New Boat..

[TFL16]

Hey Guys - I am in the process of procuring a new boat .  My budget is $8,000 - $8,500.  I am looking for some feedback about the type of boats that are available in that budget, what brands (ranger, triton, stratos, etc) should I focus on and what you would recommend (boats, motors, etc).  VIce Versa, what to stay away from....stories, expierences, recommendations are welcome! 

 

 

[SoFlaBassAddict]

You should be able to find some decent somewhat older boats in the price range. Whatever you do, get the engine checked out by a qualified mechanic. It'll save you a lot of aggravation down the road.

Make sure your budget includes things such as boat and trailer registration, insurance, safety equipment, etc etc. The dollars will start to add up very quickly.

[carlm01]

I just purchased a new 2014 lowe skorpion w a 20 hp mercy new for just shy of 10 grand it's a nice package and comes with a nice warranty  see if you can find a dealer that will work with you ...Good Luck

[TFL16]

You should be able to find some decent somewhat older boats in the price range. Whatever you do, get the engine checked out by a qualified mechanic. It'll save you a lot of aggravation down the road.

Make sure your budget includes things such as boat and trailer registration, insurance, safety equipment, etc etc. The dollars will start to add up very quickly.

 

Ya thats a good point.  I included about 800 for registration and insurance.. I would be looking for a tournament style boat.  Fiberglass, at least a 150, etc..

[gardnerjigman]

Find a good used champion or stratos. Great boats!

[Thornback]

I would also want a 4-stroke motor.

[BobbyRaeAllen]

My two cents: My father and I have always had good luck with Yamaha motors. (It may be an unpopular opinion haha)

I agree with the above suggestion of getting everything on the motor checked out by a qualified mechanic. Also, before you even put it in the water, I would go ahead and do little odds and ends such as, servicing the lower unit, spark plugs, etc... just so you know they are done right. Good luck with everything!

[slonezp]

You're probably looking at something late 90's Have the motor checked by a mechanic before you commit. Take it for a test ride before you commit

[BaitMonkey1984]

I got my 2004 Ranger R81vs 150HP 2 stroke yamaha 8 years old  for a song and a dance at $12k. Hull was in great shape and so was motor. You can get good deals although spring is probably the worst time to buy a used boat, with the season quickly approaching. One thing I would keep in mind is that with older baits you are going to have unexpected costs. I replaced to fishfinders one year, the 3 batteries the next, winch, jack and trailer tires the next. If you get a good hull and motor you are in good shape, just know that each year you should plan on spending money fixing/upgrading the boat. Best of luck, and can't say enough about Rangers or that yamaha.

[TFL16]

Appreciate the comments.  Sounds like a lot of guys prefer the Yamaha motors (know its subjective).  I dont care what it is, I just want something reliable.  I understand that with purchasing older boats there will be certain unexpected costs..that being said, I have no brand loyalty, just want reliability.

[matuka]

Ya thats a good point.  I included about 800 for registration and insurance.. I would be looking for a tournament style boat.  Fiberglass, at least a 150, etc..

I don't want to be a killjoy, but in my parts, 8-9k for > 150hp bass boat spells a well used game of jeopardy unless some one stowed it in the garage and stored Christmas decorations in it till the kids grew up.  Gotta be low hours. Have you considered an aluminum tournament boat like an old G3? The fishability in many of these is outstanding. Deckspace is greater than many fiberglass boats, and with  150 or more, it's more than enough for tournament use with a fraction of gas cost.

[LuckyGia]

My experience last year was with a 10k budget. I found that I had the choice of a 12 to 18 year old decent fiberglass model, or a 4 to 5 year old aluminum model. I chose the aluminum route.

There are benefits in each. I go places with my aluminum boat that I wouldn't want to take a fiberglass boat. And I can run a lesser hp motor and save gas because it is lighter.

But I drool every time I see a shiny fiberglass Ranger or any other model for that matter.

Would I like a fiberglass boat ? Hell yeah. But I didn't want a old boat ( been there, done that ) Actually, I didn't want a old motor. Old boats are fine.

in the end I am very happy with my choice, and I can afford upgrades because I didn't break the bank on the boat. Just be sure it's big enough. I have a 90 " beam and wouldn't want any smaller. 18' long. Wouldn't want any shorter

[BrownBear]

Buying a boat could probably be the same as buying a house. List out what you "need" and "would like to have". Once you have this you should be able to start your search.

i.e.

Need:

Boat w/ working motor.

Trolling motor

Fish finder

 

Want:

Shiny fiberglass boat that will put me on the far side of the lake in 5 secs.

Trolling motor that is GPS capable/integrated with fish finder. 

 

Like the others have said, its what your budget can handle; hidden costs, maintenance, gas, insurance, taxes, ugg.

If your looking for that awesome deal, well you are just going to have to keep your eyes and ears open, it may take a while to find.

With that said, I bought a new boat for the warranty and to make sure the motor wasn't going to die in a year, btw motors are expensive, normally more than the boat.

[LuckyGia]

Running my first Yamaha outboard last year. I love the Yamaha. Florida is full of Yamaha motors. Not so much in upstate NY. From my experience so far it has been a wonderful outboard.

[Dvigs16]

Not to make this a Yamaha love fest or anything, but I too will say the yammys are a good bet.  Ive had a 90hp 4 stroke and an 8hp 4 stroke and they have both been a dream, I get them winterized and checked over by a mechanic at the end of each season and after 9 years I can honestly stand before you and say they have had absolutely nothing wrong with them since the day they were made in 2006. Find a nice motor that has been stored indoors and looked after and you will have years of fun.  Best of luck on your search and be patient, it took me almost 18 months to finally find something I was willing to spend the money on.

[Big Al23]

Always get a compression test on the outboard. A dealer will provide you with one because they won't take a boat in trade without doing this, therefore they will stand behind it when selling it. If private seller, ask them if you can have a compression test done. You can usually find a mechanic that will do one for you for a small price, maybe $50 -$100. If a private seller will not let you do a compression test then don't consider buying it.

[Junebugman]

For that kind of money if you live near missouri you can get a heck of a deal on a bass boat used one that is I got a real nice skeeter a few years ago for 2000.00 my friends couldn't believe it the motor a 175 black max had 130 lbs compression

[NITRO Z9]

First thing check the corners of the splash well . Look for cracking or cracked . If some look for any flexing ,if so Don't Buy !! Get compression check on the cyl an make sure good an even withng 15% . Aks when L/U oil changed an water pump impeller . Lube once a year should be depending on year of motor most older impeller 2yrs newer ones are bout 5 unless running a lot in sand .