Is there an age limit in a fiberglass boat you would consider

[mheichelbech]

Looking at various used bass boats and wondering if I should put on an “age limit”.  I’ve figured on a $15-$20k limit but would be just as happy at $6k.  I’m wondering for example, if I should avoid a nice looking 1992 Stratos 201 Pro XL with an Evinrude Intruder 200 priced at $6,200 obo simply because it’s a 1992 and stay in the $15k range for an early 2000s model boat???  This is assuming all else (length, options, motor, etc), essentially being equal.

[Jig Man]

The condition of the boat and compression check of the motor would be the most important factors for me.

[Fishes in trees]

If it was an older boat that used wood in the transom, I wouldn't buy it at any price.  Other than that I think you have to take each boat on its own merits.  I know the way that I fish, a fiberglass boat would be asking for it - I smack my boat into too much stuff.

[Shimano_1]

On 5/31/2020 at 7:01 AM, Fishes in trees said:

If it was an older boat that used wood in the transom, I wouldn't buy it at any price.  Other than that I think you have to take each boat on its own merits.  I know the way that I fish, a fiberglass boat would be asking for it - I smack my boat into too much stuff.

X2. Ive owned a few of the older stratos boats and was quite pleased with the performance.  I was oblivious to the wood used in them tho. I wouldn't purchase another boat with wood in it if I could avoid it and at your budget that shouldn't be a problem.  Believe ranger quit using wood way before stratos.  Id do my homework and find a good solid wood free hull then the compression checks etc on the motor would be next order of business.  At 15 to 20k you can find a super nice boat if you take your time and search.  Good luck 

[GReb]

It likely changes by location but try to get into the $22-23k range if at all possible.  After looking at boats in the $15-20k range for over a year I found the difference in quality over $3k was well worth it.  

[WRB]

Age by itself doesn't degrade a fiberglass bass boat. With that said construction methods  does have can effect with age and use. The early 90's most name brands stopped using glass over wood transum and stringers. Only the top brands layed up the hulls while others used a chopper gun method to spray fiberglass into a mold. Do your research.

Look at a bass boat like a car, was it in an accident, is the engine in good condition, the seats, carper, storage compartment in good condition, is the gel coat clean, no cracks and well maintained. The engine is about 1/3rd the cost of a boat, very important.

I would aviod Evinrude outboards now that Enivrude no longer is in production do to unknown future product support, parts etc.

It's 2020 now 1995 was 25 years ago. If the boat was well cared for, garaged with one owner used in fresh water only I would 25 years as a cut off date.

Tom

 

[slonezp]

Was the boat used weekly...monthly...a few time a year? Was is garage kept? Under a cover? Left to the elements? Was it maintained properly?

[Ogandrews]

Have you considered getting a aluminum bass boat? For that amount you could get a great used boat, going to end up with more for your money with aluminum that you would with glass. If your wanting to fish really really big water like take it out on some more inshore spots in the Great Lakes than I would understand getting a glass boat. I had that money to spend on a boat right now, I’d look at getting a used tracker 195 with a 150 on it or even a ranger 198 if you could find one cheap enough. Lots of great boats in that price range if you look around. I’m sure you’ll be able to find a good glass boat for that price, but don’t think you need a glass boat just because the pros drive them. Aluminum will work amazing on 95% or more of the lakes in this country.

[WRB]

Aluminum doesn't change the engine or trailer issues and add riveted or welded construction, gage or thickness and type or type of aluminum, salt water vs fresh water.

Aluminum eliminates gel coat aging but not stress cracking. Aluminum does save money  but the resale value is lower.

Tom

 

[slonezp]

5 hours ago, WRB said:

Aluminum doesn't change the engine or trailer issues and add riveted or welded construction, gage or thickness and type or type of aluminum, salt water vs fresh water.

Aluminum eliminates gel coat aging but not stress cracking. Aluminum does save money  but the resale value is lower.

Tom

 

There's aluminum and then there's aluminum and a few brands retain their value, just like 'glass. 

I don't get the whole buy a boat because of the resale value. A boat is not an investment, it is a tool, a hobby. Unless you're buying boats every couple years, buy a boat because it suits your needs, not because you are worried about depreciation. 

[Dirtyeggroll]

You can get an amazing boat for that budget if you search around a bit. I'd keep it 1995 or newer... But thats just because thats the year my favorite boat maker started making more modern bass boats (bigger deck, better storage layouts, etc).

 

As already stated, in general its best to stay away from wooden transoms, stringers and decks. A fiberglass boat that is truly that (and not partly wood) is going to be less likely to have the issues associated with wood in those places. That being said, there are probably partially wooden boats out there that are in great shape, but if it were me, I wouldn't even mess with it. As a matter of fact, about 18 months ago when I was looking for a boat, it was something I used to exclude boats. Just research whatever boat peaks your interest.

 

As far as motors are concerned, my thought is that the older the motor you get, the more you want something that has generically available parts or manufacturer and is easy to work on. When I was approaching buying a 20 plus year old motor I went about it thinking as if I would eventually have to rebuild the entire thing (which has been the exact opposite case so far, knock on wood).

[mheichelbech]

On 6/1/2020 at 6:16 PM, GReb said:

It likely changes by location but try to get into the $22-23k range if at all possible.  After looking at boats in the $15-20k range for over a year I found the difference in quality over $3k was well worth it.  

