First Time Looking at Buying a Boat - Please Help

[Jolicious]

I apologize if this has already been asked.  I looked but couldn't find it.  

Anyway, we just moved to within a mile of Beaver Lake in AR.  I have been in the house for about 3 weeks and already can't stand not having a boat!  My 12 year old is really into fishing, and I think it would be a great "Father-Son" move to get a bass boat.  Since I have never owned a boat, I have absolutely no idea where to start.  

I guess we should get an older boat that might be ugly but is serviceable to start?  I was thinking we could try it a couple years and if we're still really in to it the upgrade?  

How much of a hassle is it really to get the boat out of the garage and hit the lake?  I looked into storing it at a marina on Beaver, but it's like $110/month for a slip and one of those water-lifter thingies!  Anyway, any advice you care to share is very much appreciated!

Thanks guys!

[cart7t]

Within a mile of Beaver lake?

I could be there in 5 minutes.  If you have the ability to keep your gear stored on-board, it's a matter of hitchin the boat and driving to the lake.  

[Wormy]

Howdy neighbor... Welcome aboard to the best online Bass Forum known to man... As far as buying a boat is concerned, my first advice is start with one big enough for the size water you will be on. Beaver is a pretty good size lake and I wouldn't want to be caught in a plastic two man out there during rough water. You could of course but it would be risky and might scare the little one into not wanting to fish any more. A cheap aluminum will last a life time if you take care of it. I have my dads aluminum boat that is over 30 years old and it is still in good shape. The fun will be accessorizing it later together with your son. As he gets older you won't be out a lot of money when he want's to take it out on his own. Start with some of the dealers in your area or the newspaper. Good luck to both of you on your search.

[Jolicious]

Thank you, fellas, for your thoughts.  I think I will start looking for a good aluminum boat at first like you mentioned.  And, "I can be there in 5 minutes" will be a good line to tell honey when I try to sell her on it )

[Jeff P.]

Welcome to the forums.  I'm also in Northwest Arkansas, and I would advise you to check out the Sunday classifieds in the Daily Record and also the Democrat Gazette.  The past couple weeks there have been a bunch of good ads on boats for sale.  Unfortunately Beaver Lake is about 15 feet low at this time due to a bad drought last year, but it will come back.  You can also stop in to the tackle stores around the area (start with Hook, Line, and Sinker and Hawg Country Tackle, both in Rogers).  Good luck in your search, and feel free to PM me anytime, I'm only about 15 minutes from where you are and have lived in the area for over 25 years.

Jeff P

[Glenn]

As always, we have at least 1 or 2 articles on (name your) subject:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/buying_a_boat.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/a_new_boat.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/bass_boat_features.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/buying_first_boat.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/boat_buying_license.html

Enjoy!

[cart7t]

You never mentioned your finances but if you could swing it, a nice used 17-18ft fiberglass bass boat would be the way to go IMO.  The difference in the ride between an aluminum and fiberglass is like night and day.  The fiberglass will give a more solid feel and a smoother ride should the water get rough.  Having your wife and child bang around in rough water in an aluminum is a quick way to have them not want to go out again.  Since you're only a mile away from the lake, towing won't be an issue.  Forget the marina charges, keep the boat garaged and fully loaded ready to go, it's a matter of hitch n go.  Good luck and stop by if you have any more questions.  

[NBR]

Visit the boat shops in your area. They often have boats traded on new rigs or a listing board for individuals selling used boats. I bought my first boat this way and after using it for 7 years sold it for $500 less than I paid for it.

[Jolicious]

UPDATE!

I am very, very happy to report that my 12 year old and I will be hitting the water in a couple of weeks in a boat that I am buying from my fishing buddy! Since I've fished out of it a few times I know that everything works and all that stuff.

It's a 1994 Ranger 487 VS(?) with a 200 hp motor. Probably too much motor for me as a rookie. But hey, no one said I have to hammer down just yet, right ;D

Anyway, I took the advice I got on here (looking at boat shops, making sure I could keep my gear in for a quick hook up and pull, etc), and I am really excited. You guys are all really great and I really appreciate the help and support!

I hope to get a few pics on here in a couple weeks, so be onthe look out! It's a 1994, but it's a very clean boat.

Thanks again!

Joe.

[hootersdoug]

That is what I was going to suggest.  It is amazing how much boat you can get for @ $10k if you go used.  Most fishermen are pretty meticulous about taking care of their bass baby.   Also, if you want to move newer in a couple of years, you don't take a huge hit in depreciation on the used one.  Glad to see you found what you were looking for so quickly.  As part of the sale, ask your buddy who sold you the boat to give you some driving lessons.  Bass boats can be a little quirky to drive, but it easy to learn if you have someone who knows what the secrets are to show you.  Good luck to both you and your kid!!

[BD]

Age is not like cars. A 94 "mint" boat is a great find

[Jolicious]

It's my buddy's boat, and I have fished out of it a bunch.  So, I am very confident that it's in awesome shape.  one small thing that I hope one of you fellas with more experience can help with though.  this is a two owner boat, and the first owner kept it in the sun..  It's a little faded looking.  My buddy (the one selling me the boat) wants us to use "Clay Bar" on it this weekend to get it looking new again.  Yep, even though he's selling it to me "as-is", he still wants to help polish it up!  Is this a great buddy or what?  Anyway, have any of you ever used the clay bar, and are there any tips you can share please?

thanks a bunch!

[reellittlephish]

A little polishing can't hurt - done by someone with a feel for it.  Then a boat cover and some kind of gel coat protectorant on a regular basis - keep the value of your investment up.  Great find!