rag on.
Lake Rating:
Rough water capabilities- 7
Top speed/ handling- 5
Fishability- 8

Basscat: great top end speed boat and handles great. I don't recall what year and model Mark has. This is a decent rough water boat. I have never cared to much for the layout and narrow front for fishing.
Lake Rating:
Rough water capabilities- 7
Top speed/ handling- 8
Fishability- 5

Ranger: You know I am very biased to Ranger so will not rate or comment. I only will say this is a drivers boat, not as much as a Triton. You really will notice a difference is drivers. Boats have a sweet spot and Rangers can vary with in the same model.

Champion: Solid top end speed and a solid rough water boat. Champs seem to wobble a bit side to side when fishing. Storage isn't the greatest lay out IMO.
Lake Rating:
Rough water capabilities- 8
Top speed/ handling- 7
Fishability- 6

Skeeter: If they could find a way to keep this over powered lightweight boat in the water when its rough, they would have something. Top speed in no chop is decent if the driver can keep it from walking. I actually like the way it fishes and is laid out.

Lake Rating:
Rough water capabilities- 5
Top speed/ handling- 6
Fishability- 8

Remember this is just 1 fishermans opinion. I know we all love the boats we have.