Hey SUF! If money were no object, I would make this purchase. UPDATE: I will pass on this boat; it is a fantastic deal! If you are interested, let me know, and I will put you in contact with the dealer.
Currently running: 2009 Stratos 294XL (19'6", 91" beam) with 2009 Evinrude ETEC 150HO flashed to 175HP on a single axle trailer. The boat's paid off and tournament-ready.
Considering: New leftover 2023 Falcon F215 (21'5", 99" beam) with Suzuki 250SS brand new
- Dealer asking $53K
- Monthly would be $580-680 (versus $0 on Stratos)
- Interest rates are around 7-10%
- Trade-in value on Stratos: $12-20K
Main pros: Wider deck, more power, bigger fuel tank (50 gal)
Main cons: A Higher payment than wanted, 7-10% interest rate
Would you pull the trigger or keep the paid-off Stratos? I'm especially interested in tournament performance difference, newer age, and whether the wider deck is worth the monthly payment. BTW, a Stratos re-power would be $23-24K. One major sway factor - I hate debt.
Thanks for any insights!
Commented on What motivates you to go fishing?Some...
27 Jan 19:27
What drives me to fish is deeply rooted in the wisdom that Rick Clunn shares about truly experiencing time on the water. When I'm out there, it's all about engaging all five senses in a way that's impossible to replicate anywhere else. Seeing, hearing, and smelling the water, noticing the subtle shifts in wind direction, watching the flash of baitfish breaking the surface, birds feeding, observing the swirl of a giant, and solving the puzzle presented with every cast—these moments demand complete presence. I love it for that-getting into the zone in nature, and almost every trip results in a memory made and something new learned.