Drum roll please..... I just ordered a boat and put down the deposit.
Now I would have to say this is about as patient as I have ever been and some of the most research I have ever done prior to buying something. That being said it reminds me a lot of a saying my dad had... "There is no such thing as the perfect car". Well, there is no such thing as the perfect boat either. There are some awesome ones out there but they all specialize in some sort of fishing. The problem is that I like the shiny marble and I need to try new stuff. I want to catch one of everything there is to catch.
So here goes. I appreciate all of the comments and feedback. I appreciate the PM's that offered guidance in the background as well. I feel good about the product I am getting and I am confident that it will give me many years of service. Heck, I may even own it some day...
I ordered a 2014 Thunderjet Explorer in Sunfire Red. It is an 18.5 foot with an offshore bracket.
Upgraded the motor to a Suzuki 140hp and a matching 9.9 kicker. It is the new model kicker with the electronic fuel injection and forward mounted controls at the helm.
I am having them install a Terrova I-Pilot LINK 80lb, a three battery system and a high output (45amp) onboard charging unit.
They are going to put a TR-1 on the kicker (I am very excited about this)
I am having 4 plugs added for down riggers.
It comes with a wash-down system, bench seats in the back, locking glove box, dual wipers, swim step, full canvas with sides and back drop etc etc...
With a folding tongue it will fit inside my garage and should do just about everything I want to do.
I had to make one compromise. The kicker mount is at the back of the offshore bracket so it can be linked to the main for steering. I know most like it right at the back of the boat but that just wasn't in the cards for this one and I liked it better than anything else I looked at. With the Tr-1 and forward controls it shouldn't be a big issue.
I guess I already mentioned that I am going to put my 1198 Humminbird on it as well as my current down riggers.
I am worn out. Been thinking about this for the past few days. It is finally ordered. I should get it at the end of February. Just enough time to get it rigged prior to my Lake Chelan trip the first week in April.
I am pretty sure this is Bogeys fault..... I will post pictures when I see it next.
Thanks again for the help!
MH