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lreddmann.
Guys, my old sign in was lreddmann and i know I have chatted with Judd, Scott McGeheee and even my dealer here in town (thanks for the help Scott McGehee, Ken Adamson and Judd). I am pretty big guy 62″ 250#. I know I am getting a basscat this spring, and thought I put this issue to rest but kinda wanted to get a little more broader view. I really like the Sabre FTD it is nice in every way. My only fear is that I get the sabre ftd and two months later be kicking myself for not getting the Classic, or worse, i try to unload it a couple of years later for a bigger boat and the Sabre FTD isnt bringing near what the classics would. Dont get me wrong, I plan on holding on to this boat for a long time, but things do tend to change. I havent really priced any of the classics, but think the classic and a loaded sabre ftd could be pretty close in price range. Also, I have some pretty good banking relationships here in little rock and have toyed with the idea of getting a used PIV or maybe PII with some warranty. Most local financing instutions want to do 5 year amortization on loan. I prefer 6 and dont need 12-15 years that some banks give on new boats. Does any one know of financing options if i decided to go with barely used rig? Credit score is 700 plus. Thanks for all of your help. I always enjoying hearing from you and just trying to make sure I make the right decision when it comes time. Thanks all. -Lee
I would get a used PII or IV and still save some money over a fully loaded Sabre FTD and as far a the loan goes just get a loan with a good interest rate and no early pay off penalty and make whatever payment you need to do to reach your payoff goals. I have never met a person that regretted getting the larger boat and I can list pages of people that wished they would have bought the larger boat.God Bless, Stephen
Lee, I sent you an email with some info today. Scott
It all depends on if you can find a used boat that you will be happy with. Some people just want new, I dont know if you are like that or not saying there is a thing wrong with it. I have always told people to get the biggest boat they can afford because as you said things change and most of the time as TexCaboCat said most people want to go bigger. Not that a 18ft boat wont do it is just a “want” deal. I also agree w/ TexCaboCat in that you can finance any term a bank will give you as long as the rate is good. One time I financed one for 12 or 15 years (cant remember now) and paid the 7 year payment just because the interest rate was 2 pts lower and there was no early payoff penalty (not that I have ever done that either , cant keep anything that long hehe.) Good luck and you are in good hands with Ken, let me know if I can help…I dont mind at all. Judd Lasiter
Lee, the advice you got here is dead on. The new vs used is strictly a personal decision. With used, you will save some $$$, but with new you can get exactly what you want, the colors you want, and usually a longer warranty. As for the boat choice, it is almost always wise to go bigger, with very few exceptions. Boats are much like cotton. “THEY SHRINK WHEN THEY GET IN WATER!” A boat that seems perfectly fine in the showroom or in the driveway, gets small very quickly once you launch it, pick up your fishing partner, and begin moving around either fishing or accessing your tackle and gear. You will probably not regret going bigger but could quickly regret buying a boat to small.
Lee, Obviously you have been given sound advice here and on previous posts. We will go back to our original position on this, and that is that it depends on how long you intend on keeping this boat, and from memory it was about 7 years and it was going to be after you got your personal life changed some. If you are keeping it 7 years then you will usually keep it 10 or more. Then you need to do one of two things, A.> either get the most financially feasible boat with the most acceptable equipment. Be reasonable! B.> Or get either the largest boat you can justify and afford, with the most equipment. Or find a good one year old rig with the best combination of color, care, equipment and affordability. From recollection you fit any of these three different buying styles. Which one is entirely your choice. BCB
Thanks all. This was all very helpful. Still have some deciding to do, guess the good news is I have settled on a BCB! Thanks again. -Lee
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