New Boat???

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tom Edwards on November 2, 2009 at 7:40pm

What is your main type of fishing? Trout, perch, walleye, bass?

Permalink Reply by Justin O'Keefe on November 2, 2009 at 8:11pm

Sorry I didn't clarify. I am looking for a bass boat

Permalink Reply by Joel Alinen on November 2, 2009 at 8:14pm

Good topic Justin. I am also looking to get a boat. I'm not sure if I wanna get a used smaller (18ft) bassboat, new smallers(18ft) bass boat, or a used 20+ft bassboat with 200+hp. All can be purchased for around 10,000 or less. What would you guys suggest as a good choice for a guys first bass boat.

Permalink Reply by Justin O'Keefe on November 2, 2009 at 8:36pm

Sparky,

Great point about the wife!! If the boss ain't happy, well we know how that goes. I've been looking for most of the season, and just can't take it no more and you're exactly correct the house was alot easier.

I've been thinking about a Bass Tracker type boat for starters, but just don't know. I've never owned a glass boat, nor have I ever rode one. I've always been in aluminum boats such as jet sleds for the rivers and duck hunting so the bass boats are a new thing for me. I love to just go and buy a top notch boat, but I haven't won the lotto yet.

Permalink Reply by Rodney Heupel on November 2, 2009 at 9:11pm

What size lakes do you currently fish? What lakes would you like to fish? What size boat will your tow vehicle pull? Who will service the boat and motor? How user friendly is the boat to your fishing style? Rod storage - how many rods? Length? Tackle storage? There are lots of questions to ask in the purchase of a "new" boat. Get out and fish with those who have the type/model/brand you are interested in. Go to the upcomming sportsman shows. And when ya find the dream boat ya want, put a picture of it saved as the desk top on the computer your wife uses. When she has to look at enough she will give in, it took 2 yrs but it worked for me. I compared brands and in my opinion I felt that G3 (http://www.g3boats.com/) trumped Bass Tracker.

Permalink Reply by Mark Maderos on November 3, 2009 at 5:16am

I know of a 18ft 2002 glass bass boat w/ 150 opti, that could be had for around 11K

Mark

Permalink Reply by Larry Austin on November 3, 2009 at 5:26am

Hey Justin I've had boats all my life, but I bought my 1st bass boat about 5 years ago. Thanks to Dana I picked up a 89 bass tracker with a 90' 150 hp black max. Back then the tracker was fiberglass. Nitro now? Anyway for $4,500. I had a tournament ready bass boat. I've have to do a little work on it every once in a while (thanks to Walt), but right now I feel confident in moving up in size, and horsepower. I had to suck it up a little with my pride with an older boat (still do), but i love it and the best thing is it's mine. It's surprised me at the learning curve with a bass boat compared to other boats. And trust me you can still catch fish.

Permalink Reply by Fred Vander Werff on November 3, 2009 at 7:36am

I'm an Aluminum fan, low maintance and very economical, on the road and on the water.
Get a better boat than you can affort, buy a cheap boat and you will pay for it in all kinds of frustration. I bought a Tracker used with very low hours and things started to fail very soon, The hull split and almost sunk, finally had to use a fiberglass patch to keep it fishing. Lots of us have learned all kinds of things on our 1st Tracker. Can't beat the price, but replacing things is a nightmare, I went through bilge pump, livewell pump, switches and running lights, upgraded from 12 volt to 24 and tried to use the old wires, almost burned the boat. I decided I'm stupid to keep doing this and bit the bullet and bought a new G3. Look for a used HP series. Just stay away from the outboards with ethanol proplems, the 4 strokes don't have neck snapping acceleration, but no aluminum is ever going to win a boat race at blast off. Kick alot of tires , you're the buyer,, and have fun with this, keep us posted

Permalink Reply by Tom Edwards on November 3, 2009 at 8:47am

I have no loss of pride while owning, running, or fishing from my 'older' 17' 10" Ranger. I bought it in March '89 and plan to have it for years to come, I like it A LOT. Jeff Boyer ran it for a year, then got another boat from Ranger after I bought this one. He is sponcered by Ranger and he takes great care of his boats. Just inspect all older boats carefully to be sure they are in proper condition.

Fred Vander Werff said:

I'm an Aluminum fan, low maintance and very economical, on the road and on the water.
Get a better boat than you can affort, buy a cheap boat and you will pay for it in all kinds of frustration. I bought a Tracker used with very low hours and things started to fail very soon, The hull split and almost sunk, finally had to use a fiberglass patch to keep it fishing. Lots of us have learned all kinds of things on our 1st Tracker. Can't beat the price, but replacing things is a nightmare, I went through bilge pump, livewell pump, switches and running lights, upgraded from 12 volt to 24 and tried to use the old wires, almost burned the boat. I decided I'm stupid to keep doing this and bit the bullet and bought a new G3. Look for a used HP series. Just stay away from the outboards with ethanol proplems, the 4 strokes don't have neck snapping acceleration, but no aluminum is ever going to win a boat race at blast off. Kick alot of tires , you're the buyer,, and have fun with this, keep us posted

Permalink Reply by Joel Alinen on November 3, 2009 at 10:01am

I have a truck that can tow so thats not an issue, and I fish all kinds of big and small lakes and some tourneys. Looking for some that can do a little of everything. What advice would you give to someone possible looking at something like a used 1991 Ranger or a newer bass tracker... which would you go with and why ?

Permalink Reply by Ben Holten on November 3, 2009 at 2:33pm

I second this my fishing partner has the same boat... Works just fine... It isn't the best boat out there, but for the price it gets the job done, and he never heard me complain.

Larry Austin said:

Hey Justin I've had boats all my life, but I bought my 1st bass boat about 5 years ago. Thanks to Dana I picked up a 89 bass tracker with a 90' 150 hp black max. Back then the tracker was fiberglass. Nitro now? Anyway for $4,500. I had a tournament ready bass boat. I've have to do a little work on it every once in a while (thanks to Walt), but right now I feel confident in moving up in size, and horsepower. I had to suck it up a little with my pride with an older boat (still do), but i love it and the best thing is it's mine. It's surprised me at the learning curve with a bass boat compared to other boats. And trust me you can still catch fish.

Permalink Reply by Keith Brooks on November 3, 2009 at 4:42pm

As has been stated this is a very difficult decision for many of us. Your individual use is most important. If cost is a major factor be careful not to sink yourself so deep in a boat that it is a burden to get any use out of it. I myself shopped two years before deciding on new aluminum (Xpress) for my first "real" bass boat, and have not regretted it. Yes it is somewhat limiting and slow but it has kept me fishing for ten years now. At least with new alumunum you know it hasnt been abused and have a warranty on the motor.

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