What Are Some Things You Wish You Knew Before Buying Your First Boat?

[littlefisher]

I've already starting browsing very lightly, but I'm definitely going to be buying a bass boat at the end of this fishing season.  I'm looking in the 18-20' range and probably early 2000's.  I'm leaning towards Ranger because that's what I've fished out of (my dad's) for the last 5+ years and have really enjoyed it.  If not that maybe Bass Cat or even Nitro seeing as I have a Bass Pro minutes away.

 

Anyway, what are some of the things you have learned over the years that would be useful for me to make sure to look for when I start to go out and physically look at boats?  I thought maybe there would be a sticky thread or one saved somewhere, because it seems like it would be a common question, but didn't really find anything.

 

Thanks!

[Preytorien]

Get a bit stronger trolling motor than you think you'll need. The extra power will come in handy at some point, and you'll thank your lucky stars

[gardnerjigman]

Second on the trolling motor. Nobody ever said, "Man, I wish I would have bought as smaller trolling motor". 

 

It depends on your individual taste. Enough storage to fit the kitchen sink and more square footage of fishing deck than your living room comes to mind  . 

 

In all seriousness, Ranger, Nitro or Bass-cat will serve you well, so from there it's just what model and how much coin your have to throw at one. Good luck on the search!

[Scorchx1245]

Enough storage, and enough motor.

[Ski213]

I've had several boats over the years but a glass boat for only just over a year so I don't have years of wisdom on the topic. That being said I think a lot of things are just personal preference and how and where you're going to use the boat. You definitely don't want to be underpowered. What feels like too much in the beginning will feel like not quite enough once you're used to it. Storage can be important. When I bought mine I though man ill never fill this up. Wrong. Very wrong.

Mechanically there can be a million problems and I guess it's kind of a gamble. Even with a test drive and a mechanic looking it over you just cant know what is five minutes from failure. Probably best if the boat has been kept inside and there is some evidence of good maintenance on it.

I will say that I would rather buy a boat that has been used more than it has been sitting. I have more issues with vehicles, four wheelers, boats, etc. that don't get used than the ones that get run constantly.

[retiredbosn]

All composite construction, wood will rot, even fiberglass will rot given enough time in a wet environment, wood rots faster. Trolling motor needs a thorough inspection, electrical systems can be a pita, have the owner show u the fuse or beaker box Does it have an onboard charger, does it work. Check all of the batteries, mine has four, ensuring that all of the TM batteries are the same size, make and age. Make sure it was stowed inside or at least covered (carport) and also covered with a fabric cover (both). Also check the trailer out thoroughly, electric or hydraulic brakes, are the bunks starting to rot, tires in good shape, type of bearings oiled or greased. Never buy a used boat without a test ride and compression test, MINIMALLY.

[A-Jay]

Having a reputable, experienced authorized out board dealer & service center locally might be something to factor in while making the decision on what rig to purchase.

 

Traveling several hours to purchase &/or pick up a boat once is OK but gets old whenever routine or major service is needed.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

[F14A-B]

Do your homework on the "Big Motor" seriously..

[Redlinerobert]

If you buy a new bass boat, it will be worth half of what you paid for it when it comes time to sell.   

[nicksmurf111]

I've learned: don't buy something if it doesn't meet your needs for the foreseeable future.  And outboard engine parts can't be purchased on every corner, especially if they are long discontinued.  I'm already looking for a larger boat after purchasing something cheep to get me on the water.

[S Hovanec]

WHen you think you have enough money saved to buy what you want, keep saving and wait another year.  You'll need the extra money once you buy it

 

Break

Out

Another

Thousand

[CWB]

That I would be married soon and almost forced to make a choice. Still married and still have a boat.

[littlefisher]

Thanks everyone this has been super helpful! I might be going to look at a Bass Cat this week hopefully. A little earlier than I planned but I'm not going to pass up on something that is clean and has been well maintained if I come across it.  The main thing I think I am concerned about is the motor. Batteries/Electronics I can handle myself but I'm definitely not a mechanic. So I'll be reading up on the motor is has once I hear back more info about it and what to look for.

[the reel ess]

Don't buy a fish/ski to suit your wife, who really doesn't even like boating or fishing. Just buy to fish. At least that's me.

 

If I knew how much fun kayak fishing was at that time, I wouldn't have bought a big boat at all. I didn't realize I'd be in direct competition with people who would gladly outspend me to catch a handful of small bass every weekend. Now I fish private local ponds and/or creeks and rivers to be left ALONE.

[nicksmurf111]

Don't buy a fish/ski to suit your wife, who really doesn't even like boating or fishing. Just buy to fish. At least that's me.

 

If I knew how much fun kayak fishing was at that time, I wouldn't have bought a big boat at all. I didn't realize I'd be in direct competition with people who would gladly outspend me to catch a handful of small bass every weekend. Now I fish private local ponds and/or creeks and rivers to be left ALONE.

 

What about the kids and kid's friends?

[the reel ess]

What about the kids and kid's friends?

Ah, the kiddies...But a bigger fish/ski then. Mine is a 1986 model Procraft 17.5'. Too small to fish like I'd like to. My daughter has never water skied and my wife doesn't care one bit for the boat. Hopefully, I sell it for $3K and buy a Native Propel kayak with the pedal drive.

 

Or a hot rod.

[the reel ess]

Don't buy the hand controlled trolling motor. I hate mine.

[senile1]

What about the kids and kid's friends?

 

The kids will be fine fishing from a 19 - 21 foot bass boat, but you will have to limit the number you carry at once.  I also use my Stratos 295 Pro Elite to take the grandkids tubing on occasion.  It does lug the 2 stroke motor more than I believe is good for it, but after 8 years of doing it I see no ill effects so far.  

[scaleface]

How to negotiate .

[the reel ess]

^{The kids will be fine fishing from a 19 - 21 foot bass boat, but you will have to limit the number you carry at once.  I also use my Stratos 295 Pro Elite to take the grandkids tubing on occasion.  It does lug the 2 stroke motor more than I believe is good for it, but after 8 years of doing it I see no ill effects so far.}  

 

Champion used to make the killer fish/ski. It was mostly fish. It had extra row seats but was long. The front deck was still acres big. In fact I believe they made a FISH & ski and a SKI & fish so people could get their priorities straight.