fresh and saltwater bass or flats boat

[Chris Brunk]

Here is my problem,  I do local/club bass tournaments.  I started doing this about three years ago.  I do not want to quit.  I love the competition, it pushes me to do better; However, I have always had a fondness for intracoastal fishing, and want to get back into it.  I want a boat that can do it all.  Rather than have multiple boats, or spending too much on one boat.  The intracoastal bass boats from Skeeter, Ranger, and Triton are more than I can afford new,  however I refuse to buy another used boat again!  I am looking for something around 30k base price, and at least 18ft (I know that is asking a lot, lol).  Anyone have any suggestions on what would be the best way to go?  Keep in mind it has to meet tournament regulations for bass fishing. Is there anything out there that fits my needs, or do I just need to pick one and go with it?

[slonezp]

Aluminum bay boat should fit your needs

[Troy85]

Check out Xpress boats.  They have Bay and Bass models, I use my H18 for fishing Trout, Redfish and Bass in SE Louisiana.  Most of their models have everything required for a tourney: livewell, running lights, built in fuel tank, etc.  I bought mine used, for the size your looking for, I think you can get a new one for around 30k.

 

 

[Catt]

What @Troy1985s & @slonezp said! ?

[Further North]

On 5/24/2018 at 2:03 PM, Chris Brunk said:

I refuse to buy another used boat again!

I don't understand this...

[Chris Brunk]

On 5/25/2018 at 8:41 PM, Further North said:

I don't understand this...

Nothing against used boats but I just have been burned to many times trying to find a good boat.  I have been scammed out of thousands of dollars and yes now at days i know a little more of what to look out for but its just left a bad taste in my mouth.

 

On 5/24/2018 at 7:21 PM, Troy1985s said:

Check out Xpress boats.  They have Bay and Bass models, I use my H18 for fishing Trout, Redfish and Bass in SE Louisiana.  Most of their models have everything required for a tourney: livewell, running lights, built in fuel tank, etc.  I bought mine used, for the size your looking for, I think you can get a new one for around 30k.

 

 

I recently found a dealer near me for these and that is exactly what I am buying now (it will be ready for pick up tomorrow).  I do not think this is the best boat available,  but I do think this is the best boat for me.  I appreciate the advise,  thank you!

[Way2slow]

deleted since you found your boat

[Troy85]

13 hours ago, Way2slow said:

deleted since you found your boat

That's no fun!  We want someone to re-post in this topic 5 years from now giving boat purchasing advice.  

[Way2slow]

That requires using the search feature.  No one seems to realize there is such a thing.  Just like at least once a month there is at least one post about batteries.  There is enough info posted on this site about batteries to write an encyclopedia.

Which boat to buy is just another topic that pops up regularly.

[Further North]

On 6/30/2018 at 6:11 AM, Way2slow said:

Which boat to buy is just another topic that pops up regularly.

We need a boat buying flow chart!

 

...to be fair, the boats that are available doo keep changing...

[AC870]

So, how’s the Xpress working out? 

I bern thinking this same thing. I’d love to pull my Triton to the beach the time or two I go every year but the salt would eat up my painted trailer. 

Been thinking of going with 18-foot aluminum with an aluminum trailer. 

No idea when I’ll pull trigger.