My Sled Buying Experience (Long)

[Flatfish]

We bought our first sled this spring. It did not run very well, so we sold it.

Being boatless for the first time in my adult life gave us time to think about which boat would do the most things we wanted to do. After a fairly short search, we had our parameters set.

She would be used,( "I'm sorry, I thought that was the length in milimeters. Not the price in dollars" :shocked: ). That said, we could not order what we wanted. Which was a fairly custom rig. But I was confident we could find one. It was mid June....

My favorite fishery is the ocean for Cohos and Bouy 10. I wanted a boat bad, and the clock was ticking.

The first "oops" on my part came in form of a 22' Willie Predator. Willie had it on his website. The boat was perfect. The motor was pretty good. The kicker was too small for big water( it was set up for boondogging). But all of that was fixable. All I needed was a jack plate and a lower unit.... Oh yeah, and I had to tell Dawn how much it cost( is was SLIGHTLY more than the 18' Flatbottom we had just sold. But it ran, which is something the old motor usually did not do). She was impressed with the size and it's cost. I hesitated( hey, it is alot of money to me). He sold it 2 days later. In hindsite, it was a great deal. OOPS #1.

We looked at Motion Marines next. Wonderful boat. I personally like the sportjet( quiet now Boater ). The trailers were a joke for the pricepoint. But the packages sold for a lot less than the regular outboard rigs( we were looking at an open guide style sled, so an engine in the floorspace is a " no no"). Whoever did their design really understands how a boat reacts to water. But I could not swallow the price pill. Especially so when I could not get it til AFTER bouy 10. WAHHHH!! Ok. Move on. Not an oops, but it sorta caused one....

Then I found OOPS #2. I was at Stevens Marine in Tigard, looking for an acceptable replacement trailer for the potential Motion Marine deal. They had a 1997 21' Super Vee Pro. It had some scratches in the paint. The kicker was on it's last legs. But the boat was sound. And the big engine was fresh. It was priced correctly too. Even had a removable tongue( read "shin buster"), so it would fit in the garage. I was still in the middle of the Motion Marine deal, and I went home to wiggle around the numbers on that, when I realized that the used Super Vee was the right boat for us. I went back a couple days later, and the friendly salesman told me that it was sold....He who hesitates is a loser. [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img] My saltwater salmon season was fading. It was mid August. I was getting jumpy from no fishing in 2 months.

I sat in a huge pond of boo hoo til another Motion Marine came along. This one was a tip from another Ifisher. A ready to run ride. But we could not make price work. I was watching my salmon season slip away over my shoulder....Reports of REALLY good days on URBs began to trickle in...

Then Willie had a big Raptor on his website that would make the cut. But it was a couple features short of what we wanted. And for that amount of money, I want exactly what I want.

I had lost pretty much all hope. Dawn was less than pleased with my negotiating skills. But I kept at it. Looking at every marina and boat dealer this side of the Pecos. I knew their numbers by heart.

The next deal happened at Ifish used boat sponsor Stevens Marine in Milwaukee. It was a big red and black hull with a Yamaha motor on it. Stevens is a big time Mercury dealer. But they told me that the big motor was a guide program trade in. I called the guide and asked him how many hours were on it. Not too many( he spends much of his year out of the country, so the thing sat for 6 of 14 months).

I had been dealing with Chad at the Tigard store, so I headed out there the next day.
It fit in the garage( with 4" to spare. Not kidding. 4"). We sat and drew up the specs. They pondered my offer. It was a go. But they had to rig it first. Another hundred thousand salmon went over the dam. I thought I was gonna die. The friendly staff at Stevens wondered if they would have to file a restraining order against me. I thought I was gonna die. Dawn just wanted to fish. The dog slept on the couch.

Chad got back from vacation. The bulk of the parts made it off the brown truck. I thought I was gonna die. The wrench wizards did their thing. It was time for a test drive. Chad put on his survival suit....I backed down the ramp( only hitting 2 cars and a little kid on a bike. Which is better than my lifetime average of 3 cars and a bus load of orphans. J/K). We drove it around the Willy. Chad told me of places the springers would be. I thought I was gonna die. We made a quickie punchlist, and it was off to the Ted Nugent show in Washington.

The first day on the water was fun. But Mr. 1/2 ton pickup with high miles did not like the new boat. Tranny made bad smells. So we bought Dawn a diesel Ford. I thought I was gonna die.

Fast forward to today. Dawn will not let me back it down the ramp, something about high insurance premiums. Stevens filed the restraining order against me. I have already scratched the pretty paint. Hit my first log. Put a small ding in it from ramming a stump.

