FLgrownHoosier Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 Hey Everyone! I've been bass fishing for my entire life. I've fished tournaments and been around it my whole life. I am 19 now and looking to buy my first Bass Boat now. My maximum price is about 15k. I don't need a brand new boat but I want one that is reliable and will last me a while. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Also why you like your boat is beneficial. Thanks Quote
Super User WIGuide Posted January 7, 2015 Super User Posted January 7, 2015 You shouldn't have any issues finding a decent boat in that price range. My best advice is figure out what you need and go from there. Take a look around and find a specific model you want and get a feel of what they are going for. No reason to overpay for what you're getting either. Quote
Djf3864 Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 I would think of the places that you fish and figure out if you have any HP restrictions because this will constrain your search. Next, I would figure out the length of boat that you are comfortable with and can easily tow, then think about what type of hull, and storage, etc. For that money you could buy an almost brand new Tracker aluminum boat, the 175 or 190 come to mind. The 175 would be a year or two old probably, where the 190 would probably be in the 5 years old or less range. If you wanted something fiberglass you are looking at something that will be a little older, which could bring some added maintenance costs in the not so distant future. Whatever you do before you hand over the cash see if you can get someone who knows boats and their mechanicals too look it over really well, don't want to end up paying for a huge anchor that sits in the yard or at a shop. Quote
FLgrownHoosier Posted January 8, 2015 Author Posted January 8, 2015 Sorry guys, i should have said where I'm from and stuff. I love in Central Fl and fish the Saint Johns, Harris Chain and Lake Toho area. Im looking for at least 17ft. Also no HP restrictions I'm aware of. Quote
kikstand454 Posted January 8, 2015 Posted January 8, 2015 Big bad ass glass boats are awesome. They have tons of features and storage and they're stable and fast. But honestly, if I had 15k..... I'd be looking for a good Express aluminum in about 18'. Less gas both in the boat and the tow vehicle, less worry/maintenance on the hull. ...etc. it won't be as amazing in rough/ big water as a big glass boat- but to ME its pros outweigh its cons. That's all dependent on your useage though..... a tin boat doesn't have the range a glass one has- so if you plan on making 50mile runs to honey holes- glass is your only option. Quote
Super User gardnerjigman Posted January 9, 2015 Super User Posted January 9, 2015 My advice... If you have $15k to put in a boat take $5k of that and buy a used boat that has the storage, deck, motor you "think" you need. Run that for 2 years or so and then guy buy what you really need/want. That will allow you to figure out exactly what you need out of a boat and what you hate about some of them. 2 Quote
Blaker87 Posted January 9, 2015 Posted January 9, 2015 15k?! Man must be nice! Haha. Id stay in the 18' range if your mostly after bass. Its nice to have that big deck. And if you have alot of rods really make sure theres good storage for them. Especially any flipping rods. Quote
Super User Way2slow Posted January 10, 2015 Super User Posted January 10, 2015 Well, I know of a 17ft Tracker, with 40hp Evinrude, approx. 92/93 model. It would not be that far of a drive for you to pick it up. We used to drive down to Walaka and fish the St Johns a couple times a year and if memory serves me, it was about a five hour drive. If you know anything about boats, this would be a great deal. A friend of mine has it and is wanting $2,500 for it. The boat is kept under a shelter, has a 24 volt TM but don't know the size. It has not been run in four years so I would pull and clean the carbs, purge the fuel system and put a new water pump. He just told me about it the other day and I won't have time to go look at it because I'm heading to south Texas for a few months this weekend. If he still has it when I get back, I will probably buy it. If it had a larger motor, I would have given him the money sight un-seen. It has not been advertised, and he does not have internet. I've known him for over 50 years and he knows I mess with boats a lot and mentioned it at my mothers 90th birthday party. I bought the one he had before this one and he was hoping I would buy this one so he didn't have to deal with other people, like I said, I probably will when I get back from TX. Just to have a large tin can that my 14ft jon to use in smaller lakes or to take to TX the next time I go and leave it there. Quote
David Springett Posted January 10, 2015 Posted January 10, 2015 My advice... If you have $15k to put in a boat take $5k of that and buy a used boat that has the storage, deck, motor you "think" you need. Run that for 2 years or so and then guy buy what you really need/want. That will allow you to figure out exactly what you need out of a boat and what you hate about some of them. Couldn't agree more. That's what I did - 1989 Bass Tracker. Had lots of fun and learning. Now awaiting delivery of new Pro175TXW. Quote
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