First Bass Boat Questions

[MTPanda]

Hey guys,

 

I've been looking at used bass boats for sale on craigslist near me and noticed a lot of older bass boats within my budget of 8k-9k.  I'm not sure if I want to go cheaper and just get an aluminum boat or get an older fiberglass boat.  I live in Southern California and go to many different lakes, a lot of our bass lakes are pretty big so it would be nice to have a bigger outboard to get across the lakes.  I won't be doing any tournament fishing for now but maybe eventually.  As far as hauling goes, I have a 2010 Ford f150 ecoboost truck and a 2001 Lexus LX470 v8 that can tow the boat.  I also have a 1998 4runner v6 that can tow an aluminum bass boat if I decide to just get that.

 

Near me I've found a lot of used bass boats like these:

 

1995 Bass Tracker $5400, 40HP Mercury 2 Stroke https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/6134962345.html

1995 Nitro 180TF $6500, 115 Mercury 2-Stroke Engine https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/6147113629.html

1988 Tournament Bass Tracker 1800TF $5k. Mercury 115 outboard with electric trim https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/boa/6160760719.html

1991 Stratos 201 Pro Fish & Ski $7k, Evinrude XP 200 outboard https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/boa/6160222841.html

1992 Champion 17'5" $8.75k,  2004 Evinrude E-Tec 115 HP https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/boa/6145592186.html

1998 Javelin 498DC 20' $9.5k, Johnson Venom 225 https://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/boa/6161656838.html

2001 Skeeter SX180 $9.3k, Yamaha 115 4 Stroke Motor https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/6151162343.html

1994 Stratos 16' Johson 150HP outboard $6.5k https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/boa/6152239782.html

1996 Champion 21ft 225 Evinrude outboard $6k https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/boa/6136582681.html

 

Sorry for the long list, there are just so many options and I'm a newb when it comes to boats.

What are you guys opinions about these boats?  I know there's not too much but a general idea from you guys would help greatly.

 

Thanks!

 

 

[nocluefisher]

I don't know much about boats other than the reseach I have been doing looking for a boat myself, but Champion hulls have a really good reputation. And I would buy the newer of the boats that are in the best working condition if it were me. Some of the more experienced members should chime In with a lot better advice.

[Big Kahuna Ranch]

I too am looking for a bass boat. Won't be my first, but will probably be my last.

There is a good forum called ***, lots of really good info over there.

Evan has groups broken down by model.

The major thing I have learned is how was it taken care of, maintenance, parts replaced etc.

Or has it been sitting up in the back of somebody's yard for the last five years.

Just keep reading and learning, don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

[Further North]

Out of that bunch, I'd go for the Skeeter with the Yamaha.

 

IMO, in your price range, newer is better.

[PECo]

15 hours ago, Further North said:

Out of that bunch, I'd go for the Skeeter with the Yamaha.

 

IMO, in your price range, newer is better.

That's the first link I clicked, but the post was deleted, so I think that ship has sailed.

 

I'd choose a newer four-stroke over an older two-stroke and Yamaha makes good ones. My 2012 Yamaha 115 four-stroke was smoother than my 2017 Mercury 115 Pro XS four-stroke. When I traded it in, the dealer told me that it passed the compression test like a brand-new motor.

[Further North]

1 minute ago, PECo said:

That's the first link I clicked, but the post was deleted, so I think that ship has sailed.

That's a bummer...it was still there last night.

[MTPanda]

Thanks for the opinions but yea the Skeeter looks to be gone.

[12poundbass]

Keep the Ford sell the other two vehicles and that increases your budget and puts a lot more boats on your radar.  ?

[MTPanda]

11 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

Keep the Ford sell the other two vehicles and that increases your budget and puts a lot more boats on your radar.  ?

 

Can't sell those unfortunately.  The 4runner is my primary vehicle I own.  The Ford and Lexus lx470 are my parents that I borrow when I need to since they live very close by.