After starting the process back in May, I finally got to pick my new ride up on Saturday. I took into account everything I felt I was missing on my old rig, and bit the bullet up front and put it on the new rig.
After climbing in almost every boat that was in my price range, or only slightly above it, I decided on a 2008 Alumacraft Navigator 175 Sport. Threw a 150 E-tec on it, along with a T-8 with tilt and electric start, an 82 pound motorguide digital Tour bow mount, charger, 3 foot rails on the back, Troll master, and a stainless prop. Transferred my LCX-27c and LMS-520c from my old boat. The only thing I didn't get right from the start that I wanted was the bimini top and a snap on cover. Had planned to get that as well, but found out my old boat had a 3 inch crack in the hull which lowered its value considerably.
Had the chance to put it in the water on Saturday when I picked it up and, WOW does it scoot. Out of the hole and to 50+ in the blink of an eye, or so it seems. Set the trip odomoter on the GPS to zero and had it over 100 miles by the time I got off the water. Went through Lake Butte des Mortes, up the Fox river through Oshkosh to Winnebago, up Winnebago to Appleton, had lunch, and came back, with plenty of crusising along the way.
Many thanks to Spellman's marina in Oshkosh for setting it up right, and being understanding about my unknown crack in my old boat. Guess that explains where the water was coming from.
Here are a couple pictures. Not good ones as it is in my garage, but won't be back on the water until Saturday. It sure seems bigger when putting it in the garage than it did at the marina. Have to tilt the motor down to clear the door and the windshield only clears by about an inch.
Can't wait to get back out, even though filling the 38 gallon tank is a bit rough.
You will love that boat. I have a single console version [2006 model] and really love it. Tons of room and storage. And that front livewell is HUGE and a smaller one in the back too. In fact yours [2008 model] is even 3 or 4 inches wider than mine. Thanks, Bill
Hope I can take a closer look at that rig up on the lake this fall. With the price of gas, I've already been considering down sizing my rig just a bit. Your rig fits the bill of something I might be looking at in the future.
Any time you want to take a closer look or a test drive, just let me know. I'm sure we can find a time where we are both out, and if not, we'll set one up. I'll be out early Saturday morning running around on Lk. WI if you are out. I'm planning on spending some time on the upper end of the lake, and up in the river.
I might be out Saturday morning. Still got some product testing to work on. I don't know for sure yet, but If I am out, I'll buzz up to the upper end and see if I can locate you.
Your new boat rocks. I'll have to start saving up. The first time I've ever used a kicker. I see why people like them so much. I think Tom also enjoyed the outing.
Finally, my new ride is water ready
Re: Finally, my new ride is water ready
Sounds like your set now 
I wish you many great memories of big fish and family outings!
