New or Used??

[Boss Hogg]

Hey guys I've been thinking of getting a nice bass boat. Right now I have two john boats I plan on fixing up and selling them and putting that money towards a bass boat. Now the question is should I get a new or used bass boat? I've been looking on craigslist and found some nice ones And if I get a new one I was looking at the bass tracker. Would it be better to get a used one and over time fix it up and add better gear?. Let me know what you think it won't be till next year though.

[Catt]

With the shape of our economy used is the way to go.

[Javelin200]

Lots of great used rigs out there. Aside from adding your own preferences of electronics, it's a sure bet you can find a rig in your price range that is relatively 'turn-key' and ready to fish without investing any sweat equity to make it ship shape. I'd stay away from "fixer uppers". Good luck.

[Hot Rod]

Depends on what your budget is.  But I've been looking at some of the dealers that have brand new "hold over" models from previous years that didn't sell.  Some have some big discounts on them so they can move 'em out in this bad economy. 

[TopDog]

Used without a doubt.

Just like a car man......Once it's off the lot you lose some serious coin.  So many good deals on a brand new condition 1-2 year old boat.

Just my .02

[Boss Hogg]

yeah that's was what I was tinking I want a new one but a good used one I don't mind at all. I try and stay away from the "fixer uppers" but on the used ones I can fix it the way I want it over time. But thanks for the info guys.

[Fishes in trees]

How are you going to pay for it?  Seriously, when I bought my last boat (2002 Lowe 180)  I found numerous great deals on 1 to 2 year old glass boats.  As soon as my banker heard the word  "used", the best they would go was 4 years.  When they heard the word "new" they would go 12 years.  So it was a no-brainer for me - I went new.  I understand that I'm giving the bank some interest money, and I'm OK with that.

[Boss Hogg]

Well I would love to have new boat but I don't trust my job. Plus I'm only 22 so the bank might not like the idea of letting me get a new boat. But I don't mind getting a used boat at all I would have to check with my bank. But I have two john boats that I plan on fixing up and selling and putting that money towards a new or used boat.

[cart7t]

New the good -  Order it the way you want it.  Warranties.

New the bad - They depreciate worse than cars.

Used the good - Save $$$$ over new.  If the boat is new enough, the warranties transfer.

Used the bad - Dings, problems inherited from previous owner.  Not exactly the colors you'd like, etc.

I've bought both, used is the way to go.

[K_Mac]

yeah that's was what I was tinking I want a new one but a good used one I don't mind at all. I try and stay away from the "fixer uppers" but on the used ones I can fix it the way I want it over time. But thanks for the info guys.

Whether you buy new or used, buy what you can afford. Keep in mind the cost of ownership is substantial, even with a new one. Insurance, maintenance and repairs, operating costs, and other expenses (there are always "other" expenses) can break the bank in a hurry. I don't mean to be negative; a boat is a wonderful thing. Just be careful to stay within the budget is my advise. Remember advise is often worth what you pay for it. Good luck.

[powerman970]

You know what they say B.O.A.T. stands for....

Bust out another thousand.

For me it would depend on how long I intended to keep the boat. If you are looking for a starter boat or a small boat and intend to upgrade later, definitely go used.

If you can afford the boat you truly want and everything is exactly like you like it, then get a new one.

I bought 3 used boats eventually upgrading then I bought a cheap new boat (Stratos 176XT) and now I am looking at a new Phoenix with a 150 Yamaha. The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger is because I have a motorcycle I need to sell first as well as the fact that I might want a larger horsepower motor in the near future so I am reconsidering a one or two year old slightly used boat. I would rather have a 250 but I am fishing the ABA 150 series this year and plan to again for another year or two along with adding the BWS to my schedule for next year so I need bigger than I have now but have to stay 150 or under. What to do????

[scrutch]

Just went thru that myself. I went used. Very glad I did. Got a showroom condition 18ft. viper cobra. paid cash (same amount mighta covered a down payment on a new one) . If I went new, I'd be making $400-$600 per mo. payments for the next TWELVE YEARS! you dont have to think long to see the difference. I can still put $5000 into the boat on electronics and tackle and rods/reels and all kindsa stuff, AND I'll STILL be money ahead of a new one.

Unless money is truly NO OBJECT.... go used.

[Boss Hogg]

Well I did some thinking and I'm going for used I checked out a couple of dealers in my area and they really don't have any good deals. And I checked on the internet as well and didn't come up with anything. So I'm going for used I have a friend that knows about boat motors so ill have him come with me. I won't be till next year so I have a while to keep looking.

[kbkindle]

Being  that you are at a young age. This comes to mind  #1  Do you have a good job, if so do you make enough money to make a payment, Are you going to fish t"s, I would start with a good used boat ,that is a top brand  Not so much the year but the condition , as was it taken care of?  That kind of boat should have all the things on it that you would need. (No this is just my opinion)  I do not like  bass tracker  i have owned two different bass tracker boats.

I then bought a hyda-sport---stratos and know a ranger  and have liked all three boat manf.

[Diablos]

I bought new and I don't regret it. Even though I took a hit with depreciation I was able to get a very low interest rate with the loan because it was new. I know most don't like loans but I put half down a bought a basic boat for under 10k new.