hogtown_usa
03-03-2008, 10:03 AM
I visited the SW VA boat show in Roanoke on Saturday. After wading throught the pontoons and bow riders 004 , I found Scott from Smith Mountain Boat and Tackle. He brought two of his skiffs to the show, a 198DLV and a JV or JVX. Real estate was at a premium in the civic center, so he left the 238 at home 006 . We talked about the features, the ride, options, trailers, motors, solutions to common problems, etc. He was very courteous and helpful. He gave me a price on the 238 that he has in stock, but also said that he could order one custom if I wanted different options. He gave me the "show special" price, but said that I could have time to think about it if I wanted, the price would still be good. I thanked him, told him I'd be in touch.
Leaving the show, I took a detour and went by the dealership to look at the 238 again. It's a nice boat, has DLX console, 27 gal tank, 150 Honda, bow and stern rails, Wesco aluminum tandem trailer. There are a couple of things that I don't like, which make me lean towards ordering a boat. One thing is the bow and stern rails. I've decided that I want to get the boat without rails. I'll add them later if I feel the need (maybe Martin Marine rails! thumbsup ) The other problem is the deck track. This boat is a 2008 model, but it's an early one that still has the deck cable track. I'd prefer a flat deck back there instead of a bump. The deck track was okay before they made boats with it under the floor. Now it's not okay.
I emailed several dealers tonight with my specs for the new boat. I'm looking forward to getting some more numbers. I'd like to deal with Smith Mountain because they are the closest dealer, and if he comes anywhere within several hundred dollars then he's got my business. After I get my other quotes, I'll probably have to bounce dealer quotes off each other until one comes out on top (or bottom actually ;D ).
Thanks for the help during all of this. I'll be glad when this is over. I'm waking up in the middle of the night wondering things like what size console, what size gas tank, rails, leaning post, what motor, on and on. At least once it's ordered, I'll wake up wondering when will it get here!
I'll let everyone know when I've made my deposit.
Philip
ps.- lakebiker, Scott said hello. waving
Leaving the show, I took a detour and went by the dealership to look at the 238 again. It's a nice boat, has DLX console, 27 gal tank, 150 Honda, bow and stern rails, Wesco aluminum tandem trailer. There are a couple of things that I don't like, which make me lean towards ordering a boat. One thing is the bow and stern rails. I've decided that I want to get the boat without rails. I'll add them later if I feel the need (maybe Martin Marine rails! thumbsup ) The other problem is the deck track. This boat is a 2008 model, but it's an early one that still has the deck cable track. I'd prefer a flat deck back there instead of a bump. The deck track was okay before they made boats with it under the floor. Now it's not okay.
I emailed several dealers tonight with my specs for the new boat. I'm looking forward to getting some more numbers. I'd like to deal with Smith Mountain because they are the closest dealer, and if he comes anywhere within several hundred dollars then he's got my business. After I get my other quotes, I'll probably have to bounce dealer quotes off each other until one comes out on top (or bottom actually ;D ).
Thanks for the help during all of this. I'll be glad when this is over. I'm waking up in the middle of the night wondering things like what size console, what size gas tank, rails, leaning post, what motor, on and on. At least once it's ordered, I'll wake up wondering when will it get here!
I'll let everyone know when I've made my deposit.
Philip
ps.- lakebiker, Scott said hello. waving