Questions about buying my first boat?

[managermania]

I have a few questions if someone could help out.  They are very general, but any help is appreciated.  I have been fishing all of my life but don't know a ton about boats...never owned a bass boat.

I am looking to spend $5000 on a used bass boat.  It cannot be too big because I want to keep it in my garage (22'deep x 8' wide).  I will be fishing medium to large lakes.

Here goes:

- Any thoughts on the best kind of used bass boat to buy?  Are some makes, models, and years better than others?  What would you buy if you were me?

- What major things should I look out for so I do not buy a nightmare?

- Approximately, how much does boat insurance cost per month?

Thanks and feel free to answer questions that I did not ask.  Anything to help out a newbie!  

[Catt]

Each individual boat will have to be examined separately since it would be impossible to make a blanket statement as to which brand used is better than another. My main concern is always the outboard since it is the most expensive part to either have fixed or replaced. Look for individuals who took pride in maintaining their boats and beware of boats that have sat outdoors uncovered or laying on the ground for years.

[cart7t]

$5,000 will buy you a whole lot more aluminum boat that's newer than it will fiberglass.

My insurance on my 18 1/2 ft Champion w/150hp motor is around $14 a month.  

[fastcasterjo]

I would look for an aluminum bass tracker. For around 5000 you can get a REALLY nice used tracker. They are simple yet very effective. They are the fastest being they are aluminum but unless you plan on going 60 + the tracker is perfect. Plus they are rugged and you dont have to worry about the gell coats or any of that. As far as engines, stay with the main brands, (Mercury, Johnson, Evinrude, Yamaha). That way if your engine happens to break the repairs are cheaper. I have a friend who has some oddball engine and he had to ship it by freight to get it fixed because all the marinas around here refused to fix it. Good Luck and post a picture of your new boat when you get it. We all like to see someones new boat.

[skunked_again]

i agree, the aluminum boat would be a good wat to go.

you could spend $4,000 on the boat and have some "fix up" money left over.

my boat insurance is $127 a year and i have a PUP that covers me up to 1 mill thats $157.

im not sure if i seen it on this site but there was a printable check list you could take while looking at used boats to ensure you look at what should be looked at.

[Catt]

1996 Stratos 258V with a 70 hp Johnson: $3,000

[stormrider]

I was were you are not to long ago.

Here are my impressions for what they are worth....

I wanted aluminum because that would suit me better given the areas I would be fishing. Aluminum is more forgiving. Hit a rock... less of a deal with aluminum than it is with glass. Aluminum is easier to take care of. I want to be fishing not worrying about the finish on my boat.

Make absolutely sure you ask the overall length of the "package" an outboard is going to add about 2 feet to the length of the package. Has big implications of how long it is given the finite length of storage space. Also the trailer length. Example: I have a Bass Tarcker 170 boat is 16 feet 4 inches in length. Add 2 feet for the motor plus trailer and I was well over 19 feet. I need to walk behind it in the garage. I got the swingaway trailer and cut it down to 17 feet and a couple of inches. Also remember that you will store the boat with the motor raised which can a even more length.

Insurance for mine is 171 per year. That also includes a rider for 3000 in equipment.

good hunting and the above is JMHO

[managermania]

I guess I could install a fold away coupler on the trailor so it would fit in the garage easier if it is an issue.  Thanks all for the continued responses!  It is really helping.

[NBR]

If the lakes you fish get rough beware of the flat bottom boats. They will beat you to death and soak you in even moderate waves. As stated it is not possible to comment on which boat. So much depends on the care the boat got during its life. Transom, outboard and TM would be my chief concerns and in that order.

[TommyBass]

It really depends on YOU and how/where you fish and the amenities you prefer. Fiberglass will cost you more, but generally ride better and come with better amenities. Generally they are also a little more stable being as they sit deeper and are wider (also better for very rough water). However, some like the advantages to aluminum. I actually just traded a 18ft fiberglas triton in for a 18 ft aluminum because I hated worrying about my gel coat etc, plus I wanted something more versatile to hit stumps, run shallow waters if need be and hunt out of. If you plan on spending 5K, 16' or larger would be best IMO. Like other mentioned, you can get nice trackers fairly cheap, but there are also lots of other brands too. Motor is definately top priority and I would always recommend a test drive.  Oooo I forgot to mention that my new aluminum came with a removable tongue on the trailer... definately recommend if you have room issues.  Takes my total package length from 23' to 21'.  Also great for theft protection if leaving  your boat unattended on trailer somewhere.

