Top Boats?!?!?!?!

[SurfingSS]

Good Morning,
Sorry to be doing this, I know how many times newbie Yak fishermen ask about boats.  I dialed-in my Scupper Pro TW some 9 year and I'm now totally out of touch with the new latests and greatests out there.  I lost my boat in the Tea Fire and now need a new one and don't know where to start.  What are the top boats now-a-days? 
The Prowler 15 looks insane for fishing!  Is it in the top 3?  Looks dry, stable, has loads of storage, looks like it could house a good sized bait tank,...?   It does look heavy and long, does it do better with a rudder?  I neighbor has a Prowler 15 in his garage he has only taken out 2X in 3 years.  He would take $300 for it I bet just to get rid of it. 
If the Prowler is not a good fishing boat, could someone list the top 3 so I can start my search?!

Thanks for your time!

[Spike]

Sorry to hear that SS, I hope it all comes back together painlessly.
For 300 bucks, I'd jump on that Prowler.....unless you are too small for it.  I've always referred the 15 among the choices to heavy anglers only.  Most of my referrals are to guys buying new boats so I narrow the choices down to the top models in each situation.

I've noticed that Craigslist is awash in used kayaks with lots of fishing models.  I shoulkd note that I received a forum email from CL advising that there are kayak scammers working the site.  I believe those are retailers in violation the CL Terms of Use, not crooks.  If you need a loaner kayak in the meantime, let me know and I should be able to hook you up. 

Rigged rental kayaks are available for the Black Pearl Trips, I'll hook up those referrals upon request. 

[SurfingSS]

Spike,
I'm 175-180lbs and 6'1" tall, I that in the range for the Prowler 15 or are we talking the BIG guys.  If I don't get this boat I'm going to wait until after the holidays and buy a new boat from a retailer.  I would still be interested in a short list of the top boat so I can do a little research.  I liked my Scupper Pro, I may go get another one.  I just wanted to look at the options now that I have a possible chance to upgrade if there is something better.

Cheers

[EFISH]

Check with Andy over at OEX and see what demos he has for you to check out.  It might be a drive for you but go down for the day and have lunch and a paddle.  Andy has lots of knowledge so soak up all he has to say.  The shop is right next to the water so you can paddle all the different styles in the same day in order to see which boat fits you best.   I'm about your size and paddle a Tarpon 160i and love the way the boat rides.  Pain in the butt to carry around because it's 16ft.  and sits low in the water so if the water is choppy it could be a wetter ride then some.   I do some hooping and the boat is not  the best for that because it sits so low.  The 140 is a nice boat and only 14ft. to deal with and rides higher off the water.   Paddle them all and see what fits your body size and type of fishing.  If you like fishing plastics alot check out the Hobie peddles they free up your hands to do alot more casting.
Peace Out
EFISH