Question:
Hydra-sport or Nitro Bass Boat which is better? and seat of it ?
I'm looking at a new 20' fish & ski bass boat from either Nitro, Hydrasport
or Stratos. The Stratos and Hydrasport come with a Johnson and the Nitro
with a Merc. Does anyone have any opinions on which I should get or any
other boat that I should consider
Answer:
-I would say the Hydrasport has a better Fish and Ski. Get the biggest engine
you can though. For a 20 footer, I'd recommend a 200, if not a 225. The boat
is going to be much heavier than a standard bass boat, so don't kid yourself
and think a 150 is going to cut it. You'll be much happier with a 200+.
I have a Nitro 180FS, and I really love the boat (contrary to some
negative press it's received around these websites). I wished I opted for a
150, but its 125 does pretty well (55mph under standard load)
-There's alot of good boats on the market. Remember that most of the
components on a boat are not made by the manufacturer. Typically they
make the shell and assemble the whole thing using other parts that you
can buy on the open market. This keeps the cost down. You'll find
these same parts on may different brands of boats. Some boat
manufactures do make their own seats though.
Id look at manufactures that you feel make a decent product. (Well
assembled and quality products that fit together for your boat.) Then
look for a boat in your price range that you like the way it's
interior is layed out. It's important that the interior layout works
for you and only you can answer that question. I don't know many
people that buy a boat and don't customise it it some form so don't
look to hard for a boats that has everything you want. You can always
add it your self. Just beware of the money you'll have to put into it
after you buy the boat. As an example, here's small but common things
that are standard on some boats but can be added to others that don't.
On board battery charger
Automatic bilge pump
Multiple bildge pumps or a high capacity pump. (Many manufactures put
low volume bildge pumps on their boats that really should be nearly
doubled in capacity.
Gauge's - hour meter for motor, etc. Dimmer for gauges.
Locks on all compartments.
Interior lights and compartment lights.
Usually boats that come equipt with depth finders
come with low end units. Better to buy your own. The only exception
to this is the flashers that many boats come with.
Steering system, cable or hydralic?
As for motors, I'd opt for either the Merc or OMC product. They both
make good motors. As for myself, I'd never consider anything else.
Yahama makes a good motor, but there are not nearly as many places
around that stock parts and repair Yahama's. (Something to consider
if you have a motor problem when your on vacation.)
As for other bass boats to look at: Ranger, Champion, Procraft, Astro
just to name a few.
FYI, Hydra Sports and Stratos are made by the same company. The main
difference is that they are layed out differently.
