LionsBasser15 Posted July 8, 2016 Posted July 8, 2016 Hi all, I'm preparing to purchase my first bass boat and am looking for a little advice. I'm relatively new to bass boats, but not to fishing. 80-90% of my fishing will be done on inland lakes in Michigan, although I wouldn't mind fishing some of the bigger water around if there were calm conditions. Would like to start fishing local tourneys for fun, but nothing serious. I really have no biases towards manufacturers, but am having trouble deciding whether to go new or used and aluminum or fiberglass. I also have no need to go 70 mph, but just want a stable platform to hold all of my junk. Also, do not want to spend over $40,000 which I know limits my choices as far as new fiberglass boats. Sorry for rambling, but I wanted to get all of my info out there. Thanks for any advice! Quote
Super User fishnkamp Posted July 8, 2016 Super User Posted July 8, 2016 First your question is asked by many so no it is not a silly one. Now lets look at it this way. If 70+ mph is not your goal that is fine. I would think a boat in the 18 to 19 foot range will work well for you. These boats do well with 150 to 200 hp engines. As for your budget if you are going new then I would suggest to look Phoenix Boats. They make a terrific model called the 618. With a 150 or 175 it is a fantastic option. A Triton TR189 or 18TRX would be in your budget and of course a Nitro Z18 would be there, but be careful here because options may take it higher and the other boats might be better deals. Now your next option would be to find a nice used boat less than 10 years old and just add the options like electronics you would like. Here is an example in Michigan http://lansing.craigslist.org/boa/5647814338.html http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/boa/5614113777.html http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/boa/5620880528.html These were some of the things I found in just a few minutes of looking. I am going to give you a link to an artickle a friend of mine wrote about buying a used boat and what to look at. Bryan is one of the best anglers and teachers of this sport i have ever met. Now I understand you will not be looking at boats as old as his favorites are but the article goes over what to look at. Give it a read. http://www.baybass.com/node/200 Let me know what you think. Bob Quote
LionsBasser15 Posted July 8, 2016 Author Posted July 8, 2016 Thanks for the input and great article. I'll keep your suggestions in mind. Quote
S. Sass Posted July 8, 2016 Posted July 8, 2016 I can't say much as I haven't ever been in the market to spend 40k on a boat. But I did see or read can't remember which where a guy said the best deals were actually some of the Pro sponsored boats. He said the sponsors give them new boats each year and that the ones they used for one season were usually a excellent buy. He said by the end of the season every bug is worked out and the boats are basically better than buying a new one. You get a discount on it as it is used but only for 1season and has the best of the best equipment. Verses having to go through all the preparations and dealing with small issues that come with new. Along with paying full retail and losing the new money the minute you pull it off the lot. I don't know if that is a option but it sounded reasonable. Quote
LionsBasser15 Posted July 8, 2016 Author Posted July 8, 2016 Sounds like a good option depending on price. Quote
BassB8Caster Posted July 9, 2016 Posted July 9, 2016 19 hours ago, S. Sass said: I can't say much as I haven't ever been in the market to spend 40k on a boat. But I did see or read can't remember which where a guy said the best deals were actually some of the Pro sponsored boats. He said the sponsors give them new boats each year and that the ones they used for one season were usually a excellent buy. He said by the end of the season every bug is worked out and the boats are basically better than buying a new one. You get a discount on it as it is used but only for 1season and has the best of the best equipment. Verses having to go through all the preparations and dealing with small issues that come with new. Along with paying full retail and losing the new money the minute you pull it off the lot. I don't know if that is a option but it sounded reasonable. I'm not in the market yet but have started research and I read many boat topics on here to learn. I have heard this suggestion as well. A few questions that come to mind are; where do you find these boats? Am I wrong to assume these boats are top of the line boats (aka expensive)? No disrespect to anyone, being subjective here, but would a free boat receive the best care vs a brand new one with a warranty? Quote
S. Sass Posted July 9, 2016 Posted July 9, 2016 33 minutes ago, BassB8Caster said: I'm not in the market yet but have started research and I read many boat topics on here to learn. I have heard this suggestion as well. A few questions that come to mind are; where do you find these boats? Am I wrong to assume these boats are top of the line boats (aka expensive)? No disrespect to anyone, being subjective here, but would a free boat receive the best care vs a brand new one with a warranty? I can't speak for where to find them much I'm guessing tournaments ? I'm sure if you ask some of the folks someone would know. I'm thinking a rep from a dealer who are at the tournaments might have some insight. As for condition I would say excellent would be a understatement. The reason they get the boats is to help sell more boats. If it's beat to hell I don't see that as a good selling point. Also since reps from the motors the boats the electronics etc are all there to make any repairs back to perfection again since this boat is the display it has to be kept nice. Only company professionals handle repairs from my understanding. Price is something I haven't any idea. I am sure it wouldn't take much rubbing elbows to get a ballpark number. Quote
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