My first bass boat, budget $5000, criteria within

[StrikePrince]

Hello all,

 

I know there are plenty of threads like this but I'm starting the search for my first bass boat and hoping you can advise me on what models of used boat I should be on the lookout for on CL based on my criteria below.  I'm hoping to have a boat by next Spring.

 

I'll be fishing mostly small lakes, up to 600 acres in size, with possibly the occasional foray into bigger water.  I am a boat newb, my general sense from my research on here is that I'll be looking at a used aluminum in the 16-18 foot range, like a used Tracker.  I'm unfamiliar with specific models and brands and hoping you all can help.

 

Requirements/Must haves:

 

• Budget ~$5000
• Low maintenance
• Infrequent repairs
• Difficult to have in disrepair; I don't really know what to check for when looking at used boats so I would hope for something that would be hard for previous owners to mess up
• Be able to store outside with no worries
• Easy to load, tow, maintain for a boat newbie such as myself
• Bass boat style, not deep v
• Fit two people and have them be able to fish/cast comfortably without obstructing each other
• Be able to stand and cast comfortably without losing balance
• Casting deck
• Foot controlled trolling motor in front
• Small outboard

 

Bonuses:

• Decent storage for a cooler three rods per person
• Live well
• Dedicated storage compartments
• Electronics/fish finders or easy to add them

 

Any recommendations on what used models I should be keeping an eye out for on CL?  Of Tracker or other brands?  Any other CL search terms that may turn up some hidden gems?  Thank you all.

 

Just doing some preliminary searching, I'm thinking along something like these lines.

 

https://portland.craigslist.org/nco/boa/d/16-lowe-aluminum-skiff/6313015103.html

 

https://wenatchee.craigslist.org/boa/d/2001-bass-tracker-pro-crappie/6284555212.html

[ohboyitsrobby]

I paid 4800 for my 99 procraft with a 90 hp merc. It's been a good little boat. I too was a boat newb luckily my uncle in law was not. I'd recommend something like this. There'll be plenty of ppl with more boat knowledge than me weigh in. Just make sure the transoms solid on whatever you get.

[Further North]

Thoughts from my experience:

1. Sub $5,000 and low maintenance are seldom found together.
2. Same for sub $5,000 and infrequent repairs.

Depending on your other priorities, you might be able to squeeze those three into one boat if you went with relatively new (say 10 years or less) and backed off the bass boat only requirement.

 

You might get lucky and find something quickly if you stick to your list...but I'd be prepared for a long search.

 

I hope you find what you need! 

[slonezp]

The Lowe appears to be in decent shape. Best advice I can give is to take it to a mechanic and have them check out the motor. Shouldn't cost you more than 1 hour labor. Secondly, see if he will meet you at the lake for a test ride. You will see how it handles. You can verify the TM works, all the pumps work and see if any water comes out of the bilge when you pull the drain plug.

[Tim Kelly]

I'd be tempted to get a new, or nearly new 16ft Jon boat with a 25hp. You can add trolling motors and electronics as you can afford them and make a ply deck for the front if you feel the urge. Old boats with old motors are likely to give you issues, so if no hassle is your goal then as new as you can find will be better. 600 acre lakes don't need much of a boat to be enjoyed, so all the niceties of a proper bass boat are just extras that you have to pay for which means the reliability is likely to be reduced by an older motor, livewell pumps to split and break down etc.