The dog thinks we need a bit bigger one. Not quite enough room for his fatness. He looks like the flying nun with the ears flopping in the wind. Which is cute. Until you hit a log because you were watching the dogs ears and not the river. [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

Someday I may catch a fish. But if I don't, that's alright by me. Cause Dawn catches enough for the two of us. I never caught fish in the other boats. So I don't know why I would wanna change a good thing.

To be serious, I am extremely pleased with Stevens Marine. I only dislike 2 items that I ordered. Both of which Chad told me were not the best choice. But I did not listen. There have been a couple details that I wanted taken care of. They did a great job, and were very timely too. Very highly reccomended. I have never before had a salesman tell me "Don't buy that boat, because it is too much money. We will find you the right boat. Just be patient" I was impressed.

Chad, and everyone else at Stevens, thank you.

Now to be honest, there are some folks in this business that I would not send you to. But I really do not want to go there on this thread. I just want to share my positive experiences.

More importantly, it was an experience learning the products, and the people who sold them. So to those out there looking for a boat. Go forth and learn, before plunking your cash down. It IS quite an interesting journey.

Please keep the Predator vs. NR stuff of this thread. It was meant to tell you of my search. And my mistakes.

If you see me( the guy in a red Alumaweld with no fish on) say "Hi". I look exactly like Hogmaster. Except I am taller than the motor.

Mark and the floppy eared dog.

[ 12-10-2003, 10:28 PM: Message edited by: Flatfish ]

Ooops. You'll get into them this Spring. :smile:

[ 12-09-2003, 09:34 PM: Message edited by: ****** ]

[Riverkeeper]

Looking at every marina and boat dealer this side of the Pecos. I knew their numbers by heart.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Wow do I know what that's like.

Congrats. Got any pictures?

[SHOUGALNITE]

Lets see a photo.

[Kruechief]

When he talks about backing down the ramp...

And how high his insurance premium is...

It is no bull.

Congratulations to good guy who I hope got the boat of his dreams by the time the dog gets done chasing Dawn's floppin' fish all over the deck he will have lost a few pounds anyway.

Krue

Krue

[Rauly]

I'm glad you have excepted the resposibility for the mistakes and not put them on the dog this time. Good story.

Rauly

[skein]

Hey, Flat,

I've got a couple rattle cans of flat brown and green if you want to camo her up for duck season. The boat, I mean, not Dawn.

Good story. It brought back a memory or two or three. Along with a chuckle or two. Glad you like your new ride.

And it was sure nice to hear a positive story about boat buying. That's the ifish I know and love. :grin:

Skein

[Flatfish]

******, I will not repeat. Then again, I doubt it will ever get sold.

There are no pics of the boat. That I am sure of. Just look for the red boat with a dog in it. You will see me. I wear a baseball cap sometimes. Ya'll can't miss us. I promise.

Ya see the truth is, the dog is such an in demand celebrity that if I was to post a pic, folks from all walks of life would be constantly pestering us, "Just to meet the dog".

A fella has to get some peace and quiet sometime.

Mark and the paparazzi dog.

[ 12-09-2003, 10:04 PM: Message edited by: Flatfish ]

[Gus Orviston]

Mark, Congrats on the new boat! Let me know if you get the urge to row this spring. I would love to let you run the boat, or ride up front to learn some tucker tricks.

gus

[ 12-09-2003, 10:17 PM: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]

[Gun Rod Bow]

As usual,

An imfomative, upbeat, entertaining read.

It's a really nice boat. Your whole clan looked very happy in it. Does Dawn know that I sat in her truck Some of that Carbon Blast spray or the little tree thingies should help.

I think I may have a pic of that boat (hee hee hee)

Thanks for the story.

GRB and the way smaller than Jake, but really likes fishin too, even though all he does is sleep dog.

[ 12-09-2003, 11:00 PM: Message edited by: Gun Rod Bow ]

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Hogmaster]

I thought that was supposed to be a long story?

You forgot one important point.

It is HUGE! About the size of the Titanic! :shocked:

And I can too see over my motor. At least now that I put the step ladder in the boat.

You might as well sell the truck though. You let GRB ride in it? No wonder Jake rides in the front of the boat. He is just trying to air out!!

It is a nice ride, though it won't really be broken in until you perfect that loading-the-boat-perpendicular-to-the-trailer move that I showed you.

That as well as the "Really, I did mean to park on this gravel bar so I could inspect the hull" procedure familiar to most serious sledders...

[DF]

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]
good story!

I backed down the ramp( only hitting 2 cars and a little kid on a bike. Which is better than my lifetime average of 3 cars and a bus load of orphans. J/K). Stevens filed the restraining order against me.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">When I read those you had my laughing so hard I feel outa my chair...ouch!
sounds like you got ahold a great boat
Congrats!
D/F

[TheRogue]

Excellent story, thank you for putting it "into the record". Good for you for waiting it out, and glad you had a good experience with Stevens, I know I never did.

