Great budget boats for those times when the off-road adventure leads beyond the water’s edge
WATER, it has a magic about it that attracts off-road adventurers almost as much as unpaved backroads. The bigger the
puddle or deeper the stream, the more we want to play in it. This is especially true during the hot summer months. That’s when
many readers quest for off-road adventures that extend to lakes, rivers, bays, bayous and the open water beyond.
It’s also when the vehicle you’re driving ceases to be the primary play toy. Its new role becomes a tow vehicle. The boat on
the trailer is the new adventure toy.
Don’t have a boat? Well, we have a few suggestions that are sure to pique your water-borne interests. Any one of these new
models will bring a smile to your face and to those with you on the water. Best of all, none will bust your boating budget.
[Editor’s note: Prices do not include freight, state/local taxes and dealer prep.]
LARSON (www.larsonboats.com)
180 Sport I/O ($19,000)
State-of-the-art hull-molding called VEC (Virtual Engineered Composites) is what sets the new Larson 180 Sport apart from most of the entry-level, compact runabouts. The VEC process produces an ultra-strong hull and deck, along with a smooth surface in the engine compartment and storage areas like the ski locker, without the use of a separate pan or liner. This roomy, 17’ 7” bowrider is also loaded with features. The 180 Sport package standard equipment list includes an AM/FM stereo/CD player, spring-suspension bucket seats with flip-up bolsters, a fiberglass cockpit sole, molded upholstery, a locking glove box, a a custom EZ Loader trailer with brakes. Standard engine power is an economical 135-hp 3.0-liter sterndrive from either MerCruiser or Volvo Penta (priced with the latter), with a 190-hp 4.3-liter Merc V6 available as an option for those who really want to fly across the water.
TRITON (www.tritonboats.com)
VT19 ($15,995)
Sticker shock isn’t going to be an issue with the new Triton VT 19 aluminum bassboat. This wide-bodied 19-footer comes fully-rigged with the latest bass fishing features at a price most fishing-oriented off-road adventurers can afford. It comes with a 22-gallon built-in fuel tank and delivers great performance with outboards from 75 to 135 hp. Triton’s VT 19 is built around a .1 00-gauge 5052 aluminum hull that features all-welded construction, while the floors, decks and transoms are crafted entirely of aluminum. Twin casting decks with pedestal seating, a roomy console with windshield, three-across bench seating, Lowrance X-47 fish finder and a Motor Guide 12-volt foot-control trolling motor with built-in two-bank battery charger round out the ready-togo package. Triton’s base VT 19 rides on a custom trailer and is rigged with a 90 hp Mercury ELPTO outboard.
STINGRAY (www.stingrayboats.com)
195 FX Fish & Ski ($21,115)
If there’s a dilemma whether to be fishing or skiing, Stingray’s attractive 195FX bowrider is a fine choice. It serves both pastimes equally well because it has built-in features that allow you to tailor it to the particular watersport you prefer at the moment. The integrated swim platform and aft sunpad make it easy to strap on a board or ski, and the recessed swim ladder and strategically placed stainless steel grab rail not only make getting in and out of the water easy, but also prevent toe-stubbing. When skiing turns to fishing, the 195FX bow has a special center insert to accommodate a pedestal fishing seat. A second pedestal fishing seat can be inserted in the aft section by lifting the rear sunpad, revealing a carpeted casting platform with a built-in socket pedestal. A large livewell with an aerator for keeping bait and fish fresh hides beneath the sectionalized, full-width, aft bench seat. In the cockpit you’ll find an integrated two-drawer tackle box to organize lures and accessories.
TAHOE (www.tahoesportboats.com)
Q4 Sport OB ($16,995)
Fun and excitement come naturally when you’re driving the new outboard- powered Tahoe Q4 Sport. The smooth lines of this wide-bodied 18’7” entry-level family runabout is eye-catching, and even with the basic 90hp Mercury outboard it has plenty of power. Comfort abounds. There are two swivel buckets, a bow lounge, and padded aft bench with a pair of convertible fishing seats. Tahoe equips the Q4 Sport with a 23- gallon fuel tank for those who want to carve across wakes, or tube the day away. It also incorporates underseat coolers/storage, in-floor board/ski/fishing gear storage, ski tow pylon, dual extended swim platforms, boarding ladder and Sirius® capable AM/FM/CD sound system w/MP3 jack. Oh, lest we forget the custom color-matched trailer with /Swing-Away™ tongue and GalvaShield® protection.
TRACKER (www.trackerboats.com)
Pro Team 175 TXW ($12,995)
Tracker Marine’s Pro Team 175 aluminum bassboat is one of the most popular in the Tracker offerings-and the new TXW model is going to be an even bigger hit. It measures 17’10” and is six inches wider than the original. The larger casting decks and a brand new interior adds to the TXW appeal. Standard-equipment on this turn-key fishing package includes a state-of-the-art Lowrance X37 fishfinder, full-width bench seat, tackle storage trays, lockable rod lockers, an aerated livewell, a bow-mounted MotorGuide trolling motor and a twobank, four-amp, on-board battery charger. Outboard power comes via a 50hp Mercury two-stroke (a fourstroke is available for an additional $1,500) and a 21-gallon fuel tank. Max horsepower is 75. Getting to the water is easy: The Pro Team 175 TXW rides on a color-matched Trailstar trailer with its swing tongue and exclusive, GalvaShield™ finish for years of corrosion-resistant service.
STINGRAY (www.stingrayboats.com)
180RX Bowrider ($13,999)
Affordable family fun on the water doesn’t get much better than you’ll find aboard the Stingray 180RX bow-rider, powered by a fuel-friendly 135hp Volvo inline four-cylinder. For those off-road adventurers that have youngsters with lots of energy to burn off, the 180RX is a great entry-level family boat. Comfort abounds within its flashy hull, with bow and stern seating and a high,walk-through windshield. Power steering is standard and there’s a full compliment of instrumentation to keep and eye on things as you play. Towing a skier or wakeboarder is not a problem at all, nor is re-boarding, using the stainless steel boarding ladder. The Stingray 180RX package even comes with a custommatched trailer so you’ll look just as good on the road as you do on the water.
ALUMACRAFT (www.alumacraft.com)
Classic 165 CS ($11,995)
Alumacraft Boat Company has teamed with Yamaha Motor Corporation to offer this special aluminum, deep-V fishing boat package for 2007. The Alumacraft Classic 165 CS, a 16’5” console-steer, is factory rigged with a 50hp Yamaha outboard, 12-volt bow-mounted trolling motor, and a fishfinder so it’s a turn-key entry-level fishing package. It even comes with a custom trailer. The 16’5” Classic 165 CS features a twin-plated 2XB Bow and extra large spray rails for a solid, dry ride; heavy-duty construction top to bottom from the marine-grade plywood floors to larger, stronger rivets throughout; twin rod lockers will handle multiple rods; a 22- gallon fuel tank and a 34-gallon livewell/baitwell and two pedestal seats with five mounting locations allow for multiple fishing setups. Onboard capacity is 5 persons. Four paint colors are available: Mica Black, Olympic White, Pacific Blue and Victory Red.