[STK001]

I was where you are for a long while and finally purchased a boat a few weeks ago. I decided to buy new after much debate and thought. My first boat was a 1989 Champion with a Johnson GT 150. I loved the boat but didn't bother researching the outboard...big mistake on my part! This is my main reason for buying new. My opinion is to stay away from Johnson outboards. The newer ones were an improvement but I wouldn't have another one no matter how attractive the price was. I would recommend Mercury and Yamaha. Also, research that particular outboard that is on the boat you're looking at..some years are better than others with the same make. Good luck with your purchase and have fun on the water. Take the time to make sure the boat you are purchasing is what it's supposed to be. It may a cost you a few bucks but what it saves in the long run is a lot more than money!

Good fishing!

[slonezp]

Stay away from Johnson VRO  GARBAGE!

[Catt]

Do not worry about the Gel-coat on fiberglass boats it is tougher than most people believe. I bought my boat from my brother who bought it in 1997; the boat has spent its entire life on Toledo Bend and the inland water around Southwest Louisiana chasing Speckle Trout and Red fish, it has no nicks, scratches, or gouges in the Gel-coat.

Don't listen to the BS about Johnson or Evinrude outboards because the problem is the VRO System not the engine; the problem with the VRO depends on the year model; my motor is oil injected and has never had a problem ever.

If you decide on aluminum make sure it is a modified V bottom not a flat and do not buy anything but fully welded.

[senile1]

Are you sure your garage space is only 8 feet wide (96 inches)? If so, this will restrict your choices of a boat. I think you will have a really tight squeeze with any boat on a trailer that has a beam measurement of the upper 80s to lower 90s in inches.

[managermania]

Yep...the opening to the garage is 96" (8ft).  It will be tight but it looks like most 17 footers have a beam that is narrower than 8ft.

[senile1]

Yes, I just didn't know if you needed any room to walk between the boat and the sides of the garage.  

[managermania]

Thanks!  It's a 2 bay garage so I will put the boat in the spot furthest from the door to the house.  My wifes car will be in the other spot.  Truck will have to sit outside....Sacrifices!

It's funny. My biggest worry so far is making sure it fits in the garage.

I have been searching Craigslist all week and will start checking them out tomorrow in person.  There are a few that I have seen that look pretty good.  We'll see what they are like in person and by a mechanic.

[hjerk24]

My Johnson 175 Fast Strike runs great...and is far from GARBAGE!

[TyTy]

My Dad bought an al john boat with a 30hp johnson on it new in 94.  We used it in salt, brackish, whataever.  He let my friends and I use it and we used it HARD in highschool and college.  Then after college I used the boat all the time, eventually we sold it to a friend of mine who uses and abuses it.  It is still going strong today.  Not sure about the VRO system but that little motor is tough and runs great 15 years later.

I second the only welded aluminum theory.  The above mentioned boat is riveted and we never found a way to keep it dry inside.  When it gets wet, enevitably you get a little mixed fuel in the water inside the boat...then you have a wet oil slick every time you are on the water.  Not fun to walk on, not fun to clean.

I also second that gell coat is not that fragil.  I bump mine into stumps and stuff all the time and no damage.  Maybe a scratch here and there but it is worth it for the stability, the dry ride, and the storage.

Check out Nitro's entry level boats (700 and 750).  There seem to be more of these on the used market than any other, at least in my area.  I paid $6200 for my 1999 with 115 Mercury.  The only thing that has been disapointing is the steering (non hydraulic).  Turning my motor at slow speeds is a pain.  I intend to add hydraulic as soon as I have extra money.  That is something to consider, may want to factor that into a test drive.  Everything else about my boat I love.

If you do go AL I would definatly do something like a Bass Tracker with a full deck and compartments.  It is so wonderful to have compartments for everything and not have gear sliding around all over the place.

[hipster_dufus]

i have been thru a few boats. this is what i would look at,aluminum,welded, 16 ft, wide!!!, with a 4 stroke around 25 hp. small enough to tow, big enough for large lakes, economical on gas. i hate worrying about how much it cost to go fishing. there is nothing worse then looking at ur boat in the driveway and not having the cash to go out.jmho