Ncbassmaster25 Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 new to boats and am looking for a good boat that is good for a beginner i know i want something that is 14ft at least or maybe a little bigger nothing bigger than a 16ft though i was thinking maybe a bass tracker or javalin. any advice is welcomed. Quote
Dylcook91 Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 I don't know how big the lakes you fish are but...I love my 10' jon boat, I can take it in lakes, or the smallest of hidden ponds. I even took it out in a river once for stippers, right to the mouth of the Atlantic(really pushing it). Plus there's tons of mods you can do to make it more like a mini bass boat. I picked it up for $300 with title. Quote
Super User tomustang Posted February 3, 2015 Super User Posted February 3, 2015 Boat ownership is a learning curve. I suggest taking someone who knows about boats with you when you out looking. Far as brand/model, web search can yield a lot of results for issues or specs/options. Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted February 3, 2015 Global Moderator Posted February 3, 2015 What features are you looking for and what size/type of water are you fishing? My last boat was a 16' Lowe Roughneck that served me very well for several years, although it was not well setup for bass fishing. The Bass Pro Grizzly is very similar and comes in the size you're looking for and is very affordable even if you buy brand new. Quote
BaitMonkey1984 Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 My father bought me a Ranger R81vs 18' for graduating law school a few years ago. It was a big upgrade from my 14ft aluminum, although I still sue and love that boat too. I would definitely recommend taking someone knowledgeable with you. There is a lot of things to check, for examples 4 new batteries can run you $1000. Fish finders, trolling motor, trailer tires and props etc are also important and costly. Obviously, the most important are the hull and the motor. I would make sure you see your boats underside to see if there is any patch-up work. I got lucky, and have had 5+ years of no issues with my boat. Looking back now tho I realize I did not know enough to make an informed decision. Quote
Ncbassmaster25 Posted February 3, 2015 Author Posted February 3, 2015 I don't know how big the lakes you fish are but...I love my 10' jon boat, I can take it in lakes, or the smallest of hidden ponds. I even took it out in a river once for stippers, right to the mouth of the Atlantic(really pushing it). Plus there's tons of mods you can do to make it more like a mini bass boat. I picked it up for $300 with title. What features are you looking for and what size/type of water are you fishing? My last boat was a 16' Lowe Roughneck that served me very well for several years, although it was not well setup for bass fishing. The Bass Pro Grizzly is very similar and comes in the size you're looking for and is very affordable even if you buy brand new. i fish large lakes such as lake hickory, lake james, lake lure located in western north carolina they are big lakes. i know some about boats just looking for some opinions on what some good ones are. i was think of a bass tracker 175 pro but idk yet and my budget is around 8500 Quote
DILLY07 Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 You should join a club and B.A.S.S as a co angler or non boater in tournaments first. You'll be in all kinds of different boats. I am a non boater in Muscatine Bassmasters and fish in Iowa Bass Nation (Federation). I've been in Legends, BassCat, Ranger, Stratos, Champion, etc. By far, I like Legend and Champion because of how they handle on the water and space. Ranger Boats is pretty heavy, but thats in my opinion. You just have to look things like that. Good luck out there and be safe and sound! Quote
Sonik Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 For $8500, I would look at a good used aluminum bass boat with a four-stroke outboard like the Trackers you mentioned. They're light, easy to tow, easy on gas, and will be great to learn on. I ended up with an Alumacraft Pro 175 with a 70hp 4-stroke Mercury. I am new to the bass boat game after fishing from a jon all my life. That 70hp will push me faster than I want to go. I understand the big glass boats touch 70mph but I'm just not ready experience wise or financially. I would also tell you that my tin boat has gotten into some spots that a glass boat wouldn't dare go. Quote
plumworm Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 Baitmonkey1984, I found it hilarious that you as a lawyer posted: " I still sue and love that boat" I know you wanted to say USE and love that boat but is was still really funny. 2 Quote
Ncbassmaster25 Posted February 9, 2015 Author Posted February 9, 2015 For $8500, I would look at a good used aluminum bass boat with a four-stroke outboard like the Trackers you mentioned. They're light, easy to tow, easy on gas, and will be great to learn on. I ended up with an Alumacraft Pro 175 with a 70hp 4-stroke Mercury. I am new to the bass boat game after fishing from a jon all my life. That 70hp will push me faster than I want to go. I understand the big glass boats touch 70mph but I'm just not ready experience wise or financially. I would also tell you that my tin boat has gotten into some spots that a glass boat wouldn't dare go. i have heard good things about the alumacraft boats. i found a 2008 bass tracker pro 175 for 9000 on craigslist so hopefully it will be mine in a couple of days Quote
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