Dealerships

[Critter544]

I'm in the process of buying my first bass boat and was wondering if you guys had any input on a few reputable dealerships in lower Michigan. I've found a couple boats that I like at leaders marine in Kalamazoo but can't find much info about them besides whats on their website. Thanks in advance for any info.

[djkimmel]

Depends on what brands you're looking at? There's only a handful of bass boat dealers.

[Critter544]

I'm looking at used boats. They have a 2011 Nitro z7 with 2 years left on warranty and a 07 Ranger vs188 for about the same price I'm interested in. Just wondering if anyone dealt with leaders before and what they thought of the place.

[BIGSHOW]

By saying lower Michigan what area are you in? There is one in howell area and Algonac. Also Basspro or Cabelas. If your wanting used check online. There are deals to be had if you look hard enough. Depends on the price range.

[Rangerman]

Well I know you want to stay local, but my area of the country has more NICE used bass boat than anywhere on earth. Mostly all fresh water boats. Check Anglers Choice web site in Martinsville VA. They have tons on NICE boats all priced to move. I know one 521 just traded in one owner loaded far right package less than 100 hours on motor with two years left. Cherry rig. Ask about the Teeter boat. I promise you it's brand new in a 2010 body

[Slipkey]

I have nothing but good things to say about the sales and service at D&R.  If you're looking for a used Nitro or Triton, I would recommend them as the first place to look in the KZoo area.

[Cy]

Check with Matteson Marine on Gun Lake for Rangers.

D&R is awesome.  Talk to Miles Hanley, he will take good care of you.

Leaders is okay.  From what I hear they are more interested in the sale than the support.

I would also check Lake Drive Marine.  The owners are great people.

You might also check boats BBC, there are tons of used boats.

Good Luck.

Cy

[Critter544]

Thanks for the input. I live about 30 mins south of lansing. I've heard great things about d&r too and plan on looking around there when I go to look at leaders. They have a 2011 Nitro z7 with 90 hrs and 2 years left on the warranty and also a 2007 Ranger vs188 with 93 hrs at leaders that I'm going to  look at. I'll check out the places you mentioned Cy. Thanks again.

[t-bone]

I took a look at that boat and it look nice. I've got a Ranger for sale that you should consider:
http://www.greatlakesbass.com/forum/index.php?topic=22030.0
Bigger deck... we all need that! Bigger engine and better equipment. Not significantly more money. Check it out.

[Hoekset]

D&R has treated me well.

[Kal-Kevin]

D&R has good points and I know Miles and he has never lead me wrong on boats or fishing. They have a board inside showing every boat and giving details so when you go out to see it you know what is there and what not on the boat. I know when the D&R has their spring show Easter week end they are more likely to bend over and get you in it before the day is over. 

[djkimmel]

I like Matteson Marine and D & R Sports Center for the brands you mentioned.

I like the Matteson family - very nice people. Boat sales manager Vaughn Mills is easy going. Very friendly. Liked him since the first time I met him.

I've known Miles at D & R for years. Even fished on a state team with him once. Known Randy VanDam for a long, long, long time. It was just a little corner shop in his Dad's company building the first time I stopped in. Quite a difference now! Great tackle shop!

No direct experience or any real knowledge of Leaders.

[fiker]

I bought my used boat from Ralph Blasey at Wonderland.  I highly recommend Ralph.  He is knowledgeable and honest.   

[6 lb Smallmouth]

Critter,

I have spent a lot of time looking at bassboats over the last couple months specifically at 18-19 foot rangers in the 5-8 year old range.  That 188 is a couple grand too high.  I would consider what T-Bone is selling.  Bigger, faster boat, better electronics, newer bigger TM, ect.  If this was a year from now, I would be very interested.  Granted, I want to fish bigger water so I want the 20'er.  Good luck with your decision.

[djkimmel]

If you're not limited to SW Michigan, then I second fiker's comments about Ralph Blasey. Also known Ralph a long time. Plus, he's a redhead like me, and we have to stick together . Ralph is FOB username on GreatLakesBass.com.

[Critter544]

Thanks guys, I'm not finding much along the lines of used boats around looking at the dealerships online. T-bone' boat looks great just a few grand out of my price range. I'll hear back from the bank tomorrow. But was planning on checking out the 188 at leaders and kicking some tires to see if they'd play.

How much do you think a nitro dealership would let go of a 2012 z7 for considering the 14's come with a 175 now. Even though that probably won't help the resale value down the road.

[6 lb Smallmouth]

How far are you willing to drive?

http://eauclaire.craigslist.org/boa/4328484668.html

[dartag]

Give the 188 a good look.  I have a 185 and love it.  The 188 is a little bigger.  Compare the hardware and workmanship to the Nitro.  I have heard good things about Leaders.  If you own a bass boat you should learn to fix things.  Waits at dealership service in the summer can be long.  Good luck

[Critter544]

Thanks. Talked to the dealership a little more today to see if I could get in contact of the previous owner but the boat was bought at a bank auction. Got some of the diagnostics and I guess 2 of the hours on the motor were ran at above 5000 and 30 some below 1000 and whatever else in the middle. Compression was 100 for all 6 cylinders. Boats sounding good. Just have to see if they'll work with me on a reasonable price. Thanks again for all the input so far.

[MSURoss]

I am also in the market for a used boat. Looking for a clean 90s boat.