Want to buy new boat, what should I look for?

[rodnreel11]

Hey, I am in the market for a new bass boat.  Since it will be my first one, I'm wondering what kind of things I should be looking for and asking about?  I have to admit I'm kind of nervous about making a decision, especially since the waters in this area (Ohio) are more than likely frozen and I won't be able to take a prospect out on the water to test it.

[bass or bass ?]

If you can afford the time, you should check out the availability of boats here in Arizona. We have the worst economy in the nation , and boat deals are amazing because so many of us (myself included) can't afford to pull them out of the driveway. And since the weather is great, you have the opportunity to test it on the water.

Check out some boats on Phoenixcraigslist for prices.

[slonezp]

What shouldn't you look for? Alot of it depends on the lakes you'll be fishing. You have different engine options, trolling motor options, bow and console electronics, enough storage, etc. Once you start adding it all up it can get expensive. Get in the boat and check out the layout. If you always fish with a partner you may want a dual console. I'd recommend getting the most powerful engine you can afford. A 24v trolling motor with alot of thrust is also a good choice. As far as electronics go I think it depends on the water you're fishing and personal preference. If you have any boat shows or fishing shows where you live check them out. You'll be able to see and compare different brands at the same time.

[Kenny418]

It all depends on how and where you are going to fish. I disagree with the statement(buy the biggest motor you can afford ). I also live in Ohio. Most of my fishing is on the Ohio river or smaller lakes around my home. I purchased a Ranger 188 with a 150 Optimax. This boat is great on gas and works well for my style of fishing. Bigger boats and bigger motors means you can go faster, but they cost a lot more in fuel, and purchase price.

[slonezp]

I didn't mean get a 250hp with all the bells and whistles (unless thats what you want)To be clear on motor size, if the boat is designed to operate with let's say 90-150hp if you can afford a 125hp I would get that instead of the 90hp.

[rodnreel11]

I guess I should have mentioned I'm looking for a new USED boat. Sorry that would have made things a little easier from the get go.

This is one I am looking at closely.  I have a neighbor who has a Cajun boat and he says he loves it.  Anyone have experience with this brand?  Is 135 HP underpowered on an 18 footer?  Thanks guys...

http://dayton.craigslist.org/boa/1557061254.html

[Fishing Rhino]

As for power.  Less power than you need is worse than more power than you need.

What may be ample for the boat when you first get it may not be sufficient when you begin adding gear.

Will you use the livewell to hold fish?  If so keep that in mind.  Filling it can add a couple of hundred pounds that needs to be toted around.

It is good to have power in reserve, just in case.  A motor than can do the job at half or three quarter throttle, rather than being pushed to its limit will last longer, and likely be more economical to run.

[cart7t]

Cajuns were a great brand when they were in business.  They were folded when Genmar bought them (and their plant burned down.)

The Rajun's were pretty quick boats.  If that one has been well cared for like it looks, it should be a great fishing platform.  As with all boats, have the engine looked at by a mechanic and have the same guy check your transom and floors if you don't know what to look for. 

If you can get that boat for $4500-4800 you'll get quite a deal. 

[rodnreel11]

Thanks for all the replies, guys!  It will all come in very handy.  I've already contacted the seller and hoping to get a few more pics of the boat...some closeups of the lower unit/prop, trolling motor, trailer, and instrumentation.  I also have a contact at the Gander Mountain near the area this boat is selling, so hopefully he can hook me up with a good mechanic to look the boat over.