ImThatGuy Posted July 22, 2017 Posted July 22, 2017 Hello. New to forum, great community. In the market for my first bass boat with a small budget of 5k. Right now, I am considering a 80s Skeeter Strada F80 or late 80s Ranger 320v. Wondering if anyone has any thoughts on these. I don't mind putting a little into the boat, but want to avoid a money trap. Thanks for reading. Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted July 22, 2017 Super User Posted July 22, 2017 Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Good Luck with your search & prospective boat purchase. A-Jay 2 Quote
Super User Darren. Posted July 22, 2017 Super User Posted July 22, 2017 Welcome aboard! Ditto what @A-Jay said, good luck on your first boat purchase. 2 Quote
Super User fishnkamp Posted July 22, 2017 Super User Posted July 22, 2017 A friend of mine wrote a terrific article about finding the right used boat. As you read this understand he is in love with the 90s Rangers for lots of good reasons. Regardless, he has captured much of the info you will not have yet. This is a pretty comprehensive read so sit back with a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy. I Have owned 11 boats in the past myself so if any questions pop up feel free to PM me. Enjoy the read! Here is the link: http://www.baybass.com/node/200 Oh and welcome to the site. 3 Quote
ImThatGuy Posted July 23, 2017 Author Posted July 23, 2017 Thank you everyone. Great information in the article. I had read it last week, as I found it attached to another thread. Really great detail. One other consideration is that boat and trailer needs to weigh about 1500 lbs due to SUV limitation. This is why I am sticking with slightly smaller boat. Quote
Doubles Posted July 28, 2017 Posted July 28, 2017 The two best days in a boat owner's life: The day he buys it, and the day he sells it! Best of luck with the search! 1 Quote
NoSlackin' Posted August 4, 2017 Posted August 4, 2017 Can't be of any help, but followed because I am in the same boat(see what I did there) looking for the same style boat and any info I can get. 1 Quote
Bulletman20XD Posted August 25, 2017 Posted August 25, 2017 $5K is not going to get you much of a boat that may as you say make you fall into a money trap. As already mentioned a used tin boat for $5K will get you a decent boat. 2 Quote
Super User TOXIC Posted August 25, 2017 Super User Posted August 25, 2017 If you are set on a glass boat, there's 2 main items you need to pay attention to 1. The big motor. That's where your $$ should be spent and #2, the transom and stringers. That is the backbone of the boat and a costly repair. Everything else can be fixed or replaced with a little time and know-how but the big motor and the transom/stringers can put you back on the bank with a cost to repair that exceeds the value of the boat. IMHO...... 1 Quote
ImThatGuy Posted August 25, 2017 Author Posted August 25, 2017 Thank you for the advice. Blew my budget and purchased a 99 Skeeter zx202c. Motor and transom check out. And a boat I can grow with. Pay now and fish happy, or pay later and watch from the shore. Choice was easy. 2 Quote
lilbuddy Posted August 25, 2017 Posted August 25, 2017 I just got my 2nd one and this one will be with me for awhile. My only advice is to get in cheap so you can get out with minimal damage to your wallet...that of course if you decide a boat isn't for you. B.O.A.T = Break Out Another Thousand Quote
Super User Further North Posted August 26, 2017 Super User Posted August 26, 2017 On 7/28/2017 at 10:32 AM, Doubles said: The two best days in a boat owner's life: The day he buys it, and the day he sells it! Best of luck with the search! That's never made any sense to me... On 8/25/2017 at 3:29 AM, Bulletman20XD said: $5K is not going to get you much of a boat that may as you say make you fall into a money trap. As already mentioned a used tin boat for $5K will get you a decent boat. Tin is a much better choice in that price range. You'll probably wind up with newer, fewer hours on the motor and better condition. A $5K glass boat has a high likelihood of being a money pit and first time buyer won't know what to avoid. On 8/25/2017 at 3:29 AM, Bulletman20XD said: Quote
Super User Further North Posted August 26, 2017 Super User Posted August 26, 2017 On 8/25/2017 at 8:07 AM, ImThatGuy said: Thank you for the advice. Blew my budget and purchased a 99 Skeeter zx202c. Motor and transom check out. And a boat I can grow with. Pay now and fish happy, or pay later and watch from the shore. Choice was easy. Good choice! Enjoy it...and you're spot on with "pay now or pay later" logic. Quote
XpressJeff Posted August 26, 2017 Posted August 26, 2017 Welcome! Be careful with your expectations regarding the hole in the water! Quote
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