First Bass Boat Advise

[nybear27]

I’m sure folks are sick of seeing this type of post, but here it goes anyway. I’m working on picking up my first bass boat, but I’m on a budget (under/around $10k, ideally closer to $7500). Because of this, I’ve been looking around on Facebook marketplace at some older fiberglass boats from the late 90’s and early 00’s. I’m in the northeast, so most everything is wrapped up in storage, but I figured now’s as good a time as any to start looking.
 

Just curious if I may be getting myself into trouble with older boats. Not afraid to put a little work into something, just don’t want it to turn into a project boat, rather than a fishing boat. Here are a couple that have piqued my interest.

 

2004 Skeeter SX170 - $8,500

- 115hp Yamaha

- Comes with trolling motor and graph at helm and bow

- Original motor, seats, trailer, and carpet. Looks well kept in photos. 
 

1998 Ranger R73 - $10,500

- 115 Mercury 

- Comes with trolling motor and graph at helm and bow

- Seems very clean in photos. New carpet and bottom end.

[Glenn]

You need to watch this.

 

 

[WRB]

If possible look for garaged boats and single owner with engine under 300 run hours. Stay away boat in salt water

[Siebert Outdoors]

Check the transom and make sure there are no cracks or if its water logged.   Sit in the boat and make sure it feels right and everything works. 

 

Few other things I can think of.

 

Check the trailer over good

Check the motor and ask if there is a compression test with hrs on the motor.  (if possible have them start in water)

Check Motor maintenance.  Plugs, Water pump, lower unit oil change etc.

Check wiring and connections for corrosion.(this goes back to what WRB said)

 

Garage kept boats are typically in a lot better condition overall.

 

If something doesn't feel right about the buy.  Walk away. 

[casts_by_fly]

Don’t be in a hurry. There are tons of boats on marketplace all the time. Also, people price them high on mp assuming they will get negotiated down. I’ve put tons of watches on boats and you’ll see them drop $2k after a week some times. Especially this time of year when guys are done fishing and looking to upgrade for spring. They want out of their boat now so they can have cash to look for a new one. 
 

before you buy or look too much, know what your end point is for electronics and trolling motor. If you plan to go live imaging and spot lock then you’re better off with a boat that basically has nothing usable on it and talking the price down. Buy the boat and the motor, not the accessories, unless it’s exactly what you were going to do anyway. 

[Big Hands]

How does a boat like this located in New York for $6,000 sound?

 

2005 Skeeter 180

2005 Yamaha 130Hp 2 stroke ( max )

Minn Kota bow mount trolling motor

3 brand new battery’s

2 fish finders

2 rod lockers

Tons of storage compartments

2 live wells

Seats are in amazing shape

Carpet is in amazing shape

Boat is ready to go

Just serviced at Lime Lake marina last month

Boat’s mint and ready to fish right now

 

Personally I think it sounds like a pretty good deal. Pics look like it has been garaged. Let me know if you want a link.

[@reelChris]

Don't get mesmerized by a used boat's list of equipment.  The age of all parts and accessories matters to both the price of a boat and your future happiness with it.  Ask a lot of questions about everything on board.  "Brand new" batteries can be a year or two old.  Old pumps, trolling motors, chargers, bearings and tires might be on their last legs and 4 or 5 year old graphs are outdated without much value.  

[airshot]

When the ads talk about electronics/ accessories, check how good they are.  Trolling motors can be cheap basic models or fancy auto pilot with spot lock. Same for fishfinders, are they cheap 150 dollar units, or are they expensive gps units with down scan that can cost well over a thousand dollars for a new one. Look at as many as you possibly can tto get ideas about what you like or disslike.  Research heavily the best methods for checking out hulls and outboard motors as these skills can save you thousands.  The more you look, the more you will learn !!  Believevwhat you see for yourself not what someone tells you...ask for reciepts when they tell you work has been done. Ask for service manuals...owners that are serious about caring for there outfits will have factory service manuals and reciepts.  Good luck

[Obi_Wan]

Watch the video Glenn posted.  Lots of good advice there. Brands I would look at in that time frame are BassCat, Ranger, and Champion.  That being said, anyone of those could have issues.  You will have to take each one individually.