Credit Unions are best. My local GECU here in LaCrosse is 1.99% on a new boat, down payment depends on the boat and your credit I believe. In September I bought a 2006, got a 10 year loan and an interest of 4.49%, granted I plan to pay it off by the 5 year mark, but assume the rate could go up at the end of the 5 years if you don’t have it paid off……or have a lump sum ready to pay it off with….or be prepared to re-finance the remainder.

Thanks for the reply’s everyone. I do know that Owatonna and Rogers Cabelas have one in stock. On a side note John how has the service been at Spellmans?? I am also wondering about Warners Dock?? Anyone have input on them good or bad? I am looking at having a kicker installed and I want to make sure it’s done right. Warners seems to be a little more money than anyone else thus far….other options I would be looking to go with a Yamaha or Evinrude 4 stroke.

They do not unfortunately…….she has said yes to the boat but would really like to see one first……..so I am just trying to keep everyone in the family happy.

The trolling bite should continue to improve. Don’t be afraid to run your baits too high, I rarely go back more than 25-35′ behind planer boards. You can get away with running shad raps #5’s back to 50-65′ depending upon the depth. Don’t get too deep or you will be losing baits faster than you tie them on. I have pulled harnesses, but like what’s been stated you’ll attract alot of junk fish. The dirty water doesn’t seem to be a good presentation for harnesses, I have had luck down near the dam where I know there are less snags etc. good luck, and cover water once you find them just keep working that area. Don’t be afraid to get up into that 10-13′ depths either as some days those are where my best bites come from. Consider Castle Rock as well, the past two summers it has been better for keepers than Petenwell…. Good Luck!

Thanks for all the information guys. I am still looking at options. The Skeeter WX1850 with the jump seats looks great as well, just not sure I can convince the wife that is what we “need”…….I sure think I need it! Any other options out there? I have looked some at the Triton Allure, but can’t seem to find much on them and when price shopping I think the Skeeters are comparable……..one this is for sure prices just seem to keep on going up!

Yes I had heard they were initially wet rides, I believe that in 2011 they changed the hulls and improved that some. Did you have the TE or CE? I heard one or the other rode worse, it seems now it is only one model that is available. Thanks for the response Wade, I have looked at glass too, just it’s all so expensive that I think for me and my checkbook aluminum is the way to go. I am looking at Lunds as well, the Impact would seem to me to be comparable. Wade did you have a kicker mounted on your Raptor?? I plan on doing that as well, just wanted your input on how you set yours up.