I have noticed this to be true...

On 6/2/2020 at 6:31 AM, Dirtyeggroll said:

You can get an amazing boat for that budget if you search around a bit. I'd keep it 1995 or newer... But thats just because thats the year my favorite boat maker started making more modern bass boats (bigger deck, better storage layouts, etc).

 

As already stated, in general its best to stay away from wooden transoms, stringers and decks. A fiberglass boat that is truly that (and not partly wood) is going to be less likely to have the issues associated with wood in those places. That being said, there are probably partially wooden boats out there that are in great shape, but if it were me, I wouldn't even mess with it. As a matter of fact, about 18 months ago when I was looking for a boat, it was something I used to exclude boats. Just research whatever boat peaks your interest.

 

As far as motors are concerned, my thought is that the older the motor you get, the more you want something that has generically available parts or manufacturer and is easy to work on. When I was approaching buying a 20 plus year old motor I went about it thinking as if I would eventually have to rebuild the entire thing (which has been the exact opposite case so far, knock on wood).

Are there specific motors have more generically available parts?  I see a lot of the following: Yamaha Pro V, Yamaha V Max, Evinrude Intruder, Evinrude XP and Johnson Fast Strike.  I had a Johnson Fast Stike, really like that motor.  I could get to 63 mph with a fish/ski boat which I thought was pretty darn good.

[WRB]

Little to no market value for Johnson or Evinrude now that both are out of business, unless someone is scavenging for spare parts.

Tom

 

[mheichelbech]

8 hours ago, WRB said:

Little to no market value for Johnson or Evinrude now that both are out of business, unless someone is scavenging for spare parts.

Tom

 

Yea I was concerned about this.  On the other hand, can probably get a better deal and have it work it if you keep the boat for a fairly long time....id think.

[Boomstick]

Beyond the basics (avoiding boats with wood, making sure the motor is good etc.) the only thing I can say is i looked at some older boats that people had went through and redid all the carpeting, upgraded electronics and  added a new motor 3 years ago. While these boats were from 1995-2002, they looked brand new.

[mheichelbech]

6 hours ago, Boomstick said:

Beyond the basics (avoiding boats with wood, making sure the motor is good etc.) the only thing I can say is i looked at some older boats that people had went through and redid all the carpeting, upgraded electronics and  added a new motor 3 years ago. While these boats were from 1995-2002, they looked brand new.

I’ve seen quite a few of these, new carpet, seats, etc.  

 

Is a new lower unit a good sign or something to avoid?  What about a rebuilt lower unit?

[Boomstick]

3 hours ago, mheichelbech said:

I’ve seen quite a few of these, new carpet, seats, etc.  

 

Is a new lower unit a good sign or something to avoid?  What about a rebuilt lower unit?

Well like I said I'm no boat mechanic, I'm just someone who was shopping used bass boats much like yourself until I decided to go with kayaks this year (due to cost).

 

A new motor is usually a good thing. In other words, the old one was becoming problematic and costly, so they put a new one in it. As far as units to avoid, everyone will tell you something different. When I was looking into used bass boats, the only brand as a whole I found more complaints about than any other was Evinrude, primarily models from the 90s and earlier 2000s. For example many people may say Yamahas or Hondas make the most reliable motors these days, but I'm pretty sure Mercury is fine and it may be easier for me to get a Mercury serviced, so huge advantage Mercury.

 

Instead of focusing on the best model, I would be more concerned with what is the newest and best maintained. A rebuild can be good too - if done right, that motor was gone through and brought up to new standards. It's just like your car engine - beat the hell out of it, and it won't last.

 

[mheichelbech]

1 hour ago, Boomstick said:

Well like I said I'm no boat mechanic, I'm just someone who was shopping used bass boats much like yourself until I decided to go with kayaks this year (due to cost).

 

A new motor is usually a good thing. In other words, the old one was becoming problematic and costly, so they put a new one in it. As far as units to avoid, everyone will tell you something different. When I was looking into used bass boats, the only brand as a whole I found more complaints about than any other was Evinrude, primarily models from the 90s and earlier 2000s. For example many people may say Yamahas or Hondas make the most reliable motors these days, but I'm pretty sure Mercury is fine and it may be easier for me to get a Mercury serviced, so huge advantage Mercury.

 

Instead of focusing on the best model, I would be more concerned with what is the newest and best maintained. A rebuild can be good too - if done right, that motor was gone through and brought up to new standards. It's just like your car engine - beat the hell out of it, and it won't last.

 

Thanks.  I think the Evinrudes you heard about may have the engines with the Ficht injection.  Very hit and miss on those.  Just saw a guy who owns a Ranger with a Evi 200 HO with that type of injection who hasn’t had any issues but he knew those models did.

[Boomstick]

6 minutes ago, mheichelbech said:

Thanks.  I think the Evinrudes you heard about may have the engines with the Ficht injection.  Very hit and miss on those.  Just saw a guy who owns a Ranger with a Evi 200 HO with that type of injection who hasn’t had any issues but he knew those models did.

The newer models seem fine from what I found. In fact if I went the Ranger RT188 route, I was leaning towards the Evinrude.