old boat vs new boat

[jbordy]

Hi

I am new to this forum so bear with me. My wife is my favorite bass fishing partner and nearly all of our fishing is in a canoe on a restricted lake/stumpfields. I am, however, looking at bass boats for recreational fishing only (kinda like the weekend warrior!): something between 14 and 17 feet. If I buy a boat in the 1985 to 1995 range the price is right but I am getting '85 to '95 technology for fishfinders, trolling motors, pumps, etc (you get the point). I know a boat from say 1994 was the "bees knees" back in '94 but not for 2007. Here is my question. Will the '94 or, for that matter, the '87 technology be more of a hinderance rather than an asset for the boat? :-/

[Matt Fly]

Since you mentioned weekend warrior.    What would you require electronics for?

If your looking for depth, drop offs, cover, and temps, then an old graph can accomplish that easily if working properly.       To upgrade to some of the newer technology, You could accomplish this with less than 200 bucks.

It just depends on what you want to see and how much you would like to spend in the future to upgrade your boat.

Welcome to the forum!

Hookem

Matt

[jbordy]

Thanks Matt for the reply. I am not just talking about the fish finders although they must be considered. And I know that they can be updated for preference. But I also mean the efficiency/upkeep of the trolling motors, the outboard, live wells and all the other stuff that makes the bass boat a prized possession.

[Matt Fly]

Theres a ton of good used boats that have been one owner boats that have been taken care of.      As with anything used, you don't really know the history and upkeep of most boats.

Here in Dallas, there are 100's of 17ft bass boats with one owner and maintenance records.

Being patient, knowing a good marine mechanic to give the boat a look see is also possible before buying the boat.

Items to look for that will cost you later down the road is older batteries that "might" need replacing in the near future.    Condition of trailer tires.    Check all storage box lids, carpet, seats, livewell pumps, pump timers, trim switches, normally 3 on a boat, up front by the trolling motor, the console, and on the motor, plug your anchor and running lights also.

The biggest repair you could encounter down the road is motor repairs.    This is why I suggest a mechanic to do a quick check, mainly looking for compression checks on the cyclinders.      The other isssue with boats is the impeller, (water pump), depending on how old, when was it replaced last if ever.    On smaller motors, they are easy to get to and cheap to replace, and is wise considering a new one can run on the average about 35.00, and to replace a motor is thousands.

Don't know your area, but there may be someone close to your area that might help you look at a used boat.    One thing this forum does is, help each other out if we can.   Even help you do a lake test.  And we have members from all over.

Hookem

Matt

[Redlinerobert]

You have tons of options within your range of what you are looking for.  Narrow it down to a couple great boats, have it imspected to make sure the bboat and motor are sound and go for it.  

Also I think that it is very cool that your fishing partner is your wife.  I foresee a long and happy life together for you two.

[BD]

Older boats will require more money that you paid for them too.

[jbordy]

Her enjoyment of bass fishing is as great as mine. Being close to the water in a canoe and close to a bass that was hooked is a wonderous site when she is on the other end of the rod. ;D Here in PA, with 6 inches of snow still on the ground, it is making boat finding a real task. Seems like everyone still has theirs in storage or at a southern home. I want to do my homework before I really begin the search so any other suggestions are more-than-welcomed.

Thanks

[=Matt 5.0=]

I think the biggest factor (other than size) in choosing a used boat (or a new one) is 'glass vs. aluminum. Personally, I like an aluminum boat. I have been looking at the 17' Tracker and Triton for maybe next year.  Fiberglass boats are great, but the price is a detriment for some.

[IneedAnewScreenName9886691]

I agree with what Matt Fly said 100%.  The largest decesion to me would be size.  Are you sure you want to go that small?  It will limit where and when you can fish.  If you only fish one place, no big deal, but if you are going to other lakes, etc to fish you will want a larger boat than 17'.  For instance, if you were at the Fork with some of the guys on here, yesterday you would have wanted a bigger boat.  

Anyway you slice it, getting a new bass boat is one of my favorite things!

Also, if you are going to buy locally I would wait for things to warm up so you can have a better selection.  

Good luck and happy releasing!  

[SteveFinMD]

MattFly gave some good advice.  My current boat is a 1989 model that I bought last summer.  I am one tight SOB and I get a lot of enjoyment catching fish in my $1000 boat while the guy next to me has ten times as much invested in his.  I did upgrade the TM and add a fish finder but my Basstracker Pro17 suits me just fine.

Good luck with whatever you get.

[jbordy]

Thanks  hydrillagorilla2  and unabassar for your PM's.  Unabassar I will call those numbers you gave me.  A friend of mine from Harrisburg suggested that I stick with an aluminum boat because of the strength of the hull.  He fishes the Susquhanna, which is rather shallow, so I can understand where he is coming from.  I saw one on ebay that looked promising but noticed that it was fished in fresh water as well as salt water.  Should I be afraid of this??

[LONGEARS]

I have an older Bass boat and I've had it since new.The depth finder was updated due to accident and the trolling motor was changed from foot control to hand for persnal reasons.The rest is orginal and I have no problems because I LOOK AFTER IT.Which is the key to the whole thing and you should be aware that Bass boats have a distinct advantage over other boats in that time on the water does not equal time on the main motor.My merc only runs 15-30 mins per 8 hr fishing day.In 12 yrs I have only replaced the fuel pump gaskets and regular maintenance.

I also have the privalge of fishing with my wife.She started out sunbathing on the back deck,decided she would get a better tan standing up and now is a dedicated fisherwoman.Neat eh!

[RWHusker.]

My first boat was a 30 year old 15 ft alum.  Loved It, no room for the family.  My second was an 8 yr old 18.5 glass  Astro fish and ski.  Loved it  and would have it today but blew the engine and my dilema was how do I spend 4k to 9.2K on a rebuild or new motor for a now 11 year old boat.  My third boat is a new 21.5 ft Stratos  and you guessed it, I love it.  To me its all about what you can afford and making the appropriate financial decision for your family.  I would still have my 2nd boat if I wouldn't have had the problem.  (And 20K).  Good luck and have fun.  I also agree to upgrading to the biggest boat you can afford.  The Canoe takes care of small water.  

GO BIG RED

[Zel]

jbordy... you might want to check out this boat.  It's on ebay but located at a marine in Bloomsburg.  A little over 2 days left.  Seems it's a lot of boat for not much money (so far), but it looks like it was used in 2001 and 2002 Bass Masters tour.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-185-Pro-18-Procraft-Boat-Motors-Trailer_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63724QQitemZ130089936957QQrdZ1

[Pa Angler]

Wecome to the forum. Personally I would go for aluminum older glass boats from the 80's and early 90's used wood for stringers and transoms I know a fellow Angler that bought a 1985 glass boat and he had to replace the transom $650.00 worth and who knows wht's going on inside I also know a fellow angler that's using a 1968 16' Mirror Craft aluminum Deep V and it doesn't leak a glass boat would hard pressed to last this long.