TR

[NEUTRON]

At least you bought the right TRUCK! Good luck with your new toys...

[Flatfish]

Neut,

I would have bought the right brand of boat, but the Tupperware Corp does not rate any of it's food dishes for 250HP.

Hog,

For me that is a long story. But I have a very short attention span.

I thought that was a structural test you were performing on that bridge for ODOT.

It aint very big, I just asked Tilla what he would do, and I tried to get close to that.

You got a ladder now huh? Phone books get too wet or something? [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

Skein,

Mama likes pretty red paint. I would rattlecan it, but I would have to move in with you after that. Waddaya think?

GRB,

we have a don't ask, don't tell policy on fishing poles, candles, and who drove MY truck.

Thanks all.

Mark and the has to shop in the adult sizes as a babe dog.

[Silver Hilton]

You just nailed the only thing I don't like about my windshield boat - not dog based "Sister Bertrille" up in the front.

Sounds like you got what you wanted, truck included. Proabably only cost you about 30 fish or so... What's that per pound?

[Private-Aye-Fish]

Nice story. I too have had good dealings with the folks at Stevens. I haven't bought a boat from them but have purchased parts and used their service department with no complaints.

[Birdnest]

Good read. Congrats on your boat. Here's wishing you, Dawn, and the lucky dog a smelly fish box.

Joe

[Hogmaster]

Flatty -

Not only do the phone books get too wet, they soak so much water the tail end of my Willie sits too low. Not to mention the back of the boat! :shocked: [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] :shocked:

What I want to know is how you could tell such a tale and not mention Vermin? Surely she had a great deal of input on the purchase...

[Tilla]

In the end boats are cool! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[blacktail]

Thanks for the story. One of the best in a long time.

Mike

[boater]

Originally posted by Flatfish:
I personally like the sportjet( quiet now Boater ).

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">flatfish, i cant comment on the "s" word anymore or i`l get kicked off the board, i`m on my final warning :depressed:

[Flatfish]

Sorry if I got ya in trouble Boater. Did not mean to stir it up. :blush:

Hogcracker,

Vermin is on parole. Time will tell if she turns into a person, or a teenager. For her sake, it had better be the former.

Silver Hilton,

by the pound( the fuzzy math method of figuring) they are both paid for. My wife does not understand the formula. She is going to collage at night. So I am sure that class will come up before she gets a degree.

Tilla,

yep.

Thanks for the kind remarks.

Mark and the big bazooba dog.

[Reelentless]

GREAT story! Thanks for sharing!

[fishing is life]

Flatfish, what were the two options you would avoid next time?

Nice story btw.

[Thumper]

Durn. :depressed: Another Bazooba Boat.

[Flatfish]

FIL,

I do not like the Motion Marine anchor bracket. The Big Water Co.( I think that is their name) makes one that is mucho easier to pull both the ball and chain up. Not very easy with the MM unit.

Save the flames MM lovers. He asked for my opinion. I did not post til I was asked. If you love your MM anchor bracket, swell.

When I get the time, I will switch it out for the Big Water unit.

The other option that I wish I had done different is the kicker. I got the T-8 Yamaha.It cavitates pretty heavy. If I had to do it all over again, I would have got a Yamaha 10 or 15 4 stroke with the bay kit. Flip a coin as to which. The 10 is better in soft water. The 15 would rock at B-10 and other heavy current trolling situations. I know there are a LOT of T-8 fans out there. I do not like the Big Foot concept. If you do, good for you.

I will not go to the expense of replacing the kicker at this point. But if I could do it all over again, it would not make the second draft.

Thumper,

The big bazooba dog. Not boat. If you had ever seen the costco sized hound, you would understand

Mark and the big bazooba dog.

[Hogmaster]

Costco sized hound? I think a Costco sized Shetland Pony is more akin to that kritter!

And I bet you would find the 10 very adequate, though a 15 will troll down and purr like a 10 if it is tuned right. But 1) It costs more and 2) it weighs more. Or maybe not. In the spirit of the other thread I am changing my tag line back.

Doesn't matter. You have the bi-ped of bigness in size 8. It will work to push even the Titanic.

But an anchor nest? To anchor a boat like that? I am wondering, would Jesus have an anchor for a boat like that? :grin: :grin: :grin:

My condolences about Vermin. You will start becoming a smart uncle again in about 10 years, at least if you're lucky and if you're real lucky you won't be providing everything from room and board to trips and cars! :shocked:

Oh, and I can help out with the math. If the boat is used, it is paid for in one fish. New boats require two. Same for the rig. So now, as long as you are catching an average of at least one a trip to cover fuel, you are covered. Up the average and you are WAY ahead. Just remember to savor the flavor of those very expensive first ones you catch! :grin:



[ 12-11-2003, 04:27 PM: Message edited by: Hogmaster ]